diy – Preciously Paired

Easy Valentines Photo Gift

posted in diy, holidays, inspiration, kids by Hanna on February 12, 2016

Something about Valentines these last few years has really got me loving this holiday. It’s just a fun time to embrace all the pinks and reds and spread some love! This year I decided to make our Valentines a little more personal. Grandpas and Grandma’s always enjoy getting pics of the grandkids and since we always sent out Valentines boxes to our families I decided this would be a perfect opportunity to combined the two. I put together this SUPER easy valentines backdrop and did a little Valentines shoot!

Livy Valentines 2 Mia's Valentines 2 Girl's Valentines – XOXO tablecloth backdrop inspiration from WALK IN LOVE blog.

– heart banner was done just cutting hearts out from my silhouette and sewing together

Mia’s Dress and tights // Gymboree

Livy’s Dress // The Children’s Place

I also wanted to do something for Eric that would be a little more personal so since I had a backdrop all ready any I did a fun little flip book for Eric to have to take with him on business trips to remind him that I love him 🙂

Flip book inspiration from Camille Styles blog

Top // Downeast Basics

Also as a little tip/side not, I think we all know that sometimes it’s impossible to get perfect lighting for indoors. Either we don’t have good, natural lighting in our house or it’s hard to take pictures at the right time for lighting. To solve this problem sometime if I know I’m going to be doing a lot of pictures I will rent a light. If you live in Utah I’ve found this great place that you can rent camera equipment for pretty cheap, so nice to work with and they have pickup locations in Salt Lake, Draper and Orem so it’s super convenient! It’s Acme Camera Company. I get the Lowel Rifa 44 or 66 light kit which is only around $20 a day.

Budget Friendly Holiday Dinner Party

posted in decor, diy, food, holidays, inspiration, money saving tips, party, Uncategorized by Hanna on December 9, 2015

When the holidays roll around it usually involves parties, food and entertainment. All of that can get a little overwhelming and pricey when you are the one hosting and start feeling like it has to look like it came out of magazine. What we are coming to find out is that you can still get a great look that will impress all your guests from just shopping your house, incorporating a little DIY and shopping dollar stores or discounted items. Also fancy, plastic dinnerware makes clean up a dream!

Here are the details on our Christmas dinner party and some tips that can help you!

– Since there was going a lot of people coming for dinner, to keep the cost low we decided to go with a rustic theme to incorporate elements that we could get right outside our door. We gathered pine cones to use in our centerpieces and branches from trees to make twig start place holders. I kept mine to use on my Christmas tree this year or you could let your guests take them as a little party favor to hang on their trees.

-For all the center pieces we shopped our houses for vases, candles and candlestick holders. Basically grab anything that could look good on the table and help add some fun interest and fill the space! The greenery and cranberries we used in the vases we got on sale at a number of craft stores but you could easily gather those things from outside as well the day of the party.

– If you want to know a secret for an easy and SUPER cheap charger 12×12 craft paper is the answer! We got 6 sheets of this metallic bronze paper for $1! To add a little color to our table and break up the layering of the plates we added some burlap ribbon with fringe ends.

-For dinner we decided to do buffet style so we created a quick menu in Word and got it printed out for $5. A chalkboard and some chalk would also word perfect for this! The sign we hung above the food table we created with a font we liked and cut it out using a Silhouette machine and then strung the words up with some twine.

Now lets move to the best part..the food! We’re really excited to introduce you to Megan and Nathan from the blog “Half Cup of Snark“. Hop on over to their blog to see what was on the menu for our holiday party, to enjoy some witty, food talk and get some A-MA-ZING recipes to wow your guest’s taste buds this Christmas!

Lastly, we all know that the decorations and food for a party are just part of planning but looming in the back of our minds is always, “What am I going to wear??” Well we have you covered for that as well. See how our plaid peplum top and window pane swing dress are perfect for any party, including all the ones for this holiday season! We’ll just call this the post that just keeps giving. 😉

Now with all your bases covered for hosting a bomb holiday party we wish you luck on all your family and friend gatherings!

We’d love to hear some tips and tricks you have tried for saving money hosting a holiday party while still wowing your guest!!

Shared Boy/Girl Nursery | Preciously Paired

Shared Boy/Girl Nursery on a Small Budget

posted in baby, crafts, decor, diy, home, inspiration, kids, lifestyle, money saving tips, thrifted by Sara on June 22, 2015

Today is officially my due date, and still no baby. Now that the date has come and almost gone I’m not quite sure what to do with myself! With no date to look forward too or end in sight, it’s just a big waiting game now. But the good news is that both me and the baby are healthy and feeling good. I actually feel really good and energetic, so I thought I’d put this extra time to good use; starting first with the shared nursery reveal that I’ve been promising for weeks!

