L'Atelier

DIY Autumn theme wedding favors packaging ideas

2012-01-28T09:07:00.000+04:00

All images via google

Embellished shoulder

2012-01-24T17:46:00.003+04:00

Another embellished shoulder top I did back in 2011...

Origami- Winged Dragon

2012-01-23T10:58:00.003+04:00

Via instructables

And here's the step by step how to:

Images via instructables

.:Happy Dragon Year 2012:.

Paper 3D Owl

2011-01-16T20:30:00.002+04:00

From 3EyedBear via NOTCOT

Hello, and how are you? (I feel like this is my first post on a brand new blog...I've tweaked a few things around L'Atelier, and I'm still working on a new banner, the above one is 'transitional'). Dear me, the last post related to Christmas! which feels like ages ago. It IS ages ago. So, here goes a free printable paper project by 3EyedBear, they have the coolest paper projects on their site. Make sure to visit.

Alright I'm done with Christmas Decor

2010-12-19T17:40:00.005+04:00

My upgraded tree. I've switched the gifts with a nativity scene, the same as last year's. (Taking photos at night, is NOT a good idea. But, I just wanted the lights on to show you).

Customized labels

2010-12-15T13:09:00.003+04:00

.:Gift Labels:.

There are a LOT of great gift ideas out there at the moment. And tons of free ready-to-print gift labels too. Of course, you can always go ahead and buy some. But nothing beats some personal crafty ones, right? I made these with a re-purposed burlap (which was part of a gift wrap), simply cut into rectangles and frayed. I then stenciled the nicknames of the people to whom I'll be gifting, well the gifts (I can't really say what it is am gifting, I know for sure one of them might be reading right now lol), using fevicryl, my favorite brand of acrylic color, each in what I hope are their favorite colors. There! Done.

...Christmas 2010...

2010-12-13T10:55:00.002+04:00

I've been saying how I wanted white & gold and may be silver or burlap for decorating the Christmas tree this year (...saying and not doing hem hem). Well, I tried to resist buying more commercial decor stuffs, and instead, went through my stash of ribbons (I don't hoard, I... collect some hehe). I found these perfect vintage white cotton trims (they are left-overs from my mom's sewing projects back when she was actually sewing clothes for herself!). And several pieces of white/off-white satin/organza ribbons. I was planning on making new ornaments with white felt,using this tutorial. But look at how 'charged' the tree is already. The 'skirt' is actually a white cloth and a gold voile superposed and just draped.

Red& Green birthday cake table decor

2010-11-22T12:13:00.005+04:00

Ok...Please ignore the bad lighting... I wanted to share with you a simple cake table decor I whipped up for a family birthday party the other day, using papers. Super easy and quick projects. I used transparent nylon thread (0.4mm) to hang the pompoms and daisies, which I inter-spaced with sequins, threaded on a glittery DMC thread. And save for the tissue paper, I had everything else on hand already!

Budget Party Decor: Decorating with paper

2010-11-11T11:59:00.005+04:00

Paper can be fun, festive and ...cheap. Anyhow, paper is better than rubber(did you hear helium balloons' days are counted?) and low maintenance compared to fresh flowers. I love how people are using it more and more. Only google 'Decorating with paper' or 'DIY wedding' to see lots of amazing decor. I've rounded up a few ideas of how you can use paper for a party decor.

...Lighted Paper lanterns...

Via All you

...Crafty Paper lanterns...

Via Living on the crafty side of life

...Paper Garlands...

...Paper Daisies...

... Paper Bunting...

...Paper Pom-poms...

Via Brides of North Texas

Make pom-poms using Martha's tutorial.

...Paper Snow Flakes...

Via Intimate Weddings

Wiki How has a good tutorial on how to make a 3D snow flake (It's easier than you think!).

I can also think of paper flowers, butterflies, papier mache, pinatas... a whole lot of other possibilities. Heck, paper cutting is an ART. So is paper folding.

Previous posts on using paper as decor here, here and here.

DIY: Basic Cubic Ottoman from wooden crate

2010-11-01T11:35:00.007+04:00

.: Ottoman After:.

.:Crate Before:.

Materials needed:
-Wooden Crate (Any dimension)
-Piece of Plywood (Saw a piece of 1/4 inch plywood to cover up the crate if it has an open side)
-Glue (All-purpose is ok)
-Felt (Thick enough for padding the sides)
-2 inch foam (The kind for padding sofas, to make the "seat") I also padded the bottom side with 1/4 inch foam (I used a kitchen knife to cut the foam & scissors to cut the felt)
-Staples, Nails (Let's say I want a staple gun for christmas)
-Fabric (Sofa quality, but thick curtain fabric should do), Matching Thread.

