Nautical Dorm Decor {Tutorials}

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I have been meaning to write this post for about 6 months now!  But time flies and I have been SO busy.  Luckily I am finally getting around to it because my favorite thing is nautical anything!  And I know many of you feel the same so I hope you enjoy!

My dorm room did not start out as nautical but eventually it has become that way and I love it!

First are my hand painted nautical cork boards!  Get the full tutorial back here.  A quick summary on the how to is to go get a 3-pack of cork boards at Ikea and paint nautical shapes onto them.  It really is that easy!

 

Next is my 'Anchors Away' hanging picture.  I got is at Kirkland's Home quite a while ago, so I am not sure if they still have it or not.  Kirkland's is a really great place for unique home decor though, and they seem to keep the nautical theme in their rotation, so I am sure you would be able to find something great!

Finally is my hand painted nautical flag canvas.  Keep reading for a tutorial on that!

I got a pack of 9 or 10 little canvases (8" x 10") at Walmart for $10.  When I purchased them I had so many big ideas!  Yet this is the only one I've used so far - 4 months later.  Oh well, thats a story for another time, onto the tutorial!

(Please excuse my pictures, as you can see I made this on my dorm room floor using a lovely Forever 21 bag to keep paint from getting everywhere :)

I just used the paints from an art set I've had forever that I purchased at Michael's.  You can kind of see it in the corner of this pic:

 Then I went to trusty Google to see what all the nautical flags looked like.  You can do your own search or click here for the one I found.  I used a ruler to space out and draw the squares somewhat evenly.  Then I just free-handed the flags inside each square.

 I used red, white, blue yellow, and black paint.  As you can see from this close up it is FAR from perfect, but hanging on my wall it looks nice and really brings the nautical theme of the room together.  After I took this picture I also took a black Sharpie and drew around each square to better define them.

And one final thing: nautical bracelet!  So this isn't "decor" but I just wanted to share it with you :)

I found these little anchor charms on eBay (I think I got 50 for $5 or something - super cheap!) and then made a simple friendship bracelet attached to it.

Its nothing too special but I really like it.  Maybe I'll put the other 49 charms to use soon and create something new ;)

Thanks for reading and don't forget to follow me on Instagram! kraftiekatie

Custom {Greek} Keychains

Adding a new item to my shop is always exciting!  Today I added these greek letter custom keychains!

You can select up to 4 greek letters and I will embroider them onto a ribbon of your choice.  Plus you pick the coordinating webbing and thread color too!

So support you sorority, fraternity, or other greek organization today and order one!

Precious Prep

Check out my tutorial on how to make these cuties over here :)

 

Have an awesome day!

Makeup Bag Tutorial {+Monograms}

Go right ahead and make yourself comfortable because you are in for a long ride!  You know how I love a good, detailed tutorial so here we go!

Head over to PreciousPrep to check out what I make and sell - including these monogrammed makeup bags!  Order one today if you don't feel like making your own with my tutorial!

1. Cut out your material.  I start with a 9" x 12" piece of felt that I buy pre cut.  Then I lay that on my fabric and cut around it.  Finally cut that exactly in half so you have 4 pieces, all 9" x 6".  You will also need 2 small pieces to use as the zipper end covers (approx 2" x 3").

2. Add embroidery to one of your fabric pieces!  I love monograms! Sometimes I also just use an initial.  I also just added Greek letters to my collection.  (Remember, all of this is available to you at PreciousPrep!)

3. Fold over one edge of your zipper end cover. 

4. Lay the zipper face down, and wrap the fabric around the end, placing the folded over side towards the zipper.  Then sew a straight stitch near the edge, make sure you grab the fabric and zipper.

5. Repeat on the other end, you should end up with this:

6. Lay down your fabric, right side up.  Lay the zipper on the top, face down (aka facing the fabric).

7. Now lay a piece of felt on top, make sure all the edges line up at the top.  You should have fabric, zipper, felt.

8. Sew through all three layers at the top.  You could use a zipper foot here but I personally do not like to use one because I can never go in a straight line!  Anyone else have that problem? Any ways - just let the edge of the foot be right up against the zip part of the zipper.  The end with the zipper pull can be a little tricky, but just push it on through!

9. Next sew a top stitch.  I never used to do this because I thought it was a waste of time and thread but one time I tried it and it really makes a difference!  So just do it! ;)

10.   Now you are going to do all of that again on the other side.  Starting back at step 6!  When you're done you should have what you see below.  Make sure you open the zipper now!

11. Now take the 2 fabric pieces, right sides together, and sew all along the edge - only on the fabric part.  Then take the corner and mark about 1" from the point.  Draw a line or some sort of marking there:

12.  Sew across your line and then cut off the corner.  This will give your bag a flat bottom and allow you to fit more stuff in there!  Repeat for the other side.

13. Now match up the edges of the felt and sew along there, using a slightly larger seam allowance than you did on the fabric part.  Make sure you leave a turning hole on one of the sides or the bottom!

 Turning hole:

14.  Now do the same thing for these corners as you did for the fabric part:

15.  Turn the bag right side out.  You should still see the felt on one half and the fabric on the other.  Now is when you should sew up that turning hole:

16.  Push the felt down into the bag and use your fingers to get the corners all matched up at the bottom.  You did it!  You survived the world's longest tutorial and have a great, personalized makeup bag as your reward!

Bonus step! Make a bunch for your friends, sorority sisters, or bridesmaids!  Or order them from me!  I would love to create something special with you!  In my shop, PreciousPrep, YOU pick the fabric, thread color, and type of personalization (monogram, initial, greek) you love!  

Thanks for reading! As always, leave me comments with any questions!