DiY Favorites of 2013

Last year was the year my mom and I decided to start making and trying new things every week. Towards the beginning I made lots of DiY furniture and decor accents, dusted off my sewing machine, and made some of my own clothing!

This dress was the first attempt I ever made at making my own clothing! I had never done darts, pleats, installing a zipper, or finishing armholes, but all of those were new skills I learned doing this dress! I love the color and the fabric, but I haven't had the occasion to wear it much. I also experimented with making my own pair of cutoffs from dark wash, holey jeans. I love them, but I don't have any pictures unfortunately. In July I got my ears pierced for the first time, so that gave me an excuse to make my own earring display!

I picked up and old $2 picture frame at a mixed-media art supply store in Houston, painted it mint blue, and strung some lace trim across it to hold my earrings. It was difficult to get the lace taut enough that the weight of the earrings didn't drag it down and it's starting so sag a bit so I may redo it. But it's a great way to store my earrings. I even made that mushroom pair up at the top!

My knitting this year involved more gifts than usual, and a sweater (the first one I've made in several years!). This Huntress Shawl is my absolute favorite project of the year. I waited until I could pick up the yarn in person instead of just ordering it online so I could find the perfect shade of pale blue-grey. I ended up buying two gorgeous skeins of Malabrigo Worsted in Polar Morn from Quarter Stitch in New Orleans. I finished this scarf in record time. I loved the yarn, I loved how well-written and simple the pattern was, and I love wearing it!

I am looking forward to making new things in 2014 and already have several projects planned. I can't wait to get started!

New Year, NotD, Peanut Butter Bars

I'm starting out 2014 with a whole slew of resolutions. One of the ones I made last year was to try something new every week: a book, a recipe, a craft, or something knitted. I had such a fun time and learned so many new skills that I am continuing it on to this year.On my "love to learn" list for this year are weaving, nail art, silk screening, and cooking (besides baking). I started off this year making peanut butter bars with my best friend, Shelby.

We used the recipe found here. We crushed up our own graham cracker crumbs instead of using pre-crushed ones. They came out a little chunkier than probably intended, but I like the extra crunch. They aren't the most beautiful things, but they taste amazing!

I've also decided to start cataloging my nail polish designs. My collection was getting out of hand, so I spent a few hours straightening it up today. Keeping track of my NotD (nail of the day) seems like a fun thing to do!

This week I tried to replicate a look I saw and pinned to my Manicure board on Pinterest. I like how they turned out, but I next time I try this look, I will use significantly less glitter.

Base: Beauty Secrets Ridge Filler

Essie No More Film

Orly FX Too Fab

Top Coat: Seche Vite