Decor It Yourself

DIY & Vintage Wedding

Wed, 03 Sep 2008 12:35:11 EDT

Adding vintage pieces to your wardrobe or wedding is a great way to cut down on mass consumerism. At least vintage pieces have been used before and you aren't contributing to big business costs. Most of them are collected by individuals and small business owners like these Etsians. A combination of earth-friendly vendors and a few special vintage pieces make for a lovelier and greener wedding.

Collecting smaller vintage centerpieces like this Compote piece cuts down on the amount of cut flowers you will need to use.

Jen Star 68's pretty Breakfast at Tiffany's Hat is pretty and unqiue enough that no one will show up wearing the same piece.

Harmonious Posh is one of the many sellers who have a myriad of vintage wedding gowns to choose from.

I Spy Vintage has this retro Olive Guest Book

A bride, bridesmaid or wedding guest would look quite classy wearing a vintage lace shawl like this one by Vintagous.

What vintage pieces do you think would look lovely at such an event? How would you create more eco-conscious nuptials?

Published in Venus Zine

Tue, 02 Sep 2008 13:50:05 EDT

For those of you in need of a DIY Paint Guide, today is your lucky day. The ultra-hip, fierce and feminine magazine, Venus Zine asked me to contribute to the Fall issue of their quarterly. Venus is a rad and up-to-date, stylish source on women, art, music and the DIY movement. I was totally stoked and incredibly honored to write their DIY Paint Guide.

SUBSCRIBE or get your own copy HERE!

DIY Terrariums

Sun, 31 Aug 2008 09:39:02 EDT

We recently took on terrariums in an episode of Decor It Yourself. Terrariums can be interpreted in a myriad of ways. Check out Terrarium Man to see how to turn your beach relics into a home for your succulents. You can even make a terrarium out of a recycled soda bottle.

Click here for a list of plants that do very well in terrariums. Have fun with your glass gardens!

Bamboo Contest Winner!

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 10:10:42 EDT

A few weeks ago we announced our Decor It Yourself Totally Bamboo Contest! Today we announce the winner. There were a lot of really cool projects submitted, and it's always hard to choose just on. But this mom blew me away with how much DIY decor she does in her home, and for her kids. If you want to see a cool DIY mom, jsedai_77 from the forums is your gal.

She has been very busy making her daughter's room into a lovely space. From mobiles to headboards to quilts, this mama is going all out-DIY style. Read abotu her process here.

Jsedai_77 has also worked very hard on a request from many forum members in her Slip-Cover tutorial.

Thank you so much for that! Now we all know how to make our own slip-cvers for our couches. Rad. Full photos are here.

Bravo jsedai_77! You deserve the bamboo place setting, and much more.

Locate a Stud

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 16:58:16 EDT

When hanging your DIY shelves, it is important to anchor them properly. First, you'll need to locate your walls studs. A stud is a vertical member in the light frame construction of a building's wall. It is important to know where your wall studs are located when hanging heavy objects like shelves. They provide the strength needed for such DIY jobs.

You can go the old fashioned way and locate the stud by knocking on your walls, looking for an area that doesn't echo. Here is a more detailed description of this knuckle & ear method. This is something I swear only dad's can do safely, so if you want to be a little more accurate you can buy tools that do the same thing.

You can purchase handy-dandy tools like the electronic scanner or the Black & Decker electric Alkaline Stud Finder.

Now you'll need anchors and drywall screws to secure your new shelf set. The anchors prevent your screws from stripping or falling out of the wall when weight is addede. Here is a step-by-step guide to putting anchors into your drywall.

Now you should be all set to hang even the heaviest of shelves. Let me know how it goes and send in pictures of your finished projects!

DIY Shelving

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 11:02:11 EDT

This week's Decor It Yourself answers many of your forum requests and tackles DIY shelves. Organize and create new design elements in your home with a few helpful tips from our newest episode.

