DIY - Jewelry Making

Over the past month I have developed somewhat of an obsession with DIY projects. 

My favorite project lately is jewelry making. I've never done it before, not even as a little kid. So to be honest I felt like a little kid when I ventured into The Bead Shop and bought two ginormous rolls of gut, my first pair of dainty red pliers, a packet of crimps and hooks; as well as an abundant supply of beads and charms.

The lady in the store literally had to teach me the entire process but once I'd gotten the hang of it I was confident enough to go home and fiddle around with my beads and charms. 

Here are a few of the things that I have already made (there are thousands of bangles and anklets lying around my house right now!):

Then I started getting more creative and making anklets and headbands - I've only made one headband so far but once I get some more beads I'm hoping to make a whole lot more! 

This is such a wonderful, fun hobby and it's cheap too! The great thing is that I've gotten into it just before Christmas - guess what everyone's getting as gifts this year!? 

I've always said that something you make and create is a far more special and personal gift to someone anyway... when I make someone a bangle or an anklet, I'll choose the charm, colors and beads I think best suits that persons personality! The best thing is that no one else will ever have the same thing because it's completely unique.

Wishing you all a lovely week ahead! 

Creative DIY for your Garden

I recently stumbled across this unique pot plant at a braai. 

We were making Texan steaks and as always I was lingering by the fire, attempting steal a bit of the warmth. Soon enough my eyes fell upon the most interesting 'pot plant' creation and I just had to share it!

Using an old toilet and a cactus (two items I'd never have thought would be used in the same sentence pleasantly!) these guys actually did an incredible job creating a unique garden feature!

I'm not too sure how many of us would have a spare, out of use toilet lying around to play with this 'pin worthy' idea - but it's a pretty good idea nevertheless. 

Have you found any out-of -the-norm ideas lately? 

Please share!

Pin it here! :

http://pinterest.com/pin/252131279109698568/

Happy blogging 

J

Home Décor Ideas - DIY

Recently, I adopted the nickname Pebbles. 

In between working, editing my novel, endlessly moving house, having a number of really heart-breaking personal situations and trying to keep my blog updated, I managed to find the perfect thing to keep the balance. 

I love art. I might not be incredible at it but I love the freedom, the expression. I love that there are no rules in art. 

Using the simplest of items: 

• Pebbles
• A paint brush
• A permanent marker
• Acrylic paints
• A glass of water
• Tissues

I created a wide variety of the most awesome home décor ideas in the form of rock art: from door stoppers, book weights, unique letters to purely decorative.

These pebbles are perfect to fill up those unwanted empty spaces in your home and also make great pressies if its the end of the month and your a bit strapped for cash! 

The personal touch is what people love. 

I have also had a number of people ask me if I can make them some. 

I'll be starting to sell these simple stones at the price of R3.00 and all the money that I collect will be going straight into a jar for my Italy savings fund.








Soon, I will be making more gardening signs too and selling them at markets and online. They really seem to be working:

I know R3.00 doesn't sound like much - but every little bit helps and every day I get a little bit closer of living out my dream of travelling Europe.

August Favourites

I can hardly believe it is sky-rocketing through September already!

You know what that means right? 112 days ‘til Christmas – but hey, whose counting!?

As a memoir to August I have decided to do a photo journal with the highlights of last month… Enjoy!

Getting an early morning cuppa’ from the petrol station and finding a little message scribbled on the lid. What better way to start the day!?

Watching the sunrise over the beautiful, majestic Indian ocean.

I took part in the 2012 Ross Taylor Surf Contest with my Jellybean surfboard. Admittedly a bunch of seven year olds kicked my butt, but it was fun nonetheless. 

Sophie-Lee Madison Evans was welcomed to the world on the 9th Aug 2012:

Chad Le Clos won the gold in the Swimming Olympics and non of us could have been more proud. This may have happened at the end of July but I think everybody stayed out partying until August rolled in!

Things got pretty colorful in the kitchen when I threw together this delicious health recipe. Salad for supper? Sounds dull - but I paired this with a tuna mayo mix and fish cakes. It went down a treat!

I got crafty with some pebbles stolen from my parents driveway. This is a really cute home décor idea to fill up those unwanted, empty spaces. They also make really great gifts! From door-stoppers, book weights, unique letters to purely decorative; you can't go wrong.

 Last but not least... I moved back in with my folks for a while. 

Mom's cooking, crackling fireplace and family nights in the lounge... I had forgotten how good it felt. Make time for your family if you no longer live with them - you don't realize how much you really miss them.

What were you favourite memories from August?