DIY || #39 || If the sun were a square...

Today's project is inspired by my favorite body of nature - the sun! I was approached to collaborate with Glade to creatively come up with a DIY Decor project that reminded me of summer days by a lake. I immediately felt nostalgic for sunsets over the water, bonfires crackling into the pastel sky, and that giggly warm realization you have when you realize life is pretty darn beautiful. Welp, now that the cheesy inspirational me has spoken, let's get to the fun part! This ombre wall decor is super simple, colorful, and can be completed in under 15 minutes. Sound good? I thought so! Here are the deets:

What you'll need:

-4 x 4in. Canvas squares (bought mine at Blick's)

-Spray paint (I used pastel colors in pink, yellow, and aqua)

-Push pins, nails, or wall tape

Step-by-step Instructions:

1. Start off by setting up a clean surface in outside open air with the floor space covered by paint protective sheets or plastic. 

2. Completely spray paint the canvas squares in a base color (I painted 2 pink, two yellow, and 2 aqua) and wait 

3. Using a second color, hold the spray paint can a little further out so you can more diffusely spray paint about half the canvas so you get an ombre look.

4. If you mess up, no worries! repaint the canvas with the original color, wait until it dries, and blend with the second color again. 

5. Once the canvases are dried (takes less than 10 minutes, but I kept them outside for an hour just in case), you can arrange them on the wall as you please. I chose a 2 x 3 formation and simply used push pins to hang the canvases. Alternatively, you can use nails or mounting tape as the canvases are lightweight. That's it! Hope you enjoy!

featuring Glade Warmer and Wax melts

I've always been a fan of room scents, but this Glade Soak it in Summer Swim is some seriously nose pleasing stuff. Slightly sweet, citrus, and fresh scent that really makes coming home to my room feel like those crisp lakeside memories may becoming real.

NEWS || Kipi X Oh Lou Collaboration!!

I've got some exciting news for you all! A few months ago I met (via Instagram) the very talented Fisayo (@loveohlou) who is a student in Fashion Design and the owner/visionary behind the Oh Lou shop. Other than her skilled fashion drawings, she is largely known for her colorful, confetti filled (litterally) hair bows! Naturally, when she approached me about working together on a project, I couldn't help but say "yes!"

An important facet of her work is to connect her success to improving the community around her. She began the #SilverSpoonInitiative, which supports the Washington D.C. homeless population by providing a food bank with a non-perishable food item for every accessory purchased. Her clever motto, "Buy an accessory, give a necessity," sums it up perfectly. As some of you may or may not be aware, my entire introduction into creative work (sewing, DIY, photography, etc.) began similarly like Fisayo, with an interest in making something original and using that work to improve the lives of those around us. It is perhaps the best combination of self-motivation: to challenge yourself creatively and to believe creative solutions can have positive impacts in the world.

Alas, let's get to the meat of the story shall we?! The end result of our Kipi X Oh Lou collaboration is a set of three shoe clip bows - all of which have spunk, color, and sweetness! Drawing inspiration from some of the things I love most (pom poms, color-blocking, and desserts), we came up with some pretty fun designs I think many of you will love! Each set of bows cost $10 and, as I mentioned, every purchase buys a food item donation to the D.C. food bank. Check out Oh Lou's shop where you can buy some accessories, her website to learn more about her, and her Instagram for some daily confetti-filled inspiration!

DIY || #38 || Take the world wherever you walk

People...I've had these DIY Embroidered Yarn Bracelet Sandals in my head for nearly a year (!!) and I finally found the perfect materials to put it together! You probably think I'm a bit crazy, but seriously, I've been dying to make these! I've had the fortune to travel many places around the world and I made it a tradition of mine to collect yarn bracelets from each country as a keepsake. When I was younger, I used to wear all the bracelets and they became excellent conversation starters! Now that I'm living the professional life, I had to put them aside but still like to memorialize them in some way. The best part about these sandals is that they can be meangingful if you'd like them to be! It's quite common to make Yarn Friendship Bracelets, so you could double up with your besties and make these sandals as an alternative way to strut your awesome friendship wherever you go. Or, how about about a fun DIY Mother's day gift that you make together?! The options are endless. Best part, they take less than 15 minutes to put together. Here are the deets! 

What you'll need:

-Plain sandals with strap across the front/top (bought mine at Forever 21 for $7!! Here's a similar style online)

-Yarn bracelets (bought mine at Michaels, but also found some from a vendor at a street fair!)

-Hot glue gun or Permanent bonding glue

-Scissors

Instructions:

1. Prepare your bracelets! The ones I purchased cameattached to a pleather backing, so I used scissors to cut it off. If you are using the traditional yarn bracelets, you will have to trim off the ties on the nds so it is a straight, rectangular piece, kind of like a ribbon.

