Sparkle! Sparkle! Work that Glitter! ~ E.L.

Trying hard to post consistently from now... I know it's been a long while since we posted a DIY, so here is a simple one.

I got myself the new Iphone5 and as we all know, with Iphones there are all these really cute and fun accessories. So I'm quite obsessed with iphone cases, even though the boyfriend would chide and say, "It's only one phone that requires one case" And ignoring that, I bought several.... It's a lot like the concept that a girl can't have too many shoes.

After purchasing a few, I realised I really wanted a more unique one, and that's when I decided to glitter-fy the old ones I have!

If you've been to kindergarten, then you should pretty much know how to work that glitter, so I hope I don't need to explain the steps in details...

Basically, you will need an old iphone case, lots of glitter in the colour of your preference and glue.

So I preferred using my Inkssentials Glossy Accents as my glue, because it dries glossy and it's far more durable than normal glue. I tried with Modpodge but I didn't like the effect it gives after it dries - it kind of dulls the glitter effect. Inkssentials Glossy Accents dries glossy but if used too much it will also dull the glittery effect, so use sparingly. I also find that after a few use of the glittered case, the adherence is better as the glitter doesn't fall out in comparison to other glues. 

I used some really cheap glitter I got from a stationary store for my blues and greens, and the onyx black glitter was a gem from Martha Stewart's craft.I love Martha Stewart's glitter, it was so fine like powdery sand and it was just as glittery!

Anyway, so let your kindergarten-self go creative on your phone case - just put a thin to medium layer of the glue on the case and sprinkle the glitter all over it. Let it sit then tilt it to get rid of all the excess glitter, only the ones stuck to the glue will remain on the case. 

And Voila!

I made one on a plain transparent cover with black glitter, and another was a green-net cover with my blue-green glitter.

I still had plenty of glitter left over that I decided to glitter-fy my old sunnies too!

So hope you're inspired to try out your own glitter projects too!

Cheers,

E.L.

S.T: DIY Ribbon Wrapped Bangle Tutorial

Months ago, I bought a set of neon pink and yellow plastic bangles and a bunch of random brooches from an old couple who ran a little shop in the wet market selling pre-loved items.  Most of the time, the wares on sale are truly worse for wear but once in a while, you do find something truly spectacular. I had completely forgotten that I had scored these tacky-but-oh-I-could-use-them-for-something bangles and oh-so-pretty brooches until yesterday.

It all started because my cousins wanted to hang out and since we failed to catch a movie, bake cookies and (insert any random activity you can think of) , we decided to CRAFT!

So after much rummaging and a little inspiration, we produced these:

Aren't they pretty? And they are so easy to make. I made the green one and my super talented cousin D made the white one. I like to point out that I was the one that came up with the idea ( I know I know, I am shameless) and she executed the bangle. And beautifully. Her handiwork is amazing. :) 

Step 1. Cut a long strip of ribbon and finish the edges by flickering it over a naked flame to prevent fraying. Next, take your bangle and on the inside, dab a little super glue. Press the  ribbon on to the bangle and begin wrapping.  Dab a little more glue on the inside of the bangle each time you pull the ribbon over to the front.

Step 2. Once you have finished wrapping your bangle, start arranging your doily over it. We trimmed this one down and cut it into few pieces to fit the bangle. Once satisfied, start gluing them down! Next, paint a light coat of clear nail polish over the doily to make it water proof. This step is important.

Step 3. Almost done. Its really pretty the way it is right now but...

Step 4. A little something extra. A pretty brooch to finish it off! TA DA!

Happy crafting!

X.O.X.O
S.T

Make a Hat carry-on

Lovely long weekend here in SG, and the weather was perfect! SG's warm, humid and sunny days are for summery hats. But I rarely bring a hat out with Me because my cute straw hats are such a hassle to take around. I prefer the straw hats to the soft cloth kinds just because they look so much prettier, haha.

Well, hats are not just adorable, stylish or cool accessories, they're extremely useful in the blazing heat ( that is common here in SG). They shade you from the rays, and protect your head from heat burn. And now I've found a quick and so easy solution to carrying my hat around! I have a few straw hats that I usually don't use because they are too big to be kept in my totes or purses, but now I've got the perfect and cutest solution! I'm so psyched by it and it puzzles me why this was never thought of before! OK so I've not tried looking up on the web for it, who knows another crafty blogger might have beaten me to it, but never mind! I'm sharing my idea here!!!

My cute straw hat

So the prototype was really basic, I snipped a small hole on the inside lining of my straw hat and tied a Long ribbon through it. Then tie the ribbon that is attached to the hat, to a loop or handle or anywhere you can string the ribbon to on your bag. See below, so easy! And there you have your hat attached to your handbag and you can go out with it slinging on your bag without any hassle! And just untie it and wear the hat when you're in the sun! Soo easy right?

I was so pleased with this idea that I decided to make it far more durable. So this what you'll need to make a hat carry-on loop for yourself.

Your hat, sewing kit, ribbon, and a ring clasp.

