Let's Make This Red Necklace

Those of you on Instagram with me: remember a few weeks ago when I was swooning over this red and gold necklace at Anthropologie? My friend Melanie commented that I could totally make one like it. And I'm completely up for the challenge! I have a few ideas, and hopefully can get the materials in time for our road-trip to California which we will be venturing out on this Friday. What do you think, doable or out of my league? ;) 

I am a little bit in whirlwind mode right now, and wanted to let you know there may not be a post here every single day, but at least every few days while we are driving back west and spending time in California leading up to Morgan and Josh's wedding. It goes without saying that our trip will be thoroughly documented on Instagram, so you can follow me there (@lauren_tien). And there will most likely be some hilarious moments of trying to cram ourselves and Shelby (our lab/shepherd mix) into our two man tent as we camp along the way. Also some beautiful behind the scenes snippets of wedding prepping! 

Wooden Bib Necklaces, Part II

After making the natural wooden bib necklace last week, I could not get enough. I mean, seriously, this is my favorite necklace right now. So I made another. And another. Are you catching on? I used up all of the wooden beads in my path. ALL of them. Colored beads, and natural beads. All wooden and chunky and glorious. I couldn't be happier with what a little wax thread and wooden beads can become. Take a look! For the tutorial, hop on over the Part I, here.

Making Wooden Bib Necklaces, Part I

Yet again, get ready for another one of those Pinterest projects that I found on a wonderful DIY blog, that could not be shaken from my "must make" mindset: the wooden bib necklace. Pattern credit fully due to Martha Stuart, and wooden bead styling inspiration fully from to Heather of Poppy Haus. 

Although Heather and Martha do a lovely job of giving direction on how to make this amazing statement piece, I found while I was making it that if a few more steps were included in the original tutorial, this already simple project would be that much easier. The wooden beads are much larger than the beads in Martha Stuarts original pattern, so to go about this particular style, a few adaptations have been made. Using the original pattern, plus a few pointers from my experience making the necklace, you'll be well on your way to quite possibly the best bib necklace you'll wear all summer (thank you, Heather, for the amazing inspiration!)

Project Round Up!

I thought it might be fun to do a round up and highlight a few of the projects and other bits of lovely here at Pearls Poppies Pinkies Up. Oh! And, happy six month old birthday to this little blog! Its growing and going, and I love all the support and connections made through the creativity and thoughts shared. Thanks to my biggest fans out there and the other blogs that have featured and highlighted projects. You are just so great. Here we go with the round up! 1 Trio of Nautical Mirrors || Mint and Orange Sherbet.  2 "Others Make a place Beautiful" Pitcher || Sharpie Art || Darling Magazine feature.  3 Tray Chic || Framed art as collection displays.

4 Hand Painted Pumpkin || Russian Nesting Doll || And other fall pumpkin inspiration.  5 Do it yourself coat rack || Just in time for coat season.

6 Upcycled drawer organizers || Birchbox inspired.   7 Thrifted Chair find || For the love of a seat.

8 Fan Revamp || A $7 spray paint fix.   9 Ombre jean shorts || Bleach it and do it yourself!

10 Color blocked bauble necklace || Repurposed napkin rings!  11 Dalmatian hearts || Canvas shoe DIY.  12 Faux succulents || No mess, no maintenance. 13 Hand painted tea towels || Black floral tea towel || The perfect gift idea.  14 Hardware store jewelry hanger || Tangle free and lovely.  

Here are the links for the photos above:  1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10 / 11 / 12 / 13 / 14

I hope your weekend was refreshing! Matt was in Kansas celebrating grandpa Clarence's 80th birthday and time with his folks while I held down the fort. I volunteered with work, spent time with my cousins at a taco bistro (ooo la la), enjoyed a crisp walk in the 27 degree Sunday morning, ventured to REI where I FINALLY found my perfect sleeping bag (a necessity for future camping endeavors) , enjoyed some time catching up with a college friend, experienced some light snow fall (while you Californians blast the 90 degree heat, I hear), kicked out my crazies at Turbo Kick box, enjoyed a bit of down time, had a coffee date with a two of my favorites (one being a four legged friend), and started rearranging the spare bedroom a bit! 

Colorblocked Wooden Baubles.

On my outing to Goodwill this past Saturday, everything was 50 percent off! So coming across a strand of seven wooden napkin rings for $1.50, hands down no questions about it, they needed to come home with me. Just look at the neat geometric shape to add to the already super great price of these wood bits! When I put an instagram photo of these wooden rings up, the question I asked was "Chunky necklace or color blocked napkin rings?" My friend Natalie replied, "Both!" Perfect, right? Create a colorblocked necklace that can easily be untied and used as a table setting accessory.

Statement piece jewelry is everywhere right now. The bib necklace and other bits and baubles are something I have been noticing all over Denver {and Fashion magazines}. I think they are such a great accessory, yet so many of them can be costly. Now, I know it is not the norm to come across wooden napkin rings at every thriftstore out there, but any type of wooden bit with a hole in the middle can be used for this project. Check out your local craft store, or keep on the hunt at flea markets, Ross, HomeGoods, garage sales, etc. 

Making your Colorblocked Bauble: 

Gather your wood pieces, paint, yarn or string, and something to hang your wooden rings on to dry. For drying, I used a pencil set across two jars {The pencil being where I hung the wooden rings, and the jars as an anchor on either side-- creating a little trapeze looking contraption. It kept my painted wood from setting on anything, allowing them to dry properly}1. Dip your wood piece half way into your paint. I used BEHR's sample size of cobalt blue. It is a matte finish, which is what I wanted {and what I had in my paint bin}. You could also use multiple paint colors to achieve a different look. 2. After dipping your wood piece, hold it over the paint to allow excess drips to go back into your paint can. You can also utilize a flat paintbrush to wipe off paint if the coat is too thick. 3. Hang your half painted wood piece on your pencil trapeze drying contraption {or by other means} so as not to set the paint on any surface while it is drying. 4. Repeat steps 1-3 for each wood ring. 5. Allow to dry fully for one to two hours. Maybe more because the dipping process creates a thick layer of paint {I left mine to dry over night} 6. Cut your yarn to length, giving extra slack to play around with once you have the baubles around your neck {I like to have options for long, medium, and short, how about you?}. 7. String your colorblocked wooden baubles onto your yarn. You can really be creative with this. Use ribbon or even a long chain repurposed from another necklace. Make it completely your creation. It is truly up to you! 8. Add your necklace to your outfit of the day, and get ready to wear your statement piece about town! {And, if you somehow aren't agreeing with your necklace. Take it off, pop some napkins in your baubles, and throw a dinner party! Your guests are sure to notice your statement colorblocked accessories }