DIY raffia pendant light REVISITED

THIS POST IS OVER TWO YEARS OLD NOW BUT KEEPS GETTING HIT'S SO I THOUGHT I WOULD SHARE IT AGAIN WITH YOU ALL. THIS IS A GREAT DIY PROJECT FOR DECORATING EVENTS AND YOU CAN USE ALL KINDS OF DIFFERENT MEDIA TO MAKE THIS PENDANT! 

What a bright idea! 

While brainstorming for additions for our Fall window display for Road Less Traveled I kept thinking about the moon and the sun. The certain way the Autumn sky seems to glow through the leaves and cast soft shadows. I wanted to interpret this somehow into the window display that Delilah had already started. I searched for ideas and came across this idea and thought I would try it myself. It never hurts to try you know. 

BTW: Many customers love this light and ask about it. 

Raffia-Michaels Craft Store

Punch Balloons-Party City

Mod Podge-Michaels

Paint Brush-already had

Sharpie-already had

Pendant Light Base-Cost Plus Market

What You Gotta Do:

This craft needs at least 2 hrs of invested time so gather a friend or sister and a beer to help keep you company :)

 1. Inflate the balloon to desired size.

2. Draw circle with sharpie that is large enough for light bulb to go through.

3.Adhere mod podge to raffia while tying the raffia around the balloon.

4. Continue covering your balloon as desired and tie all ends of knots together. 

5. Make sure entire surface has glue to ensure that it is stable when hardened.

6. Hang your balloon over night and leave newspaper underneath in case of glue drips.

7. Wait for at least 8 hrs for glue to dry and for there to be a hard sturdy surface.

8. When ready insert light base and either hang (using s brackets) or use as a table lamp. 

Sawdust The Second Time Around

I'm obsessed with the Eiffel Tower. 

   Since popping my Sawdust Festival cherry back in August, I have been frantically waiting for the winter show.

This is one of the coolest craft fairs and the fact that it's at the beach, Laguna to be exact, makes it that much cooler. So my mother and I made another round at walking through the winter craft land. Upon arrival it was a bit chilly, windy and of course warm towards the end of the treck, per usual. So layers are what I would recommend. I walked away from the fest with a mermaid ornament and a  special order hoodie from Brynne of Backward Prints and I would I would be lying if I said I haven't worn it everyday since I picked it up! 

ENJOY!

Posing with my furry friend! 

Creepiest Santa ever!

Taking the sleigh for a test ride lol

Cute ornaments and tree all handmade by Brynne of Backward Prints!

Cuteeeee penguin card from Backward Prints.

Wonderful cards, do you have a fav? 

I loved this hoodie so I got one made in my size! 

LOVE!

Patchwork Festival 2011

Patchworkshow.com

She's Crafty

One of the greatest things about blogging is discovering one of a kind creative designers. When I came across The Tote Trove I was immediately in love with the Kitchy totes and necklaces. They remind me of my childhood and whats best? All designs are handmade & designed by Tracy herself. Get to know this more about Tracy and what inspires her designs. 

Tell us about yourself, & what colors make you happy.

In my free time, I love crafting (of course!), writing, blogging, shopping, going to the movies, reading, and spending time with my boyfriend and family. I went to The College of New Jersey and have a BA in English (as a result of all that reading, I guess). All colors make me happy! But my favorite is blue, particularly turquoise and sky blue. Yellow and red come in second and third; I guess I'm a primary colors kind of girl.

image via (thetotetrove.blogspot.com)

What was your muse behind making your own jewelry and totes?

 

I've always been drawn to accessories that are eye-catching, colorful, and playful; as a kid, I spent a good chunk of my allowance in Claire's Boutique. I also loved to draw and paint and took lots of art lessons. But when I started high school I sort of abandoned making things, and it wasn't until years later when my boyfriend gave me one of his hand carved duck decoys to paint that I started again. I went all out, using crazy colors and rhinestones,all the while thinking, hey, why don't I do this anymore?After that I started making accessories and haven't stopped since.

image via (thetotetrove.blogspot.com)

What are your favorite materials to work with? 

For the totes, I love Jacquard acrylic fabric paint. For the jewelry, I'll use almost anything that can be strung up or glued, but lately I've been really into felt, ribbon, chunky pendants, and rhinestones.

image via (thetotetrove.blogspot.com)

What are your best selling item's?

This is a hard one, because it seems to change all the time. When I was still doing craft fairs, my tiny totes were probably the best sellers. On Etsy it's more of a mixed bag; I've sold everything from barrettes to large totes. But I'd have to say that overall I've been the most successful with my necklaces. I recently sold five from my new Fabulous Felt line to one customer, which was a nice surprise.

image via (thetotetrove.blogspot.com)

Describe your jewelry& totes in 3 words?

Fun, colorful, and kitschy

image via (thetotetrove.blogspot.com)

Any tips for new crafter's?

Just keep on making/wearing whatever you like. If running an online handmade accessories shop and blog have taught me anything, it's that there's a market out there for you :)

Visit The Tote Trove Blog

& 

Tote Trove Etsy Store