First, you cut a length of ribbon, no need for it to be too long, maybe about the length of your palm. I use ribbons because they're easier as the sides are all finished and they won't fray. Except the parts where you cut, you can always burn them so that it seals the tips from fraying, or for me I just hem it up. So just loop the ribbon in half, and sew the tips together like below:

Then all you need to do is sew this ribbon loop to the inner lining of your hat, like so:

After that, you're pretty much done! 

All you have to do now is hook it to your bag! Using the ring clasp, just hook it onto your bag's handle or loop etc! And you're ready for your day out in the sun with your hat! 

And no hassle of carrying your hat around all day with you! It will just hang on to the side of your bag, and there is no additional bulk or getting your hands full!

And when you want to wear your hat, unhook it and leave the ring clasped to your bag, and hide the ribbon inside your hat as you wear it. Easy peasy!

Enjoy your day out!

Cheers,

E.L.

Korres - Beauty products

Korres' values are about using natural Greek herbs to make up at least 80% of their beauty products. Basically stressing the fact that they are trying to use less of artificial, chemicals that can be harmful to our bodies. You can learn more about their research and motives for their all natural products here.

Before S.T. left the company, she worked with Korres on a marketing tie-up, which resulted in Korres giving us a ton of complimentary samples and cash vouchers for our staff. Awesome!

The samples includes a White Tea Facial Cleanser, Thyme Honey Mask, Showergel Basil Lemon, and Shampoo Aloe and Soapwort.

I've tried the samples and was in all honesty not very impressed with the products.

The White Tea Facial Cleanser was really nothing special, it wasn't drying as the product promises, but it didn't really leave my skin spectacularly soft either. To be honest, it did not lather so well, and at the end I felt like it did not clean as much as it should. So I used more of it, then it felt cleaner. But I washed my face again right after with my Simple facial cleanser. I felt it wasn't spectacular but did its job moderately, and felt my Simple Facial cleanser was actually better.

The Showergel Basil Lemon was also quite average. The smell was nice, and it did lather better than the face cleanser, but overall my skin wasn't buzzing with excitement. I think I felt softer and smoother after the first time I tried my Netrogena Rainbath..

The Shampoo Aloe and Soapwort was actually a disappointment. It did not leave my hair silky and soft at all.. it wasn't drying either, but it just felt like it did the basic minimum of cleaning with some lingering smells of freshness. To be honest my hair is shinier, softer and silkier using my Dove Intense Repair shampoo.

The Thyme Honey Mask was good. I tried it on my arm, it felt more like a moisturiser than a mask. It's supposed to be applied thickly all over the face and left on for like 10-15 mins than rinse - I think - but I wiped mine off and it feels like the softness retained better. Skin did feel softer and moisturised, just that the smell can be quite off putting to those sensitive to weird smells.

All their "soapy" products claim to be "Formulated with vegetable-derived soap substitutes—deeply cleanses and refreshes without dehydrating the skin." And products also claims to be Paraben free - Paraben is a common chemical used as preservatives in beauty products, it became a controversial product when it was found that paraben is present in breast cancer tumors. So I guess for that fact alone, it is quite a good factor to be a Korres convert - but just to note that it is not proven that Paraben is a cause for cancer - not link has ever been found.


I may not be tooting Korres effectiveness in its beauty outcome, but I will give them credit for pulling off the all natural products with their not-horrid results. I guess I had high expectations, considering that they do charge alot of money for their products, with facial creams at $90 over - I thought they would blow me away at their results. But I guess being limited with their all natural ingredients it is rather hard to pull off miracles. After all beauty these days do not come naturally...

I may not have found their showergels and shampoos much to toot about.. but I do have to say their Multi-Vitamin compact powder is really making me contemplate converting from Chanel forever!

 It is apparently loaded with Vitamin C and E, so good for skin, and it has this new skin mimetic ingredient which [I guess] mimics your complexion to have a more natural coverage. It's for oily skin as it is mattifying - I have a problematic T-Zone so I feel this helps! And actually I'm in love with how light-weight it is and how natural it looks! Of course it has no Paraben and artificial dyes or fragrances - so it treats your skin well.

I have not found a compact powder that can compete with Chanel's which are always flawless, but this one can be quite a competitor as it has all its goodness as a factor. Of course Chanel's Natural matte powders or their Lumiere collection is flawless - it literally feels like silk on the skin and so light but full natural coverage. Well... for the price of Korres MVpowder which is $61, it feels more worth it to buy Chanel's refills which are at $60. I got Korres this time round as I had the cash vouchers. So in all fairness, if I did have to purchase a full priced one, I will still go back to Chanel.

Hope this helps you make your decision on Korres!

Cheers,
E.L.

Lace Skirt Obsession! ~ E.L.

Last weekend, I finally took on the challenge to sew myself a Lace fitted skirt!
Lace has always been a favourite for me, even before this recent trendiness surrounding it. Here are just a few examples that I have been gawking at. Of course to purchase one will probably cost me a bomb, and to be honest I have yet to see any in the local stores selling any that looks close to any of these.

Most of those off the racks are of poor quality with fraying lace or lace that looks tired out, and the most popular trend for this style here is the awful shorts version with layering of lace!

No offence to anyone who likes this style but shorts on my wide hips and chunky thighs are a no-no.

