DIY Button Necklace

I've seen a few button necklace ideas on Pinterest, and decided to make my own!

 I went to SAS and picked out a variety of gold buttons, which was so much fun!  I don't know what it is about buttons, but I love digging through piles of them and finding the ones I like.  When I was little, my mom  would let me buy a few buttons to add to my collection (housed in a Ball jar), every time we went to the fabric store (which was often).  

 I arranged the buttons on a scrap of felt and hot glued them down once I had them arranged.  I also used wire cutter/pliers to snap off the backs of the buttons that were too bulky.  I then cut around the buttons so the felt wouldn't show, then sewed the chain to the back of the felt.

I love the different textures and tones of the buttons, and now this dress won't be so plain!

Easter Flashback!

 

Doesn't my mom look elegant with long locks? I'm so crafty! Here's the how to for a quick, beautiful makeover:

J/K! That wasn't my crafty Easter flashback. When we were little, my mom always made us pretty, matching Easter dresses. This year I took it upon myself to make one, using this pattern!

 

I have really come to love sewing, but I'm not comfortable inventing patterns. So, as for a step by step how-to, there won't be one (that's called plagiarism). I recommend waiting until patterns are $1 at JoAnn, following all the directions, and you'll get something like this:

I also recommend ironing it  before wearing it (unlike I did in above picture). Also, gathers/ruching are tricky, especially with layered fabrics (I did a lace on a peach skin fabric) so don't be afraid of or too lazy for pinning.

 (practically-professional-looking photographs and poses compliments of husband James)

It's really so much easier than it seems to use a pattern. Don't be intimidated! To finish this little Easter piece, I crafted a necklace from some left over furniture trim, a jewelry clasp, hot glue, and some buttons and a flower.

Still not as cute as when my mom made the dresses, and none of my sisters matched me, but hopes are high for next year!

Clay is Magic

I think the last time I used modeling  clay was in like 4th grade, but when I saw this beauty:

I was inspired to give clay another shot... grown up style!

Really the possibilities are endless!