I won't talk about dimensions, since it entirely depends on the type of crate you can lay your hands on!

Step 1: Close up the crate by nailing the plywood. Step 2: Measure& cut the foam and felt for each side

Step 3: Glue the padding materials. A small amount is enough

From here on, it seems like I'm missing a few photos (oops!). Step 4: Sew a cover, but making sure the sides are slightly longer than the actual height of the ottoman, so you can tuck the excess fabric under and staple it in place. Step 5: To make the bottom side, you can go ~~lazy~~ easy like me and simply sew a square piece of fabric and glue it. Or go with a suggestion I had [oh yeah, this ottoman gave way to an animated discussion on the design, the making of, the choice of color, the... pretty much anything! It was a ~~Freakin I’m not doing another project with you again~~ fun family DIY=)], which was to make use of rubber strips to make "legs" for the ottoman.

We've been enjoying this ottoman very much at home, especially on movie nights. And talks of making a second one might or might not have been heard...If any family member is reading this, you know who you are, YOU can add the piping, the tufting, the legs...

Before/After: Footstool & Hamper

2010-10-19T19:11:00.005+04:00

Hamper before

Footstool before

After

I am currently "prettifying" a corner of my bedroom, all in the name of my love for shoes. I have turned the burgundy sofa out. It went back to its original owner, my dad. In its place, a footstool. Much more practical to sit on while putting shoes on. The Before is... ahhh... revolting shall we say? A dilapidated thing outta the 80's. Three layers of white acrylic paint and a new fabric later, voilàaa. Remember how I was saying that whitewashing is addictive? The hamper went next (and if you look closely at the back, you'll see empty shelves done in ...white of course). And I was not going to waste fabric at $12 per meter, so although I'm not usually a matchy-matchy person, it too had to undergo a make-over.

Also, I'd like to say thank you to Astrid of Grandma's Red Needle for the lovely award she sent my way! Go read about the adventures of a Norwegian woman in tropical Mauritius, it's so much fun:D & of course, check out her amazing quilts.

The rules say that I am supposed to say something about me, that you don't already know, then pass the award along to others. Let's go back to high school. hehe. Back then (graduated in 2003), I was way more into science that into art. I had no idea how embracing your creative side was something that could be so fulfilling!

Ok, I know it said pass along to others, but I'd like any of you crafty bloggers to grab the award. And to link back so I can visit you:)

Door stopper changes clothes

2010-10-04T12:06:00.004+04:00

.:Door Stopper Before:.

.:Door Stopper After:.

I have had a sack of sand that serves me as a door stopper for ever and much like throw pillows, it changes dress often. For now it's burlap and stenciled LiveYourStyle, sewed as a pillow-case. I painted it with Fevicryl acrylic colors for fabric. A custom mix grey. The stencil was bought at Mr Bricolage, I was too lazy to go make my own. The burlap is actually from a re-purposed gift bag. The first few letters are kinda smudged, coz I made the rookie mistake of using too much paint on my brush. It really is better to "layer on paint" from a dry brush. By the way, just like whitewashing, stenciling is way too addictive. You get crazy ideas to stencil everything.

DIY Embellished Shoulder Top

2010-09-28T18:08:00.000+04:00

Turning a plain tee into an embellished one using custom shoulder pads...

...with embroidered sequins and beads.

Step 1&2: Measure the length you want the shoulder pad to be on the front of your top. Ply a sheet of paper in two. Draw the outline of the shoulder pad and cut.

Step 3: Using your stencil, trace another similar shape on a sketch pad (Keep your stencil for later use*). Roughly sketch the design you want to create with your sequins& beads. This will be your reference.

Step 4: Transfer your design on your fabric (There are several methods, you can trace your design on tracing paper and simply pin it to the fabric, or use carbon paper or use a 4b pencil like I did to mark out the lines where to sew).

Step 5: Patiently sew on the sequins and beads. It took me 10 hours to complete both! But it could have been done in less, depending on the kind of sequins you use(if it comes already threaded or not) and the way of stitching(I double stitched each bead!) ..and how quick you are of course. I included pictures of some of the various methods.

1) Sew a bead on top of a sequin to hold it in place

2) Sew in between threaded beads

3) Sew one bead at a time

4) Sew one sequin at a time making sure each overlaps the other

5) Sew threaded sequins

(Via Marshall Cavendish 'The Complete Encyclopedia of Crafts')

Step 6: Cut out the shapes leaving a 1cm seam allowance, to which you snip small V shapes.

