DIY Straw Hat into Straw Bag!

 HI!

If you have followed my blog for a while (I mean, this was a whilllleeee ago!) I made these leather handles for an existing straw bag in this post when the handles broke off... but wanted to try remaking a bag again... this time a hat into a bag. Yes, you read that right. 

Have you ever seen this bag by designer Jil Sander? 

The second I saw it, I thought about how I could recreate that out of a hat! (I mean, right?? Totally looks like a hat) I also thought about how absurd it was that it cost $2000 :)

I purchased a cheap hat from Amazon (I'll link below in case you want the same one) or maybe you have one laying around?? A thift store is also a great place to look. This was during lockdown/quaratine & all the thrift stores were closed. A very dark time in my life ;) All jokes aside, I hope everyone is well and happy and able to enjoy their freedom and fresh air!! I was pregnant during this time so you will get to see baby bump in these photos. It was also a v hot day! I can almost feel the heat in these pics :) 

So glad to have this out there and posted! Please let me know if you have any questions or comments! Would love to be of help to anyone wanting to try this out! 

Thank you so much for reading, following and subscribing to my YouTube Channel!! (It would mean so so much to me if you would!!)

https://youtu.be/HGONBIUqIKI

With Love, 

Viktoria 

DIY Ruched Fabric Headband Tutorial (Remake)

 Hello friends!

I recently found a dress at Goodwill that was in the same print as one of my FAVORITE skirt (made by H&M) and I had to buy it. I didn't know what I would do with it. Maybe wear it too?? But then I noticed the cute trend of matching your headband to your skirt and thought that would be so fun to remake my old headband into this beautiful floral! 

Using an old foam headband I never wear, this tutorial turned out sooo easy! Finished it while baby napped, even taking the time to record it AND make a video! Whattttt. :) No post for almost a year, I count this as a win! haha 

Let me know what you think!!! Also, if you're not subscribed to my YouTube Channel, I would be so happy if you would! I am enjoying the other aspect of this blog and being able to share my tutorials in video form (even though I still have a lot to learn!)

You can also watch the video here: 

Hope to make more of these soon! I have about 20 projects that I have actually recorded and hope to find the time to edit and post them!

With Love, 

Viktoria 

BEGINNER SERIES: DIY Hair Scarf or Neck Tie using Scrap Fabric

Hello hello!

I thought it would be fun to do a super simple DIY that could be classified as "Beginner Series": getting you into the joy of sewing and creating!!

I found a scrap of this yellow fabric in my refashion box (from this floral wrap skirt I made a long time ago!!) and the print brightened my day! The power of yellow! I thought it would be so pretty as a hair scarf or neck scarf so I quickly turned it unto just that. This literally took like 15 min to make! That includes taking the video as well ;)

If you are nervous to start sewing or just need a quick DIY to make you feel accomplished today, this is for you.

Click here for the YOUTUBE link!!!

Please please 'Like & Subscribe' there on my YouTube channel if you are enjoying my videos!! It takes a while to make a video (as anyone that edits, knows..) and would love your support there!!! I want to continue to provide videos as an easier way to explaining tutorials and DIYs.

Anyways, on to the pictures of 4 different ways to style a hair scarf / neck scarf if you made one or already have one!

1. BOHO CHIC - Pin back from of your hair from the lesser parted side;
wrap scarf around your head and tie behind your head, on top of your hair (not on the underside)
(I love this look with a swimsuit!!)

2. The simple pony. I wrapped the scarf around the pony before tying it, for a more secure fit.

3. Simple pony + HAT! This makes such an impact!! Bad hair day NEVER with this technique! :)

4. The neck scarf : I wrapped it around my neck first than tied it in the front but depeneding on the length of your scarf, you can just tie right away! Floral looks great with a stripe!

Thank you so much for reading and following along!! Please comment if you have any questions or if you tried this! Would love to see how you styled your scarf: tag me on IG @byviktoria!

With Love,

Viktoria 

DIY Thrifted Eyelet Skirt into Flowy White Dress Tutorial

Hello all! and hello to sunshine, flowers and all your spring dresses!!

I had this thrifted eyelet skirt in my remake pile for a long time before knowing what to do with it. Originally I wanted to just take it in, and have it lay on my natural waist instead of my hips for a more feminine look. I liked that it was long enough (midi length as a skirt) and had the perfect eyelet fabric that is timeless for spring and summer.

