Analogue Chic

Archive for the ‘Craft and Art’ Category

The terms “mood board” and “inspiration board”– along with “vision board”, “story board”, and “boring board”– are being tossed around these days like petticoats in a costume drama (OK, I made up ‘boring board’).

While they are similar, in terms of being a tool used by creative people as a reference for their work, there are some distinctions that I think are ignored when people use the terms interchangeably.

(Caveat: I am a big word nerd, and abuse of vocabulary causes me to twitch and foam at the mouth. Perhaps I was an elocution coach, or a Catholic school teacher in a past life… Forgive me.)

I’m going to try to outline a basic definition of what an inspiration board is (and therefore, what those other boards are not), and give you some concrete ideas for making them.

What is an inspiration board?

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Wow. Seriously, guys?

No one?

How could you not want to own this?

Well, I had no takers on my giveaway of the fabulous tome, Jane Seymour's Guide to Romantic Living. I can only assume you thought the competition would be fierce and you thought your chances were slim. A reasonable, if timid, assumption.

Therefore, I will be putting this up for bid on Ebay. My seller ID is analoguechic if you want to include this fabulosity in your home library.

Prom Season is open! Be an eco-prom queen, or king!

The Community Service Club of New Fairfield is hosting a prom dress re-sale. They are accepting formal dresses less than 5 years old, which will be on sale at their Pretty for Prom Gown Sale, March 12th in New Fairfield.

All proceeds from the gown sale will be used for the CSC's Kids Dress for Success campaign, which provides school supplies and cold-weather gear for underprivileged kids in New Fairfield.

I will be on hand for FREE mini style consultations, and I'll also display my upcycled accessories and vintage handbags for sale.

Free DIY Fashion Parties for local high school students!

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Here's the latest installment of my monthly series, "Tute Review".  I review DIY fashion tutorials and how-tos from all over the web, let you know how user-friendly they are, and show you what I make. Hooray for arts & crafts!

This month, for your craftin pleasure, I'm reviewing this drapey, no-sew top that I've had bookmarked forever…

No-sew wrap top

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A recap of my Twitter links and other fashion news this week. You can play along, @AnalogueChic.

Make a cup of tea, and relax as you explore…

Photo via TTiK Studios at Etsy.com

Retail apparel hangtags made of soap 

Very helpful selection of black pants for all sizes & shapes. Caveat: skinny pants not a good choice for plus sizes. 

Very cute upcycled gift idea: chocolate box into jewelry box. 

Alchemy, Etsy's bulletin board for custom work, taking a beauty rest for redesign. Starting 2/3. 

Need something special for V-day?

Here’s a list of DIY tutorials, with varying degrees of difficulty, to make in time for your date, or hanging out with your girls. 

Photo via Primrose Design

I tried to choose the most basic how-tos that don't require a lot of skill or special materials. If you’ve NEVER handled a glue gun or needle and thread before, these are probably not for you. But if you’re somewhat familiar with arts and crafts, you should be able to handle many of these, or modify them to your skill level.

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A recap of my Twitter links and other fashion news this week. You can play along, @AnalogueChic.

Make a cup of tea, and relax as you explore…

Shine as would the sun

Cast light on all who come near

Life should burn brightly

– Twitter haiku by @Coyotepedia

Fashion & Style

How to shop (less)

50 states, 50 dresses

Inspiring, DIY-able accessories

Nostalgia

The demise of pop, or why the 90s were awesome. 

Happy Hour, or less…

Fun pics for font nerds

Here's the first of what I hope will be a monthly series, "Tute Review".  I will review DIY fashion tutorials and how-tos from all over the web, let you know how user-friendly they are, and show you what I make. Hooray for arts & crafts!

This month, I'm reviewing a couple of tutorials for headgear.  A few months ago, I let my hairstylist have her way with my head.  She chopped my locks into a cute, flippy style… but it was just too short for the frigid winter here in Connecticut!  It did look damn good (and I could protect my ears) with headbands, turbans, and scarves– very 1920's bohemian– so I decided to try out a couple of headband tutorials.

First up was this retro bow headband, an original by Casey at Elegant Musings (girl crush!).

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Image by Mosstika Urban Greenery

Poem by Danielle Laporte

Crappy graphic mashup by The Editress, who wishes you a badass, beautiful year.

Need some last-minute sparkle for your New Year’s Eve groove-getting-on?

Here’s a list of DIY tutorials, with varying degrees of difficulty, to make accessories.  Just add one cute dress or simple outfit, and let your handmade sparkle do the talking!

If you’ve NEVER handled a glue gun or needle and thread before, these are probably not for you. But if you’re somewhat familiar with arts and crafts, you should be able to handle many of these, or modify them to your skill level.

Guide to Skillz Levelz

• Newbie - you’re not afraid of stabbing yourself with needle and thread or burning yourself with glue gun. Basic familiarity with common craft supplies.
• Sorcerer’s Apprentice – a bit more advanced than newbie, you’ve learned some specialized skills from classes or craft books.
• Super Grand Wizard Craft Master Flex – advanced, using uncommon materials and techniques, with not very detailed instructions.

Have fun! Send pictures! Seriously!

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