52 Weeks of D.I.Y. // Maxi Skirts and Bullet Casing Necklaces

This week has been quite productive on the D.I.Y. front – I completed two projects that I’ve been itching to make (because I really, really wanted to wear them).

First was these crystal bullet casing necklaces. I’d seen them on Etsy, but never managed to justify the expense. I collected a few casings when we went to the gun range, with hopes that I could figure out how to make them myself. I found this tutorial on Tanya’s blog and a friend of mine brought his drill over to make the holes in the top. My crystal points weren’t drilled, so I created a small knot in the bottom of the wire before threading it through the hole and then I made the loop according to the tutorial. Then I just used my favourite superglue to attach the crystals inside of the casings. I made the necklaces a variety of lengths. I think they look really cool all layered together.

I’ve also been lusting after luxurious maxi skirts, but the ones I like best are always quite pricey. I was able to make these for less than $10 each using this tutorial (no pattern required). The only change I made was to take the hips in a little bit to give them a more fitted look on top. I used dark blue stretch velvet and a heavy hot pink jersey (both from Fabricland). I’m really happy with how they came out and I think they’d be easy to whip up, even if you’re an inexperienced sewer.

What about you: have you worked on any D.I.Y. projects this week? Do you want to give either of these tutorials a try?

Happy crafting!