DIY: Wire Bracelets

Hello beautiful people! I have seen wire bracelets everywhere recently from Etsy to Bourbon and Boweties. I never thought that I could make these lovely bracelets; although, back in the day, I used to love making jewelry. I don't know why I was wasting so much time not making them. These bracelets are gorgeous and can dress up any outfit.

Today I am going to take you through a step by step on how to master the perfect bracelet.

What you will need:

• One kitchen glass to mold the bracelet
• Basic bangles for measurements
• 1 pair of snipping tools
• 1 pair of needle nose pliers
•  5-6 feet of 20 Gage Artistic Wire
• 3- 4 moderately flat beads with holes through the center or on either side (I'd check Jo-Ann's or Michael's)

Step 1: Use the kitchen glass to wrap your wires. Each bracelet should have 2-3 wraps of wire around them. Place the wire on the glass then tighten the bracelet to your desired size. Be sure that one wire measures about 9 inches and the other end of the wire is much longer (about a foot).

Step 2: Take the shorter end of the wire and wrap around 1-2 times to hold the wires in place.

Step 3: Add stone #1 to the open wire and push it down to the coil. Wrap the wire 2-3 times on each side.

Step 4: Take the extra wire you have and wrap it around the stone or bead.

Step 5: Snip off any excess wire so that it does not cut you while wearing.

Step 6: Repeat steps 1-5 for the next two stones *REMEMBER* The long side of wire has to be used for 2 more stones so only go around the stone  2-3 times to ensure you have enough wire.

Step 7: MAKE A BUNCH!

I hope you enjoy making these bracelets as much as I did! 

Check out Art and Soul Beads or try searching on Etsy for some flat beads!

xo,

Maria Elizabeth

How to Distress Denim Yourself

 Hello beautiful people! Denim trends may come and go, but when it comes down to it, jeans are an unbeatable wardrobe staple, no matter how often colors, hems, and shapes change with the times. Jeans can go with almost anything!

The latest look to break through the denim market? Distressed jeans- to the point of gaping rips and tears- which have been seen EVERYWHERE, from celebrities to street style stars, to the most popular fashion stylists. Retailers and designers have been quick to jump on this bandwagon, and you'll find this majorly beat-up styles from Nordstrom to Forever 21. (Prices range from $$$ to $)

Unlike most trends though, this one is extremely easy to DIY if you have a little time on your hands. Read on to learn how to make these fashion forward jeans at home!

How to Distress Your Denim

What You'll Need: 

• A old or new pair of denim jeans or shorts
• Fabric scissors (or really sharp scissors)
• A pen or chalk
• Tweezers
• A razor (a disposable one does the trick)

Step 1: Put the jeans on and mark where you would like the holes to be with the chalk or pen. The best places to aim are around the knee. Avoid getting too close to the crotch area...(no one wants to see that)

Step 2: Take the jeans off and cut parallel, horizontal slits on the marks with the scissors. The wider you make the slits, the bigger the holes.

Step 3: Begin to pull on the white horizontal threads. This may take a few tries, but once you get the hang of pull out the threads every thing goes a lot quicker.

Step 4: To create even larger holes, remove some of the white horizontal threads altogether.

Step 5: Use the tweezers to pull out the blue vertical threads.

Step 6: Take the razor and rub back and forth on the denim to create a more worn out look.

Step 7: Throw your jeans into the wash, send them through the dryer, and when you take them out, the rips and tears will look like they were made naturally. They will continue to look even better with each wash and wear.

Keep in Mind

Distressing denim works on both shorts and long jeans, but if you are going the shorts route, I recommend going with a higher waist pair to avoid too much skin. For distressed jeans, I suggest a lighter color and a slimmer leg. Boyfriend jeans are not flattering on everyone. A slimmer leg is flattering for most body shapes and has a very modern feel.

For those of you who don't have the time to DIY a pair of jeans, you may want to check out some hot trends from Nordstrom ,Forever 21 , or GAP .

Thank you for reading, and I hope that these distressed jeans inspire you to step out of your comfort zone and try something new!

xo,

Maria Elizabeth

New Year's Eve Party

Hello Beautiful people! Man, has this year flown by or what? New Year's Eve and New Year's day are ALWAYS a huge extravaganza in my house, because we have three birthdays in the family (both my brothers and me) . Crazy how that worked out, right? Anyway, this year my little brother is turning 16 and my twin and I are turning 20! We wanted to throw a fun/themed New Year's Eve Party this year so, we decided to go with a black, gold, and silver theme. I've thrown together some easy decoration ideas for you all, along with some outfit ideas for those of you who still haven't gotten a dress!

Let's get started! First I wanted to make tissue paper tassel garland. They are a little time consuming, but once you get in the swing of things they are done in no time!

