BURKATRON

I thought I'd show you a really easy little DIY for those cami tops we've all been buying this summer! it's a simple update for strappy tops and perfect wear for nights out (it's so basic even the most sew-phobic can get involved!) here's how I made mine: the most important items are a simple cami top and a length of chain, the pliers are just used to open the chain links! cut the straps off your cami and lay them out flat; use your pliers to open the links on chain and cut into two equal lengths (use the original straps as a guide to the length) take a needle and thread and simply sew the chain lengths onto the cami where the original straps were; you're just replacing the fabric straps with chain ones! there you have it; a simple twist on a basic cami top!  what do you think? would you try this yourself? caroline x

today I have a fun little project for you; a tassel bracelet that you can make in a snip! I came across this cute idea from I spy DIY on pinterest and immediately wanted to try it.  all the items needed are easily available on eBay, etsy or in craft shops! Just follow the steps below to make your own DIY tassel jewellery: it's a really simple idea, mine took less than half an hour and there's lots of variations if you want to experiment... I think next time I'll opt for some chunky silver chains and different colour threads. have any of you made something similar.. would you try this DIY? back soon! caroline x

today I have an incredibly easy DIY for you! covering planters in fabric is a great way to decorate boring old pots and inject some fun into your decor. it's also quick and easy (my favourite combination) so even the laziest of DIY-ers could try this one! you'll only need a few things: terracotta planters work best for this craft project (glazed pots and PVA don't adhere well) I picked up this little pot for 75p in my local garden center! you'll also need a square of fabric, PVA glue and some scissors. first check your fabric to fits around your pot (you'll need the leave a few inches of excess to wrap over the rim and base) I found it easiest to work with a square shape of fabric rather than an rectangle as when you wrap you'll turn the pot diagonally.  brush on PVA glue to a small section of the pot and start to apply the fabric. simply work your way around the pot applying the PVA glue in sections followed by fabric (don't cover the entire pot with glue i...

a little mooch through instagram reminded me I haven't put up a photo post for a while so here's some of my snaps from the last week or so.. paddling pool fun (yep they're not just for children) | pear cider on a sunny day | the beginning of a white shoe affair | watermelon nail art topshop sale candy cane dress | sewing machines! gosh I want at least three of these | cath kidston nails | pretty lace trims for DIY's climbing trees with the boy | afternoon tea & cake | a lovely present from laura ashley, a set of bird night lights ! | his & hers ilcentimetro bracelets, james is so pleased with his! help the nail polishes are taking over!! | essie fiji polish | matchy matchy barry m blueberry nails & toes | lunch in cambridge at jamies italian (I have to admit I'm not a big fan of the polenta chips..!) kukee delivery! | bikini shopping for holiday, thanks primark you little shop of bargains! | summer gradient nails with illamasqua radium and nobel nail ...

I'm a huge fan of those lace trim shorts that have been floating around pinterest, I love pinterest for DIY inspo (and the endless snaps of delicious food... mmmm) I was originally intending to customise a pair of shorts but I changed my mind an opted for a super easy update for some of my crop tees instead. this little crafty project is really quick and perfect for beginners! you'll just need an old tee, some lace trim and a needle and thread.. I used a meter of lace trim for mine, it's easy to get hold of online or in your local haberdashery/craft department (I picked up this one in john lewis along with a few other designs!) if you're using a regular length tee simply chop off the bottom to the desired length.. taa daa one crop top! turn the tee inside out and lay the trim along the bottom edge, use pins to secure then sew into place. once you've sewn the trim into place, remove the pins, turn the tee the right side out and  you're done....easy huh?  you can ...

oh my gosh I'm such a hoarder!  if I step into a charity shop I undoubtedly exit with some more trinkets I don't actually need but have a wicked compulsion to collect (case in point my growing collection of miss matched teacups and saucers..) I love vintage teacups, I tend to justify collecting them so I can throw afternoon teas parties but more often than not they sit neglected and dusty amongst my other bits and pieces. so to cheer up my old china I decided to give it a new life as teacup candles! it's surprisingly easy (and darn quick) you'll just need the following: candle wax (500g was enough for 3 candles) pre dipped wicks (available here ) a double boiler (two saucepans will do!) old teacups first pick your teacups, I went for mismatched patterns as I wanted mine to be a little eclectic. now take your candle wicks and attach them to the teacup base so they don't move when your pour in the wax! (I just used a dab of super glue) leave them on some newspaper and...

holy macaroni. I had the best news ever this week! burkatron has made the shortlist for best craft blog in the cosmo blog awards eeeeek! I wanted to say a HUGE MASSIVE THANK YOU for voting for my little blog, I'm still pinching myself, I can't actually believe it! I'm so incredibly happy and can't thank you enough, every comment, like and retweet means the world and I'd never dreamt of actually making it to the shortlist. blogging has been such a wonderful experience so far; I'm utterly obsessed with thinking up posts when I should be asleep and scribbling away ideas in my geeky little notebooks in the hope that someone will enjoy them. you've all been so kind, funny and pretty damn awesome I couldn't begin to tell you all how much you've encouraged me and keep me smiling. if you enjoy reading burkatron and have a few minutes to vote I'd be forever grateful! I'm shortlisted for best craft blog and you can vote here !!!  you can find the submi...

unicorn print dress.. life complete! I don't know if it's my inner child taking over but this dress is so adorable! I want to dust of my collection of my little ponies and have a play date immediately.. any takers?  the dress is by lashes  of london; I'm sure many of you will already be regular fans of their clothes but this is from their lashes edit - a new capsule collection for topshop that's full of super cute & flirty items (this amazing little unicorn print also comes as a pair of little shorts which are ridiculously dinky!) I thought I'd wear my nike blazers as this outfit felt quite fun and I wanted to put a casual spin on the dress (which could easily be a night out number with heels) so I  added my denim jacket as well for a more relaxed daytime look.   unico fluro contrast dress: c/o  lashes of london bowler hat: h&m clutch: primark ice cream necklace: c/o  chelsea doll nike blazers: office watch: american apparel well I'm off t...