the ReFab Diaries

Upcycle: (re) Vamp your Shoes ...

in , , , , , , , by Candice

Most shoe re-do's or "upcycles" I see involve very high heels, glitter, jewels and dipping in neon paint. It will probably not surprise you to hear that I don't wear a lot of glitter-dipped, bejeweled stilettos. I enjoy heels on very specific occasions.  But my current favorite shoes are blood red Dansko mary-janes that I got at a thrift store for $15. I "upcycled" them with a little shoe polish - wonderful substance!  Anyway, I am intrigued by the idea of shoe re-do's ... and shoe repurposing.  And once in a while, a project stands out. Here goes!

First, head over to A Little Tipsy and learn how to use an old t-shirt to turn flip flops into espadrilles (pictured above)!    

VIEW the POST
0 comments

DIY: Cover that iPad!

in , , , , , , by Candice
So you splurged.  And now you need a cover for the thing.  You could buy a smart cover.  Or sew yourself something, should you know your way around a sewing machine.  Or ... you can be *really* cheap about it.


One bubble mailer, scrap fabric and buttons.  From Creme de la Craft.  

VIEW the POST
0 comments

Free Printable: Woodgrain tags...

in , , by Candice

Styled.  Issue Six.  Out now and very very beautiful.  Check out the many lovely DIY's along with this free printable.


VIEW the POST
1 comment

Repurpose: Paper bag picnic baskets...

in , , , , by Candice


'Tis (almost) the season!  Head over to Oh Happy Day for the free printable template ... and turn your paper grocery bags into sweet individual picnic baskets.
VIEW the POST
0 comments

Happy Earth Day weekend!

in , , by Candice
It was a beautiful Sat morning in Chicago, spent at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum.  The indoor farmer's market is in full swing (hello first fresh asparagus of the season!) and my toddler loves the place.  The light was amazing today so I'm indulging myself a little and sharing some pics with you.  Happy Earth Day!








VIEW the POST
1 comment

Repurpose: Broken Umbrella... ella ... ella ...

in , , by Candice


The first time Ms Ro saw an umbrella (9 mnts?), she looked like Chicken Little - face full of fear ... then she burst into tears and refused to look up at the green alien thing hovering above us.  For at least a few months are that, she was terrified of umbrellas, in general. Brollyphobia? Poppinsphobia?

I, being a brave grown up, am not afraid of the brolly.  But I do find them annoying. They break. Far too easily. And then what?  You have to dump them and buy another one.  Because you need both a good raincoat and a working umbrella right?  When I saw the Stenciled Umbrella idea (below) I went looking for other ways to brighten up or repurpose umbrellas. Here's what I found:  

VIEW the POST
7 comments

Repurpose: Onesies into Swing Tops

in , , , , , by Candice

Most of Ms Ro's clothes are hand-me-downs or consignment/thrift store buys. Because Ms K is thrifty. And because Ro grows out of everything so fast, what's the point?  One BIG issue is the shift from season to season. Example: I bought a 4-pack of beautiful long-sleeved onesies (babygrows) from a Carter's outlet ($5 for 4!) ... that Ro hardly wore because they were too big. Since most of them were in good condition, I didn't want to just pass them on! So, I combined them and turned them into summer swing tops. I want them to last a while, so just cutting off the bottom and sleeves was not enough. My goal was to make them wider too. That way, when they start getting a little short, it won't matter as much.  This is not a great tutorial I'm afraid.  My "demo" onesie ended up a mess because I got distracted mid-project.  But here's what I can show you.  
VIEW the POST
0 comments

DIY: Woodsy Mobile ...

in , , , , , , , , by Candice


A modern, woodsy mobile for baby?  Yes.  Love.  Especially if you (or someone you know) has wood veneer pieces lying around from a previous home DIY.  Get the how to from You are my Fave.
VIEW the POST
0 comments
© the ReFab Diaries · THEME BY WATDESIGNEXPRESS
–>