Tag: how-to

DIY: Frame Facelift

2 Comments

If it hasn’t become obvious in photos of my home and show booths – I have a love of mis-matched wooden frames. They are so versatile and can be used for so many things beyond showing off family pics.

My latest endeavor, with a set that I scooped up at Salvation Army, was to use them for an inspiration board for my studio. I wanted something above my desk that was pseudo shabby chic but still functional.
So I dismantled the frames, coated them with white gesso (that’s what happens when you share a studio with your painter/husband!) and then filled them with glass, cork, lace or both! Now I have plenty of space to pin fabric, photos and drawings while keeping tabs on orders and ‘to-dos.’

So next time you’re at a flea market or thrift store – look beyond the gaudy prints in those frames – and transform them into something chic and utilitarian instead!

DIY: Love Patch

14 Comments

I don’t know what it is – my perpetually dry skin, humidity-free heat, or just the dullness of winter – but my elbows have become sand paper tough and the results are showing on my sweaters. I am rubbing holes into sleeves every which way I turn!

Rather than scrap my favorite cardigans, I’ve begun to bust out the old fashioned elbow patch, but with a modern twist. Using vintage lace fabric scraps, some embroidery thread, and elbow grease (no put intended here!), I stitched my way to some swanky tear-proof sleeves that are now turning heads.

In just 15 minutes you too can add a bit of whimsy to otherwise unsightly holes. Follow the pictorial directions below for a fabulous way to mend your most beloved knitwear and sweaters to get them through the season. Continue reading →

DIY: Bibliophile Wreath

1 Comment

Tis the season for cozying up your place for the holidays – and what better way to do it then with a little elbow grease and upcycled materials?!

One of my recent favorite DIY projects is making ultra modern wreaths using the pages of tattered books. These easy to make decor items add some cheer to your pad but are super easy to make! You can experiment with different colors and textures of book paper as well as shapes and designs for the wreath pattern. To see how I made my set of three take a peek at the Eco Etsy tutorial I created here.

Once you’ve tried your hand at them snap a pic and send me the link! I’d love to see how yours turn out.

Tutorial: Homemade Caramel Apples

Leave a comment

There’s nothing that beckons the dawn of fall like crisp yet rich caramel apples.The moment I see them hit the grocery store end caps I know that autumn is in full swing.

If you’re an addict like me, try your hand at this simple recipe that will not only give you the freshest results – it allows you to use organic natural ingredients – so the only thing you’ll feel guilty about is hoarding them all for yourself!

To see the full recipe view my post on the EcoEtsy blog here. 

Simply Lovely: DIY Braided Headband

Leave a comment

Looking for an elegant way to fight frizz this summer? If your hair is anything like mine then you know that heat and humidity can equal only one thing: bushy out-of-control fly-aways.

An easy solution is using a chic headband to hold all your fringe in place. But finding a hair accessory that’s cute, effective and eco-friendly can lead you on an endless hunt. That’s why I’m happy to bring you this easy DIY tutorial that I created via EcoEtsy that will show you how to make an adorable upcycled headband in less than 10 minutes!

Signature Packaging: DIY Envelopes Tutorial

1 Comment

One of my ongoing goals with Pierogi Picnic is to make every part of my business  “beyond green.” Much like “beyond organic,” I want to go farther than expectations, beyond green washing and marketing ploys to really reduce waste, reuse materials, and do it in style.

One of my all-time favorite ways to do this is hand craft mailers out of used cereal boxes. This was one of my first Pierogi Picnic innovations when I got started in 2008. The tutorial below will show you how you too can make these fun packaging pieces using leftover cereal containers you may have stashed in your cupboard. Continue reading →

Cute as a Button: DIY Earring Tutorial

11 Comments

I made a trip up to Evanston yesterday and took a stroll down Main Street. I love the feel of the blocks with the narrow street and local mom and pop shops. I peeked into Dave’s Rock Shop and perused the ancient fossil collections and bought a box of fragmented pyrite. I also swung through Healthy Green Goods to scope out their new shop layout. But the real mission of my journey lay just ahead – Vogue Fabrics.

Whenever I visit Vogue I know I’m in for a long stay. I have to block out at least three hours of time for each excursion. My goal that day was to find elastic for new spring headbands – but I quickly found myself distracted by their wall of designer and vintage buttons and instantly planned my Saturday project: new button earrings!!!! Continue reading →