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This week Hello Sweet Taco recreates the unique look of Icelandic singer-songwriter Bjork.
Björk was the Lady Gaga of the 90’s, her fashion was questionable at times but with her charm and grace she always managed to pull it off . She made her beautiful windswept hair look effortless and her make-up was often very delicate and simplistic, using soft pinks and neutral tones. I will forever love her bold fashion choice of the swan dress; it has inspired so many other great creative ventures. This pretty DIY style will show you how to transform yourself into the quirky Icelandic singer.
We head to Westerly, Rhode Island to explore the chic black & white sewing room of Karen from Sew Many Ways.
"My favorite thing about my sewing-craft room is the natural light from all the windows. My sewing room has been in so many different places in our home over years, like the basement and small closets, so the windows really make all the difference for me."
Tell us about your space?
We live in Westerly, Rhode Island and have been here for over 26 years. My sewing-craft room was a three season porch at the back of our home. It is located right off the family room, so I am still close to all the action that goes on in the house! The room is 12 feet by 25 feet with a full long wall of just windows. The room is all mine for sewing, crafting and my office and blogging work. However, I always have comfy chairs in there for my family to come in, sit for a while and visit. My sewing/craft room is where I do everything from quilting, sewing, painting, gluing, creating etc. You name it...if I do it...I do it in my craft room! I have the room broken down into areas. I have a crafting area, sewing, fabric cutting, gluing station, office area etc. This makes for better organization and less stress while trying to work and find things.
What have you done to make your space cosy, beautiful or inspiring?
I think paint is the most important thing in my workspace. I have painted old pieces of furniture all the same color black. It helps to unify all the pieces, but it's also a great backdrop for all the things that I make in my space.
How do you keep organized?
Organizing is my main hobby. I love it so much, I wish I could make a living at it! I organize and label everything in my craft space and the whole house too...everything! If things are organized and have a "place", there is less stress and more time to create, because you're not spending valuable minutes searching for things. Having things organized makes it easier for me and the whole family.
Any tips & tricks for organising supplies?
I have used so many things to keep things neat and tidy. I've used galvanized buckets, plastic shoe boxes, cardboard boxes covered with fabric, painted coffee cans and wire baskets. Look past the obvious storage solutions that you can buy in the store and try to recycle things you already have. I little paint or fabric can unify anything and make your space sing.
Which are your favourite possessions and are there any of your own creations on display?
My favorite possessions are little things that no one would even look twice at. They are my mom's sewing tools...her thimble, a little wooden tracing wheel and a pincushion. Special memories of her that I wouldn't trade for anything. I do have a few quilts on display that were my first creations years ago. The first quilt I ever made was for my husband and the first quilt I hand quilted was for my mom.
How do you organise your inspiration and ideas?
Inspiration is everywhere, but I do keep them in 2 places. I tear out magazines pages and store them in plastic protector sheets in a three ring binder organized by category and of course who could live without Pinterest!!
Where do you look for inspiration?
I look for inspiration everywhere, but for me what inspires me to create something or come up with new ideas is the "need" for it. What I mean by that is, finding the solution to a problem is what makes me think beyond the norm to find the answer. As the famous quote goes, "necessity is the mother of invention".
If you had three wishes, what would you do to make it the dream space?
I really couldn't wish for more in my space. It really is a dream come true. However, if I had to pick a couple things they would be...
1. Heat. I know that sounds crazy, but my room is a three season porch and there was never a heat source added to that room. I have to use a space heater in the winter!!
2. More pot lights in the ceiling. Although I have great natural light during the day, I wish I had a few more lights in the ceiling for when I work at night.
Make sure to check out Sew Many Ways for craft ideas, recipes and blogging tips »
We head to Dorset to tour the cosy kitchen of Honeybun's baker Emma."I love having photos around me- and paintings/images with personal meaning- done by friends & family. There are loads of cushions, blankets- reindeer skin & sheepskin all very tactile."
Tell us about your space?