Here are some Threadbangers who have already started solving their storage problems. Forum member Poundcake made a shelf and storage bin with cardboard and old newsprint. A very rad re-use of newspaper, Poundcake. This project is practical and looks cool too!

Ayme Loves Trees found these old shelf pieces in someone's trash, spruced them up, and made a pantry for her kitchen. The mason jars give this a nice, clean look. Keep your eyes peeled over onthe forums for this crafty lady. Ayme Loves Trees is always creating new projects and pieces. They always look really lovely and professional.

The very top image is from Amy Merrick's kitchen in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. I love how she attached hooks to the underside of her shelves for extra storage. Very clever, Miss Merrick. You can see Amy's lovely home in this episode of Decor It Yourself.

Braids on Etsy

Fri, 08 Aug 2008 12:44:12 EDT

For more braiding inspiration, check out how these Etsians interpreted the technique.

Top by Pretty Raccoon

Dress by Victorian Bird

These rad headbands are by Spiffy Me 43 who makes all of her creations with recyced materials.

Now the question is, who will make the first DIY braided terry cloth sweatband, reminiscent of Olivia Newton John's "Let's Get Physical" video? Anyone?

Get YOUR Decor

Mon, 04 Aug 2008 10:23:59 EDT

You can now have some of the pieces from Threadbanger's Decor It Yourself for your very own! I need to make room for more decor projects and tutorials and am selling some of the previous episodes in my Enderby Designs shop on Etsy.

Etsy
Buy Handmade
Enderby

*Mention Decor It Yourself and you will get an additional 10% off!

Decor It Yourself Yard Sale

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 19:30:52 EDT

COME BY AND BE ON THE SHOW!

Ever wonder how I make room for all of the new home decor projects I create? Well, so far I haven't and am getting lost in a sea of fabulous antiques, cool new pieces, and tons of DIY projects. I need to purge myself of A LOT so I can keep on making stuff for you guys.

So, this SATURDAY we are having a big ole' garage sale in front of our apartment building. With lots of cool, hip new and old clothing, furniture, appliances, ART, BOOKS, you name it. We are open to bargainers and will offer good deals for those of you who stock up. You just might end up on the show!

*We are right by the Giglio festival, so come by for a day of fun!

8:30 AM

N. 7th Street and Meeker Ave. Right by the BQE. Click for a MAP!

Some of the items we are selling:

-brand new sewing machine
-clothes
-crafts
-furniture
-wall art
-2 tvs
-RECORDS, lots of rad vinyl, LPs and more
-craft supplies
-beverages
-kitchen supplies (TONS of kitchen dishware)
-pillows
-dog accessories
-jewelry
-fabric

EVERYTHING IS NEGOTIABLE! So come on by to stockup on cool accessories for you and your home, and find a few supplies to start on your DIY projects.

DIY Pillows

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 10:48:30 EDT

In this week's episode of Decor It Yourself, we look for a perscription for style ADD. Making your own pillows to fit your decor to your mood is one way to shift the style of your sofa. It's an easy thing to change-up in your home to alter the aesthetic.

Curbly shows you how to make your own envelope pillow that you can add an applique, lace or embroidery to. Over on the lovely Design Sponge, there is the perfet DIY applique tutorial right here.

Over on Apartment Therapy they featured these rad pillows made out of recycled clothing tags and they give us a really cool Top 10 Natural Pillow Alternatives which is very helpful when making your own.

For more pillow inspiration check out Etsy shops My Imaginary Boyfriend, Olive and Jam Tart Baby

"Totally Bamboo" Plate Set Contest

Wed, 09 Jul 2008 16:29:19 EDT

In today's episode of Decor It Yourself, we announced our bamboo contest! Simply submit a video or photos of your home decor. Send all photo entries to tips@threadbanger.com and upload all your videos to the upload section of our website by August 13th for a chance to win a 2 person place setting from Totally Bamboo. I love seeing your homes, so get shooting and clicking and send your nest my way. The winner will be announced on the August 19th show.

