Make it: Metallic Trinket Boxes

Not long ago I spotted these gorgeous trinket boxes on Pinterest and fell in love, until I saw that they were a little out of my price range. So next best thing... DIY! If you were not already metallic-ed out from the festive season then this is the perfect tutorial for you.

You will need: Metallic contact paper, paper mache boxes, scissors and a pencil. 

Step 1. Start by tracing around the lid of the box

Step 2. Then use the box lid on it's side to measure outwards twice to cover the edges inside and out.

Step 3. Cut out the shape and peel off the backing paper, then stick the lid in the centre. 

Step 4. Snip into the corners of the lid alternating straight cuts and angled cuts. 

Step 5. Fold up all the edges then cut again, straight down to the edge of the lid before folding it to the inside of the lid.
Step 6. Measure and cut a long strip of contact paper long enough to wrap around the base of the box and about 4cm wider. Peel the backing paper off and stick it to the box wrapping it around leaving 2cm above and below.
Step 7. On the bottom of the box, cut straight down and flap the edges.
Step 8. Turn the box right side up and cut down to the lip then fold the flaps to the inside. You may find that a little touch of glue helps if any of those edges look like they might peel.

Now you are ready to fill them with all the trinkets you desire, perfect for all your new year organising, they would make very chic desk accessories.  Wouldn't they also make awesome gift boxes? I am so in love with these, even more than the originals that inspired them! I am also a little bit in love with metallic contact paper, I am off to turn everything I can find to gold!

Sammy xxx


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Highlights of 2015

It's 2016!  How did that happen hey! We thought we would reflect on our 2015 using our #2015bestnine as a starting point.  You may have seen many of these posts on instagram and so we were no different in wanting to find out what you guys thought were our best nine instagram posts of 2015.

What better time then to share some of our highlights of the year!

First up would have to be working with Mollie Makes on some great projects this year including Hot air balloons and fabric houses and Sammy got to do some great stuff with Simply Sewing for her shop Sew Crafty, did you see her Quick gifts to sew booklet? and look out for something else great soon - no spoilers!

Getting to go to Renegade twice this year was pretty cool too, all the craft fairs we go to are pretty ace, but I think I can speak for both of us when I say that Renegade has a special place in both of our hearts.  Just seeing all the very cool designer/makers work out there is brilliant and a great excuse for a few presents for us!  You seem to really enjoy our haul posts on instagram and so this just gives us the best excuse to keep shopping!

Our tutorials are also a highlight for the year, we have made some amazing things, even if we do say so ourselves, Unicorn hobby horse and Yoga Mat seem to be a couple of favourites.  We love to come up with new ideas and help you to make things of your own.  We have got some great ideas coming up too, so again, watch this space!

Our holiday to Barcelona was pretty epic too.  We had been as students way back in the 90's and so it was great to go back and explore.  Next up would definitely have to be a bit more of a relax holiday though I think.  We love cities, but sometimes you need a bit of time with a good book or 5!

We worked with some great brands this year too, from Paperchase and Zazzle through to B&Q and Turtle Mat to name but a few.  Some great bloggers worked with us too and these are all things that we want to do more of in 2016.

So, it looks like some of your favourite instagram posts match our highlights for the year, lets roll on 2016 and see what is in store for us.  Do let us know if you would like us to feature something in particular as we are always happy to find out what you want to learn more about.

H, xxx


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Free 2016 Calendar Printables

Happy New Year! H and I are so glad to be back, we took a little break over the festive season to get ourselves rested and ready for all that 2016 has to offer us. We are changing things up a little and we hope you will enjoy what we have planned, I can tell you that it includes some new features, a little revamp of some faves and lots more exciting stuff to come.

With all this planning going on over here I designed myself a couple of calendars to help myself keep everything straight. I ended up designing three different versions so I can keep a track at home, at work and on the move with an A4 full page, a slim version and a planner calendar for my filofax.

I wanted to include a little something on each page to keep me motivated each month. I had seen on social media that it has become popular pick a word or mantra for the year to come. I do love that idea but I am far too fickle and impatient to pick just one that will last me a whole year. So I have chosen a feeling or intention for each month and made it a part of my design.

Each has a hand written month and my chosen 'word' to help remind me of what I am planning to work on that month. I am planning on sharing these on my Instagram too if you fancy joining me. @SamanthaClaridge don't forget to follow us @liveit.loveit.makeit while you at it.

As you can see January's word is resolve. It is a month of new beginnings and resolutions to do better than before. To be brave and try new things, to eat refreshing food, de-clutter and make exciting plans for the year ahead.

When I was printing out my copies I thought it seemed only right that I made them available to you too, so you can download them for free, just click on the one you want below.

Download full page A4 pdf  /  Download Slim A4 pdf  /  Download Planner A4 pdf

I love how January makes me feel like anything is possible. I am so excited for the year ahead and now that I have a great planner and calendar assortment to keep me in check it will be even better.

Sammy xxx



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Have a Great Christmas!

 

We wanted to pop a little note on the blog to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

We will be taking a small break over Christmas, but will be back before you know it at the beginning of 2016!  Whoop. 

We have had a great time this year with lots of tutorials, fun times and food.  Long may it continue.  We are so very happy that you guys come along for the ride and we are planning bigger and better things in the New Year, so keep an eye out.

Enjoy some rest, lots of food and plenty of time with those you love, and we will see you on the other side!

Much love
H & Sammy, xxx

 

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Make it: Ipad/Cookbook holder

I found this tutorial on A Bubbly Life's blog and so thought with my leftover copper after the candle holder tutorial, I would give it a go.  I love the idea of using this in your kitchen to cook up a storm either by using a handy You tube clip from Sorted food or getting out your cookbook from the cupboard to give a new recipe a go this Christmas.  It's such a simple thing to make too, only took about 20 minutes, so perfect for a last minute gift idea.

Let's meet yearly roundup

It's coming to the end of the year and not only that but it's the last few online shopping days to get items in time for Christmas and so we thought that not only would we do a round-up of all our great "Let's Meet" interviews this year, but also it might help with those last minute present ideas.