Currently my husband is in the middle of graduate school, so needless to say we are still living the “poor college student” life. While we live in a small apartment and on a very meager income, I never let that stop me from making my home a beautiful place where we can relax and enjoy being. And believe it or not, it doesn’t require a lot of money or time to do so. In fact, this whole nursery makeover only cost me a grand total of $180! This included both the kid’s bedding and most of the room decor (I already had all of the furniture pieces).

I’ll admit that putting together a cohesive space for baby boy and a toddler girl was rather difficult considering there were many limitations, but in the end it somehow just came together and I’m really in the love with it!

Here is a little break down of everything in the room:

Crib – From Walmart which I already had from baby #1

Twin bed – A “hand-me-down” from when I was a girl

Dresser – Bought at a garage sale several years ago

Vintage Baby Quilts – Both baby quilts I made myself using this simple patter by Yoyomama Disigns. I made my daughter’s quilt several years ago when she was a baby and loved the design so much that I decided to make baby brother one as well!

Crib Sheet – Target

Crib Skirt – Made by me using this simple tutorial by Oleander and Palm

Pom Pom Comforter – Made by me. I first fell in love with this pom pom comforter from PB Teen, but I didn’t have anywhere near $169 in my budget for it. However, I was able to make one up for nearly an eighth of the cost. I simple bought a down comforter from Target ($20) and sewed on some pom poms I made up myself.

Twin Sheets – Kohl’s (got on sale for $15!)

Quilted Pillow – Made by me using scraps from my daughter’s quilt and an old pillow I had on hand

Cloud Pillow – Made by me (tutorial coming soon)

Wooden Rocking Horse – Thrifted

Wire Book Baskets – Large one (Thrifted), 2 smaller ones (Walmart). I gave each a coat of spray paint and then mounted them to the wall using cable hooks which I got from Home Depot.

Rug – Thrifted

Alphabet Print – Free printable from Mr. Printables (I got the frame from Goodwill and spray painted it with some leftover paint I had from the wire baskets)

Sweet Dreams Print – Free printable from This Little Street

Hopefully my next post with include a sweet new baby, but for now I hope you enjoyed a view of this cute nursery! Can’t wait till our little guy can enjoy it too!

XOXO,

Sara

Easy 3-Step Kimono Tutorial with Lace Trim

posted in diy, sewing, sewing for women, tutorial, women's fashion by Hanna on May 22, 2015

5 MORE WEEKS! As excited as I am for this baby to come, and to gain back some comfort, I’ve been enjoying the quiet moments. With the hubby at school for most of the day and it just being me and Addie at home, life is rather simple and peaceful (most days anyway). We’re not your hustle and bustle kind of family. We really enjoy being at home and our down-time together. Really I’m just trying to soak it all in before our lives get thrown into the chaotic whirlwind of having a new baby. You guys I’m not going to lie, I honestly feel completely unprepared and a bit anxious about life with a new baby and a toddler all while my husband is in graduate school. For those of you who know me I may seem completely at ease, but inside I’m freaking out a little bit. However, with all that being said, there is just something so miraculous and wonderful about holding your baby for the first time and watching them grow that makes it all so worth it… even on the very worst days.

But back to the present, this increasingly warm weather and growing belly of mine has made getting dressed some days a challenge (that is the days I actually get dressed). At this stage in pregnancy, comfort also plays a huge role in what I wear. And my new favorite thing besides yoga pants and maxi dresses, are kimonos. They are the perfect layering piece for those warm summer days and oh so comfortable! Not only are they comfortable, but they are extremely easy to make… seriously, like 3 steps easy!

My original inspiration for this lace trim kimono came from a lace trim kimono from Novae Clothing. And, as with a lot of clothing I see, my first thought was, “Hey, I could make that!”. So, here is what you’ll need:

Materials:

1 3/4 – 2 yards of chiffon, silk, or any type of lightweight fabric (I got mine from Joann’s)
3 yards of lace trim
coordinating thread
measuring tape
sewing machine

1. Fold your fabric in half hot dog style with right sides together. Before you cut out the kimono you’ll need to get a few quick measurements.