We have a shared Honeybuns office which is an old portable classroom – but done out with proper vintage finds. Including a royal shelf of old coronation mugs. This tends to be quite buzzy & high energy. I also work in an office- cum snug room in the house- painted deep red & lined with books & quirky bits & bobs inc a papier mache zebra’s head wearing fluorescent green head phones- our little boy loves it! There’s an old leather chesterfield in there, so instead of working alone people invariably snuggle up for a chat whilst I’m “working”. Our family kitchen doubles up as back up test kitchen- it’s in our house & is big enough for kitchen table & chairs but the work surfaces are limited. It doubles up as Honeybuns special meetings venue, family HQ, vino fuelled girls nights! Shared with the rest of the family, Matt & two little boys, Winnie & Lorne. I love the homely feel & that everything pretty much in it holds special meaning. The units were made from old Elm by a friend, pottery collected from flea markets or received as gifts, old tins collected over the years. In the kitchen it’s obvious baking & I then write recipes up & do business tasks- eg designing packaging etc in the office.
What have you done to make your space cosy, beautiful or inspiring?
I love having photos around me- and paintings/images with personal meaning- done by friends & family. There are loads of cushions, blankets- reindeer skin & sheepskin all very tactile.
How do you keep organized?
I’m really messy- I’m very visual too- so large pinboards are a life saver- I whack any snippets/ cut outs on there. I tend to use real life pinboards more than on the computer.
I have “in tray” drawers in a little painted chest in the kitchen- out of sight out of mind! I can then dip in and out at leisure. If I’m faced with an overflowing intray on my desk I tend to get mental wheel spin. We’re lucky in that we have another test kitchen located in our Bee Shack Café- ingredients are stored in kilner jars, reclaimed enamel pots & canisters & terracotta vessels- all very higgledy pig. But it works.
Any tips & tricks for organising supplies?
Keeping bigger bins for larger amounts & decanting smaller amounts into kilner jars & popping them onto a-z labeled shelving- right by your work station or surface. I love having all spices, dried fruit, extracts, everything a-zeeeed & visible- this alone inspires me & reminds me of all the possibilities yet to be realized!
We also label all storage receptacles- never relying on memory. We aim to make everything look as attractive as possible- so we use old luggage tags or blackboard paint & chalk- this in itself is motivating- looking at aesthetically pleasing things each day.
We also label all storage receptacles- never relying on memory. We aim to make everything look as attractive as possible- so we use old luggage tags or blackboard paint & chalk- this in itself is motivating- looking at aesthetically pleasing things each day.
Which are your favourite possessions and are there any of your own creations on display?
We have all of our past, present & future drafted marketing material- be it cakeboards, newsletters, gift wrap ribbon on a big pin board in the Honeybuns shared office. We also have a “brand beam” in the test kitchen/café- where we pop significant/happy photos of the team/awards/designs/news snippets. Otherwise they tend to stay stored unseen.
I love our collection of preloved, battered around the edges kitchen utensils- the ones with brightly coloured handles- we keep them stored coloured handles up in old earthen ware Somerset cider jugs.They look cheerful , add character & are a joy to use. The other thing would be our egg yolk coloured Aga in the house.
We have all of our past, present & future drafted marketing material- be it cakeboards, newsletters, gift wrap ribbon on a big pin board in the Honeybuns shared office. We also have a “brand beam” in the test kitchen/café- where we pop significant/happy photos of the team/awards/designs/news snippets. Otherwise they tend to stay stored unseen.
How do you organise your inspiration and ideas?
Pinboards. Aforementioned. Brand beam also.
Where do you look for inspiration?
Anywhere! Very often not in the food scene. We wish to be doing things that are genuinely unique rather than mimicking others in the same field. Mother nature does a grand job of inspiring us. Our Pippin Apple day fliers were v. much inspired by our community orchard.
Out running in the countryside- colours spring out, as do outlines & shapes. My little ones old vintage story books are also excellent feast for the eyes.
If you had three wishes, what would you do to make it the dream space?
1. Doors opening out straight into the garden/outside space
2. Space for a-z labeling & storage of everything
3. A lovely tream to drop by & have a chat with you in those too quiet moments.
Make sure to check out the Honeybuns website for delicious gluten-free baking »
By
pupa c.
Outfit details:
- Dress - hand-made (see below)
- Shoes - swedish hasbeens
- Socks - soxi
- See-through top - second hand
DIY Easy Poofy Dress
Recreate the look with Eline's Easy Poofy Dress tutorial:
How would you describe your style?
Eclectic, colourful, childlike, nostalgic.
What's your favourite piece in your wardrobe?
