Using a patch to mend a sweater while adding character and personality | EvinOK

Using a Patch to Mend a Fine-knit Top While Adding Personality

by Evin // May 4, 2021 // No Comments

In 2006, I bought a lovely classic cream fine knit top to wear as a separate for work. It went with everything and was so soft. When I moved to Ireland from the Silicon Valley, it came with me. Fast... Continue reading →

When a Little Floral Print Goes a Long Way: Altering a Dress to be a Top

by Evin // April 20, 2021 // 2 Comments

Last year, I ordered a fun floral dress from H&M in anticipation of summer holidays we would never end up taking. But the dress got worn at home plenty of times and each time my husband laughed. Finally, he explained... Continue reading →

child wearing handmade tie-dye tee and reading a book with a floppy sunhat on.

Summer Activity: Tie-dye!

by Evin // June 23, 2020 // No Comments

I’m always looking for ways to upcycle old clothes, and tie-dye is the perfect way to bring a new, colourful lease of life to an unworn T-shirt. It’s a fun activity to do with kids too, so it’s a great... Continue reading →

A dirty stroller in a bathtub getting clean

How to Clean Your Stroller/Buggy

by Evin // November 21, 2019 // 4 Comments

Picture it, Brussels 2012. We took our then 10-month-old Optimus for a trip. I packed just the chest carrier and left the big jogging stroller (or buggy as it’s called in Ireland/UK) at home. As a tiny baby, it was... Continue reading →

decoupaged file cabinet with Avengers wrapping paper | EvinOK

Beige File Cabinet Gets a Découpage Makeover

by Evin // May 21, 2019 // No Comments

Please tell me I’m not the only one who feels inspired to découpage an ugly file cabinet over their lunch break. Well, my boss at the time was out of town and I decided it was time to liven up... Continue reading →

Making New Crayons from Broken Bits – Phoenix Crayons

by Evin // July 10, 2018 // No Comments

I’ve done it before and I’ll keep doing it because making new crayons from broken bits is such an easy recycling project that also is useful. I find my recycled crayons ideal for when we’re out and about or traveling... Continue reading →

How I Clean White Converse Sneakers

by Evin // September 26, 2017 // 1 Comment

Converse sneakers and knee-high boots are my main footwear options. I have several of each and they seem to go with everything I own. Which also means it is important to me to take care of my sneakers and boots... Continue reading →

Broken Earring Repairing

by Evin // September 24, 2015 // 1 Comment

Two weeks ago, I stopped in to Accessorise on a whim and left with €296.60 worth of broken jewellery for €11.10. I should have warned you to sit down before I told you that. Right, take a deep breath and... Continue reading →

Reinventing a Rosary Style Necklace

by Evin // September 14, 2015 // No Comments

Last month, I scored €296 worth of jewellery for €11 because the pieces were tangled or broken. Now, I’m sharing how I repaired and sometimes reinvented the pieces. I’ve already written about a gold coin necklace with a broken clasp, broken teardrop... Continue reading →

Repairing and Reinventing Tangled Brass/Glass Necklaces

by Evin // August 28, 2015 // No Comments

As I’ve mentioned before in my Gold Coin Necklace and Teardrop Earring blog posts, I bought €296 worth of jewellery from Monsoon/Accessorize for €11 because all the items were broken or missing pieces. I’m slowing working my way through the... Continue reading →

Teardrop Earring Repair

by Evin // August 14, 2015 // No Comments

And we’re back with more jewellery repair fun. As I explained when I wrote about the gold coin necklace, I bought 11 bags filled with tangled or broken jewellery at Accessorize (Monsoon) for €11 (retail value €296) and am working... Continue reading →

Low-rise jeans fix to keep the waist from sliding down

No More Plumber’s Smile with this Low Rise Jeans Fix

by Evin // August 12, 2015 // 14 Comments

I love jeans or pants that fit me nicely…but then when I bend over or crouch down they shift and they appear ill-fitting and unkempt. I bought two pairs of soft stretch corduroy jeans at Gap last year and was in... Continue reading →

Make Do and Mend: Broken Cleo Necklace Clasp

Broken Necklace Clasp Repair

by Evin // July 20, 2015 // 4 Comments

I popped into Accessorize by Monsoon this past weekend and admired their many lovely sale items until the broken jewellery box caught my attention. Having always been a lover of a fixer-upper project, I carefully looked at every single broken... Continue reading →

From Dollhouse to Firehouse: Thrift Find Reimagined

by Evin // December 10, 2014 // 2 Comments

About a year or two ago, while visiting an Enable Ireland thrift store here in Cork City, my son, LB, became enamoured of a Fisher-Price dollhouse. I paid €4, but similar houses are on eBay for £5–20. LB loved it... Continue reading →

Make Do and Mend: Upcycled Gradient Phoenix Crayons

by Evin // November 26, 2014 // No Comments

Remember a few months ago when I used the broken bits of crayon to make a new crayon (I even wrote a blog post)? Well, after that I thought that if I ever did it again, I would certainly separate the... Continue reading →

Reinvented Penney’s Sparkly Necklace

by Evin // October 15, 2014 // No Comments

I’m still on the road (until next week), so this is a brief blog post. But I’ll be back next week with new projects. Hopefully by then I will have absorbed the news that I’m the best craft blogger in... Continue reading →

Make Do and Mend: Phoenix Crayons

by Evin // September 24, 2014 // No Comments

We’ve all seen it on Pinterest and wondered what parent has time to melt down crayon bits to create a new crayon. Well, I managed to find the time. Yes, I’m still a bit surprised it happened. And it was easy!... Continue reading →

Make Do and Mend: Ladybirds Instead of a Zipper

by Evin // September 8, 2014 // 1 Comment

Some may say I’m a hoarder. I feel I see potential in things that others view as trash. I definitely wouldn’t classify these items as treasure…yet, but after I get to them sometimes they are treasured. My father and Grandma... Continue reading →