Sleeve length: hold arms straight out and measure from one end of sleeve to the other (my measurement was 38″)
Width of armhole: my measurement was 14″ in diameter
Length of sleeve from body of kimono: I measured about 5-6″ from the end of each sleeve
Length of kimono: measure from top of shoulder to desired length (I simply used the entire length of the fabric and didn’t cut any off of the bottom)

Once you have your measurements it is time to make some cuts. First cut out the shape of the sleeves, then cut the front opening. When cutting the front opening, make sure you are only cutting your top piece of fabric. DO NOT CUT ALONG THE FOLDED EDGE.

2. Pin side seams together and sew from the end of sleeve to the bottom hem on each side. I used my serger here to prevent fraying, but if you don’t have a serger you can zigzag stitch the edges or use some Fray Check.

3. Now, hem around all openings including the armholes, bottom hem, and front opening. I used a simple rolled hem by folding the edges over twice. At this point you can leave it as is or add some lace trim to the bottom of the kimono and sleeves. Simply measure around the bottom of sleeves and the bottom of the kimono to know how long to cut your lace, then pin the lace around the openings and sew on using a straight stitch.

I hope everyone enjoys the holiday weekend! Happy sewing!

Please feel free to email or post a comment with any questions.

XOXO,

Sara

Easy T-Shirt Maxi Dress Tutorial

posted in diy, fall, sewing, sewing for women, tutorial, women's fashion by Sara on April 21, 2015

31 weeks! I can officially count down the number of weeks before this baby is due on two hands! I feel extremely blessed that me and baby are both healthy, but man has the discomfort set in! With my body expanding and with the weather getting warmer and warmer, I figured I needed to add a few more comfort pieces to my wardrobe (that aren’t classified as pajamas) to get me through the rest of this pregnancy. First on my list: a light-weight, flowy maxi dress. It might as well be classified as pajamas because it is so comfortable– I could live in this dress! This dress is especially great because it is extremely easy to make, and will work perfectly when I’m not pregnant as well! Full tutorial below:

Supplies:

2.5 yards of stretchy knit material (I purchased mine from Girl Charlee Fabrics)
coordinating thread
double needle for your sewing machine

1. Cut your fabric. I used a maxi dress that I already had as my pattern, but you can use a t-shirt as well and simply extend the length. You’ll need a DRESS FRONT, DRESS BACK, and two SLEEVES, be sure to cut on the folded edge as illustrated above. I like to use a neckband to finish off the neckline, but you are welcome to use your preferred neckline method. Neckbands work best when using a serger, but a stretch stitch on a regular sewing machine would work too. To cut a NECKBAND, measure the circumference of the neckline and cut a 1 1/2″ strip that is about 3 inches smaller.

2. With front sides together, sewing the shoulder seams together. I used my serger to do this, but a straight stitch on your sewing machine will work great too.

3. Open your dress, with the right sides up, and match the top point of the sleeve with the shoulder seam. With right sides together, pin the edge of the sleeve to the arm hole then sewing together. Repeat for the second sleeve.

4. Fold right sides together and match up the sides of your dress. Sew from the bottom edge of the sleeve to the bottom edge of the dress.

5. Hem the sleeves and bottom of the dress to your desired length using a double needle which allows for some stretch. You could also use a stretch stitch here.

6. To add the neckband, first sew the ends of the neckband together with right sides facing one another to create a circle. Next fold the band in half, so that the right side is facing out. Pin the neckband to the outside of the neckline, stretching the neckband to fit. Remember that your neckband is suppose to be smaller that your actual neckline. This will allow the neckband to lay flat once you’ve sewn it on. Serge the neckband to the opening, pulling the neckband flat as you go. Fold the serged edge of the neckband to the inside of the dress and iron flat. For a more detailed tutorial with step-by-step pictures click over to our DIY Slouchy Tee tutorial.

It is really so easy and comfortable, I plan on making a few more to get me through the rest of this pregnancy and post-pregnancy too.

Happy sewing!!

XOXO,

Sara

DIY Girl’s Graphic Sweater: Valentines Outfit Inspiration

posted in color block party skirts, diy, kids, shop, tutorial, Uncategorized by Hanna on February 11, 2015

In case you missed it, the other day I posted about a DIY graphic tee I did in lou of Valentines day which I paired with our Color Block Party skirt. Today I’m sharing a second graphic tee that that I did, but this time I tried to do something a little different. Instead of just painting words onto a shirt I decided to start with a sweater and use a single-crocheted, chain of yarn and sewed that to the shirt in the form of a word. I made this sweater for my daughter but I think it would be equally cute in adult form.

