Holiday How To: T-Shirt Pom Pom Ornaments

Each year I like to make ornaments to add to my tree and I wanted to share a quick and easy project with you guys that you can make using old t-shirts: 

1.  Starting with on old t-shirt (or in this case a tank top) cut and rip 1/4 to 1/2 inch wide strips. 

2.  Once you've ripped the shirt into a pile of knit strips, you're ready to make them into a pom. It's OK if the t-shirt strips are varying lengths and widths.

3.  Wrap the strips around your a piece of cardboard slightly bigger than the width of the pom-pom you want.  When you hit the end of a strip, just layer the second strip over the end and keep wrapping around.

4. Once you have layered on the strips of t-shirts, pull the ball off the cardboard and tie an additional strip tightly around the center with a double knot.

5. Squeeze the scissors into the layers of t-shirt strips and cut them in half.  

6.  Now,  you should have a slightly lumpy looking pom-pom.  From here, fluff up the edges and then trim it into the an even shape.

Finally, tie it onto an ornament hook or present and you've got a festive handmade holiday decoration!  

Tom Binns Inspired Nail-Polish & Rhinestone Necklace DiY

This is one of the simplest projects ever, but I had to share.   Here's the inspiration:

I just love Tom Binns' neon rhinestone creations, but can't quite afford the hefty price tags ($400 and up!). So, I picked up a few vintage rhinestone necklaces to re-create the look.  

Like I said, the project is super easy:  I just pulled out some of my favorite nail-polish shades and painted over the rhinestones in a pattern that I liked. It might seem hard to avoid the little metal pieces that hold the stones in, but if you take a look at the Tom Binns versions, they're actually painted over, too. So, I didn't worry about it.

Here is a snapshot of me wearing it last week:

I actually have a couple of rhinestone necklaces that I was going to layer on top of each other to get a more impactful look, but I was happy with the single necklace for now. (We'll see how I'm feeling next week)

DiY Style: Simple New Necklace

 When I picked up supplies for this necklace update,  I was inspired to create another simple piece of jewelry.  Nothing fancy, just some graphic black beads,  but it was the perfect accessory to spruce up a simple work outfit.  Here are the details:

And how I wore it: 

What I'm wearing: New home made necklace, H&M grey sweater,  old Ann Taylor sunglasses, H&M pleated polka-dot skirt,  Charles Jourdan black pointed toe pumps from ideeli.

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Cute Art from Paint Chips

I've been following Jessica who blogs at How About Orange for at least a year now, and she always has fun projects and "How To's."   Her most recent one was so simple and cute that I had to share.

She showed how to take these:  

And make this darling little aret piece:

All she did was cut the paint chips into triangles, arrange them in a pattern she liked and pop it in a frame.  (read the full How About Orange "how to" here)

This would totally work with any colored paper, but I love the texture  and saturation of the paint chips!

(I take no credit for the idea or photos.  This is all re-posted from How About Orange. I just loved it and had to share!)

Quick Necklace Update

Remember this fun elephant necklace I picked up a few weeks ago? It was love at first sight when I saw it at an antique shop, but when I got it home I realized the length just wasn't quite right for me. So, with a quick trip to the craft store, I was able to update it to better fit into my wardrobe. Below is a visual overview of the quick change.

Believe it or not, I was even able to fit my giant brass elephant into a work ensemble this Monday morning. Here is the full look:

(Vintage necklace worn with a Gap dress, J.Crew Navy Blazer & Banana Republic Heels. Plus, a little Hawaiian tan - I hope it lasts!)