Outfit: Hello 2012

    
    Hello 2012! Official Happy New Year everyone! I wanted to start of the new year right with an outfit post and will be attempting to post outfits more frequently from now on. I've been a slacker lately. When I saw Keiko Lynn's Head Scarf Tutorial I knew I had to try it, and it's taken me until yesterday to actually wear it. I'm totally in love with the way it looks and its super easy- so I'll definitely be wearing it a lot. After getting about three hours of solid sleep the night before, we went shopping yesterday for my sister. Woo! I was so tired, I didn't even shop...although I did manage to get a new scarf. Always feeding my addiction!

I hope everyone's 2012 is starting off well! Be full of optimism for the new year, I'm trying it out! By the way, I just got a LOOKBOOK account, so check that out!

follow me on: twitter

hype me on: LOOKBOOK

DIY Quote Art

If you are frantically trying to put together a last minute, personal, homemade gift right now, you are probably freaking out. BUT! No need to fear; I have an idea for you! I made this for my best friend and it was not only simple to make but super fun (I do have to remember I am very easily entertained though, so don't get your hopes up...) 

This does take over-night to dry!

1. Supplies. The most important is the artwork. You want to pick something based on color, because that's what you will see. Thrift-stores are great for this because the art can be slightly damaged. You'll also need Vinyl letters. I found mine at Michael's in the wood section. Lastly you'll need spray paint- I chose a satin finish.

2. Placement. After you pick your quote/lyric/etc you need to place your letters. Cutting out around the letters is super helpful.

3. Sticking those Stickers. Once your happy with your placement and made sure you haven't switched up any letters, carefully place your letters right on the painting.

4. Painting! Go to a well ventilated place (outside) and spray the heck out of the entire painting. I had to do four-five coats of white to cover the painting. Follow the instructions on the can. The can does lie though, it won't be done in a few hours. Wait overnight until it is completely dry before moving on the final step.

5. Reveal. After you have impatiently waited (oh, wait that may just be me) carefully, VERY CAREFULLY pull the letters off your painting, revealing your painting again. Voila! You are done! Give your gift and make one for yourself! You can also attach a ribbon to hang from the wall.

Hope everyone is enjoying the Holiday hustle & bustle!

DIY Backpack Update

Here's the deal. It's almost time for my last first day of k-12. Backpacks are expensive. So- I'm using the same backpack but wanted to change it up a little. Then I remember I totally snagged a bedazzler at a garage sale a few years back and it had plain silver studs. Put all those things together and you have a Amanda DIY.

Now, something you should know about me is that I have almost zero patience. I'm one of those that never reads instructions and just pushes a bunch of buttons until I figure it out. Due to that I didn't measure or plan a single thing. I eye-balled it. 

I quickly realized that all a bedazzler really is a useless piece of plastic and I actually had better luck with pushing the studs in with my fingers and bending them pack with wire grabbers. I'm sure there are sets made especially for putting studs and things in them..but I didn't have one of those. 

And there you have it. My slightly updated backpack. I saved a bunch of money and had fun doing this quick little project. Remember new life can be given to old things with just tiny changes.

Today is the last day to enter the Wrinkle In Time Vintage giveaway! So go enter! I will announce the winner tomorrow the 15th. Enjoy the rest of your Sunday! :)