My leopard coat because I have so many fond memories surrounding it! It was the very first second hand, or even vintage piece, I bought and it introduced me to the world of second hand clothing and also to the delicious world of dressing a little extraordinary without having to spend too much money.
Who are your style icons?
nimals, plants, Björk, Marlena Yayoi Kusama, and my own friends!
Do you have any favourite designers?
Walter Van Beirendonck, Yves Saint Laurent, Louise Gray, Rei Kawabuko are several among a few all-time favorites an lately I'm really liking Thom Browne too!
Where are your favourite places to shop for new clothes clothes?
Actual new clothes, as in not second hand? I believe I don't have any favorite shop for that any more!
Do you make or customise your outfits?
Mostly I customize but occasionally I'll make an easy skirt or dress.
Do you have any great tips for mixing up and personalising an outfit?
Try to not go for obvious combinations and let dressing yourself be a game.
We head up to Iceland today to go behind the scenes of Scrappalicious and see how Anna keeps her studio organized."I love colors and even though my furniture is mostly white/light I like to add a bit of spice with colors. And I do love to light a candle during the winter."
Tell us about your space?
My craft room is a reasonably sized room next to my living room. My craft room also functions as the family computer room so it is in use every single day. One of my fave parts (besides about having my own craft room) is the large window - it lets so much natural light in the room and I do love how cozy that is. I do all kinds of crafts in my studio - scrapbooking, card-making, altering and of course all the gift wrapping! ;o)
This room is where I get crafty and it's also great to have all my work related things in this room.
What have you done to make your space cosy, beautiful or inspiring?
I love colors and even though my furniture is mostly white/light I like to add a bit of spice with colors. And I do love to light a candle during the winter.
How do you keep organized?
I don't like to have things too messy when i am creating, I admit I tend to get a bit messy at times but I like to clean up between projects!
Any tips & tricks for organising supplies?
Ohh my word! My stash is ever growing but I keep it all in my room. IKEA is my go to store and I just love how many things you can find that aren't that expensive. I love the kitchen department because you can find lots of pretty things that work perfectly for storing all things crafty.
Which are your favourite possessions and are there any of your own creations on display?
My fave tool is my pink misting mat from Tattered Angels - it makes misting so mu more fun and is easy to clean! ;o) I have layouts up, some altered boxes and mini albums too.
How do you organise your inspiration and ideas?
I have two little notebooks where I write down ideas and store photos that inspire me.
Where do you look for inspiration?
The internet is an endless resource and I must admit I am a Pinterest-addict. Designer websites, magazines and just looking around your own home can give you so many ideas.
If you had three wishes, what would you do to make it the dream craft space?
Hhhmmmm ... I would love to have a table that I could stand and create, bigger room (I guess I can never have too much space) and a better lamp! :D
Make sure to check out Anna's blog for Scrappalicious »
This week vodkaamermaidd recreates the look of Welsh singer Marina Diamandis from Marina & The Diamonds.
Marina has a cute lolita style that perfectly fits her Electra Heart alter ego.
Outfit details:
- Blouse - thrifted, then altered by me
- Shorts - thrifted
- Shoes - won on a giveaway
DIY Fringe & Tassel T-Shirt
Recreate the look with Adrian's Fringe & Tassel T-Shirt tutorial:
How would you describe your style?
Colorful, Vintage and Preppy.
What's your favourite piece in your wardrobe?
My vintage floral skirt or my ASOS houndstooth dress. They're both my favorite!
Who are your style icons?
I'm in love with Elizabeth of Delightfully Tacky's style.
Do you have any favourite designers?
Not really. I don't really follow fashion like that. I mostly shop at thrift stores!
Where are your favourite places to shop for new clothes clothes?
For new clothes? I mostly shop at Target, H&M, and Forever21 cause they're in my budget!
Do you make or customise your outfits?
I do, sometimes. I love cutting things up. It's just too easy!
Do you have any great tips for mixing up and personalising an outfit?
Try layering a chambray blouse over a dress to change it up and give it more of a casual look.
We go behind the scenes of Paperfashion and tour Katie's colorful office in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
"I try to create an environment that represents my art, which helps inspire my work daily. "
Tell us about your space?
