DIY Long Tassel Earrings

I MIY'd a pair chain tassel earrings back in August 2009 and have worn them enough to see a bit of tarnishing on the gold hooks and chain ...which doesn't bother me really. But since they're a bit shorter and well, dripping with chains, they have a particular style. And like many things, there are various different styles of tassel earrings.

I picked up a few of these rope tassel tiebacks in different colors a while back on a trip to JoAnn's and thought I'd ultimately use them as necklaces. One morning, however, I needed a pair of cognac colored earrings, saw the rope tassel hanging from my mirror, grabbed it and a pair of stud earrings and left for work. Once at work, I snipped and tied them up into a cute pair of tassel earrings that tied my entire outfit together. It took about 5 minutes!

Since there are a handful of different tassel earring DIYs out there, {including the ever adorable Geneva from APairandASpare's neon duo and uber-cool OutsaPop's super long fringe pair I decided not to post my original DIY earrings. But because I got so many requests for it and since mine is a bit different, here it is. {it looks like a lot of steps but really, it's a 10 minute DIY}





* Home Inspirations rope tassel tieback {found at JoAnn's} ...I like these in particular because they look expensive but are between $4.99 and $7.99 {I can't find them online}
* A pair of stud earrings
* Scissors
* Any kind of glue




* Choose stud earrings with long stems.



* Cut tassels from rope, leaving about 2-1/2" on each. {save the rope for a future project :}



* Unravel rope.



* Find three strings on each side closest to the edge and to each other and separate them from the rest.



* Holding back the 6 strings you've separated, carefully cut the others out and toss away.



* Create a loose knot with remaining strings.



* Slip studs through knot and tighten.



* Replace earring backs to hold your first knot in place.



* Bring string around the stem and knot again on opposite side of first knot.



* Bring rope around again to the opposite side {the first side} and tie another knot ...then tie one knot on top of that one and tighten all the way, leaving no visible length/strings between studs and top of tassel.



* Final knot



* Dab a bit of any kind of glue over the knots just to ensure they stay tied ...& let dry.



* Once glue is dry, snip remaining ends, leaving about 1/8 of an inch {unless your studs are small, then make sure no thread is visible from the front}












* Don't they kinda look like ladies in dresses? I love it!




And here are the originals . . . with much smaller studs, giving them an entirely different look than the glamourous feel the navy/diamond ones have above. I think what's most fun about this DIY is you can swap out any studs you like!

Have Fun!

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Love is all around you Love is knockin' outside your door ...Keep an open heart & you'll find love again

What I'm Wearing
* J Brand/Duarte "Suffragette" cropped lace up jeans in "dusk" ...seen once here
* Forever 21 gray scoop neck T ...seen here under maxi dress
* DVF brushed blue suede bag from a HauteLook sale
* Ancient white leather jacket {well, 2003 ancient} ...seen once here
* BB Dakota gray knit fringe cardigan ...size up in this!
* Steve Madden suede blush pumps ...last seen here
* Tom Ford cat eyes
* Deconstructed/Reconstructed Tom Binns inspired necklace ...ORIGINAL DIY HERE ...sadly, my original diy was returned to me after a magazine shoot in disarray ...but no worries! I just remade it, in a simpler version by just layering a few of the original necklaces used. {it was actually prettier in person ;}

* Title: lyrics from Tesla "Love Song" so 80's, so good ...video here ...a must listen if you don't know it ;)

* Magazine fix thanks to drollgirl

You may notice I FINALLY got my hair done. I just couldn't take it. Though I do have to admit that while I HATED the stripes in my last reddish do, I LOVED the final color/tone it settled in. But I didn't return to Aveda ...I just couldn't swallow being at the salon for another 5 hours. So I found someone new, randomly. I wanted to be lighter again ...and she gave me lighter. So I'm happy. There is something about seeing my reflection with light hair that just makes me happier ...like the sun is shining and I'm a happier person. I know, it sounds ultra-lame but maybe that's what they mean when they say Blondes have more fun.

Happy Hump Day!

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Give your Fireplace a Facelift

This is a bit of a different Maeg-it yourself but when I read Tiffany's submission, I just got inspired to offer her some advice!

Tiffany's moving into a super-cute rental with great overall character and a cute backyard ...but this green marble fireplace is a bit outdated and doesn't go with A. The rest of the house and B. Her overall design aesthetic. Tiffany asked me for some affordable DIY advice since her landlord was open to her making some changed. So I did a little research and here's what I came up with Tiffany. Beginning with the most cost-effective to the least. . .


* Decorate it and own it! So you have a big green fireplace, throw your flatscreen over it and call it a day. Also, if you don't have kids or curious pets and there's a screen in front of the opening, you can opt to not use that free standing screen.


* Paint it! ...this will be your most cost-effective DIY. Here's a great guide: How to Paint a Marble Fireplace ...scruff it, prime it, paint it! Seems easy enough. You can even paint it to look like it's tiled.




* Add a Mantel! A bit more costly, it'll make your newly painted marble really look finished. Or, just add a mantel over the marble to disguise it {like the 2nd photo below} Home Depot has only a few affordable options so why not build your own? Here's video on how to install a pre-assembled mantel.


 


* Faux Stone it! Obviously a more costly and time consuming option, but a really nice effect nonetheless. Cultured Stone $25-$50 per square foot ...here'a little video. There's also a How to Apply Faux Stone to a Fireplace guide here


 



* Adobe it! I'm a sucker for all things Spanish and Mission Style ...well, at least when it comes to homes that is ;) but I don't see why you couldn't do a faux Spanish/Adobe style fireplace using some sort of stucco or drywall mud or clay? However, I haven't found any specific guides on how-to DIY it so if this is an option, you may want to ask around.


 


Tiffany, I hope I could at least inspire you a little bit and get your creative juices flowing. Your new place is adorable! I bet you can't wait to get in there and start decorating it! ...and for the rest of you, I hope it was at least, worth your while to stop by and visit ;)



...& a few more fireplaces for inspiration











Sources: Boston.com, HGTV, DIYnetwork, EhowHome, ThisOldHouse

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