Step 7: Using the *stencil, cut out two other similar pieces (for the back of each shoulder pads). With the right sides facing each other, pin and tack. Machine sew, but leave an opening big enough for you to flip them inside out. You will hand stitch them closed.

Step 8: Iron on reverse to flatten the pads before pinning them into place. Then hand stitch for them to stay put.

Voilà!

What I learned along the way: I would use a lighter fabric to make the reverse sides of the shoulder pads, just so it isn't too thick.

DIY Organza Ribbon Cuff

2010-09-02T17:34:00.006+04:00

I've been gifted a whole new batch of ribbons recently. So excited to get crafty with them! I made an embroidered cuff bracelet using a piece of teal organza ribbon...

I am a complete novice at this(I guess it shows eh) so I had to constantly refer to what I call the bible of needlecraft, The Marshall Cavendish Complete Book of Needlecraft. Here's the how-to for some stitches I used...

Blanket Stitch, Fly Stitch and Romanian Stitch.

I measured my wrist and cut two pieces, one for embroidery, one for the "back" so the stitches don't scratch. I used a turquoise "stone" bead and cotton thread to sew a clasp. If I were to make another one, I'd go with crimps, jump rings and toggle clasp, just so the ends look neater and the bracelet holds better.

Jewelry Making 101

2010-08-27T19:39:00.004+04:00

So, I was wearing a bracelet similar to the one I made above, the other day for lunch with some gal pals. And one of them, who I need to find a birthday gift(and preferably a super awesome one), was saying how she liked mine. It was an AH-HA moment.

I made her this, from turquoise wooden beads, gold tones spacer beads and sea-glass/blue glass beads, strung on an 0.6mm thick elastic nylon thread and tied with a yellow organza ribbon. Super easy to make, you just need patience...

Now, it's a great start, I need to find her something else to complete the gift...

Repurposed Bag

2010-06-10T13:11:00.003+04:00

Can you tell I've been on a crafting kick lately? I am steadily going through my to-do list and it feels good to be getting on with projects that for some, date back to...well...let's say months. I think I am getting better at sewing! (translation, less times starting over coz oops I miscalculated steps in the process) Anyhoo, for this one, I started with a quilted make-up bag I didn't want to use as such. Its dimensions made it the perfect candidate for making a clutch bag and as bonus, a phone pouch since the side panels were large enough. This isn't much of a "tutorial", am just throwing a repurposing project idea your way. If you attempt/ed something similar, please link back, I'd love to see how yours turn/ed out!

DIY Flower Pin

2010-06-05T13:46:00.005+04:00

You'll need:

-Pieces of fabric. You'll laugh when I tell you where mine are from. The hem of a maxi dress that my mom cut out when re-adjusting her dress, my old voile curtains. Just to say that the more scraps you have, the better off you are, more choices and more designs.

-Beads
-Needle
-Thread
-Scissors
-Paper
-Pencil
-Pin

(1) Cut a square the size of the flower pin you want. (2) Draw a leaf on paper(the shape of your leaf determines your flower design, so play around with it and find what suits your purpose) and cut out to make a stencil

(3) Fold into quarters (4) Pin your stencil

(5) Cut out the leaf, being careful not to snip away the middle part of your square.

(6) You want to obtain a four leaves flower shape on opening the "square". Duplicate this as many times you want

(7) Repeat using a smaller square and a smaller stencil. Again duplicate the shape you obtained

(8) Layer the shapes. Sorry there's no proper picture of what I actually did. But you should get the idea from the above one.

(9) Press all the layers and sew a cross shape in the middle. The tighter you sew it, the more "bud-like" the flower pin will look like. I made mine practically flat.

(10) Then sew the beads to hide the stitches on the front. You can also use felt, buttons, etc.

(11) You can glue/stitch to a pin. Or like me, stitch directly to the "make-up bag" I made from old jeans.

Sorry for the quality of the images, the weather is crappy today, while the flash is blinding.

DIY ruffles cushion cover

2010-06-05T12:37:00.007+04:00

.:Made from T-shirt scraps:.

My raw material was these small (approx 25x 25 cm) jersey squares. I chose hot pink for this project, since it'll go well with my decor. And who can resist a girly ruffles pillow in hot pink! But two old xxl tshirts in any color should do.
Obviously, it was a bit of a maths problem figuring out how to make use of these small pieces of fabric. I started by sewing 2 squares together (x2 for the other side of the cushion) to obtain the base for my cushion cover (40cm x 25 cm) and got cracking for the fun part, ruffles. Here's a step by step for making ruffles...

