November 2011 | the ReFab Diaries


Last year I had a lot more time than money so I made most of my Christmas gifts ... it was exhausting but the response was gratifying.  This year, I have very little time ... and keep seeing amazing DIY gift ideas like the one above! Use the cover of a hardback book to make a cable organizer.



Or to make an iPad cover! If you're willing and able to skip the stores and use your hands this holiday, check out this great DIY gift Design Sponge round up!


I started collecting orange tree ornaments a long long time ago ... so my tree is colorful!  In a world that is shades of grey, black, brown and white, I like color.  But if I had to try monochrome holiday decorating, I'd use felt and any other fabric that's warm ...





Make these lovely decorations yourself care of The Purl Bee.  And here's a link to last year's felt garland.




I love Joel and everything he makes.  Templates for printable gift tags from Made by Joel.  While you're there, look at the coloring sheets!



It's vintage. And velvet. And involves turning unusual pieces of old fabric into an unexpected holiday wreath.



It's irresistibly kitsch ... go make it.




Oh the places she'll go!

suitcase dollhouse

Turn an vintage suitcase into a portable dollhouse! 

suitcase dollhouse

This whimsical, portable, transformable, retro-cottagy, wonderous idea taps into my inner little girl like little else I've seen recently. Not to mention my inner-applique-lover.

suitcase dollhouse


 Head over to Prudent Baby for the full tutorial and lots more images.




Rosie the Riveter costume


Whew ... we did it! Here's the DIY Rosie the Riveter toddler costume.  

Saw the idea in a magazine and thought it looked comfortable for a squiggly 15 month old!  Thrift store shirt and jacket, a "du-rag" from Jo-Ann's and a couple of pins from Zazzle.com.  Total: $9.  





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