November 14, 2011

Introducing Yin from Pretty Quirky Pants

Ever since I discovered Australian based blog Pretty Quirky Pants,I was immediately attracted to the Yin's eclectic, funky style. I admire her authentic look, which usually includes something thrifted or handmade. It seems one of Yin's hobbies is DIY projects. The realization came to her like en epiphany- Why buy this when I can make it. Duh. She has some fabulous creative projects I hope will motivate your creative spirit. Here's a short interview and a peek into Pretty Quirky Pants.


How long have you been blogging and what is your objective for your blog?
I’ve been blogging for just over 3 months. Originally, my objective for my blog was a bit vague, ever since I taught myself how to knit and sew and began doing more DIY projects I thought it would be a good idea to keep a record of my work. Initially, I didn’t think it was necessary to publicise this, but I was talked into blogging by a few friends so I gave it a try. Eventually I found that it was quite fun and continued to contribute my projects to the web. I suppose the future of my blog lies in expressing my life in my words to those who know me and extending my love for making to anyone else who is interested.

Along with many others, I am so glad you made that contribution. What inspires all your DIY projects?
My DIY projects used to emerge from shopping excursions and inspecting every piece of clothing I liked and thought that I could make. Apart from the entertainment value to me, it was also a way to improve my sewing and knitting skills. Now, I find inspiration from other blogs, magazines and of course, regular shopping adventures.

What was your favorite project?
My favourite project to this day would probably have to be either my Tiered Lace Scallop Skirt or my Lace Sheer Maxi-Mini Skirt. This is probably because a few years ago I would have never thought it possible to make them with my own hands.

It's amazing what a little motivation and creativity can produce. Your style is very authentic. It's funky, hip, and yes, a little quirky. It's not contrived, but genuine, which I appreciate and admire. What is your advice to other's seeking their unique look.
Be open about your sense of style and don’t be afraid to try anything new.
If there is something you particularly like but have been told by many people that it is terrible and to never even think about it, try it on anyway - it may work fantastically for you in a way which no one else can pull off. If it doesn’t work, no harm done, but if it does, it would be an opportunity missed.

Favorite place to shop?
I can’t really say there is a favourite for me, I would shop anywhere from high end designers down to pop-shops. As long as the quality is good and I like it. There is no questioning where I would find myself in a shopping spree.

What or who is your inspiration/influence?
It would probably be my mother. When I was younger, I completely did not agree with her style, but as the year’s progressed I find myself dressing more like her. I suppose I may be more experimental than her mature, neat sense of presentation, but my base frame of style definitely has been derived from her mixed up corporate style.

What is your favorite era?
This tends to change on a regular basis. I remember a time when I used to love the 70’s, but now I think I quite like the 50’s. The cinched waist, long flared skirts and especially the peter pan collars demonstrate a girly innocent style which has been forgotten.

Describe your perfect day.
Currently, I’d say a day at the beach followed by a bouldering session in the evening with mates and then a fish and chips dinner with drinks at home watching movies with the boyfy. Simple, but pleasant.

Music you are listening to lately?
Lately I’ve been listening to a large range of tunes from 80’s hits (Motley Crew, Men Without Hats, etc.), to 90’s hits (Red Hot Chili Peppers, Greenday, System of a Down,  etc.), new hits (Maroon 5, Lady Gaga) and new indie rock sounds (Lykke Li, Foster the People, Georgia Fair, Lisa Mitchell).

Name some games/activities you played as a child that you wish you did now.
I’d have to say bike riding or rollerblading. I used to ride my bike for hours on end when I was a child and have not touched a bike in almost 10 years. I had been put off the prospect of bike riding in the last 5 years, as living in Melbourne does not seem to encourage it with all the road rage on the roads. But recently I’d taught a friend how to re-ride a bike and we spent a couple hours just cruising around the docks at Docklands on a couple of rental bikes. It was great fun and I think I would love to do it again.

As an avid biker, I strongly recommend. Even if you believe the town isn't bike friendly, you could change that. So lastly,  3 essentials you don't leave your house without.
Phone, Wallet and Keys – I don’t really wear much make-up, so really there aren’t many other essentials I would need to take with me.


 Yin kindly agreed to create a DIY for this feature. I believe it's a spin off from a previous one. As soon as times permits, I am making this rad necklace!


As mentioned on my blog in an earlier post, I have a fair few off-cuts from my laser cut projects made from boxboard and perpex. I then decided to turn these bits into jewellry!


Last week I had made a Neon Cut-out Necklace, but for this feature I went in a different direction in terms of shape and colour. Using the same cut-out components I created a black, glitter, asymmetrical piece.
Tools:
§  Cut-out pieces / your own design or flat jewellery pieces bought from a store
§  UHU Glue / glue that will stick the material that you decide to use together
§  Black spray paint
§  Glitter nail polish (you can also make your own)
§  Chain
§  Wire cutters
§  Round-nosed pliers
§  Jump rings (jewellery wire if you want to make your own)

Instructions


1.    Spray paint all the pieces black.
2.    Arrange the pieces in an order you like and pick which piece you would like to be shiny and glittery
3.    Put as many layers of glitter nail polish on the chosen pieces as you like. If you don’t have glitter nail polish, use a clear one and sprinkle a little glitter over the top.
4.    After all pieces are dry, glue the pieces together.
5.    Attach two jump rings to either side of the pendant (If you want to make your own, you can find out how to here)
6.    Cut a piece of chain to the desired length (cut it to a length which will fit over your head)
7.    Attach a jump ring to both sides of the chain.
8.    Attach the jump ring on one side of the chain to the jump ring on one side of the pendant. Repeat for other jump rings.










I hope you enjoyed this tutorial. More DIYs and other daily posts at Pretty Quirky Pants
Love
PQP




Isn't she simply great! Check out Pretty Quirky Pants for more creative projects. One of my favorite ones is the shredding shirt. If you are feeling slightly crafty and adventurous, choose one of her many projects. 


Special thanks to Yin! Curious Chase thinks you're swell. 











1 comment:

  1. This is great, and so informative...Which is what blogging is all about!

    XX,
    Miranda

    thechicsheet.net

    ReplyDelete

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