I don't remember how this came about but I was craving a new white dress ...

(Can you really ever have enough??) 

and also around the same time, I found some ruffle eyelet trim at Hobby Lobby that I considered making into a flutter sleeve top. It all clicked!.... The skirt was a size 8 and could **almost fit around my chest. It just needed some taking out at the seams, and resewing and therefore expanding it as much as it allowed (lucky for me, the space opposite of zipper had a lot more fabric to work with then usual and I didn't even have to touch the zipper!)

I was able to take it out enough for it to fit around my chest (and zip haha) and added the trim as "sleeves". Such a simple DIY!

You could do this with other prints/ skirts as long as you find trim that will match and look like it's from the same skirt. OR, if you have a very long skirt, you could cut off the bottom and make mini ruffle sleeves from those scraps so that the "sleeves" match perfectly.

Another option: ribbon! Simple and cute way to add a strap that you could even add a tie effect for more of a summer type of dress.

I am excited about all the possibilities!! 

I hope you like this video and please like, share, and comment! If you have any questions, I would love to help in any way that I can!!

Couldn't resist getting some photos with my little girl too :) 

Go thrifting- find that way to big on you but oh so pretty skirt that you can recreate into the perfect flowy spring/summer dress :)

This probably goes without saying, but how easy it would be to do this for your little girl?? Find a skirt in the woman's section ($3.50 in our goodwill) and remake into a dress for your little girl! 💋 

Hope you are inspired!! 💓💓💓

With Love,

Viktoria 

Quick DIY Faux Fur Scarf Video Tutorial!

Hello and happy New Years to you all!

It's that time of year again when you make resolutions... to shop less, to spend less. It's also some of the hardest days to get through because you have post-holiday sadness, and the cold, cloudy weather when you are craving sunshine! You could also use some retail-therapy but you spent all your money on Christmas and that would break most of your resolutions, too! Haha! Can anyone relate??

I have the perfect solution for you! And it'll add something special to your winter outfit, for only $10.00.

A Faux Fur Scarf!! I cannot believe how soft and cozy this faux fur is! My youngest girl, Lily, steals this scarf from me any time she gets the chance to curl up in it. Makes me think I need to make her one!

It's a super simple DIY- hardly any pinning or measuring. Under 30 minutes: a few cuts, a few stitches and you'll have your new favorite accessory! Also, it will help you to keep your resolutions, AND keep you warm! :)

All you need:
1/2 YD Faux Fur (Got mine at Hobby Lobby)
Matching Thread

Click this link to go to my YOU-TUBE Channel! (There are also many more simple DIY videos on my channel that you may have missed! Subscribe so you don't miss the next one!)

Beautiful photos by Tamara Chepelyuk!! 

This scarf makes me happy :) Please tell me you will make one! 

Thank you so much for reading! Please comment with any questions! 

I love to hear from you!!

God's blessings to you and yours in the new year!! 

With Love,

Viktoria 

Low Back Bow-Tie Top

Happy D E C E M B E R!!!

The happiest month of the year!!

I don't know about you but I love being a little more "dressed-up" during the holidays! Even when I'm just in some jeans, I always reach for a fancier top and a pair of heels. Something that is a little more feminine, something that makes you feel like a girl :)

This is where the idea was rooted. Wanting a comfy top that was still special and dressy.
I started the search in Target looking for a comfy top to refashion and after not finding anything, went searching in my closet. Guess what! Found the most perfect thick cotton top that I had gotten from Target (on clearance) a couple years ago... laying on the bottom of my sweater pile, not being worn. I am sure you can find something too! A solid color would work best (black looks more dressed up) but make sure it's not a knit or silky/ super stretchy fabric (harder to work with!)

I had envisioned this top with a large stiff bow but since I was using what I had on hand, it turned into a more dainty simple tie which I still love! But I give you *creative freedom* to do as you wish! :)

What you need:
-Simple (thicker) cotton or similar top
-Ribbon/sash for the bow
-Sewing machine
-Scissors

Heres the video how-to!!

https://youtu.be/_0g-Knz9pnM

I hope the videos are helpful for you and you attempt to refashion something of your own!!

Please don't hesitate to ask questions!! Let me know if you tried this or it's something you will try!

