Skitch-I-Y: Tribal Bib Necklace

If you read my Mother's Day post, you might remember me mentioning Jenni Radosevich from I Spy DIY and her really cool projects. Well, my absolute favorite DIY from hers has got to be her tribal necklace and of course, it brought me back to jr. high school when I was the girl that braided with thread all the other girls' hairs and sold friendship bracelets for pocket change so I could score awesome goodies at the candy shop across the street from my school. In other words, I HAD TO TRY IT OUT! I always like to try things a little different than shown so I played around with colors, lengths and amounts. I also used some different materials as Jenni because I couldn't find bungee cord but I actually love the results with what I used. It's also lighter and cheaper. The cool thing about this is that you can make practically anything with it. You can keep it simple and make a bracelet like Jenni does as well, or you could even make a belt! It's really the most simple form of friendship bracelet but taken to the next level. I wanted to play around with neons since they're the hot ticket this spring/summer, and I made one for my mom's birthday. I kept hers smaller and neutral as she's petite and wouldn't wear neon like me. Anyways, let's begin (image heavy post ahead)!

You'll need:

• Assorted colored threads and/or nylon twine
• Cotton Clothesline or bungee cord
• Scissors
• Beads (optional)
• Masking tape (not shown)
• Glue (UHU, Magnatac- not shown)

Step 1: Take the cotton clothesline and measure out the desired length. It all depends on how you want to do your necklace. If you want it single then you can cut as long or short as you wish. If you're going to do a bib necklace like me, I recommend cutting one long strand of about 30"(so you could wear it of the length of your liking) and the rest is up to you. My initial tube was of 9" so it would fall nicely on my decolleté. For each tube you will use three clothesline cords. For the first one you will cut the 30" one and two shorter ones aligned in the center of the long one. For the rest you will cut them all the same size of your preference. Secure the ends with masking tape so they wont unravel. You can add some tape to keep the tubes steady and remove them later on as you go wrapping the thread.

You should have something similar to this:

Step 2: Take your colored thread of preference and tie a half knot at the end of each tube (for the tube with the long cord, you will start where the short ones begin). Make sure it is really taut so it wont loosen up. If you prefer to make another half knot, then go ahead. Do not cut your thread just yet!

Step 3: Tuck in the extra thread in between the cotton cords and start wrapping your thread by the end that you haven't cut yet. Make sure it is even and really tight or you'll get peekaboo spaces. Wrap as much as you like. You can add small beads if you wish as you go wrapping it around but for that you would have to cut your thread before the aforementioned time so you could string them through. I chose to keep mine simple as the neon colors were enough detail for me.

Step 4: If you wish to change thread colors, simply make a half knot with your old color and tuck in the excess in the cotton cords. 

Step 5: Repeat the same process until you cover the entire tube of cords. You can change colors as often as you like.

Step 6: When you reach the other end, wrap a double knot to hold in in place. Cut off the excess and secure it with a drop of glue. Also, don't forget to wrap some thread to the cords that you'll use to tie the necklace to your neck so they wont unravel!

At this point you could finish it off with just one tube or make it a bracelet by doing it shorter. If you want to learn how I did mine, keep reading.

Step 7: Make as many tubes as you wish and the length that you like. I cut mine in a degradé so they would go from largest to smallest. 

Step 8: Align your tubes and secure them in the center with a band of tape. This will make the weaving much easier to manage. The weaving will be diagonally as the arrows point out. The more diagonal inwards, the more closed the necklace will be (you can see the difference between both necklaces above). 

Step 9: Here I have shown it separated from the pack for your better viewing. You will take the first or last tube and tie some thread. Secure it with a droplet of glue. Make sure the knot is facing the backside of the other tube and is not exposed. We want this to look as neat as possible.

Step 10: Start interlacing the thread over and under successively until you reach the other end and back. Pull the thread taut, cut off the excess and secure at the end with a discreet knot. Put a dab of glue. Do this as many times you wish making sure it looks neat. Do this along the length of the necklace until you reach the outer ends. I did it about every inch or so (where the shortest tube ended successively).

