Contact Paper Crafting

Contact paper might just be the best thing.  You can cut it to any shape, it stays in place, it removes cleanly and best of all... it gives you the ability to polka dot almost anything! I've even used it to polka dot the entry wall in our bedroom. It looks awesome, but it is easily removable for when I fall out of love with it. 

To polka dot my laptop I used a circle cutter set to 2 inches to cut all the circles. Then, I just peeled and placed them into the pattern. I repeated this process at 1 inch for my Kindle, and a 1/4 inch for my phone. I love how something so simple can make everyday things much happier!

~Charlie

Painted Polka Dot Tote DIY

What you need:

Canvas tote bag, Card Stock, Fabric Paint, Blotter, Circle punch, Tape

1. Lay out your bag and determine how you want your pattern to go. I chose to do 5 circles from the zipper to the bottom. (After thought: If your bag has creases, you may want to iron it a little.  It made it a little more difficult to lay out the stencil).

2. Create your stencil by evenly spacing your circles in a straight row down your card stock. 

I chose to use the 11 inch side of the paper for my bag. It should look something like this. (Minus the tape and paint).

3. Make sure you have a starting point for your stencil.  I made sure  I started mine at the zipper every time. Add some pieces of tape to secure, and begin to apply the paint with your blotter.  Continue doing this until you have filled the bag all the way across. (If your bag is on the thinner side, you may want to put something in between the layers).

4. Let dry and do the other side if you like. 

Enjoy your pretty new bag!! If you make one, I would love to see it... and if anything is unclear, please let me know. :)

~Charlie

I Spotted a Lot of Dots

On our last day of vacation together, we ventured out to spend some of our Christmas money.  While we were out, I noticed that Forever 21 has a lot of pretty polka dots.

* polka dot cardigan  * yellow long cardigan comes black and white too* polka trench* white blouse
I didn't buy any... that particular Forever 21 is always too crowded, and finding my size is always a task.

I did end up with these lovely shoes from Nordstrom Rack....

My first pair of Jeffery Campbells (for $27.50!!!!) and super cute Madden oxfords that are actually children's (for $16.00!!!!)!  I love shoes... Getting deals on shoes is the best!

Have you gotten any steals while doing some after-holiday shopping?

~Charlie