(1) Start by cutting strips, 1 inch large. It's better to scale up or down depending on the size of your cover, etc. For the length of each strip, the basic rule is that the length of the strip should be twice the length of your ruffle.

(2) Set the tension on your sewing machine to lowest. I used white thread so you can see the stiches, but of course use a matching thread color. Stitch down the middle being careful to leave reasonable amount of thread at one end so you can pull. I find that sewing by machine yields a better looking ruffle, which won't disintegrate. But in any case, it should be fine if you use a needle+thread.

(3) Pull on the bottom thread (4) Spread the ruffles along the length of the strip

(5) Pin the first row, leaving a bit extra fabric over the edges (6) Set the tension back to normal, sew over the middle of the ruffle, closest you can to the stitches holding the ruffle.

(7) Repeat until you have enough rows and then you can assemble your cushion cover. I simply sewed it like a pillow case, without any buttons or zippers.

Voilà!!!

P.s: I am no expert at sewing (self-taught). However, I'd advise you to practise making a ruffle or two beforehand. As for fraying, I haven't washed yet, but I'm confident it should stay put. Do sew the rows as close as possible though. Oh, this isn't the first or best tutorial on ruffles cushion covers, still hope you like it:) Don't hesitate to ask if you have any question.

Peri Meter Mag

2010-05-31T11:22:00.005+04:00

Peri Meter is the first online design magazine 100% Mauritius. It's about Graphic Design, Illustration, Product Design, Animation... Read about them [here].

You can also download Peri Meter.

(Photo Credit: www.perimetermag.com)

Flour + Water

2010-05-21T13:26:00.003+04:00

I wanted to show you some food sculptures by the chefs& their teams from some of our best resorts, which were in competition for the "Fete du Pain" circa 2010.

All images are by Jason Chan.

DIY evening bag

2010-04-15T16:55:00.003+04:00

I tried my hands at grommets, or eyelets as I prefer to say. Bought 8mm and 12 mm diameters brass coated steel tarpaulin eyelets at Espace Maison. Am so happy they carry sets like these. DIY-ers in Mauritius should know how difficult it is to find raw materials sometimes. At the same time, am also very happy that next time I could just go to Hassamal in Rose-Hill or Maison Rouge in Port-Louis to get them done in a jiffy(they have the press). So, I went on to sew a small&plain evening bag, a single zipped pochette folded over and held by velcro. I lined it. Didn't use any pattern and frankly, barely used the ruler/chalk. I pinned and tacked and then sewed. It didn't turn out that bad. But I strongly recommend you to measure things carefully and better use a magnetic clasp/press stud.

Playing with paint

2010-04-15T15:33:00.005+04:00

Repainting things white is strangely addictive. I discovered this when I decided to try out my new paint on small wooden objects before tackling bigger stuffs like..shelves..chairs ...and all wood surfaces I could think of.

Mauvilac in Snow white Mat emulsion

In the process, I also learnt what NOT to do. Silly stuffs you pro's already know. 1) Do not dilute paint too much 2) Beware of coat thickness which can be troublesome when re-assembling pieces (especially when dealing with drawers)

Point-in-fact, the poor little one almost had no lid. Once I was finished, I had to sand, again, but it would still not close properly.

Here's my XXS moodboard! I am considering framing that picture- actually an ad ripped off a back issue of Maison Française.

Now, with fevicryl, which is a great acrylic paint for fabric, I use to stencil on bags etc, but which I used on a paper canvas I had since forever & just wasn't inspired to do anything good with.

Oh yeah, even some of my fevicryl pots are new. Collecting them is also addictive. haha

Ok don't laugh. here's the finished painting far right. So many details turned wrong. The scale, the color scheme, the drawing itself. It served its purpose well, which was to see how I can handle painting a few stuffs for my artwall. 1) Always mix more paint, better be safe than sorry(can you notice the varying shades of green in the background? chuckle) 2) Tracing the shapes first with a pencil isn't that helpful, since you'll have to overlap a little to prevent blank spots. You'll be better off with paint marks(I've seen a real artist do it with white!) 3) Don't learn the hard way, like I did once, fevicryl hardens on drying. So wash all you equipment right after you're done, it won't come off with water later on.

Temporary vignette on my shoe shelf:)

Eggs are beautiful

2010-04-02T17:07:00.003+04:00

Via Casa Bella

Casa Bella featured a fabulous post on easter eggs. It's funny that I used to find them ugly. In fact, I never liked painting them(even back in kindergarden, when you were "forced" to do easter eggs), however, I've had a change of heart seeing these...

