Declare your Independence DIY Day!  From the backyard BBQ’s to beach blow-outs,  boasting your red, white, and blue for July 4th is the thing to do!  Hand over heart, it’s all about art- so get involved.  Create a cool, creative, and craftastic centerpiece for your July 4th fete.

Its On: Draw your desired “vase” shape onto foam core - available at most art stores, and office supply stores like STAPLES.  Be sure to do a few practice sketches before taking to the foam core.  Get creative with your shapes, sizes, and colors.  Mixing and matching will make an eclectic display.  Use a craft knife (be sure the blade is sharp!) and make slow, steady, and smooth slices on the “vase” outline.  Be sure you’re cutting on a board to protect the surface underneath.  If there are some shaggy and not so clean edges, clean them up after your shapes are cut out.  Tape a string (or ribbon) onto the back of your foam vase and secure it to the front of a container, by tying a secure knot or bow.  Re-purpose jars from the kitchen, drinking glasses; whatever’s clever!  Fill the containers with sweet smelling fresh flowers and display vases on a table for an unexpected and  delightful centerpiece.

If you bleed red, white, & blue- I think this DIY is for you. God Bless amERICA!

Don’t walk to the beach… run!  It’s the time of year when millions pack their beach bags to head towards the sunshine and sand for some R&R.  Donning a cute bikini is a DO, as is donning proper sun protection *P.S.- Protecting yourself from the sun’s UV rays will lessen chances for wrinkles, age spots, skin cancer, and eye damage- so take note and action!  I recently took a trip to the Bahamas, where my friend Rebecca Minkoff (one of the most amazing & creative business-savvy ladies I know), was sporting a j’amazing over-sized beach visor.  I died to DIY this, P.S.- just ask her! 

Yes, you can make it!  Here’s how: Reach for a sun hat.  I picked up a $5 straw hat at Kmart.  Use sharp scissors to slice off the top part of the hat, leaving a lip of approximately 3 inches. P.S.- Save the top of the hat for a cute bowl- I filled mine with pretzels, true story!  Next, slice the brim of your hat with a slight curve on the ends.  Note: if you have a tiny head, you will have to make your space between sides larger.  Use scissors to make 4 tiny holes approx. 1-inch from the outside of the hat.  The holes could rip if made too close to the edge.  Lace rope (or opt for ribbon) through the holes and tie together for your sensational sun hat! 

P.S.- Check out Refinery 29’s Sun Hat roundup that may inspire other sunny DIY’s.

P.S.- I DIE for DIP DYE!  This season it’s all about white denim.  Summer’s must-have is also a must-make!  My friends over at WHO WHAT WEAR and I knew we had to get involved and spread the word on this denim DIY wonderfulness.  P.S.- Get excited!

To create: Grab a pair of denim shorts. (loving my Levi’s).  Wear plastic gloves to protect your hands and create bleach solution, mixing two parts water and one part bleach in a plastic bucket.  Prepare your shorts by threading a ruler through the belt loops (or use any long item to rest across bucket).  Dip the shorts into the liquid, to the desired depth, and rest the ruler on the top of the bucket where they will hang in the solution.  Leave the shorts soaking for approx 30 minutes. P.S.- the bleach will run a tad, so be sure to leave an additional few inches. After the bleach has turned the shorts the desired white shade (this may take a few dips), remove and soak in your sink or bathtub with two parts water and one part vinegar for approx. five to ten minutes, to stop the bleaching process. Let the shorts dry completely and cut to desired length. For a more distressed look, pull along the edges of the shorts.  Wash and dry the shorts alone for the first time.  After that, you’re good to go for future washes with you summer whites!

P.S.- Dive into DIY this summer!  The weather is hot, and your accessories should be too.  This seasons attire is “Beach Chic”, so please dress accordingly.  Elie Tahari’s SS2011 Collection boasted a stunning and breezy beach wrap, which was the inspiration for this DIY.  Whether you’re beach-bound or bouncing around town, everyone needs a bevy of beaded necklaces.

To create: reach for thin material/fabric, cut into long strips.  P.S.- the thinner, the better.  Cut strips, angling the top, pinch ends to thread beads through.  Classic pony beads are ideal and are available in a variety of colors.  Get creative with color combos and spacing to create a staggering look.  Make multiple strands for the ultimate summer statement necklace. 

P.S.- JOIN ME THIS SATURDAY, JUNE 11 AT ELIE TAHARI TO DIY THESE NECKLACES AND MORE J’AMAZING ACCESSORIES!  RSVP@ELIETAHARI.COM

She sells sea shells, by the sea shore!  In celebration of Memorial Day, millions of people are headed to warm climates that boast beach chic looks.  Keep your eyes peeled for prime summer styles influenced by the oceans. Marc Jacobs Starfish necklace and Ranjana Kahn’s spectacular statement shell necklace was a major inspiration for a sea-tastic DIY.  Wherever you’re off to this season, be sure to bring a bag to tote back any beach finds.  Shells, driftwood, sea glass… the world is your oyster!