2. Since the yarn will thread apart after cutting the ends, apply a thin amount of glue to the back, inside of the bracelet along one edge and fold the end over just enough so it it sticks down but doesn't shorten the bracelet too much. I folded mine over about 1/4 of an inch.

3. Repeat step #2 on other side of the yarn bracelet.

4. Using the hot glue gun, apply glue to the first half of the sandal strap using a zig-zag pattern. Carefully apply the yarn bracelet, gently pressing as you move up and across the strap.

5. Glue the sedcond half of the strap and complete attaching the braacelet to it. 

6. Repeat steps #4 and #5 on the second sandal.

That's it folks! Super easy and straightforward way to really create a unique accessory for the summer adventures, for your mom, for your besties, or just for your own fabulous self! Let me know what you think or if you try it out! Also, the beautiful embroidered blanket featured in these shots is from Urban Outfitters!

DIY || #37 || (Strawberry) Jammin'

The sun is out, snow is out of sight, and the grocery store is stocking up on fresh(er) fruits...it must be spring! As a California gal living out in the frigid coast that is New England, you can't possibly imagine how psyched I am to expose my ankles for the first time in months and sit outside. This DIY Strawberry Earphones project is inspired by all the fruity goodness that the spring and, soon, summer seasons will bring! Like usual, just a few super simple steps and you can make these tasty looking babies in a few minutes! Check it out below:

What you'll need:

-pair of earphones 

-strawberry buttons (found mine at Michaels, but you can find similar ones on Etsy or any other fun buttons will do..like cupcakes, ice cream cones, etc!)

-hot glue gun or permanent glue

-scissors

Steps:

1. Start by cutting off the loop on the back of your buttons with the scissors. My buttons were made of plastic so they quickly snapped off. Try to trim as close to the base so it is as flat as you can get it.

2. Heat up your glue gun. Gently dab a small pea size amount of glue to the back of the strawberry button (near the top) and stick to one earphone where it best fits. I made sure to put the earphone on before and place my finger where the button could fit comfortably. I then removed the earphone from my ear and glued the button at the location where I previously held my finger. 

3. Hold button in place until glue dries. Repeat on other side. Voila! You're done!

Now that's what I call (strawberry) jammin' to the beat! Happy start of the week!

DIY || #36 || Eye Like My Lashes on Macarons

I've hopped onto the macaron train and I'm not getting off! I'm so inspired by Sugar and Cloth's #Glossaryofmacs, a series of fun ways she paints or creates fun images on macarons! The best part - they are all edible! Today's DIY is a super sweet way to bat your eye lashes at that crush of yours during that cocktail party...or just flirt with yourself I guess. Hey, you are pretty good looking, right? All you need are food coloring pens and a batch of macarons. Prepare for a pretty sweet sugary ride! Here are the deets:

What you'll need:

1. Macarons (I bought these babies at a cute Macaron Van that drives around Boston - Cameo Macaron)

2. Edible Color Food Markers (purchased a pack at Michaels)

Steps: 

1. Like I said, super easy! Simple grab a macaron and draw the outline of a semi-circle. Feel free to make your eyelid as thick as you'd like..I preferred mine a little bit on the thinner side. 

2. Next, add lines extending outwards around the semi-circle to make the individual lashes.

3. Repeat per macaron. It's fun to spice up a few and add an eyeball. Simple draw an oval, add the lashes to the top, and a big circle in the middle for an eye that pops! That's it! 

Hope you all like today's project and let me know if you try it! Share your creations on instagram (#diykipi) and follow my colorful ride (@creativekipi)!

Friday Faves || Instagram Love || Colorful Canvases

Holy macaroni! I know it's been a while since I last posted but I promise it's for a good reason! I got married a couple weeks ago and had one of the best days of my life so far (more details and tips to come later!). It is crazy how much a single day can consume weeks and months of time for planning. Alas, I am back and in action! Got some new DIY projects coming for the spring season and working on some more community sharing posts. Speaking of which, Friday Faves will now feature the many incredibly talented, inspiring, and downright cool people I've admired, met, and connected with on Instagram. Seriously - that app is a brewing pot of daily awesomeness! 

To kick it off, today's Friday Faves will revolve around the world of "Colorful Canvases," inspired primarily by my gal Courtney (@myfriendcourt), who is an artist and art teacher in Atlanta. As if her feed were not colorful enough, prepare yourself for the beautiful connections she makes with those on Instagram through her #Makeyourmark challenges each month. Every day, people are challenged to doodle, draw, paint, or sketch a particular theme - from waves to circles and from clouds to colors. She's a burst of inspiration and an example of community loving at its finest!! Click to check out her instagram and blog!

@myfriendcourt

The next four artists below also glue my eyes to the screen when I scroll through their feeds! 