Beautiful photography by Tamara Chepelyuk 

Happiest Holidays and all the Christmas Joy to you!!

With Love,

Viktoria

DIY Star Advent

Hello Lovelies!

I have had this DIY on my "to post about" for over 2 years (made this advent in 2016!) and just kept getting the timing wrong! Finally, it's BEFORE Decemeber and I am writing this blog post! :) Yay!! 

For those of you not aware of what Advent is, it means "coming" in Latin and it's a period of time (4 weeks) before Christmas where Christians await the coming of the Messiah (in our case, the second coming!)  

We remember the longing of the Jews for a Messiah.. 
We realize our own longing for and need of forgiveness, and a Savior. 
We look back and celebrate the birth of Jesus but we also look forward, anticipating the second coming of Christ, as the fulfillment of all that was promised! 

Advent is not something I grew up with and it's relatively new to our little family as well. I have only done it a few times! It is a beautiful way to draw our hearts and attention back to the real reason for Christmas, every single day in December, building up to the birth of Christ!! I enjoy thinking of new ways to incorporate Advent into our Christmas decor and love to DIY it! 

You may also wish to include a fun activity to do that day!
Things like:
Drive to see the Christmas lights
Watch a Christmas movie
Make a Christmas card to mail for someone

See this list for more ideas!! 

What you will need to make the Advent Stars: 

-Brown Paper or pretty paper? (I bought a LARGE roll of thick brown paper from Home Depot or Lowes- it'll be in the painting section- also great for gift wrapping!!)
-Sewing machine or needle & thread if you're adventurous!
-Star template : I included a good starter size star! Too little and it'll be hard to fit anything in there besides the paper slip!
-Markers (to decorate or write numbers on the stars)
-Hole punch
-Pretty twine
-A metal hoop or circular form (I ordered gold metal hoops from Amazon!)
-Little gifts & special candies (optional)
-Print-outs of Bible verses:  I used something similar to these!

1. First, print off a few star templates from the computer and cut out for tracing onto the brown paper..

2. Trace & cut out paper stars. If you are doing all the days of Advent, you will need 25 X 2 (each star needs two sides- front and back) so total of 50 stars. The beauty of this part is the stars don't have to be perfect. Each one will vary a little.. makes it more unique!

3. Start to sew up and down the angles of the star.. leaving a little gap for filling! Again, they might not 100% line up but that little imperfection makes it more rustic!

4. Fill the star with a verse in each (and a fun activity too!) and a special treat, mini toy, etc!
Some examples could be:
Kinder Eggs
a mini ornament for each child
a cute pencil/ gel pen
stickers
a scavenger hunt to find the hidden gift!

If you chose to just include the slip of paper, consider stuffing it with shredded paper filler to make the star have more shape!

5. Sew the hole closed (this is a little tricky if you really filled the star but it can be done!)

6. Write the number on the star for the day it coordinates with!

7. Hole punch a hole on the top corner. Make sure it's not too close to the edge or it may tear away from the star. Loop the twine in and tie to the metal hoop (or whatever you have prepared - even a rustic stick to tie all the stars to!)

I added a branch of evergreen for some color and texture. It was so simple yet makes a big visual impact!

8. Using thicker twine, tie around the circle and knot in the middle. (pictured below) Make sure it's balanced correctly and will hang evenly. I think eventually the weight wasn't even after cutting off random stars and it slide down vertically (See first photo) but still looks just as cute!

9. Hang on a hook in the ceiling (hope your husband doesn't question said hook) ;)

10. You're done! Cut off the star for each number day for the days of December, and tear open to expose the surprise!

I hope your kids and family will love it as much as ours did! They ran to it first thing every morning and took turns cutting the next number loose! They also liked to try and guess what it could be inside!

I hope you will consider starting this new tradition with your family! You never know what tradition your kiddos will remember the most when they grow up but I hope it this will be one of them! 

Have a joyful and peaceful holiday season!!

With Love, 

Viktoria 

P.S. One really fun filler I did for one of the stars was a large quantity of M&M's. When they tore it open, the M&Ms scattered everywhere.. haha that was funny :)

P.P.S. After the stars came off one by one, I added Christmas Cards to the empty strings with cute mini clothespins! I wish I snapped a photo! It's a neat idea for when the stars start dwindling down.