Spring Fabric Haul - Why not?

So I wanted to achieve a certain look around my work space using color combinations and patterns that I have been noticing recently in interior design mags and websites. I decided to visit Yuzawaya (ユザワヤ), one of our fairly large craft/fabric stores (which happened to be on sale yesterday). Unfortunately, we don't get a lot of modern prints and colors in Japan so I went to the store with mixed expectations. I had to REALLY look hard! For example, I did not find a single chevron print in the entire shop! I know, right? But for whatever it's worth I was quite pleased with my haul, especially because it fits in with the look I was after.

Here is the first set with Green and Black. This is a really "in" combo right now, especially because we are in spring, but even otherwise.. Notice how I went crazy over Black 'n' White polka dots in three different sizes! My favourite one though is the spring green with black spirals.

And here is the other combo I really love with Teal and Dark Brown. Just makes me want to smile...

I am still not sure exactly how I am going to use these, but I imagine covering some of my files and storage containers with these fabrics. Or maybe I will come up with an entirely different use for them. Who knows?! Will definitely post pics when I have something to show you!

Also, I would love to here about your favorite color combinations and pattern.. Leave me a comment! 

See you soon.

Really? Decorative Painted Stones?

I know, right? Who would have thought painting stones could be so cool!!! As always, I promptly created a Pinterest board called "Painted Stones" to capture all the creativity around this cool craft. Check out my board here for more ideas you could try. 

Here's a step by step on how I made these adorable painted beauties for literally nothing!

1. Visited my garden, picked some nice smooth (that's the key) stone shapes. Grabbed some acrylics lying around, painted some very basic stripey shapes on half the stone (kind of my style because I still want some of the original stone texture to show)

Next, I grabbed some black and white Posca/sharpie pens (or equivalent will do) and painted some grassy looking lines and circles on top (yeah, it's as easy as that). Filled in the circles with a contrasting color and I was done.

Here is what my final project looks like. I love how it turned out. As an additional step, I might trying varnishing the stones for some waterproofing.

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Try making your own decorative binder clips!

Just the other day on Pinterest, I came across the cutest ever binder clips, in all sorts of beautiful colors and prints, and I just had to try making them myself. So here is what I did with an old (and ordinary) clip. I stuck some cute washi tape on all sides and this is what I got...

Here's a closeup on my washi tape. I am just loving this pretty combination of colors. Can't wait to try it on another craft! 

I tried another one with a smaller binder clip size and a different washi tape. I love the way it turned out. Maybe I will add some bling to it as well. (Note to self: Remember to visit the craft store...) Plus, I am going to make another set, but this time I will first paint the clip white (with Gesso) and then stick on the washi tape so that the colors pop out even more.

Ok, so I added some bling later and I like what I got!!!

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Welcome to Adventures in T.I.Y.

T.I.Y.? What's that? It stands for Try It Yourself (just thought it was a cool acronym)! On this site, I will be sharing ideas and tips around crafting, jewelry design, art, home improvement, organizing and more.. Am so excited!

A little bit about myself. I live in Tokyo, Japan with my husband and our nine year old son (who is also gearing up to launch his own YouTube channel, by the way!) I work full time as a tech support professional and I love spending my free time trying out exciting new crafts and projects all year round. Check out my ETSY shop for jewelry here, my Pinterest site here, my Flickr site here, and my arts and crafts blog here.

If you are like me, you're probably trying out 10 different projects at the same time. You have a passion for beautiful things, a mad desire for a clean and organized home. You might also subscribing to (polite way of saying "stalking"?) several YouTubers for their how-to videos and often find yourself saying "OMG!" to your Pinterest finds (LOL).You also realize what a darn struggle it is to find sanity in the midst of the chaos of our super-crazy busy lives! And yet, you dream of making things better and beautiful.. And rightfully so!

Adventures in TIY is where I will be sharing and showcasing all my crazy adventures in trying to do things myself. I shall not be afraid to get my hands dirty or to accept failure! Join in the fun and don't forget to Subscribe to this blog!