DIY : Making a stunning fabric cuff from scraps - Perfect last minute gift! This is my tutorial for the perfect last minute gift. A really fun project, very quick and easy with maximum result!
Here's what you need:
Fabric scraps (enough to cut about 13 circles of 4cm diameter) sewing machine or good sewing skills fancy or contrasting thread contrasting fabric for the flower embellishment a snap button, for the inside a decorative button or bead, for the outside Start with cutting circles out of fabric. You can use a glass or round lid as a template. Don't use delicate fabric because you don't want it to start fraying. I used vintage fine italian leather- leftovers from my dad's past as a Florentine salesman - and it's a gift for my mother so I want it to look luxurious. You can use different types of fabric and alternate them, all options are open! Dab a bit of paper glue ( pritt or uhu stick) at the right half of each circle and layer the next one on top of that to form a straight line: The reason for using glue is because it's easier to sew the pieces together for the next step. Get your sewing machine ready and choose a nice thread. I used metallic gold for my cuff. Start with a first line straight in the middle and then one on either side. You can do any type of stitch. I used a zig-zag line for this cuff.
Now it's time to decide where to place the snap button. Sew one on the back of the first full circle ( first circle from the left in the 3rd picture) Try it on and find the best spot to sew the other part of the snap button.

The finishing touch: gather a piece of fine fabric ( I used lace here) and sew it together with a decorative button on top of the full circle. Your cuff is ready!

DIY : Making a lip balm container from a vintage brooch.

Are you one of those people constanly looking for their lip balm in each and every pocket, handbag or drawer? I have to buy a new one nearly every other week as I keep misplacing mine. No more of that! I have a trick and I am going to share it with you.

A while ago I bought this beautiful vintage Avon owl brooch from the local car boot sale. It was in absolute mint condition, with the perfume glace still intact in the container behind the wing. Sadly, the pin broke after a couple of times and another thing...the perfume didn't smell very nice after all these years.

So, the brooch ended up in the drawer and that was it. Then winter came and with that, the annoying problem of dry lips. After yet another trip to the shops for new lip balm I came up with a solution: I took the broken pin off the brooch, glued a blank ring base to the back and cleaned out the perfume container(took a few washes as the perfume really stinks!) and replaced it with my favourite lipbalm et voila : A statement ring and much needed beauty product in one. I hope this will inspire you to make something new and useful out of the old and forgotten!