Luxe DIY

Technique - Take Apart A Silk Tie

Kris — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 18:52:49 +0000

Vintage silk neckties can be a great source of silk fabric for all kinds of projects. They're made in an almost infinite variety of colors and patterns, and they can often be picked up for a ridiculously low price at second hand stores and online. They are also remarkably easy to take apart.

Make This - Perfume Filled Locket

Kris — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 20:17:06 +0000

There are so many new and vintage lockets in the world, and a great way to fill them is with solid perfume! When you make the perfume yourself you know exactly what ingredients go in and you can create your own custom fragrances. I love the versatility of this project - wear the necklace, wear the perfume or wear both!

Make This - Crystal Cluster Necklace

Kris — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 18:23:23 +0000

Crystal specimens are a fantastic jewelry making material. This one is an aragonite star - in it's naturally occuring shape and color. It's pretty on all sides so it needed a subtle hanging method.

Technique - Half Hitch and Double Half Hitch Knots

Kris — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 21:50:05 +0000

Half hitch knots are the foundation of most friendship bracelets. Double half hitch knots are one of the most common knots used in macrame. Both the half hitch and double half hitch knots are formed by knotting one strand around another. Be careful to keep the strand that's being knotted around taught - if you pull the threads tight unevenly the knot won't lay properly.

Why is it called a "double half hitch knot" instead of just a "hitch knot?" Because a "hitch knot" is an entirely different kind of knot that was probably named first!

Make This - DIY Shoes - Part 7 - Ballet Flat Upper

Kris — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 19:30:47 +0000

After six parts of this project that explained how to make a pattern and every basic part of shoe construction we've finally gotten to the part where you can make a real, wearable shoe. This is more or less a replica of where we started - a basic ballet style flat shoe. The kind of shoe you can keep in a dozen colors and prints in you closet to kick on whenever you're going to the grocery store, out with friends or anywhere that you want to look nice but don't want to wear high heels. Once you've made a pair or two to work out the technique you really can make a stack of these uppers all at once. They're also a great canvas for all sorts of decoration from quirky prints to hand painting to rhinestone collage!

Make This - Cable Knit Headband

Kris — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 01:51:20 +0000

Wrapping a plastic headband with a hand knit is the best of both worlds - it stays in place more easily than a headband without a plastic structure without giving up cozy sweater charm. If you've never made a custom knitting pattern this project introduces the most basic points about doing so.

Make This - Reusable Shoppers Update

Carly — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 22:29:39 +0000

We recently switched to a new way to download patterns so the shop was down. The pattern download for the reusable shoppers is back online!

The pattern download for this project includes:
- 4 different size bags with optional handle or shoulder strap for the large and x-large sizes
- Information on fabric yardage, final size measurements, and suggested pattern layout
- Full illustrated instructions - you can also see photo instructions by clicking here
- The files are set up so you only have to print the size bag you wish to make

All of this for the price of $1 USD!

Click on the Add to Cart button below to purchase the pattern download.
- Once you have paid for the download using PayPal's secure card processor, you will be provided with a link to download the file (you will also receive an email). Download the pattern, un-zip it, and you are ready to go!

I used quilting weight cotton to make my bags and they are super durable! I carry all my heavy groceries home in bags that match my style and personality. They tuck into their own pocket and stay neat and tidy until you open them up to use them. If you make them for your own use, we would love to see you post photos in the comments of the post!

- Carly | Antibromide

Technique - Fishtail Braid - Version 2

Kris — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 23:06:56 +0000

Giveaway - Laser Engraved Wood!

HDYMT — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 20:59:44 +0000

Want to try the laser engraved wood project we just posted? Here's your chance!

We're giving away a set of laser engraved charms just like the ones used in the project! One lucky winner will get one of each of the charms we used, fresh from the laser and ready to finish however you want.

***Our lucky winner is commenter Applejaxs*** You'll recieve an email shortly!
If you didn't win this one keep checking back - we have more giveaways coming up!!!

Make This - Color Filled Laser Engraved Wood

Kris — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 20:28:03 +0000

This is a great technique for making jewelry pieces or anything else out of wood. It's ideal for super detailed imagery like the victorian influenced selection here. This tutorial includes direction on setting up a file, having it laser engraved/cut, then finishing it for use in jewelry or whatever else you'd like.

If you've ever been curious about using laser cutting and engraving this is a great starter project!