Craftily Resourceful

I've been in a crafty mood lately and have had to suppress numerous whims to drop everything and rush to the nearest art supply store. The great thing about crafting is that it truly encourages a whole range of creativity. And luckily, that includes a range of supplies. In fact, some of the best projects are those that involve recycling (or upcycling) ordinary materials. After seeing some amazing jewelry stalls at a market this weekend, I've been itching to get back to work making wearable pieces. Fortunately, until I can make a trip to pick up beads, chain, and wire, these lovely crafts will tide me over.

First, these lovely fabric necklaces have their humble beginnings as regular cotton t-shirts. I especially love the colors here. I'm excited to experiment with printed shirts as well. Don't want to sacrifice any of your t-shirts? Check out a thrift shop for cheap shirts (go for large sizes, they'll give you more material to work with).

These bracelets can be made out of a variety of materials: fabric, leather, even shoelaces! Making bracelets always reminds me of Girl Scouts and summer camp. While perfecting your technique, why not make an extra or two for friends?

Images via ISLY and Between the Lines

Sweater Dresses

I have to admit my first reaction to sweater dresses was to balk at their impracticality. After all, if it's cold enough to warrant wearing a sweater, shouldn't you at least wear some proper pants? I'd like to invoke the ignorance of youth as my defense. Moving on, I've grown to love sweater dresses paired with tights and flats or leggings and boots.

This BCBG black sweater dress with a cowl neck is one of my favorite pieces in my closet (and not just because it was a gift from a very special someone). I've experimented with wearing it with tights and bright pink flats, and with boots and a skinny belt. I love how comfortable and easy sweater dresses are, and yet they manage to look effortlessly chic and pulled together.

I was thrilled to find this tutorial for creating a sweater dress from an over-sized men's sweater. Basically, any old sweater can be flipped inside out, pinned to fit, sewn along the new seams, and flipped back to normal. Adjusting the arm holes would be the trickiest part, but if that proves too daunting, the sleeves could be simply shortened and hemmed as the over-sized look is quite current. Now to dust off the sewing machine...

Image via Bluefly

Safe Keeping

How neat is this book safe? I always wanted to do this as a kid, but the thought of taking an X-acto knife to a favorite novel still saddens me. I suppose a cheap hardback book wouldn't be too difficult to find at a thrift store.

My favorite part: how perfect is the book selection? I love that the title, The Tower Treasure, hints at the surprise hidden within the pages. Very clever.

The book is available for purchase from SecretSafeBooks on Etsy.

I am smitten...

In an interesting twist on econo-chic, Marisa Lynch of New Dress a Day set herself up with a mighty challenge. Create 365 outfits in as many days for, get this, a dollar an outfit.

Anyone who's stepped foot inside a fabric shop knows even the remnants will run you a dollar or two a yard. Her secret? Salvaging fashion disasters from secondhand shops and garage sales. I suppose that also qualifies her for an eco-chic award (among many, many others).

This...

Lynch cites the film Julie & Julia as her inspiration to harness daily creativity after being laid off from her job. Lucky for us, like Julie Powell, she choose to document her endeavors on a daily blog completed by before, after, and during photos.

... into this!

Not only do I applaud her penchant for thrift, but to churn out a new look every single day for a year? Wow. That's dedication.