And you're done!

I am seriously over the moon with how these turned out! I think I'll make myself many more in all the colors available! This statement necklace is fun and bright and well... just pretty darn bold! I wore mine out today to work and at the post office, people actually stopped my to ask me where I got it! They couldn't believe it when I told them I'd made it. It took me about 4 hours to make the big one and just a one hour for the smaller one. This is a necklace that must definitely be worn with a simple outfit, as it says so much on its own. You really wouldn't want to steal its thunder. If you're going neon, wear it with neutrals for the extra pop! Now, oblig fashionista picture~~~~

If you'd like to know about my makeup, for my eyes I used Wet n' Wild's Mega Liner in Black (best liquid liner ever), Estée Lauder's Roseberry, Ben Nye's Red eyeshadow, Nars Desire blush, Makeup Forever's Star Powder in 44, Nyx Jumbo Eye Pencil in Milk, Milani's Liquif'eye Liner in Black and Benefit's Bad Gal Lash mascara. Nars Casino bronzer for contour and for my lips I went full blown Sephora's Hot Hues lip balm in Crazy Coral.

Swing by I Spy DIY for more amazing DIY ideas! I myself am obsessed! Don't forget to check out my Facebook page and Like to stay posted on daily updates, follow me on Tumblr and also on Instagram! I'm LilaLane. Feel free to tag me or post on my Facebook wall your own tribal creations!

Also, I really want to thank you all for your support! I'm more than humbled by the amazing feedback I've been getting from you all. I'm more than open to any suggestions and requests on how I can improve my blog because after all, the biggest joy I get from blogging is seeing you guys enjoy my posts, appreciate them and try them out. Thank you all so much and help me spread The Fashion Skitch joy! Share away! So many more goodies to come!

Last Minute Gifts for Mom under $50!

My beautiful mom and I

If you're like me, you probably spend weeks and weeks thinking about the perfect gift for Mom and don't come up with anything special enough until the last minute. It's not easy finding a gift that matches the amazingness of Mom and of course, Mother's Day should be every day of the year but it's nice to get her a little something special that one day too. Usually I do a mix of something I create with a little bought treat.

I always prefer gifts that my mom could really enjoy, things she can love accordingly to her taste. This year, I've got a few things rounded up for my Mother's day gift but I wont point them out here because my mom reads my blog so my lips are sealed!

Here are my picks for last minute gift ideas under $50.00 (for those who run a tight budget like me) and they're just a one stop trip to the store being as Mother's Day is this weekend. What's better? A few DIY ideas that will be even cheaper and easier to get because you made them yourself!

Estée Lauder Mad Men® Collection Limited Edition Crème Rouge in Evening Rose

$40.00

My mom is a huge Estée Lauder fan. She's been using it ever since I can remember. What I love about Estée Lauder's products is the quality and elegance. This blush is a lovely neutral rose toned pink that suits many skin tones. They slide on the skin so smoothly and a little goes a long way. I know my mom would use a color like this every day! The design is vintage inspired so every time she pulls out that compact, it's a beautiful thing. You can get this compact at your local Estée Lauder counter.

Clinique Color in Bloom Set

$43.50 (a $73.00 value)

I get really excited when I see Clinique sets like this. I've been using Clinique since I was fifteen and I know this is excellent quality for your buck. This set includes a Colour Surge Eye Shadow Compact, a High Impact Mascara, a Blushwear Cream Stick, Long Last Glosswear SPF 15, and a Take The Day Off Makeup Remover. All of these fantastic products con in a really cute flower print cosmetic bag. This set has all the essentials for a great every day makeup look. The shadow compact has a beautiful selection of colors. Also, I'm a die hard fan of the High Impact Mascara. After 4 years, I always go back to it. You can get this set at your local Sephora.

