Let's try something here. Instead of me jabbering like I usually do, how about a DIY tutorial with JUST pictures?? Let me know what you think and if you have any questions, I'll answer in the comments. And off we go!!
DIY Wire Word Art Teaser
Back when I designed my nephew's room 2 years ago, I incorporated this print:
My sister fell in love with the sentiment and wanted me to incorporate those words into my niece's room. I've been rather cryptic with my plans but keep telling her "don't you worry, I have plans for it!" Well, Dear Sister, guess what's soon going up on your wall?
Cursive DIY wire word art. I'm calling this a 'teaser' post, since I have yet to install this beaut. I've wanted to include this in Lyla's room since I knew my sister was expecting again. The wire words just ad such a whimsy without being cutesy or kitschy- both of which we wanted to avoid in her house.
Once I sat down to try my hand at these words, I was pleasantly surprised how easy it ended up.
The only things needed to create this are:
- printed word templates- I use the font Halo Handletter and played around with sizes until I liked the scale
- aluminum wire- from the jewelry section of the craft store. Mine was copper finish, but was also available in black
- wire cutters
- steady hands
This is surprisingly easy to do once you have a template.
Starting your first letter, leave a tail of a few inches. This will allow for mounting later.
The wire is so pliable that all you need to do is gently hold it in place where you want to bend and slowly bend it following your template.
Perfectionism is actually a detriment to this project. Once you make a bend, only minor tweaking or smoothing can be done. If you man-handle the wire too much, you'll lose the smooth look and it'll start getting kinks.
If you're doing a longer word like "dream" here, for the second half takes a little bit more coordination to align it with your template. That's why an imperfect cursive font is ideal- if you letter is a bit off of the template, once complete, no one will be any the wiser.
Once complete, you have wonderfully economical statement art.
Now you just have to decide what you want to do with your words or phrase. If you plan to lean them on a shelf, you can simply trim off the tails at the beginning and end and style them on your shelves. Since I plan to hang this on a wall slightly offset, I bent my tails backwards. I'll go over what worked and didn't work for wall-mounting once I get them up in my niece's room.
I'm loving this project so much, I'm debating making them to sell in my etsy shop. Any buyers?
Warm and Cozy
Well, after walking around NYC sans coat right after Christmas and a 50 degree day at the beginning of the week, we have finally entered New England winter. AKA flipping cold. Even inside with the heat on, you can just sense the chill. Commencing hibernation- see you in the spring!! I kid. I can't hibernate, someone's gotta fix up Millie and get her on the market! So until the crocuses start peaking through the inevitable snow piles, I'm going to think warm thoughts. Right now, I'm drawn to knitting and all things woven like a moth to a flame- they just exude coziness.
Few items of clothing scream COZY like this oversized crocheted infinity scarf from local creative SalemStyle's Etsy shop.
Who doesn't love a good fingerless glove? If you've answered you, then I don't know if we can be friends. Warm, smart phone friendly, and ridiculously cute- how can you go wrong?? This pattern is available from Erica Lomax on Ravelry and I might just have to try my hand at it next(pun intended...)
Yes. Please. This "Sexy Ski Hood" pattern from the 60's is available as a PDF on etsy and yes please. I could be the perfect little snow bunny with this. Then after I take it off and still have perfectly coiffed hair, I'll bake Hubby an apple pie. or something.
If you ignore the creepy mannequin face, this hood is probably a bit more realistic for everyday wear. Instantly make any coat hooded and ready to brave the sideways wind and snow. This pattern is also available on Ravelry.
For a little bit more fun, I DARE you not to be cozy with a pom pom and ear flaps (from YarnPlusYarn on Etsy). Plus I have a huge weakness for purple.
I still think, however that no winter weather item is more stylish and versatile than the knit turban. Fancy enough to keep on inside (to hide your hat hair), but covers your ears and keeps you safe from the biting cold outside. Vintage PDF pattern also available on etsy.
I need to get to knitting!! What items are your fave to keep you cozy and cute in the frigid winters?