TL:@theebouffants | TR: @nataliawrobelart
BL: @katefjury | BR: @artandsoulcreativeco 

1. Kendra Dandy (@theebouffants): This brilliant woman knows patterns like it's nobody's business! Through her print designs of lips, lipstick, shoes, dresses, fruits, and color galore you are immediately transported to a world where you wish everything came patterned...but seriously, wouldn't that be kind of awesome?

2. Natalia Wrobel Art (@nataliawrobelart): I've known this true beauty since my childhood days (we went to the same elementary and high schools!). She creates some of the most mesmerizing array of  colorful paintings I hope to one day be lucky enough to hang in my own home. She also has a studio space which essentially means she's the coolest person in Boston right now, just sayin'.

3. Laura Uy (@artandsoulcreativeco): This talented lady can take the most dangerous animals - bears, foxes, and lions - and turn them into the cutest furry creatures around! From her cards to art prints, you may find yourself wishing you could just snuggle with them and not look weird while doing so. That may be hard to accomplish though...sorry.

4. Katherine Jury (@katefjury): This dazzling painter can literally create the most beautiful messes you've seen, in all the best ways! I love her mixed color palettes, textures, and her serene outlook on life. She also includes many pictures of beaches, sand, and stones - which may just make you wish you were in her shoes (or lack thereof)...all the time.

Please check out these inspirational artists, follow along, and share your thoughts! Come back next friday for my next batch! Oh, you can also find me on Instagram too (@creativekipi)...happy weekend!

DIY || #35 || Sprinkles too, please!

People...it's snowing buckets in Boston! I'm busy trying to make my life inside the apartment as colorful as possible because I was not built for this. First stop, the kitchen! Today's DIY Sprinkle Cake Top is a fun upcycle project I did after I found this cake stand at a thrift shop in Cambridge. The top had a thin crack on it, so I simply used spray paint to cover the blemish and added sprinkles with a paint brush! I think it's a cute way to add a lot of appeal to your baked goods (and just might make people believe your baked treats are way more legit!). Just don't forget to add the cherry on top! Simple instructions below...

What you'll need:

-Cake stand and top (bought mine for $6 at a thrift store)

-Spray paint 

-Variety of multi-surface paints

-foam brushes or paint brushes

Instructions: 

Begin by thoroughly washing your cake stand! Once dried, prep an outside space with plastic or trash bags and spray paint the top (though you can do the bottom part too if you wish.. I just liked the contrast). Since my top was clear, I used about 3 coats of paint so it would be a stronger, solid pink color. I let it dry outside for a couple days so the smell would dissipate. 

The last bit is the fun part! First, paint the two leaves on top adjacent to the top handle. In reality, I did this part last and, luckily, it worked out. However, it is much better to space out the sprinkles knowing where the leaves are positioned. Once the painted leaves are dry, decide on a handful of colors you want your sprinkles to be and, using a foam brush, make thin rectangles around the top section. I found this easiest to do by coating one side of the foam brush and pressing it onto the platter. The last step is to paint the handle bar that bright red for a cherry look! It's definitely best to save this for last so that you can use the handle to turn the top when painting the sprinkles. I waited another day until everything was dry, though in reality it was dried after about 30 minutes! A couple fun alternatives to get this look is to cut sprinkles from thin, colored paper and glue it onto the platter like paper mache style. Another option is to buy sticker sheets, print out the sprinkle shapes, cut, and stick! 

Isn't this almost too tasty looking?! Have fun :)

DIY || #34 || Your Love is Magnetic

In case all the Valentine's Day pink and candy hearts weren't enough for you already, here's a quick DIY to celebrate one of the sweetest holidays coming this weekend! I made these DIY Conversation Heart Magnets over the weekend and it literally took less than five minutes to put it together. It's so fun and versatile to use with loved ones, friends, roommates, at work, or to surprise strangers in a public bathroom if the door is magnetic! (Okay, maybe the last one is a bit creepy, but I'm sure you can think of plenty of fun places to stick these..)

Here is what you'll need:

-Foam Conversation Hearts (variety pack from Michael's)

-Magnet Squares with Foam Adhesive (I bought 2 packs of 6)

-Paper/pens/glue to make valentine notes (if desired!)

Alright, are you ready for this super complicated process? Grab a foam heart, unpeel the backing of the square foam magnet, stick it to the back of the heart and press. That's it! I know, I'm breaking a sweat too! Simply repeat this process for as many as you'd like to make. I also wrote out some quirky love notes using colorful pens and paper and stuck them to my fridge using the heart magnets. 

This is a super cute surprise gift for your roommates or loved ones when they wake up in the morning and go to the fridge! Hope you enjoyed this one - and that your Valentine's day is splendidly sweet!

