Song & Dance

hey, look what i made!

Lately all I see are these crazy studded loafers everywhere, super trendy, really fun, too expensive for my tastes. However they are probably the easiest things to make ever with a few simple simple steps and the right tools, all for about $30.

You will need a pair of loafers, a ruler, about a hundred studs of your choice, I used these, a paint pen and something to pierce the leather of the shoes, I used a bead reamer from this tool kit

1. If you have access to a computer and printer, I suggest making an over lay like below to make sure all of your studs are perfectly spaced for both shoes. I basically snapped a pictured of one shoe next to the ruler, sized it up in illustrator, made a 9mm circle laid them out accordingly around the top third of the shoe, printed that layout out and used that to make little dots with my paint pen where I will be piercing the leather.

If you don't have access to a printer you can just use the ruler to measure the same space between each of the studs and mark it off on the shoes that way. I would suggest leaving a little less than a half inch between studs.

2. Once you have all of your paint marks on the shoes begin to pierce the leather and punch the backs of the studs through the holes. I found it easiest to poke the reamer through the hole and stick the end of it in the post of the stud. You can then pull the reamer back through the hole to help guide the post out. This will make a world of difference when trying to put all the posts into the holes.

3. I suggest putting all of the posts up through the holes first before attaching the tops of the studs on. At first I was attaching the stud on as I went but realized as I continued to poke the holes the reamer would rub on the studs and scratch them a little.

4. Once all of your posts are through start to attach the top of the stud on. They should click into place but give it a little extra pull to make sure it is securely clasp on. Some of them don't fit properly on the posts and will eventually pop off if you don't double check.

That's it! Simple as that and you're ready to rock your new studded loafers on the town!

snapshots

Just a few pictures from the week/weekend, a couple treasures from the Gold Nugget and a sweet new desk set up and I am so excited about (thinking happy thoughts of organization and productiveness).

Also made these sweet little planters, and the terrarium book ends thanks to inspiration from this lovely lady and also a quick and easy diy I discovered on Poppytalk.

inspired- natural brights

With the weather in Philly nearing the high 50's and low 60's for the past few days it's no secret that spring is on everyones minds, and as much as I don't want to let my dreams of a snowy Pennsylvania winter go I can't help but think of cutoffs, tan lines, and my trusty Rainbow leather flip flops. I also came across these photos I snapped at Longwood Gardens about a year ago, seeing them reminds me of how much I love the colors that appear naturally with spring and summer and it also reminds me that I really need to get back to Longwood. For anyone who hasn't ever gone and lives in the area I highly suggest a weekend day trip, especially this time of year when it tends to still be grey and over all a bit muddy outside. Their (giant) greenhouse is open all year and I guarantee you will see things you didn't even know existed. It's a place of great beauty and even greater inspiration. Happy Friday friends.

unfinished business

Lately I've noticed I start something, and sort of forget about it. Well, maybe not forget about it, but I will put it aside and a new exciting idea will pop into my head and I must pursue that at that moment or it will go away for ever (at least that's what I think). The problem is that I have multiple unfinished projects around my apartment, it's bad news. Thinking about taking a "stay-cation" and sitting with my paints for an entire week to finally put these projects to bed, and most importantly fill the empty spot over our tv!

wearable platers, say what?!

If you know me well enough you know I love love love house plants and flowers, you also may know that I really can't keep them alive, except for succulents. Let's face it, I'm obsessed. It seems like I can't ever just go to the grocery store, or any home store with out stopping by the plants and wishing I could take them all home with me. Unfortunately I am running out of space to put my little growing friends but after checking out Design Sponge today I have discovered a new way to feed my obsession!

Wearable Planter is a precious little etsy shop I've had my eye on for a while but I see now they've added a new item and that's planters you can attached to your bike (or whatever else you could dream up really)! They also have little necklaces, pins and even earrings. I am so excited to discover this unique little item and I can't wait to experiment with where I can sneak a little bit of life into next!

I can't decide which piece of planter jewelry I want more? Necklace or brooch, or both?