[Hardware Necklace]

Aimlessly wandering around the dollar store the other day, I found myself in the hardware section and the shine of silver caught my eye. With no real plan in mind, I stocked up on oversized washers and bolts(a whopping $9 worth.)

I decided to turn both into necklaces starting with the bolts:

1. String the bolts onto two pieces of rope
2. Snip both ropes to the length you would like the necklace to hang, and cover ends with tape so they do not unravel
3. Attached metal ends (I found at a bead store) by filling with hot glue and sticking in rope end, let dry
4. Cover all four ends, then group each side with a jumpring and clasp. 
5. Fasten in back and wear! 

 The plan was to make a similar necklace with the washers, but then I found this amazing tutorial for a washer/ribbon necklace and I had to give it a try. This necklace was orignally designed by textile artist Anni Albers, and is super simple to recreate. The final product is stunning, and only cost $5 for washers and ribbon! 

[stone ring]

Recently I have noticed a handful of celebs decking out their digits with sizeable stones. This simple, yet statment piece, is the perfect pop to a simple ensemble. So of course, I desided to create my own! Instead of sticking with turquoise, I ventured out and found these fun rocks in the Fashion District. Each stone was less then $3 and the ring bases were $1.50. I simply glued, waited for it to dry and took for a test try. (For a more detail step-by-step, check out A Pair and A Spare's amazing tutorial) 

Sidenote: Round one of this project I used a Glue gun to attach the stone and it lasted half a day before falling off. Second Round I used Super Glue...and so far, so good! 

[home sweet home]

I have been spiffing up my apt over the last month and I wanted to share a quick project I did this weekend. Since storage is minimal when you live in Manhattan, I have become creative with places to keep all my DIY materials. These black boxes I bought at Ikea filled up quickly, so I took some of the shoe boxes I had laying around and coved with silver chrome paint. I did the same to a chocolate box, added ribbon and use it to store my belts, tada! Instant storage.  

I also bought three mason jars, removed the inside of the lid, adding floating candles and placed on the top of my shelf. I love how simple things can make all the difference! 

[DIY love] My Thrifty Chic

Remember back in Sept when I may first DIY story ran in InStyle??? Well the fab Tori from My Thrifty Chic did her own spin on the paper fastener bag project and embellished her blazer! I love the final look, thanks for posting on my facebook page Tori. To see more reader DIY projects head over to my facebook album!

[diy love] I am Vintage Lover

Have I mentioned yet how I LOVE hearing from readers who try their own DIY projects...well it is a true story. I received a super sweet email from the lovely Jaharn from I am Vintage Lover. I am kinda, totally, majorly obsessed with this jacket she created.  I am dying to try this myself, and I think I have just the perfect thrifted blazer I don't mind using as a test dummy...

I also need to post the TO-DIE-FOR Jill Sander inspired skirt that one of my fave DIY mavens created. SO Amaze. 

Sidenote: Super happy it is Friday, this week has been a doozy.  In an attempt to de-clutter my being, I am doing massive Winter/soon to be Spring (I HOPE) cleaning.  I am also setting up a DIY station in my apt. And may get a like crazy with some silver spray paint... more soon. 

[ribbon bow sweatshirt]

One of my lovely readers, Sarah, sent in a picture of  the sweatshirt on the top left, and I could not wait to make my own version! I simply replaced the pull string with some cream ribbon. Quick tip: tie the ribbon to the end of a chopstick to push it through the hood. I wore it this weekend with a skirt and sparkle necklace, and gave a new life to a casual sweatshirt.  

[diy love] Dirty Hems

I hope everyone is having an amazing weekend! I was stoked to see in my inbox this morning an email from Katy from Dirty Hems with a link to her most recent DIY. I LOVE how these heels turned out, it is the perfect pop of neon, and a great way to try out the trend with out morphing into a reflector.  
Thanks for emailing! Check out Katy's blog asap!

[reader DIYs]

 by Maya from Bye Bye Soccer Mom

by Natasha from Required 2 be Inspired

by Kara from My Life in the Curvy Lane

I have the most fantastic readers and I wanted to showcase some of the stellar DIYs that are sent into me. I started an album over on my facebook page of reader DIY projects, so first: check them out and second: share your ideas by emailing them to jenni.ispydiy@gmail.com. 

Quick sidenote: I honestly think the DIY blogging community is the sweetest, most creative group of bloggers out there. I could not be more excited to be a part of it and continue to be inspired by you all everyday! 

[Exposed Zipper Dress]

My DIY column in the Jan Issue of InStyle! Make sure to pick up the issue (and turn to page 38), and if you love DIY email letters@instylemag.com and let them know OR if you try this project email InStyle a picture and it could appear in the next issue!!!

2011!

It is 2011 and time to get back into the swing of things! I started off the new year with some fantastic gifts from Emily from the 

The Daily Fashionista. T.J. Maxx and Marshalls set up a Secret Santa with some amazing bloggers, and I was ecstatic to receive a leopard scarf, studded bag and OPI nail polish. I also redecorated my living room as a xmas gift to myself, and I added a bunch of DIY touches. My apt is officially feeling homey. More soon!

(Last pic is my a-dork-able family. I heart my sis and nephs)