Handmade/ Reinvented Clutch

Fancy Faye Handmade/ Reinvented Clutch

Fully lined, Handmade Clutch

Yesterday, while working on other projects, a wave of inspiration came to me to create this clutch.  I had all the materials on hand and suddenly envisioned them being used together.  It is made of reinvented and vintage materials, from the vintage beaded form (from an old clutch) to the retro fabric (estate sale find)...right down to the thrifted metal zipper and thread.  The only exception is the red satin.  I'm digging it.  

Doily Jewelry Catch-All

Fancy Faye's DIY Doily Catch-All 

Fancy Faye's DIY Doily Catch-All

I stumbled upon this idea thanks to my terrific fellow "pinners" on Pinterest, so when I found some doilies at a recent estate sale, I snatched them up for this project!  Below is the inspiration, above is my result.  Quite often I will see a picture of something I like and will just improvise how to do it my own way with what I have on-hand, without ever reading the how-to...and this time it wasn't too different from the original's method.  

Inspiration Photo from Design*Sponge

1) I started by covering the bottom of a large bowl with cling wrap and covering the counter top with wax paper for easy cleaning.  I turned the bowl upside down. 

2) I then filled a disposable plastic cup half-way with fabric stiffener that I purchased at a local craft store for another project.

3)  I submerged the entire doily into the cup and ensured it was all saturated with the stiffener.

4) I then rang out the excess and draped it over the bowl, reforming the pattern as even as possible.

5) Let it dry for approximately 24 hours, or until it stands on it's own.

TADA! 

The inspiration photo DIYer painted the fabric stiffener on to the draped doily, which would definitely work (especially for very intricate doilies).

As you can see, I'm using this one as a jewelry "catch-all" and earring holder.  I wear a lot of vintage clip on earrings which are difficult to organize without just trowing them in a box mixed together, so this was a great fix for that.  I'm currently making a few more for other areas of the house.  I am pretty sure one will make it to the new entry table I'm making as a catch-all for keys and mail!  I'm excited to see how they all turn out!  

DIY Jewelry Organizer

I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend!  For today's post, I thought I would explain how to make a fun and very functional earring/jewelry organizer!  Do you have a hard time keeping all of your earrings paired and accessible?  Well, this project may be your solution!


This is my first "how-to" post so I hope I covered it fully, however, if there are any questions--please feel free to ask! :)


Here are some photos of the finished product before I explain "how-to"...

Fancy Faye's DIY Jewelry Organizer

You will need:

Shadow box--I found mine in the unfinished wood craft section of the craft store
Acrylic Paint
Sponge brushes
Wire Mesh
Scrapbook Paper and Spray Adhesive (Optional)
Hot Glue or E-6000
Hooks or Decorative Knobs (Optional)
Clear sealer (Optional)

Step by step:

    1)  Carefully and safely remove glass from shadow box.  I find using thick dish towels works nicely.

    2)  Remove any hardware from frame, before painting, if desired.

    3)   Paint shadow box.  Get creative!  Use multiple colors, create a design, or maybe try a crackle finish!  If you choose to do the crackle finish, follow the steps on Elmer’s website: http://www.elmers.com/diy/project/crackle-finish, however, replace wood glue with regular white school glue, as it turns out much better in my experiences.  

    4)  Once completely dry, spray entire shadow box with clear sealer.  Follow the directions on the bottle for best results.  If you like the matte look, skip the sealer.

    5)  Cut scrapbook paper to place in shadow box and glue in place (Optional).  I find that using a spray adhesive works best.  Again, get creative!  Try using photos, magazine clippings, post cards, Broadway Playbills...endless opportunities to make it individual and one-of-a-kind!

    6)    Cut out wire mesh to fit where glass was originally.  You can find wire mesh at the hardware store, however, you can use any material here you like.  Whatever you choose, just make sure it will be strong enough to hold your earrings.  I have used lace in the past and it worked great. 

    7)   Use hot glue/E-6000/Strong glue of your choosing to adhere wire mesh to frame.

    8)   Add cup hooks or decorative knobs to the frame for necklace organization (Optional).  I love using those gorgeous knobs from Anthropologie (which you can find on sale quite often)!

    9)   Put it all back together and hang it on your wall or set on your dresser, fill with jewelry, and Voila!   

    These jewelry organizers are fun and easy to make.  They make a perfect gift and are great for all ages because the design can easily be individualized! 

    Not into DIYing?  I have the two pictured for sale on my etsy shop: www.etsy.com/shop/FancyFaye.  

  Happy Crafting!

Handmade Earrings

I've been making jewelry since high school.  It all started when I couldn't find any prom jewelry I liked (sorry Claire's), so I made it myself.  I typically tend to be drawn to making necklaces and haven't actually made earrings in years, but that changed today.  See, I was in the mood to create but am very low on supplies, so I worked with what I had.  Turns out making earrings is a great solution for using those random beads you have only a few of left.   Check out what I came up with.

Did you happen to notice that amazing china featured in two of the photos?  It was passed down to me this past weekend and I'm obsessed.  Story on that later.  

Revamping with Stained Sharpies

Stained by Sharpie Fabric Markers

One of my favorite gifts from my husband this year for Christmas was the set of Stained by Sharpie fabric markers.  I've seen them used on DIY projects across the web and was thrilled to get my own set!  Thanks, babe!  


So I finally have these bad boys in my possession and my creativity was a bit at a stand still.  I'll blame it on all the holiday decorating, crafting, and cooking.  Sadly, my new friends sat unused for a few weeks before I felt inspired to break them out.

Goodwill Clutch Purse - Before

The inspiration came to me while browsing for spoons at a local Goodwill (for another craft).  I struck out on the spoons but scored with this little canvas clutch for a steal at .49!  It is super fun and with it's cream and plum geometric print and cute hinged closure that I pulled out my wallet and gladly handed over my change!  Yay for not going home empty handed!


The only flaw with this little guy was that some of the cream areas had tiny little stains that were just slightly noticeable.  I couldn't deal with that, especially with a solution! 

Goodwill Clutch Purse- After

What a perfect starter project for my new Stained Sharpies!  I love plum and red paired together so I got started coloring the areas with the discoloration and stains.  Once all of those areas were taken care of, I just chose other random areas until I got my desired look.  I love the way it turned out.  Now I have a one-of-a-kind accessory that I had a hand in "designing."  My new clutch is being used as a purse makeup bag and I love it even more every time I see it.  When you smile each time you look at something, you know you truly love it.  


I'm back to looking for new ideas on how to use my fabric Sharpies...if you have any you think I should try, send them my way!