So for another quick “how-to” here are the thing you’ll need for this simple project.

Supplies

– sweater/sweatshirt

-Yarn

– Crochet hook

– Pins

– Needle and thread

– Beads (optional)

I wanted to give the shirt a little more interest so I decided to start by stringing some beads onto my yarn before I turned it into a chain. This is all up to what you want to do, but I’ll still let you know exactly what I did. I single-crocheted 8 times and then did a bead and just repeated until I had a chain long enough to form the word I wanted. Once I had my chain finished and after working in the ends I formed the word I wanted with it on my shirt. When I had it the way I wanted it I pinned it to the shirt and then sewed it on with my needle and thread. See…easy peasy!

The next step was obviously to pair it with her Color Block Party skirt. I’ll dress Mia in pants and by the end of the day she is either in this skirt or her tutu. Needless to say, she LOVES this skirt, so you all know what she will be wearing this Valentines Day.

There you have it, my 2 diy graphic tops perfect for Valentines and all the days after. I think after doing these shirts I’m definitely hooked on graphic tees and now want a tone. Anyone have a fav they would like to point me in the direction of getting?

XOXO,

Hanna

DIY Valentine Graphic Tee | Preciously Paired

Valentines Outfit Inspiration with DIY Graphic Tee

posted in color block party skirts, crafts, diy, holidays, inspiration, women's fashion by Hanna on February 10, 2015

As we get further into the new year, the more “crafty” I seem to get after taking a long break over the holidays. So why not jump back on the bandwagon with some easy diy shirts just in time for Valentines day? If you haven’t noticed yet, graphic tees are all the rage…meaning I don’t have one. Funny enough, I always seem to be the last one on the fashion trend compared to Sara; not necessarily because I’m trying to “stick it to the man” or in this case “fashionistas”, but because I have to see something enough times and on enough people before I’ll get brave and do it myself. That’s right, I’m a fashion follower, not starter and I’m definitely ok with that. Anyway, I’m slowly getting on the graphic tee trend, and have even gone as far as whipping up a few different styles that you can make yourself. They are both ridiculously easy and absolutely possible to make before Valentines Day. The best part about these Valentine inspired tees is that it is a style you can continue on wearing all year long!

Today I’m sharing our women’s Valentines outfit inspiration featuring both one of the diy graphic tees I made, and our classic Color Block Party skirt. But first, here is a quick tutorial on the shirt.

Supplies:

-Shirt

-Cardstock

-X-acto knife

– Fabric Paint and foam brush

– Adhesive Spray

To start, I grabbed a long sleeves tee from Old Navy for $5. I love Old Navy! It was either the best thing or the worst thing I ever did to get an Old Navy card. Next, I decided I wanted to do something a little different than your average “Love” tee so I did the next best thing and did the same word in a different langue; “l’amour which is French for “love”. I just typed the word on a blank document on the computer using a font called “Lainie Day”. I printed that out on cardstock and cut the word out with an x-acto knife to use as my stencil. Once that was done I sprayed the back of the stencil with adhesive spray and placed it on my shirt that was laid out flat with a piece of cardboard placed inside the shirt. Last step is to fill in your word stencil with a couple coats of fabric paint, and once that is dry peel off the paper and you’ll officially be ready to join the fashion club of graphic tees.

Along with getting my craft on, I’ve also started taking more pictures again which has always been a hobby of mine. So doing this shoot with our best friend Ashly, who agreed to be my last minute model, was nothing less than fun! We just love this girl; from her gorgeous face, to her caring personality, and everything in between!

For some Valentines Day outfit inspiration, scroll down to see some different ways this easy diy graphic tee can be styled.

Get this full look by ordering your very own Color Block Party Skirt, which is currently on sale in our shop! Also, make sure to check back later this week for a look at the other graphic tee I did for my daughter that I paired with our Color Block Party skirt for girls!

For more Valentines Inspiration check out some of our other blog post:

6 DIY Projects and Printables That Are a MUST This Valentines Day

Introducing our Valentines Prints and Custom Wedding Illustrations

Kid Approved Valentines Party

Friday Finds Valentines Day Gift Ideas

Category: diy

Easy Valentines Photo Gift

Budget Friendly Holiday Dinner Party

Shared Boy/Girl Nursery on a Small Budget

Easy 3-Step Kimono Tutorial with Lace Trim

Easy T-Shirt Maxi Dress Tutorial

DIY Girl’s Graphic Sweater: Valentines Outfit Inspiration

Valentines Outfit Inspiration with DIY Graphic Tee