Chain Necklace

2010-03-21T16:16:00.004+04:00

I finally got round to do some crafting(sort of trying to explain why I abandonned ship here). After decluttering the closet, found these unused silver necklaces. Using tweezers I discarded the individual clasps and re-attached the ends. Bought some sheer black ribbon, 2cm wide- they look better than satin ribbon in this DIY. Looped in the ribbon and made a bow (cuter than a knot), adjusted, completed the other end and voilaaa.

I wore it today:)

These were made for each other

2010-02-20T15:07:00.002+04:00

Penguin's Classic cloth-bound books& the library below

Images Via Shoebox Decor

V-Day

2010-02-14T00:32:00.004+04:00

Image [here]

I am not much of a fan of Valentine's day. We're suddenly drowned in a sea of red& cheesy which are supposed to remind us that love is to be celebrated on this day. Right. But this V-day is a special one, it falls on Chinese new year! And am so inclined to red and...well cheesy. So Happy Valentine to the lovers out there, and Kung Shee fat Choy, Xin Nian Kuai Le. Have a great year of the tiger. Wishing you above all, love, happiness, peace, serenity, joy, health, and luck & prosperity.

"P.S - I made this..." tutorial on Shoulder Pads

2010-02-04T13:58:00.003+04:00

You know how strong shoulders have made their comeback (Yes, sometimes I still shudder at the thought), well, I think I've found a way to rock em! And it's with utter delight that I came to discover uber fabulous designer Erica Domesek's site P.S - I made this ... which is all about the 3R's, re-imagine, re-use, and re-invent. Her motto defines her work perfectly, I see it. I like it. I make it. Do visit her![here]

(Source: P.S - I made this...)

Luxirare

2010-01-11T17:19:00.004+04:00

"Killer clothes and Fine Cuisine".

The Chain Jacket by Luxirare

And what follows on this amazing blog is exactly that. You can't help but beg for an online Luxirare shop, after you've seen what this talented person can do.

All pictures are from Luxirare, found via Cafe Mode

Reusable Gift Bag

2009-12-24T14:34:00.003+04:00

(Via happythings)

Hi all, first things first, a merry Christmas to you!:) If you are still figuring out gifts, hope the previous post helps. There are some blank templates you could use on...say reclaimed cards. However, if you're up to some sewing, I found this amazingly well put together tutorial by happythings. It's a lined drawstring bag. Instructions [here]

Printable Christmas Crafts

2009-12-24T14:13:00.005+04:00

Blank Gift Box 1&2

Gift Tags

(Source: http://familycrafts.about.com)

...Christmas...

2009-12-07T19:46:00.001+04:00

Await JoyBring Joy
Share Joy

For the sweet tooth

2009-12-06T19:18:00.003+04:00

Taking a break from Holiday Decor....I came across these on UO blog, and I had to post. Don't they just belong to an inspiration board!

Branch Decor for Christmas

2009-11-28T08:53:00.004+04:00

Why buy expensive artificial bouquets? Nature provides...branches, twigs than can be arranged/painted into unique creations. Chandelier! Wreaths! Floral arrangements!

Snowflake and Paper Flower

2009-11-28T08:25:00.001+04:00

Tutorials for making paper snowflakes and paper flowers right here and here.

Buttons turned into Art

2009-11-27T23:32:00.002+04:00

I also came across these& couldn't help but be impressed by how cool buttons can turn out to be. After all, I have tons of mismatched ones stashed up in a box... or two.

The Extra Touch for Christmas Decor this year

2009-11-27T23:24:00.004+04:00

Via marthastewart.com

What could be better than to go DIY-way for little trinkets that can be used to add a special touch to Christmas decor? After a visit to Martha Stewart's, I have only one word in mind, doily papers! They really can be turned into beautiful things...

Getting in the Christmas Spirit (I)

2009-11-15T20:24:00.011+04:00

Via Martha Stewart

Via Better Homes and Gardens

Etsy: Pamsuniquecreations

Etsy: Stylishstems

Etsy: JennyLeeFowler

Etsy: Melrose Fields

Via digsdigs.com

I vowed to start the shopping early this year& I've been researching Christmas decor ideas. So, thought I'd share with you. In fact, I'll be doing a series of posts on the festive season. Kicking things off with inspiration for centrepieces...

Alphabet from Recycled Jackets

2009-10-11T21:38:00.003+04:00

I found these fab repurposing projects from Stilsucht, where I can't understand a single word, but the images speak for themselves, it's packed full with great design stuffs. With these, I think I might jump on board the alphabet decor trend...What say you?

p.s: I keep meaning to post on LiveYourStyle, but then I get inspired for L'Atelier. End-point: you can't force inspiration, it comes when it comes.