DIY || #33 || Walking on Walls

And I did it again - a DIY Woven Wall Art with less than half the effort! Clearly I really don't want to learn the beautiful art of weaving, but when you don't have much time after work it's nice to still create something similar in less time. Last year, I created this "No-Weave Wall Hanging" which introduced a new way to style tassels onto an embroidery sheet. Today's project is definitely one of my all time favorites that uses this technique and, thankfully, my roommates agree since it's now a new part of our apartment decor! I purchased this Plum & Bow Connected Stripe Rug from Urban Outfitters for $24 and bought about $20 of plastic spring flowers from Michael's Arts & Crafts Store (they were on sale!). Together, with some yarn and glue, I was able to create this wall art that adds a unique twist to the typical woven wall pieces. The main trick is to find a rug with texture and a hand woven-like pattern as a base. The way I created this piece allows for the flowers and 3D elements to be taken off and replaced if need be, so you can always change the look with the seasons or simply re-use the rug for its original purposes! Versatility and colorful creativity - that's what I'm talkin' about! Alrighty, here are the details below: 

What you'll need: a rug (ideally thin enough to pierce flora stems through or with strong weaving - I got this one at Urban Outfitters); flowers and greenery (from Michael's); yarn; string, plastic embroidery sheets, scissors; nails, glue gun.

Step-by-step Instructions: First, layout your flowers and yarn and try to sketch or visually imagine a design you want to create on your rug. Next, to create the yarn tassels, I wrap the yarn around the palm of my hand a few times (around 7-10 times). Carefully slide this off your hand and, with a thin string, make a knot on one side of the yarn loop. Use scissors to cut the other end of the loop so the bottom yarn hangs freely. Depending on the design you want to create, tie these string tassels to the plastic embroidery sheet. I easily attached the plastic embroidery sheets to the rug using bobby pins - just slid them into the string wrapping throughout the rug (this is why it's helpful to have a rug like this as your base with woven-like details!). To attach flowers to the rug, I cut the stems so there was at least 2-3 inches from the petals/leaves. Carefully, I slid the stems in between the woven parts of the rug. On the back side of the rug, I bent the floral stems so they would not move. An alternative thing that can be done (and that I did in some cases when the stems were too short), is to use a glue gun and attach the flower directly to the rug surface. 

To prepare the rug for hanging: I bought a thing wood dowel for less than $1 at Michael's. Fold one end of your rug over this wooden dowl (how much you fold over depends on how long you want your wall tapestry...I did about 3- inches). Sneaky little trick I did here! Since the rug is quite thick and heavy, I knew that glue or sewing wouldn't hold very well. SO I took some long, thick metal nails (yes, nails!) and wove them through the string on the rug as if I was threading them shut. I used three nails in total (sides and middle). Lastly, wrap string or twine around the edges of the dowel to create a line of the rug to hang on a nail. If you haven't put a nail in the wall yet - you should do that too! That's it! Super fun craft to brighten up your home decor! Give it a try or let me know what you think! 

DIY || #32 || Laughing My Ears Off

First DIY of the new year and it involves two of my favorite things: staying warm and emoticons! This super simple project was inspired by Studio DIY's Emoji Ornaments she  made over the holidays. Given how much I love to use emoticons with my friends every day, I figured, why not share them with the rest of the world? Scroll below for the deets on how to make these interchangeable DIY Emoticon Earmuffs!

Here is what you will need: solid color earmuffs (yellow or white works best!), large clear plastic buttons (with pin backing - like these), colored paper, markers, scissors and glue. All these supplies I got at Michael's!

To start, open up a plastic button. Remove the sample paper inside and use that circle as a template. Trace 4 circles on the sheet of yellow paper; these will be the bases of your emoticons. Depending on which smiley you wish to re-create, you can cut and glue more shapes using different colored pieces of paper. for example, to make the 'tongue sticking out' emoticon, I cut a small circle out of white paper for the open eye and then I made the tongue by cutting out the shape on pink paper. Glue everything in place if you add pieces like these. Next, finish the emoticon with black marker to do the eyes, eyebrows and mouth. Once the emoticon is complete, simply place it back into the plastic button case with the emoticon facing outwards. Gently, pin the button to the outside of the earmuff so that it is firmly attached. Make sure you don't do this while the earmuffs are on your head (which would be both quite dangerous and quite difficult)!

Continue making as many other faces or emoticons as you wish! The joy of using plastic pin buttons is that you can switch them up anytime! Feeling happy one day - pin on some laughing emoticons. Feeling sad it's so cold you need to wear earmuffs in the first place? Pin on some grumpy ones! When it warms up outside, you can easily pin these to anything else - clothes, backpacks, purses, or notebooks. Have fun and feel free to share what you think or made!