Do It Yourself – Feather Extensions

As promised here is how to do your own feather extensions!

You will need:
- scissors

- hair clip

- hair extension links ( got mine at a beauty supply store, but also sold online)

- bobby pin

- pliers

- feathers (I bought simple packs of various feathers at the craft store, but if I were to do this again, I would buy some online because the ones I got were shorter and way fluffy. I had to trim them down.)

 Here is a link to buying a kit which includes feathers and the hair extension links. Worth it.

 So first, cut feathers into size and shape you want.

Pick and gather as many as you wish into a cluster to have when ready. (make sure they fit under the extension link before settling). I chose 5, and wouldn't go more than 7 because they probably wouldn't fit in the link.

Choose where you want your feathers to go, and pick out very small section of hair. Separate rest of hair to keep out of your way.

 They sell tools you can buy to help bead the hair. But you can just use the pliers to mangle a bobby pin and make it your tool to feed the hair into the bead easily.

So you put your hair in bobby pin first, then feed the bobby pin through the link and hair will end up through it as well.

 Along with hair, insert feathers into link so the end come through. It should be about ¼ - ½ inches away from root of hair, so it doesn't feel too tight on your scalp, but fits in more naturally with the piece of hair.

 Once ready to commit to having feathers in your hair for about 6 weeks, use your pliers to press down on link. You may need to press multiple times and from different angles to ensure it's position.  And you have now been feathered.

Here's my finished product! I pretty much always keep the one side of my hair behind my ear, so I put my feathers here because they'll show more often. Placement is totally up to, whatever you are comfortable with!

Good Luck!

p.s. - While I was googling, I stumbled across this picture and couldn't resist sharing!

 A dog with feathers - I am judging....

etsy.com

Beauty: Feather Extensions

After weeks of envying my classmates, I finally got my very own feather extensions!

 I feel as though they were the perfect addition to the summer lifestyle.

 Apparently they have been around for a year or so on the west coast, and now here, somewhere in between the mid-west and east coast - they have arrived!

ellegirl.com

Here's some of my favorite celebs sporting the look!

ellegirl.com

I know your all thinking: Ke$ha and Selena Gomez, really??? 

I am a tween at heart.

Here in Columbus, I went to Phia Salon in the Short North after being referred there by a friend. I paid a little over $40 which covered 7 feathers and the application costs, and they did do a great job. I recommend that salon, but if looking for somewhere to get them done outside of Columbus, just search for feather extensions in your city.

The price was a little steep for my summer of unemployment, however, totally worth it! I can't stop catching a glimpse of my reflection in window's glares (don't judge, you do it too) and styling it in different ways. I was told they last 6 weeks, and you can shampoo, lightly comb, straighten, curl, and crimp them. The only warning I received was to avoid them when conditioning; easy.

I went with the natural looking colors like red, brown, yellowish, to blend in a little more. I did get a turquoise one that peeks out every once in a while and shows its color, which I love! While the colors are up to you, I suggest getting varied lengths so they pop out at different areas and look more textured and natural. Love the bohemian style, and these just add to it.  They are so fun!

My car is being tended to and loved right now, so in a day or so when I obtain all necessary materials, of course I will be showing how to do it yourself. Be ready!

Delicious Drink: Strawberry-Peach Sangria

Here is a delicious recipe for a strawberry-peach sangria drink! My cousin made it last year when we were down the shore (yes, the jersey shore), and sippin' it poolside couldn't be beat. I stole her recipe, and made it last weekend for a party I went to, and everyone loved it! I finished up the ingredients last night to have with dinner. Yummy...

Do read entire recipe before beginning to make … I've made that mistake before!

1. Clean and cut up strawberries and peaches (amount is up to you)
2. Place in bottom of pitcher/container you will be using and smoosh up. I used a glass and just pressed really hard to squeeze out a lot of the juices.
3. Use any kind of peach rum to pour over smooshed fruit just enough to cover all the fruit and then some. (This may result in some very strong 'fruit shots' when drinking. Be responsible. Please and thank you.)
4. Let the fruit soak in the rum overnight, for best results. However, still delish if only soaked for 30 minutes or so.
5. Add 1 and ½ bottle of white zinfandel.
6. Add ½ bottle of sprite.
7. Add ¼ bottle of white peach juice (I used white cranberry-peach juice, still good).
8. Stir to mix all together.
9. Pour over ice and enjoy!

I used a gallon size pitcher, but if you plan on making it for a lot of people, I would double the recipe. I didn't make enough, and sure as heck wish I did!

The colors are so vibrant and it is so refreshing.

Nothing better than sangria on a summer's evening!

 

Craft - Paper Hydrangea Flowers

ATTN: Tedious task, patience required!!

This is a great way to make a bright, cheery addition to any space!  They end up looking so real .... I even tricked my boyfriend. hehe

First, you will need thick paper.  I received this paper in the mail about a year ago, and have been dying to use it!  It was perfect for this project because you can mold it once you add water.  You could also use card stock or fabric (if you harden it).

Next, use a flower paper punch to cut lots and lots of flower shapes.

Use a watercolor paint of your choice to cover the front and back of all the individual flowers.  They don't need to be perfect, will look more real if imperfect.

Use a concave object to lay the flowers on to dry and retain the shape.

 While the flowers were drying, cut floral wire that you can get at any craft store or florist.  Cut in half to make sure all were equal, or could also vary the sizes, just keep the same ones together.

 Use a hot glue gun to just put a little drop of glue on the back of each flower.

 Hold the cut floral wire on the glue dot until it dries.

 Once you have as many as you wish, bundle all together and use a twist tie or piece of the floral wire to keep all together.  You will need to bend down some of the flowers to give the round shape.

Here are 4 bundles I finished.  They are placed in a painted coffee can I use as a vase.  I am working on making 1 more because I have an obsession with things being in odd numbers.

Told you it was tedious! This project took me a few hours, but I loved every minute of it!  With good music playing, time will fly.

Who I Am - Bio

My name is Alicia. I am currently stuck in Columbus, Ohio (yes, stuck), but a Jersey Girl at heart. Although I constantly complain about Ohio, Columbus is pretty fantastic and I get to share my experiences with my boyfriend, David and pup, Sienna.

Beginning my summer of NO WORK (to be explained later, once I cool off), I am entering the world of the blog. This site is my way of getting across fun diy projects that I have completed, as well as recipes, makeup, jewelry, and music tips to share.  Tutorials, bragging, and photos all included.

Creativity has always been a part of my life. I am in school working on entering this real world I've heard of, as the best art teacher ever. It is my calling in life, and could possibly be the best job on this planet!

Art is for all, and this blog will be a guide into the creative world with different inspirations. Unique, handmade items are much more obtainable than you think.