Tuesday, November 1, 2011

DIY Your Shoes!!! I Dream of Boots!!

 Here is an awesome tutorial for anyone whose favorite shoes are maybe just not quite right ( like they are flats when you desperately want heels) or are a bit past their prime...

Now first things first remember not everything works out the first time.. these things can take practice so unless you are just super fed up and willing to possibly loose a pair of beloved shoes... proceed with caution... Me however.. I throw caution to the wind and say what the hell!

So What You'll Need:
Fabric Glue
 Fatty Paint Brush
 Old Boots ( crummy falling apart or just want to make a change)
New Boots ( well newer that you dont mind never seeing again) 
Scissors
Scrap Leather ( around 1/2 a yard or so)
*Courage
*Patience
( possibly a sewing Machine or needle and thread)


To Begin:
Take the Boots that are falling apart and cut around the sole as close to the sole edge as possible.
( note: sorry for the horrible images.. I always forget to take the photos as I do the projects but you get the idea)

Next:
 You want to try your original shoes on with the now free upper of the boot laying over it. This way you can get a feel for how  well it will fit on the new shoe's last. After you have done this you will be able to get an idea as to wether or not you will need to sew up the upper at all to fit... for this pair I did take a little bit out of the heel for a more snug fit. but honestly I don't recommend it.. its very easy to get them too tight and u don't want to ruin your shoes at the first step.

 Now the Scary part:
You will have to cut down your nice boots so that you can attach the new boot upper and slide in clean.. you don't want two layers of boot in there or it will be too thick and probably uncomfortable.


A tip from learning as I went: cut the heel down about 1/2''


This allows you to slide your foot in much easier ... without doing this .. they were practically impossible to put on.

 Next:
 You get to do some painting with glue!!
Put both pairs of the shoes on.. top layer first then the cut newer boot underneath... what you'll do is literally paint the entire shoe with fabric glue.. thick layer but not too thick.. it can get a bit messy and if you have suede shoes like I did .. thats no good.. also it wouldn't hurt to keep a wet rag near by just incase you need to use it to wipe yourself or the shoes off.

Then:
After painting the under layer with fabric glue... carefully slide the top layer over it and fit in on smooth. You do this with your foot in the shoe so that it acts as the last and allows you to get a good clean smooth fitting. Try and get the top layer nice and tight and as close to the sole as possible.

After you have fitted the top layer on the new sole, cut a think strip of leather long enough to wrap all the way around the sole of the shoe. Paint it with glue and then carefully line the very bottom of the shoe with the leather strip.. this gives a nice clean finish and also acts as a sealant.


And Voila new boots!!!

Seriously this is a challenge, but its so fun and rewarding its totally worth trying! I am so happy with my results and all in all it was a lot easier then I had anticipated. 
Good Luck and feel free to E-Mail me with any questions

Whimsically,
YBC

Mustaches Mean Halloween!!!!


 We had such a Great time with everyone that came out to the GED Funk and Soul  Halloween Event at the Pond last night!! Hope everyone enjoyed the Mustaches! 

In addition we would love to see your awesome Mustache and Costume shots! Please send us your best Costume or Mustache shots to:
 YellowBrickCloth@gmail.com or post them to our wall on FB
-http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001890296707 !!

 We'll be posting and sharing them all week... let the fun continue!

Thanks Again for Such a Great Halloween 2011!!

'Whimsically,
YBC

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

We Craft Our Way Through Everything Here:

 Magazine Bows:
 These add a great personal touch to every gift this year! 
And keep an eye out for our home made cards as well!



Mustaches on Sticks:
What a Great way to add a little silly fun to your events..
YBCLifestyles Mustaches on Sticks make even the simplest occasions ones to remember


Keep your eyes open for more Entertainment extras.. 
Cupcake Stands... Cake Stands..  and soo much more!

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

YBC: Recycled is here!!




YBC:Heritage Collection Now Available!!

Golden Dreams Necklace   $35.00

Bone Rod Feather Necklace  $28.00

Beaded Dreams Pendant Necklace $38.00

Bone Ribs Feather Necklace $ 38.00

Dream Catcher Feather Necklace $38.00

Dream Catcher Feather Necklace $38.00

 
Assorted Feather Earrings and Hair Clips from $10.00 to $30.00



Leather Bound Feather Necklace $24.00

Turquoise Feather Necklace $35.00

Red Bound Feather Necklace $24.00

Feather Tears Necklace $35.00

 Recycled Leather Fringe Purse $65/00

Monday, July 18, 2011

Salvaged Drawers into Modular Bookcase!!

Wine Bottles into Vases and Votives:

Ok so heres the deal.. I found this great DIY, but it is def a bit of a difficult one.. and if you are clumsy and accident prone as I am you will definitely want to employ the help of a strong and steady hand ( aka : father, boyfriend or very patient roommate or friend :)haha ) but if your a big wine drinker and love candles and crafts this one could definitely be for you! This is also a great idea for Brides on a Budget!! Centerpieces, gifts ect.. so many uses you cant go wrong.. so grab a glass of wine (or 4) then, roll up your sleeves (preferably after the buzz is worn off mind you) and get to crafting .. 
DIY - How to Turn a Wine Bottle Into a Vase or Votive :  wedding baltimore decor diy reception tutorial Large I
 You'll Need:
* A bottle cutter here .$40 may be a bit steep for you but if you plan on using this for a Wedding craft it will surly pay for its self.
Step one: Clean the bottles and soak them to remove the labels. Some will peel off easily, some will scrape off, but you should NOT use the X-Acto knife. Otherwise, you’ll cut yourself. Goo gone or similar products do the trick.
DIY - How to Turn a Wine Bottle Into a Vase or Votive :  wedding baltimore decor diy reception tutorial Dscf035
Step two: Score the bottles using the bottle cutter. This is a great place to employ those strong steady hands. Remember to maintain pressure on the bottle towards the back end of the bottle cutter. The lines should be even and match up with each other at the end.
DIY - How to Turn a Wine Bottle Into a Vase or Votive :  wedding baltimore decor diy reception tutorial Dscf037
Step three: Get in touch with your inner pyromaniac. Slowly rotate the scored line of the bottle over a candle flame. Maintain inward pressure on the bottle (gently gripping and pushing the neck and the dimple/bottom rim toward the center).  A great system of 2 sloooow rotations over the flame combined with step four.
DIY - How to Turn a Wine Bottle Into a Vase or Votive :  wedding baltimore decor diy reception tutorial Dscf03701 NOTE this is a borrowed DIY this lovely lady is not me :)
Step four: Break out the ice. Take an ice cube and quickly make your way around the scored edge to quickly cool the bottle.
DIY - How to Turn a Wine Bottle Into a Vase or Votive :  wedding baltimore decor diy reception tutorial L100078
Step five: Repeat steps three and four as necessary. Often the bottle will sort of slide off the edges.
Here is the finished product!
DIY - How to Turn a Wine Bottle Into a Vase or Votive :  wedding baltimore decor diy reception tutorial Dscf0370 DSCF0370
This takes a fair amount of patience. DO NOT try to force the bottle. You’ll end up with rough edges, glass shards and a ruined bottle. Bottles range in thickness so some bottles will be easier than others. Seriously, only tackle this project if you are either A) blessed with patience or B) willing to learn patience
I recommend only tackling a case of bottles at a time, because it does get tiring and they add up over time. 

I’m excited, because I don’t think I’ll ever buy a votive holder again. “Found” elements are important to me and I’m glad I could give these bottles a second chance at life!

GoodLuck and Be Careful!

Whimsically,
YBC