Materials:

• 1/2 sheets of tissue paper (for each tassel)
• scissors
• ribbon/ string

Instructions:

Step 1: Gather material.

Step 2: Fold your piece of tissue paper in half. Cut strips toward the fold to create a fringe, leaving about 1 inch uncut at the fold line. 

Step 3:Unfold tissue paper.

Step 4: Begin to roll the tissue paper tightly down the middle crease.

Step 5: Continue rolling, fold in half and twist to create a loop for hanging.

Step 6: Repeat to create additional tassels in various colors. Hang from the string or ribbon.

Next we need a big 2015 sign to hang up or use for a photo booth. 

Materials:

• card stock or poster board
• pencil
• scissors
• garland
• glue gun

Instructions:

Step 1: Gather materials.

Step 2: Draw out numbers (2015) onto the card stock/ poster board

Step 3: Cut out the numbers.

Step 4: Glue the garland onto the numbers and you are done!

Everyone needs a party hat for New Year's Eve so, I have made a simple hat for you to make!

Materials:

• Card stock 
• glitter
• garland
• scissors
• glue gun
• hat template
• plastic headband

Instructions:

Step 1: Print out the template and cut it out Get template here

Step 2: Trace the template onto card stock and cut it out

Step 3. Gently wrap into a cone, and insert the tabs into the slit, hot glue for extra support.

Step 4: Add garland around the bottom of the hat with hot glue.

Step 5:Add a small fluff of garland on the top of you hat.

Step 6: Glue  party hat onto headband.

Lastly, you need a rockin' outfit to wear to your New Year's Eve party! I am wearing a sequined dress  that I picked up from Forever 21. Here are a few outfits that you may want to wear for your night out!

1:Sequined Surplice Romper

2: Sequined Sheath Dress  

3:Tribal-Inspired Sequin Skirt

4:Sequined Shift Dress 


Have a Happy New Year! Check out my Holiday hair and makeup tutorials for a completed look!

xo,

Maria Elizabeth

Holiday Hair : Braided Updos

Hello beauties! We have 8 days until Christmas, which means parties every other day, family dinners, Christmas Eve Service, etc. In this hectic time of year, there isn't much time to make your hair presentable. That's why I am happy to show you a few quick and easy braided updos that take only a few minutes to throw together! The best part is you don't have to be a master at braiding to achieve these looks. Really anyone can do it! These hair styles can be done with straight or curly hair, it just depends on how much volume you are looking for. Both looks use only two three-strand braids (not too bad).  Below I have step by step instructions on how to accomplish each look. ENJOY!

LOOK #1 :

1. Start by dividing your hair into two parts. Take the first of your two sections and make a regular three-strand braid, crossing the outer right strand over the middle strand and then taking the outer left strand and crossing that over the middle one. Continue braiding like this until you reach the end and secure with a small elastic.

2. Pull on the completed braid to loosen it and create some volume.

3. Repeat step 1 and 2 on the other side.

4. Once both braids are complete, you are going to want to tie them together in a loose knot at the nape of your neck.

5.If your hair is longer, you may want to make more than one knot.

6. Arrange the braids at the nape of your neck and secure with bobby pins to complete your look

Now you have a quick, cute, braided updo that everyone will love. 

LOOK #2 :

1. First things first, split your hair down the middle. Don't worry about making this perfectly straight, just as close as you can.

2. Start at the nape of the neck, braid your hair forward toward your forehead. Fasten with a small elastic band. Repeat on the other side. When you finish this step, you should have some pretty awkward front braids.

3.Wrap your hair to see how it will look, then decide which one you want on the bottom.

4.Cross that one over your head like a headband and pin into place with a few bobby pins. Repeat on the other side, crossing it over the first braid.

5. Pull a few pieces of hair out around your face to make it look more messy and modern. You can curl these pieces, if you wish.

Toss on a Christmas dress, big pearls, and some sparkly flats and you are ready to go!

I hope these looks inspired you to create beautiful hair for all of your holiday gatherings! 

Merry Christmas!

xo,

Maria Elizabeth

Easy Christmas Gift Ideas

     

          Hello beautiful people! We are officially 15 days away from Christmas! For some of you, that is the best news in the world, but for others... this is crunch time because well... you have little or no Christmas shopping done. You may be in a panic and don't know what to get your friends and family, but have no fear your DIY bestie is here! Now I don't want you to have to spend a ton of money on these projects, so all of these gifts are under 20 dollars! Below I have three easy DIY gift ideas that your friends, neighbors, and family are sure to love.

LETS GET STARTED!

First we are going to make a Peppermint Hot Chocolate Mix.

