Straw Bag Remake

Hello hello!

The basket/ratten/wicker bag trend is everywhere right now! I love it and want one in every shape!

I'm sure that is the reason that when the handles on this thrifted basket/beach bag ripped, it went from being placed into the trash pile to immediately placing it into the refashion pile. I am so pathetic. Even when I throw something away, I take it out of the trash. Haha!

The truth is, the straw handles rubbed uncomfortably into my shoulders when the bag was overfilled - which, as you mama's know, it is ALWAYS overfilled. The idea to make leather straps in place of the straw ones only came into mind when they conveniently ripped.

You do not have to wait for that moment to happen to you! You can carefully cut yours off and remake them- It's so easy! Here's what you will need:

Leather - I bought a decent piece in the "scraps" leather section of our local fabric store
Leather hole puncher -Michaels
Screw Posts (Brackets) - Hobby Lobby

Cut two strips of leather, about 3 inches thick, 30 inches long. Loop through exsisting slots or wider if you prefer. The good news- with a basket weave, you have many hole options. Make sure to leave enough room/lip on top to support your handles.

Using the leather hole maker, punch a few holes until you have the size you need for your brackets. 

Push the bottom piece through and screw on the end. 

Repeat to other 3 areas. :) Make the handles the way you would normally hold a bag, one side with one side. 

Wear to your next beach getaway. Or to a picnic. Or to your Monday grocery store shopping :)

 

 

Even helpful for carrying sticks :)

It's also great for holding peonies from your garden that you cant stop obsessing over. Please forgive me for the flood of images you will see. I. Cant. Stop. 

 (My sweet girl BTS, hand modeling for me)

What were we talking about again? Oh, right, the bag ;)

I love love the way it turned out and the leather is so soft and flexible on my shoulder.. No longer will my husband complain about me over packing it. well, not right away at least. :)

We took these pictures on Mother's Day and the day was refreshing and satisfying. I feel truly so blessed to be a mother and it's nice to soak in those reminders that it is a GIFT to bear that title. To hear the stories about how fast time really does fly. Take a moment and breathe in the present, dear readers! Rejoice in the now, in the place you are at. It won't always be like this. (Totally going country song on you)

My dress is from here! This is a similar one shoulder look. And love this striped dress too! This one is sitting pretty in my cart waiting for a sale :/

Have a wonderful week! Thank you for reading!

With Love,

Viktoria

Pop of Red: DIY Silk Tie Up Sandals

Hello!

Have you been loving all the lace-up sandals lately? I really fell for the gladiator style. What screams summer getaway / easy- breezy more then sandals with brightly colored silk ties?? I didn't want to buy yet another pair of sandals and knew I had a pair that haven't been getting worn. I was right- I had these simple black strappy ones from Old Navy that I didn't feel guilty to put a knife to. Add a printed scarf (thrift store find) that's been waiting to be cut up and you have your supplies for this tutorial! :)

Lucky find!!

1. Cut strips of about 2 inches. If you want more dramatic straps you can cut them thicker.

2. Fold in half with the pattern inside and sew down the open edge. I used zig-zag stitch because the scarf was slippery satinish.

3. Using a safety pin, lope one end and pull through itself to make it "inside out" exposing the pattern.

4. My scarf was a handkerchief size. I sewed two strips together for each sandal. (4 total strips) I knotted the tips to keep from fraying.

If you have a pair of sandals that has at least one loop (like mine has in the back) you can make these!

I used an exacto-knife to cut off the straps on the left and right sides.

After making your ties, loop the folded strap around the middle of top strap.

Criss-cross through the back loop.

Ta-Da! Loved the pop of color this adds to an outift! We have been experiencing odd cold weather (IT's MAY- so weird) but imagine these with a maxi dress! A white flowy shirt?

Ta-Da! Love the pop of color this adds to an outift! We have been experiencing odd cold weather (IT's MAY- so weird) but imagine these with a maxi dress! A white flowy shirt?

If you rather buy here are some very cute options *Or perhaps to get you inspired!! Hope you decide to try this!

Inspiration right here!

Cute and simple ties

The REAL DEAL! All the heart eyes. But I hope to buy a pair in person one day :)

With Love,

 Viktoria