Korres Rose Collection

$19.50

My mom and I share the same love for rose scents. When I saw this Korres Rose collection for that price, I squealed. This set includes one of my all time favorite lip products, the Wold Rose Lip Butter. It also includes a Rose Body Butter and a Rose Shower Gel. I cant testify for the quality of the body butter and shower gel because I haven't tried those personally but I cant attest to the amazingness that are Korres products so I think it's a good bet getting this set. As for the Wild Rose Lip Butter? I have nothing but the best things to say about it. It gives a beautiful sheer, pink tint to the lips, it smells divine and it's incredibly nourishing and hydrating. A must pick up item from your local Sephora.

Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb Fragrance Travel Duo

$30.00

Seriously, how more perfect can you get? This is one of my all time favorite fragrances and it just so happens to be Sephora's #2 top seller I believe. It consists of notes of Sambac Jasmine, Centifolia Rose, Cattleya Orchid, Ballerina Freesia and Patchouli. It's a delicate smelling fragrance, quite sweet and elegant. I promise it's a scent that will appeal to any nose. Everyone I've smelled it on has had fantastic results (due to everyone's corporal chemistry varying).

Swarovski Elements Harley Pierced Earrings

$45.00

This Swarovski solitaire set is just simple and very chic. It's an earring set that can go from everyday casual to special occasion. I actually got these for my Mom a few years back for Mother's day and she loved them. It's surprising the little treasures you can find at a Swarovski store that are within budget. You just have to really look to find them. They come with a certificate of authenticity. The plating is rhodium.

Erika Peña I Heart Rings

$28.00 (small)

$38.00 (medium)

$48.00 (large)

I think these rings are adorable. They'd be a really cute gesture to get one for your mom and one for yourself and keep them as mother/daughter rings. These are from the I Heart Collection. These gold and silver plated rings are adjustable and they pretty much just are the chicest accessory. You can order them online or visit the Erika Peña Boutique at Galería Suchville in Guaynabo, PR.

Deep Facial Cleansing, Thermal Gloves, Firming Neck Masque and a 20% Discount on L'Bel Products

$35.00 + tax (a $100.00 value!)

I'm always on the lookout for a good Gustazo. For Mother's day, they didn't disappoint. Mom needs some R&R every once in a while, so why not treat her to a relaxing session at L'Bel? The good thing about Gustazos is that you can purchase the Gustazo for yourself or you can gift it as well. They're redeemable up to a year but hurry, the opportunity to get your Gustazo is limited! It ends this Saturday. You can redeem it at L'Bel Boutique at Plaza las Américas, Hato Rey, PR.

Now, let's head on to the DIY ideas:

I Spy DIY: DIY Chain and Rhinestone Bracelet

I just recently discovered the magic that is I Spy DIY. *tsk tsk tsk!* I pretty much adore every DIY project Jenni Radosevich takes on. She's InStyle magazine's craft expert. Her DIY's are very simple to achieve and the best part is that her DIY's don't end up looking like DIY's (if you get my drift). They really look good. I thought this DIY was super fun and it's a simple gift that will be light on your pocket. You can make this with chains from old necklaces you have lying around!

Give Mom a Mani/Pedi!

Gilded Nails Skitch-I-Y

Animal Print Nails Skitch-I-Y

Tribal Nails (Skitch-I-Y coming soon!)

Striped Nails (Skitch-I-Y coming soon!)

Treat mom to a masterpiece of your creation by hitting your polish stash. You can give her a very easy mani/pedi with things you already have in your home. You can start off by soaking her feet in lavender oil infused water, exfoliating her hands and feet with homemade sugar scrubs, moisturize and work you mani/pedi magic! Let her pick out the colors she likes and let her sit back and relax.

Dinner, Dessert and a Movie!

Let mom sit back and you do the cooking. For desert, surprise mom with delicious macaroons or cake pops! Head on over to Bakerella.com (the creator of Cake Pops) to get inspired by her many ideas for recipes and decorations! You do all the cleaning and afterwards put on a movie of her choice. Stock up on her favorite movie treats for the show!

Well, those are just a few ideas off the top of my head. These are all definitely things I'd gravitate towards to show my mom how much she means to me. Give them a shot and surprise your mom on her special day! To all the mothers out there reading, I wish you a lovely Mother's Day filled with love and happiness! To my mom: Te amo, mami!