Wielding a needle and a scrap left-over satin, I purchased some gorgeous white crochet lace from Chinatown, and took on the challenge to make myself one! Lace, by the way, to buy off a ready made garment out of good lace cost a bomb, and so does it when you buy them raw per yard from the shops! Cost me $17 for half a yard! Which is like 42"... that's pricey for me since I'm always looking for bargain materials only... but if you think about it.. to buy the ready made would be pricier!

And here was how it turned out

Skirt & Blouse - Made by yours truly

Gold gladiator cuff bangle - Aldo [could not help myself when I saw it at the store!]

Red Leather tote - Soon Lee [birthday gift from the BF 2 years ago!]

Shoes - from one of those cheap stores in Far East Plaza

And yes, this clothes are all hand-sewn, the blouse was done ages ago, thought it made a good match with the skirt. Had to keep amending to make the fit for the skirt right, but I think I nailed it!

The blouse I made probably only cost me like $2 or something - it was from some left over cloth from another dress I made. And the total cost of the skirt was only the $17 lace I had to get as the satin lining I made was leftover scrap from somewhere I cannot remember!

It is crazy affordable to make your own clothes, and I hope I've inspired you to try it as well!

Cheers,
E.L.

S.T: Quick and Easy Multi-strand pearl bracelet

Hello all,

Its been awhile since I last posted and E.L has been the one doing all the wonderful work, from revamping the look of this site to posting numerous fun posts (despite how crazy busy she is at work!).


So sometime last year, I was in a panic for an accessory to go with a mesh, high neck black evening dress and came up with this really cute multi-strand pearl bracelet.

 Isn't it pretty? And you don't really need much, it took me less than 5 minutes to put it together! 

Step 1. Gather two necklaces of the same length and one long brooch. For this, I used a dusky pink pearl necklace and a creamy white pearl necklace. I bought these from the $2 Japanese shop on a whim! The brooch I selected is a long one, a vintage 80s cat brooch that I bought from a pet shop!

Step 2. Twist both necklaces to make a figure of eight.

Step 3. Bring one end of the figure of eight and stack it on top of the other end, making a coil. Do the same for the other necklace.

Step 4. Stack both coils on top of the other.

Step 5. Unfasten your brooch and place both coils under it.

Step 6. Fasten the brooch to secure everything.

Step 7. Slip your hand through and you are set to purr-fection. 

I hope you found this helpful. I really love this bracelet and have not unfastened it at all. If you find it hard to slip your hand in, try assembling it on your wrist already and get some help fastening your brooch to secure everything.  Try experimenting with different necklaces, strings of beads and brooches. 

Have fun!

O.X.o.X

S.T

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Beach Kaftan DIY ~ E.L.

On a recent company retreat to Phuket, my colleagues and I went a little ga-ga over the beach kaftans. So I bought a couple for myself and a couple for friends too.

So below is one that I got for me, and of course, a beach kaftan is usually worn over your bikini on a beach, but I think it works too as a summery outfit!

Wear it over a tank top and shorts, and I feel the green paisley patterns on it looks great with brown and bronzey accents. Wore it with my Topshop strappy gold-bronze sandals, with my brown purse the BF bought for me from Target [hey fashion can be affordable too!], and brown skinny braided belt to pull in at the waist.

Ok so I may have bought this kaftan, but it's actually really easy for you to make one yourself, especially if you're not visiting Phuket anytime soon to get one of your own...

I did up a tutorial on how to make it, I haven't tried it personally, but I'm pretty sure this is how it was made anyway.


First Step: Start with 2 scarves with the same pattern and measurements.
The measurements below are just an estimated one.

Technically, the width should be able to stretch from your shoulder to your wrist to make the sleeves. And the length should be how long you want the kaftan to be, so 56 inches should stretch over your shoulders to reach slightly below your waist on the front and over your bum on the back.

So take note of these measurements if you are going to cut out from your own cloths instead of using ready-made scarves.

Step 2: Sew on buttons on one scarf with the loop holes on the other, this is the part that keeps the kaftan together.

And as seen below in the diagram, there should be enough space between the 2 sets of buttons, the space should be left unsewn so your head goes through it.

Step 3: So when it is done, put it over your head, and there will be the buttons down your front and back.

So hope this works if any of you try it out!

Cheers,
E.L.
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Simple & Elegant hairdo ~ E.L.

I've been doing this hairstyle ever since I caught one of my friends doing it in the exam hall, I was sitting behind her during the paper and she did the whole hairdo in 2 seconds even without anything to secure it in place! I was so impressed!

So now I'm sharing it with you here, unlike my friend's hair, it does need a hair-tie rubber band to secure it in place. It's so easy and quick to do this! And it works for hair at my length and longer, for straight or curly, thick or thin hair.

This is a great hair-do if you're having a bad hair day, it can quickly give you a neat look. If you want to use it for a special occasion you can jazz it up with fancy pins or even a hairband.

So I used only a single hair-tie rubber band and it stays in place, but if you find your hair slipping out, you can always use bobby pins that are the same colour as your hair to hold it in place.

Have fun!

Cheers,
E.L.

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