What you will need:

• Swiss Miss Milk Chocolate Mix
• Marshmallows and lots of them
• Crushed candy canes
• Ribbon of your choice
• Christmas Tag
• Mason Jar Mug

How to Make it!

• Pour in the Hot Chocolate Mix
• Pour in crushed candy canes
• Pour in marshmallows
• Close the lid
• Tie ribbon around the mug with tag
• Give as Gift

Option Two: For Your Mistle Toes

This gift is great for a sister, best friend, or even a stocking stuffer! Really Red by Essie is my go to nail polish for Christmas and I really recommend adding it to your wish list! Here is a link to buy the color!  Essie : Really Red

What you will need:

• Clear plastic bag
• nail polish of your choice ( I used Essie Really Red and Blanc) 
• "Mistle toes" tag I got mine from  Ivy in The Bay Designs
• Confetti 

How to Make It!

• Put in the confetti
• Put in the nail polish
• Staple the bag shut with the cute tag

Option Three: For A Snow Babe

This gift is great to give to a girlfriend or someone at work! Every girl should always carry a good lip gloss and mascara where ever they go. You should always look fabulous! 

What you will need:

• Cotton balls
• small glass jar ( you can use a small mason jar as well)
• lip gloss 
• mascara
• ribbon of your choice 
• Christmas tag

How to Make It!

• Stuff the jar with cotton balls
• Place the lip gloss and mascara in the jar
• Tie the ribbon around the jar 
• You have a rockin' gift

I hope these gift ideas have inspired you to be creative and give a gift that your friends and family will be sure to love!

xo,

Maria Elizabeth

DIY BLANKET SCARF!

     

Hello pretty people! I have been obsessing over the whole blanket scarf trend! Of course, my love for blanket scarves started on Pinterest , as most of my fashion obsessions do. I saw all these fabulous women rocking these beautiful and cozy scarves so obviously I had to get my hands on one! When I went searching online for one of these scarves I found that they were quite pricey and definitely out of my price range. So I took matters into my own hands... and decided to make a blanket scarf ON MY OWN. Now don't be alarmed, if you are not a sewing guru... I'm not either. So this NO SEW blanket scarf is perfect!

       This is the beloved Zara blanket scarf that I was obsessing over, but I do not have $44 dollars to spend on a scarf. The thing I want you to see with this scarf is that the edges are frayed. Now guess what? You can achieve this look with some flannel and a little pulling of threads. The best part is that it will not cost $44 ( you're welcome)

  Lets get started! 

What you'll need :

• 2-2.5 yards of Flannel fabric of your choice (I suggest looking at Jo-Ann Fabrics)       ($8.99 a yard and if you have coupons that is even better!)
• Scissors

How to Make a Blanket Scarf

1. You will need to go shopping for some fabric!

2.Get your materials together.

3. Use the Flannel pattern as a guide, trim each side of your fabric.

4. Grab the loose threads and pull them down gently, fraying the edges of the scarf. Keep doing this until you have your desired amount of fraying.

5. Wrap yourself up in your beautiful new scarf!

         These scarves are great to give as gifts and since Christmas is right around the corner, why not make some for your friends and family! And yes ... guys can pull off a blanket scarf too! I hope you enjoyed this easy project! Have a great night!

xo,

Maria Elizabeth

Holiday Makeup Look

           HAPPY DECEMBER! Welcome to my favorite month of the year! Whether you're hosting or attending, the next few weeks are sure to have at least one or two holiday parties. Seeing old friends, making new ones and of course...the inescapable Instagram-ing of the festivities which means one thing... YOU have to look on top of your game. A fresh new hairdo and a new dress can work wonders, but if you consider the amount of face time you'll be spending with people, your makeup will pull your whole look together.

         If you are heading to a company party, small gathering, or even an all-out holiday bash {best ugly sweater wins}, there are so many options to choose from. Red lips... to bold eye brows... to perfect cat eyes that make everyone envious... there's a holiday look for everyone. But there is one look that I find particularly gorgeous on any woman! If there is any color that looks great on all skin tones it has to be gold. So, if you have some gold eye shadow and some glitter, consider those your best friends for this holiday look. Below I have a step by step of how to achieve a golden eye!

FINISHED LOOK

1. You will need to prime your eye with a creamy shadow. Any one will do! 

2. Apply a bronze/gold color over your inner and outer lid, using light strokes.

I used Lancome Color Design: Illuminateur

3. Apply dark brown and blend throughout the crease using a blending brush.

4.Blend a neutral color (a tan or creamy color) slightly above the dark brown. Use a windshield-wiper motion, so there are no harsh lines.

5. After highlighting your brow bone with a light color, apply a black liquid liner. Here I created a small cat eye.

6. Last put on some mascara and you are ready to go!

(I suggest wearing a red or neutral lip color with this look)