Who said spiders are worthless!

2009-10-09T09:37:00.003+04:00

Art Historian Creates World’s Largest Shawl Made From Golden Spider Silk

Photo by R. Mickens/American Museum of Natural History

Using silk extracted from more than a million golden orb spiders, which are found only in Madagascar, this spectacular 11×4-foot shawl took British art historian Simon Peers and his American business partner Nicholas Godley more than four years to create using century-old weaving techniques. The glistening silk threads are completely undyed.

Now on display at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City, the shawl is believed to be the largest—and rarest—piece of cloth woven entirely from golden spider silk, which is known for both its intense color and strength. Only the females of the species, which isn’t poisonous, produce the silk filaments, 24 of which are twisted by hand into a single strand, then twisted again with three other similar strands to make the silk thread. Roughly 70 people collected spiders daily from webs on telephone wires, then another dozen more drew silk from the spiders using hand-powered machines. Although some spiders died during production, a system was set up so that spiders being used were released every day. The intricately patterned shawl, which features traditional Malagasy bird-and-flower motifs, has its genesis in 19th century stories of a French colonial administrator’s attempts to spin cloth from the threads of golden orb spiders. In the late 1890s, Madagascan fishermen also used spider silk, which for its weight is stronger than steel, to create rudimentary nets and lines.

Source: Ecouterre

Clever Strapping

2009-09-28T19:26:00.004+04:00

In accessories design that is! Take a basic tote, change the way the straps are attached to change the whole look of the bag. Very Clever me thinks. And me wanna try. I'll let you know if anything good comes out of my next DIY.

p.s: sorry, seems like I forgot to save the link, so I can't trace it back to the original website. I have a sneaking suspicion I took the photos from Anthropologie though...

Halloween Ready

2009-09-27T15:33:00.009+04:00

Crafting Ideas for Halloween. Decor Indoor AND outdoor. Pumpkin galore. Treat boxes. How about going all out for this year's Halloween? You'll have to post your pics though, we don't have Halloween per se here. How come we miss all the fun each year?!

Courtesy of MarthaStewart

Silhouette Boards

2009-07-27T15:02:00.001+04:00

Craft Project found on Country Living.

beethings's

2009-07-21T21:20:00.004+04:00

(Photo courtesy to design sponge)

I saw this rad house tour on design sponge, featuring the designer behind beethings on etsy. How swoon-worthy is her atelier? Be sure to check her shop, she makes the loveliest prints.

Summer? Bikes...Fab fabrics...Little dress

2009-07-20T19:33:00.002+04:00

Calypso dress, from Bliss

Vintage fabrics, from Design sponge

From The Sartorialist

Can't wait for winter to be over-although it is still tropical weather-so I can forgo cardi's and scarfs and break out the sundresses again. I am hearting these pictures from around the blogosphere. Perfect for this week's moodboard!

This came today

2009-06-17T19:05:00.005+04:00

A traditional Indian Wedding invite. Beautifully embossed!And loving the 'relief' paisley pattern on the envelope. Am on the look out for an embossing kit by the way...

Projects Updates

2009-06-09T13:20:00.005+04:00

I've been neglecting my to-do list as of late, which partly explains the lack of posting on L'Atelier. Insert *Sheepish look* I've received a large batch of interesting fabric, quite unexpectedly too, a bag full of scraps from a friendly textile factory.

Turned a lizard print cotton/lycra mix piece into a textured scarf. My fingers still hurt from handling the scissors an hour or two on end. Pleated the fabric first to mark the straight lines along which I cut the diamond shaped holes. I pinned them together using a teeny size nursery pin to hold them still. And snip snip. Ta-da! can't wait to wear it.

Also bought this red&black damask silky fabric to re-upholster cabinet doors and used silvery tack pins to give a better finish to the edges. I offered the remaining to my mum for her to make cushion covers...but I heard something about dress-making, so am still guessing what would become of it.

Finally I have 1m75 of a beautiful ribbed black velvet bought at a very beautiful price(it was the last 1m75 of it) and I've yet to decide how to optimise the use of this piece. I definitely want a custom clutch, inspired by these "Marc by Marc Jacobs"

>_<

2009-06-03T22:45:00.002+04:00

Hi Bloggers,
Something strange has happened for the first time since I got into blogging on blogspot.com. I've lost the pictures from one of my posts!Which I then deleted out of frustration, over not recovering them. Wondering about what happened:
1) Can somebody not authorized to edit my posts act as admin?
2) Does this happening occur on other blogs?
Or 3) can pictures simply vanish after being uploaded from my computer eh?

