Patriotic Flag Luminaries

While looking on Pinterest for a project as I often do, I ran across this article from Country Living featuring mason jar lanterns from Addicted to D.I.Y.

I decided to recreate my own version and make these patriotic mason jars luminaries last minute for decor at our 4th of July BBQ. I love the idea of using the jars as a vase for flowers or as a silverware holder during the day, and adding tea lights at night to enjoy while lighting fireworks with the family.

Supplies Needed:

3 quart size mason jars

2 packs of varying sized star stickers. The pack I found had 3 sizes. The small and medium are shown above. I used the large stars on the blue jar to create the white stars as shown below. 

1 can of white spray paint primer. Make sure the brand you choose is meant for glass.

1 can of cherry red spray paint (satin for a modern look, matte or chalk paint for rustic)

1 can of navy blue spray paint (ditto)

1" thick painter's tape, medium hold. Do not use maximum hold as it will rip off the primer.

fine grit sandpaper

1 fine tipped paintbrush for retouching

I started out using 3 quart size mason jars. Be sure to wipe them down well before starting, making sure to clean off any dust or residue on the glass. Add the smallest stickers randomly all over one jar. Make sure to leave space for the large stars, but this doesn't need to be an exact science. Use the medium sized stars to cover the two remaining jars as shown in the photo above.

In a well ventilated area, spray the jars evenly all over with the white primer. Allow the primer to dry for 30 minutes and apply a second coat. Be careful to spray evenly an not too close, to avoid runs or drips.

Add the masking tape to make the stripes and the large stars. I measured by holding the roll of tape next to the top of the lid, and striping from the bottom of where the tape hit the jar, spacing the same way.

Spray the striped jars red and the starred jar blue. Wait an hour or until well dried to spray a second coat. Once the paint has dried for at least 4 hours, remove the stripes very carefully and slowly. I used tweezers to help lift off the stars, This step is very tedious, but the slower you go, the less paint will lift and need to be touched up.

Touch up any spots a color at a time by spraying extra paint on a paper plate and using the fine tipped paintbrush.

You may distress the jars with sandpaper if you would like the jars to appear rustic or aged. As I am a modern fan, I wanted my jars bright and vibrant. I touched up spots and drips with sandpaper, but overall left the paint as is.

During the day you may display flowers as shown, or use as a holder for plastic silverware at your BBQ or colored streamers. Be creative! They are so adorable and deserve daytime glory as well.

Once the sun goes down, add a tealight to each jar in the center to illuminate. Be careful to center the light so the heat does not warp the paint. Light with a long grill lighter and enjoy!

I hope you all have a wonderful time celebrating with family and friends. Happy 4th of July!

Xoxo,

Amelia.

D.I.Y. Lace Kicks

As much as I love stilettos, it's nice to give my feet a break and see sneakers make such a big comeback as acceptable footwear outside of the gym. Designer sneakers are popping up everywhere as the sporty fashion momentum continues to grow.

 Nike recently make a pair of Posh trainers in honour of Victoria Beckham and she was even caught wearing them in public! ;) I think they are rather cute. It's a nice change to see her relaxed and comfortable wearing flats like the rest of us fashionistas have to do off of the runway in real life. 

The one problem with designer sneakers? Well, they aren't cheap! Above are a few of my favorite examples of current designs running upwards of $1100 for the leopard Louboutin's to the classic Converse Chuck Taylor's for $55. 

So how do I solve this dilemma of my love for shoes and still make rent this month? I decided to make my own! 

I purchased these classic white Vans slip ons at Nordstroms for $45. Considering the middle Givenchy lace sneakers above run about $700 a pair, I consider these quite the steal. All you need to create these lace beauties is:

1 pair of Vans classic slip on sneakers in white $45

1 tube of fabric glue that dries clear $6

1 pair of Fiskars curved fabric scissors $14

1 yard of black rose lace $7

1 craft paintbrush $2

1 can of Kiwi Camp Dry heavy duty water repellent $6

Total cost: $80

Make sure that the lace pattern you pick has lots of contrast and a stark pattern for this look. The first lace I purchased was pretty, but didn't have the bold rose print and looked very one dimensional like spider webbing when laid over the white canvas.

Start by brushing fabric glue carefully across the top section of one shoe, being careful to work quickly and working right to the edge of the rubber trim, but not over. Only work with one shoe at a time, as the glue dries quickly.

Line up the lace pattern to match evenly. Press the lace into the glue and smooth over the entire surface. Wipe away any excess glue with a lightly dampened white rag. This part will take some time. Add dots of glue as needed, on edging to hold in place. After a minute of letting the glue set, VERY CAREFULLY trim the excess lace off along the edges. Take your time. You will see why I recommend these exact scissors, as they are very sharp and cut flush along the edge. Now run a bead of glue along the entire trim, blending in and pressing the edging in place as you go. Repeat this entire process along the back of the shoe, matching the flower pattern to the center of the shoe above the Vans logo and working from the inside out.

Allow the shoes to dry for a minimum of 2 hours. Take them outside and spray evenly with the Kiwi water repellent. Once finished, carefully move them to a safe place to dry for a full 24 hours before wear.

I won't lie.. This was a tedious DIY, but I love the results. Saving $700 made it worth it as well. I chose black lace, but there were other great patterned fabrics you could use to create your own style as well. Think metallics, pastels such as salmon,turquoise or sky blue or even bright, bold colors. 

 Now go create!