To create a version of your own, use KRYLON Gold spray paint and give your shells a hefty coat or two of paint.  P.S.- Always spray outside!  After shells are dry, use a glue gun to adhere onto a foam, felt, or heavy fabric backing.  Create a pattern to your liking that suits your style.  Embellish with pearls and/or beads for extra details -attaching with glue.  Use sharp scissors to cut around the outline of the necklace, leaving room on the ends to fold under, creating a loop.  Glue the ends of material down (to create the loop)and thread the ribbon or tulle through.  Knot it off, trim it, and you are ready to glide along in a gilded statement necklace- it’s a shore thing!

Flower power is in full bloom!  It’s a known fact that fresh flowers will enhance your mood and style.  Bringing sunshine into your life with beautiful botanicals is a must do this season.  Since POLYVORE and I agreed that flowers are a clear front-runner for SS11, we challenged people to create original sets that ooze of spring flower fashion.  Check out the winning spring flower sets HERE!  P.S.- Each set is featured in the inspiration collage above that helped dream up the flower DIY earrings. Congrats to the winners! 

To create your earrings, reach for SEED PACKETS that don your favorite flowers.  Cut out the flowers to create your desired shape and size.  P.S.- Save the seeds and plant them in your garden!  Using MOD PODGE and a foam brush, paint the paper to fabric.  I suggest painting a thin layer on the bottom before placing down on the fabric to adhere better.  Once completely dry, trim the fabric backing to match up with the front pattern.  Using your trusty glue gun, attach an earring back (Clips-on’s are totally cool again), and add a dazzlin’ gem on the front for a bit ‘o bling!  Voila- you’re a blossoming beauty!

Mirror, mirror on the wall, who’s the sunniest of them all?  You shine like a star and beam like the sun, so why shouldn’t your DIY projects do the same?  I have always been drawn to celestial elements, especially the Sun- the center of our solar system.  Get drawn into magnetic fields and glow your way into decedent glamour with a sunburst of your own.  A sun-drenched mirror is a sure way to reflect a happy home.  Get inspired by luxe designer mirrors and all things bright and gold  that gleam and glow… and get involved! I created this fab mirror that was feature in Rue Magazine, shot by the j’amazing MICHAEL FINE

To create your own sunburst mirror, start by gluing down wooden dowels (available at all major home improvement stores) to a cardboard circle base.  Continue to glue and rotate in a circular motion.  Hold in place till each dowel has set before moving onto the next.  After applying ample amounts of glue, add extra cardboard support wedges between dowels to hold in place.  Add another circular piece of cardboard to the top, which the mirror will be placed upon.  To create the mirror: glue ping pong balls along the outside edges with your glue gun.  Add a rope detail around the mirror for another rich detail.  Using gold spray paint (P.S.- Krylon is my favorite), spray both the dowels and mirror on a covered surface outdoors.  You will need a few coats!  Adhere the mirror to the sunburst base by using either a glue gun (depending on the weight of your mirror) or a stronger adhesive if necessary.  Use wall mounting accessories to hang your sunburst mirror.  P.S.- Have fun, Sunshine!

Friends are Flowers you pick for yourself, and I’m lucky to say that I’m blessed with the worlds most amazing bouquet of besties! Actions speak louder than words, so don’t just tell your friends how much they mean to you, show them! My friends at WHO WHAT WEAR and I agree that the demand for colorful and cool friendship bracelets using the COBRA stitch are back in a major way! I’ve been drawn to MARNI’S take on the friendship bangle creation for quite some time. Get inspired and get involved. Create chic BFF bracelets that represent the color your clan brings into your life. Everyone needs that reminder as well as a new accessory from time to time… make a note, and make a bracelet.

To create: Cut 3 pieces of ribbon or colorful rope (12” for base, Ribbon A & B approx 1 yard). Fuse together the ends of the 2 colors of ribbon with a small drop of glue. Do not start using ribbons, until completely dry. Tape down the shorter, center ribbon, to a steady and flat surface. To begin with the Cobra stitch, use Ribbon A, and cross over the center (base ribbon) making a loop. Bring Ribbon B under the tail and through Ribbon A’s loop. Once knotted through, pull Ribbon A & B equally, that will knot around base ribbon. Continue pattern and alternate the lead Ribbon from side to side. PS- If your pattern starts to go Spiral, that means you knotted on the same side and should un-do, and start on the alternate side. Once you have a Cobra pattern that is long enough for a bracelet, double knot ends, trim and tie off for a Chic Cobra Bracelet. Brave your Bestie on your wrist for a bold accessory, but more importantly- a blissful reminder of your BFF. PS- Check out MORE J’amazing versions of friendship bracelets on WHO WHAT WEAR!