Looking towards hearing from you people,
Keep well,
XoXo Sharon.

The coolest Business Card ever

2009-05-28T19:08:00.003+04:00

By graphic designer Raquel Quevedo

p.s: Thank you so much Oh So Beautiful Paper for featuring this talented lady and hooking me up with her site.

Note to Mauritian designers: If you would like to feature your work on L' Atelier, please contact me on "chatronne09@gmail.com". Also, please join PechaKucha Mauritius on facebook!!

Look! Pallet Furniture

2009-05-25T09:16:00.002+04:00

Before/After

D.I.Y

Roughly sand the wood using low-grade sandpaper.
Under the boards, attach two pieces of thin hardboard or a similar material. The hardboard should be cut to completely cover the cracks between the boards, but underneath the edge boards, they should be slightly shorter, so they won't be seen. The grainy side of the hardboard should face upwards.
Glue and nail down each piece of hardboard.
Then nail some cheap wood (such as wood from a wooden crate) along the ends of the pallet boards, to create a makeshift formwork.
To help fill in the cracks, nail down a few pieces of scrap wood. These strips of wood will disappear in the mortar. Make a thickish mortar and smooth it on with a knife. You may need to apply a second layer.
Once the mortar is dry, remove the formwork and carefully sand the table top.
Cut out some new pieces of hardboard to support the drawers. You can also add drawer stops.
Measure the space and make drawers of the right size or buy them.
For this coffee table, Fira drawers from Ikea were used. The drawers were simply turned around and a knob added on the side. The drawers are both practical and decorative. You can either paint the mortar or leave it as is.
This table was decorated with natural ochre-colored potato paint. The finish is two coats of standard linseed oil.
To make "legs" for the coffee table, attach two thick boards, such as formwork planks, to the sides of the pallet, using 80 mm (3 in) screws.
To make the table even sturdier, fasten corner brackets, such as those used to brace chairs, to the palette and the inside of the "legs".

(Instructions are from Esprit cabanne )

Speaking of cabanne, look at what can be achieved with what should have been scrapped pieces of wood. Amazing Treehouse!

Sources: 1.&2. from Not Beige and 3. from AT

Gift tags, wraps& tops

2009-05-23T11:20:00.010+04:00

Japanese Bottle Wrapping Technique

Satin Ribbons, Matching Cards& Felt gift tops

Edible Gifts wrapping

Personalized Gift Tops

Wool as ribbons

Paper Ribbons& Paper weaving

Making Use of Newspaper& Recycled Paper

Origami Paper Box

June is creeping on us. This means two things: June brides will be wanting sweet gifts and Mother&Father's day is already gone by or is impending...Inspiration for Gift crafts

(Source: Martha Stewart)

Busting Fashion Myths

2009-05-19T20:56:00.003+04:00

I've been reading some interesting things on the web, namely at Ms Goddard's relationship blog-come on, you all know Joanna right!!, it's on her Glamour blog 'Smitten'-about how guys do not like fashion forward lady attires. Rompers are for... kids!

Nay, not after you've seen this. Does Eva look sexy?

(Photo Courtesy Instyle)

And PINK, pink is too girly for grown ups, right? Nay, Mrs O doesn't agree. You are not to argue with this power lady.

(Photo Courtesy Instyle)

You can do high waist, full skirt, exposed zipper, color blocking and dress all in one.

AX Summer 09

Coral is a color banished forever? Not according to beauty experts who are dressing up celebs in this hue for Red Carpet Events.

Kuddos to Leona for daring the coral nails!

(Photo Courtesy JustJared)

Morale of the story, trendy or not, you should totally go for what you know works for you. Chance is, you'll end up being the Belle of the night. And guys isn't confidence the sexiest accessory a girl can have?

XoXo

Inspiration Board: Kate Moss

2009-05-15T21:07:00.003+04:00

From Inside-Out

On my inspiration board

2009-05-10T17:40:00.004+04:00

(Image source: ASOS)

Sharing a bit of my inspirational board with you...Yay to Hats! Yay to geometrically intricate dresses! We will not even get started on shoes... FYI: I've been reading lately that women love shoes even more in times of depression. And recession. Hem.

Before/After: Chair Makeover

2009-05-05T20:49:00.003+04:00

Sharing this great refurbishing job on a thrifted chair from Country Living. Paint, fabric and dress-maker details all for $53. This is exactly what I had in mind for a chair makeover. Do you want to know what's creepy, the thrifted chair resembles my own chair....a lot!