***ADDED BONUS: Watch the episode for a COUPON CODE that will get you 10% off the entire website of Totally Bamboo.

Where: upload your videos to threadbanger.com's "upload" section

All entries must be received by 12:30PM ET, August 13th, 2008.
Drawing to be conducted by Next New Networks on or about the Monday following the deadline set forth above.
No purchase is necessary to participate.
Void where prohibited by law.
We are not responsible for lost or misdirected entries.
You must be 13 years of age or older to enter.
Taxes are the responsibility of the winner.
The winner may be required to sign an affidavit of eligibility.
Odds of winning vary based on the number of correct entries.
The estimated value of the prize is less than $30.00

The winner consents to the use of his or her name and likeness for promotion.
Entries must be a video of a contestants favorite sewing tip.
Only one entry per household.
Decisions of the judges are final.
No substitution of prizes is permitted.
Employees and the families of Next New Networks, ThreadBanger and any of their related or associated companies are not eligible to participate.

Pebbles87 Jewelry Display

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 23:54:51 EDT

Pebbles87 is one forum member who has been busy DIYing. She is going to college soon and has made a few cool items to pack along with her. One that was really awesome to see was this jewelry display.

Awww. You're welcome, Pebbles87.

Have you visted the forums yet? It's super-easy and really fun to write in asking for something you want to see on the show. Just sign up here!

Pirate Flag How-To & Goonies Contest

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 13:22:57 EDT

Do we have many Goonies fans in the house?

If so, let's take this week's episode of Decor It Yourself and add a pirate spin to it. You can take the technique of making the Gay Pride flag and make it more in One-Eyed Willie's style. Just find a cool image of a skull and crossbone, and create an applique. Add the applique to fabric to make your flag front, like the rainbow I made out of fabric strips. For a full applique tutorial, watch this episode of Thread Heads. Then follow the rest of the steps in the tutorial, replacing your skull and crossbone appliqued flag-front, for the rainbow flag front. Hang your flag with pride, but be sure to watch out for the Fratelli Brothers!

****BONUS TRIVIA: Whoever can find the TWO Goonies shout-outs in previous episode of Decor It Yourself gets a TREASURE! ARRRRRRRG! Just comment below on the two episodes you see Goonies paraphernalia in. Whoever names both of the episodes correctly, will get some booty. Pirate booty, not mine.

DIY Your Bathroom

Tue, 24 Jun 2008 13:17:18 EDT

Our restooms are the rooms in our home that sometimes get left out in when it comes to style and decor. There are plenty of projects you can create out of something as simple as old towels. This week's show features some ideas for you to get started. One great project for you and your loo is August Cannibalism's rad robe made out of extra bath towels. Here is the step-by-step instructions to creating a cozy robe.

Don't forget to recycle your toilet paper rolls when they are done.

They go in with the paper and cardboard recycling. Keep a little bag or bin under the sink to make thie green habit easy. You'll be AMAZED at how fast they accumulate.

TOOLBOX CONTEST WINNER!!!

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 16:19:19 EDT

Mad props to Viva la Ruthless from the forums who WON the Toolbox Contest. Her rad tutorial for her stencil projects can be seen in today's episode of Decor It Yourself. The final product of her hard work was so cool, AND the tutorial sharing how she did this was so helpful, that the judges all agreed that Viva la Ruthless deserved to win.

Jewelry Organization

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 15:44:59 EDT

My jewelry collection is made up of beautiful vintage pieces handed down to me from my mom and grandmother, and new, fun pieces I have found on my own. My fantastic fiance` has given me a fair share of bling through the years, and I have found some favorites at flea markets and antique stores. My problem is always how to store and organize these lovely pieces in a way that does them justice.

Your vintage dishes and tea cups work wonderfully as a way to keep your treasured pieces from getting into a mangled mess. Colored glasses and Mason jars that are varying heights are great to hang your earrings on. You can see them all, and keep them together in pairs.

How do you organize your baubles and bling?