I work out of my apartment, which isn't huge! I live in the city, so space is tight- but I dedicate a room in my apartment to my workspace. I don't share my space, but it does act as a living room when I have friends over. I love how much light it gets during the day!
Yes, this is my main work spot!
What have you done to make your space cosy, beautiful or inspiring?
I've plastered the room with inspiration on the walls, and frequently hang my own work up as well. I try to create an environment that represents my art, which helps inspire my work daily.
How do you keep organized?
Since my space is small, it can get messy pretty quickly- but I try to keep my messes small, and reorganize throughout the day so I can stay sane and focused! I have a pretty large supply of glitter (since I use it quite a bit!). I store most of my supplies in drawers near my desk, and in a nearby closet. If things aren't easily accessibly, I'm less likely to use them- which is why I keep my best supplies right in my desk drawers.
Any tips & tricks for organising supplies?
Be organized. Keep certain supplies in the same spaces so you're never having to dig through things to find that one piece you need. Use drawer organizers!
Which are your favourite possessions and are there any of your own creations on display?
My glitter collection for sure. I keep my pens and markers out on my desk so they are easily accessible.
How do you organise your inspiration and ideas?
I store most of my inspiration on pinterest- so there's no need to store or organize it at all! :) I find the computer and internet super convenient... rather than printing and storing magazine clippings which will easily become outdated or get lost in a pile.
Where do you look for inspiration?
Pinterest... or simply going outside and checking out nearby stores.
If you had three wishes, what would you do to make it the dream craft space?
By
keri l.
This week Keri recreates the rockstar look of Blondie singer, Debbie Harry:
Blondie is iconic and a true style-star. I have loved and emulated her cool rocker look since I was in high school. her punk persona was never too over-the-top, sometimes just a graphic tee or sexy dress but always the super platinum hair, dark eyes, and an attitude. here I tried to put together what she might wear if she was starting out on the scene today
We head to Werther in Germany to explore both of Brigitte's amazing craft and sewing spaces.
"My favorite thing about my craft space is my "inspiration wall". This wall contains clips of ideas, favorite objects, notes for future projects etc."
Tell us about your space?
My craft space is part of my home - actually I have two spaces. One is about 20 square meters and is used exclusively for my crafts, and the second one is slightly smaller and doubles up as a guest room. Unless guests are present I do not share the room with anyone. My favorite thing about my craft space is my "inspiration wall". This wall contains clips of ideas, favorite objects, notes for future projects etc.
The larger one of my two craft rooms is also my office where I take care of my customers, process mail, and prepare and receive shipping of my supplies and products. Beyond those two craft rooms I often use other parts of the house for my creations and in the summer I enjoy creating in the garden as well.
What have you done to make your space cosy, beautiful or inspiring?
My whole home is beautiful and cozy, because it is important to me that I feel inspired by all my surroundings. My craft rooms have been carefully painted and furnished with objects and colors that energize and motivate me. In general I do not like clutter, so plenty of storage and good shelving is a must, so that all craft items have a "home" to live in.
How do you keep organized?
I go through cycles of being messy and organized. When a new idea gets born there is usually some creative chaos. But once my ideas take shape and clarity, my messiness gives way to order and organization. I keep my stash supply pretty lean and keep only those things at hand which I need for my current project. Once a project is finished, I let go of the supplies related to that project in order to make space for new ideas.
Any tips & tricks for organising supplies?
I prefer open shelving systems so I can see what I have at hand.
Which are your favourite possessions and are there any of your own creations on display?
I have a special custom made ruler which is exactly 1 m and 10 cm long. (A gift from my sweetie). This way I can measure fabrics in their entire width. My creations are everywhere!
How do you organise your inspiration and ideas?
I use evernote and online cloud.
Where do you look for inspiration?
At pinterest, flicker, and in magazines. But sometimes new ideas simply come to me as if "by accident" such as when my cat sat on my keyboard and produced a long line of commas which served as the inspiration to my Comma design line.
If you had three wishes, what would you do to make it the dream craft space?
I'd love to have a table with a "well" into which I could recess my sewing machine, the way my grandmother's old singer sewing machine could be stored in its little table top.
I'd love to have a really large cutting board so that I can spread fabric to its entire width.
And I wouldn't mind to have a cozy little couch for the occasional nap.
Make sure to check out Brigitte's website to see her gorgeous fabric »