What do you think of monograms?Pretentious or Chic detailing?

p.s: don't forget to visit LiveYourStyle for the give-away:)

Shoe boxes for storage

2009-05-01T17:59:00.004+04:00

Yay for me!! I've finally started re-organizing storage for art/craft supplies. Collected a few shoe boxes and two glue tubes later: customized storage boxes with customized labels. I guess this means it's time to go shopping for canisters...(and to keep up with the tidiness)

OOOHH: look at this "coat/cape"

2009-04-30T10:54:00.004+04:00

Sandra Bullock is wearing. Will some kind heart out there tell me it's by whom?

(Image by Jenny Gage and Tom Betterton)

Revamp your tees

2009-04-27T09:43:00.000+04:00

By Rachel Roy and Doori Chung

Do try these 'easy' sewing projects- a sure way of doing your bit for the environment by recycling your tees- featured in TeenVogue a while ago. Check out their archives for more stuffs to the likes of Vivienne Westwood, Jason Wu, Erin Fetherstone et caetera...

(Image Courtesy to TeenVogue)

New talk in town: Bib Necklaces

2009-04-23T10:00:00.000+04:00

.:From Etsy:.

.:From ASOS:.

May be not, depending on how long you've been hiding under the rocks like me-well I've got no excuse really-Go check out the 3d nursery of Anthropologie, they have some stunning things. Or, if you're one step up the game, it's time for a to-do list, in preparation of a visit to the millinery shop. For my part, am all set up to start a bib necklace to pair with an egyptian collar LBD. Black velvet ribbon, check. Pewter embellishment stones, check. Black sequins, check. Now, for the main support thinking of going with black satin. We'll see how this goes. I'll keep you posted if anything good comes out of this sewing/glueing venture. Am gunning for an assymetric composition, to the likes of this necklace. I'd love your input!!

Green goods

2009-04-22T09:35:00.001+04:00

(Picture from Instyle)

This carry-all tote bag looks great. Love the slanted stripe fabric and the cut that emulates the old plastic bag. I am trying to figure out how to make the pattern...This would be a great sewing project AND a means of ridding my cramped office storage area of excess fabric. Above bag is By rume.
And yes, green is the new black, with celebs going eco-friendly (and all over the place with their green designs that ' give back' through charities)

Here's a picture of my rendition of Anya Hindmarch's famous I'm not a Plastic Bag...Just to report that since it was posted about on LiveYourStyle, it's been used over and over again, with great satisfaction:) and washed a few times already, without prejudice to the print. Great paint!Planning on buying a few more shades/hues from the same brand at 'LeCygne'.

Studding

2009-04-20T08:31:00.000+04:00

Front/Back

After a dreadful mistake-understand foolish moment-in stain removal techniques, I ruined a perfect clutch made of a pewter leather-like material. I've recycled it through studding! 10x5 rows of pyramid cones and I've come up with a new purse that looks good both recto/verso, well at least one that has high 2nd life potential, no?

Used: 50 Studs -each carefully removed from a studded belt and re-used

Grey Gardens version 2009

2009-04-18T17:24:00.000+04:00

You just have to see the new HBO film Grey Gardens (premiering Saturday, April 18), where Drew Barrymore and Jessica Lange star as the eccentric mother-daughter duo—and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis relatives—“Little" Edie and “Big" Edie Beale. The story (based on the ‘70s documentary) spans their lives from Little Edie's debutante days in the '30s through the end of the century. The majority of costumes were created by Thomas and her team, but many pieces, especially accessories, were purchased from vintage stores across the country. Several vintage swimsuits even came from online auction giant eBay. Completely fascinating lives and spirited styles- à la limite du derangeant. C'est du beau.

(Image Courtesy to Instyle)

Inspiration from Martha: For a lovely Tea Party, breakfast-in-bed style

2009-04-18T13:36:00.000+04:00

A lil' bouquet made using a glass and chinese paper lanterns

Will be practicing twists and turns on this one...

Or I Might have to take up bakery classes

Reduce Recycle Repurpose

Get digging for old family photographs!

Getting started early on Mother's Day gifts this year! I find simple things make for the greatest sources of pleasure in life. Saying thank you and I love you with easy DIY gifts...How about an unexpected breakfast, with delish things and fresh flowers?

New Blog

2009-04-17T10:57:00.000+04:00

Uncluttering LiveYourStyle has been quite productive, for I decided to start "L'Atelier", where all DIY, Crafts& Design projects will now be posted. Some new and exciting projects to come!

Please bear with me, Blog under construction.

Here's to many inspiring things
Cheers,
Sharon.