Domesek - P.S. - I made this: I see it. I like it. I make it

EDITOR Rebecca Kaplan
DESIGNER Jill Groeber
DESIGN MANAGER Kara Strubel
PRODUCTION MANAGER Ankur Ghosh

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Domesek, Erica.

P.S.; I made this: I see it. I like it. I make it / Erica Domesek.

p. cm.

ISBN 978-0-8109-9603-8 (alk. paper)

1. Clothing and dress. 2. Dress accessories. 3. Handicraft. I. Title.

II. Title: I see it. I like it. I make it.

TT560.D66 2010

646.404--dc22

2010012305

Text and photographs copyright 2010 Erica Domesek

Published in 2010 by Abrams Image, an imprint of ABRAMS.

All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, mechanical, electronic, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without written permission from the publisher.

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Its no secret that I live for arts and crafts, fashion, and all things design. With a lineage that includes Jacqueline Onassiss favored dress designer Gustave Tassell (he is my cousin) and World War IIsportswear fashions (my grandfathers sportswear company made sweaters for the US Army), I like to think I was born with DIY in my DNA.

My first fashion DIY project was inspired by an early 1980s Betsey Johnson party dress of my mothers. With some spare fabric and a few stitches, I added a ruched skirt to the bottom of a Hanes T-shirt, creating a whimsical, sweet minidress that received rave reviews.

Since a young age, my motto has been I see it. I like it. I make it. Having spent years behind the scenes as a prop stylist and creative consultant, Ive had access to the most talented people, unique places, and beautiful things. Crafting a career built on creativity has me constantly looking for inspiration everywhere, from the runways to nature to everyday objects.

I live for fashion. Like most style addicts, I lean toward those pricey designer pieces that exceed my personal budget. But one cant always drop a serious wad of cash on a clutch or a crazy-cool pair of heels. Its important to remember that trends come and go. We all crave immediate gratification, but this seasons hot number will more than likely be extinct by next. My advice is to take notes about what draws you to a spectacular item and to recognize the accessible and affordable materials within it. Where can you find them? Can you paint, embellish, cut, add to, or adorn something similar to get the look and feel youve just fallen forwithout breaking the bank?

Making things can be really easy and take a lot less time and energy than you expect. Think of this book as the CliffsNotes to fast fashion, with a tongue in chic angle. Taking risks and shortcuts are okay as long as you approach them with integrity and a bit of effort.

Peek inside your existing wardrobe to find items that are DIY-ing for a reinvention; give them an entirely new life, one that reflects your personality and style. Dont buy an abundance of tools and materialschances are you probably have what you need in your junk drawer! Having a few necessary tools, such as a sharp pair of scissors, a glue gun, and a needle and thread, is just about all you need to get started. As you get deeper into your projects, build your tool box and craft kit with trips to the hardware, craft-supply, and ribbon-and-trim stores. Strolling down the aisles, even when you dont have a particular project in mind, is a great way to dream up new ideas. Or gather friends together for a DIY crafternoon and swap gossip over grommets and glue guns.

My most important piece of advice is to seek inspiration every day and everywhere: Scour the runways and the real ways. Tap into your inner artist, and take notes from your design crushes. Between the sea of fantastic fashion and design magazines, online resources, and objects that stop you in your tracks, your idea handbag will be bursting at the seams.

In a world where trends are expensive and pass quickly, wouldnt you like to say, P.S.I made this?

Everything you need to cut, fasten, glue, and stitch your way into all of your Designer DIYs

While the world may not revolve around you, we are all spinning together on a giant sphere thats orbiting the sun.

The word sphere hails from the Greek sphaira, which means globe or ball. Its round and immaculate silhouette, and perfect circular formation, lends it to symmetrical art, fashion, and everyday masterpieces.

Everyone should round out their world with 360 degrees of decadence. Dont forget to stop, breathe, and look up for heavenly globe pendant lamps and bulbous balloons, which are sure to make you smile. Find pleasure in everyday ball-like items turned into bold baubles by combining a playful profile from everyones favorite bouncy toy with a sheer touch of style. Gather together colorful round ingredients to create an out-of-this-world accessory.