Paisley Fit and Flare Dress DIY

I still have paisley on the brain and found this cotton quilting fabric at Joann's.  This particular print isn't what I had in mind as my holy grail paisley, but I do like it.  I decided to "Frankenstein" some patterns together to get this particular look with a high funnel neck, fitted bodice and flared skirt.

Paisley Dress DIY

Melie Bianco Bag

Old Navy Tassel Necklace

Gucci d'Orsay Pumps, Camel

Do you think a necklace can be worn with a funnel neckline?

Close-up of print

Hope everyone had a great weekend!

If you haven't already, there's about a week left to enter my Nautical Bracelet Giveaway :)

DIY Nautical Rope Bracelet Tutorial

UPDATE:  These are now available in my Etsy store if you'd prefer to buy than DIY :)

I know you're thinking, "duh, I know how to braid, why are you doing this tutorial?"  This actually uses a similar method to creating a Turk's head knot which results in a cleaner looking braid that does not require 3 strands.  In fact, you can use a single strand if you wish.

What I used:

~24 inches of blue and green ropes (purchased in trim section of fabric store)

Glue

Jewelry pliers

2 jump rings

2 cord ends

1 lobster clasp

Scissors 

Leaving a few inches at one end, make a loop

Bring the long end up through the loop

Create a figure 8 with the loop.

For a longer braid, make a larger loop and more figure 8s.

Thread long end through the 1st portion of the figure 8

Thread long end through the 2nd portion of the figure 8

What it should look like after all threading

Lightly pull at both ends to tighten the braid.  Arrange strands by tightening / loosening to get desired look.

Snip rope ends to desired length.  Add clear glue to ends so rope doesn't unravel.

Dab glue in cord end and insert rope ends.  Let dry.  Do this for each side.

Use pliers to fold the cord ends together enclosing the ropes.  Add jump ring.

Do the same thing with the other end but also add your lobster clasp.  

That's it!

For different variations, add more colors / ropes or change the closures as you'd like.

DIY Nautical Rope Bracelet (buy here from Etsy)

Timex + J. Crew Strap

DIY Nautical Wrap Bracelet