All Up In Your Grill Piece

Tue, 10 Jun 2008 14:37:46 EDT

This week's episode of Decor It Yourself is a tribute to our dad's and a grilling 101 Guide. However, there are a few fun elements that are required for a good grill-out that must not forget.

#1- A cool and cute Summer outfit. You get EVEN hotter over an open flame and want to look your best while sweating it out over your veggies.

#2- A protective ovenmit that matches same-said Summer outfit.

#3- Dogs. Dogs are a requirement in all of my social or non-social activities. I highly recommend them for all occasions.

If you can not rescue your own, you can watch other people's animals at Ultra Kawaii. But this will only convince you more to adopt your own.

#4- Quality Meat or "fake" meat. Our friends brought over some really quality burgers from Trader Joes that were delicious. We picked up some Smart Dogs and Morning Star classic garden burgers that were just as good, and 100% vegetarian.

*WARNING: Gracie is TOO CLOSE to the gril. She got in trouble right after this photo was snapped. Make sure ALL furry friends and kids are far away from the grill at all times. Naughty Gracie!

DIY Succelent Planter

Mon, 09 Jun 2008 21:17:20 EDT

Giant Jeans Parlor! is a rad craft & DIY blog based out of L.A.

Here they make an up-cycled bread pan into a planter for a succelent garden. Another way to re-purpose an item you may otherwise throw away when old or rusted.

You can use this method of adding drainage to lots of household items. What re-used housewares have YOU used as planters or indoor gardens? Send pictures to tips@threadbanger.com to be featured on 'Decor It Yourself'!

Inspiration for your Backyard Overhaul

Tue, 03 Jun 2008 12:25:41 EDT

I just love this red patio lounge in Todos Santos in Baja was found in Apartment Therapy. This month is garden month over on AT, so head on over to find inspiration for YOUR patio/deckbackyard revamp. Take pictures before and after and send them to tips@threadbanger.com

They also feature this recycled and refreshing "canned" garden. I just LOVE how this family took old tomato sauce and coffee cans and reused them in such a creative way.

They just took off the labels, added a coat of blue spray paint, and..................

VOILA! They have a brand new, colorful garden. What is your outdoor inspiration? How are you re-purposing used objects to serve your plants? If you need some more ideas and inspiration, check back to Decor It Yourself's Earth Day Special where we take a glimpse into a Brooklyn backyard filled with recycled planters and accessories.

Placemats

Tue, 27 May 2008 11:57:23 EDT

In this week's episode of 'Decor It Yourself', we accessorize our kitchen or dining room tables with homemade placemats. For more aesthetic inspiration for what shapes and designs your placemats could be, here are some of my favorites.

Kat Nouri and indie artist Matte Stephens teamed up to create these rad designs. Do you have any pieces of art you have created that would make cool placemats? Perhaps you could find your way to a laminater and create your own!

Maurizio Meroni designed this cool piece found here. Use these cool designs as inspiration for ideas to make your own.

These are the coolest recycled paper cut-out placemats.

You could totally make your own version of this. And if you do, please send your video or photos into tips@threadbanger.com

No-nail, non-paint Wall Decor

Tue, 20 May 2008 12:03:07 EDT

For more wall decal inspiration and options, be sure to check all of the independent artists over on Etsy for their designs. Take a gander at Enough Said's shop and take a peek at this perfect wall decal for your sewing room. These little chickadee's by Elephannie are adorable.

Miss Elly Nelly has a fantastic selection as well with a great dog decal, which Gracie is a big fan of.

Make an Apron Out of a Pillowcase

Tue, 13 May 2008 13:19:12 EDT

This week's episode of 'Decor It Yourself' shows you how to make an apron out of your recycled jeans. I just saw this cool article about how to make an apron out of an old pillowcase from curbly. Very innovative, refreshing and totally recycled. I always find lovely Vera pillowcases without a matching sheet and now I know what to do with them.

You can find the whole tutorial at Craft Chi. What aprons have you made out of unexpected materials? How do you recycle old sheets or jeans to create something new?