Canada Day [150] DIY Geometric Maple Leaf Logo

Canada Day is coming up this Weekend! & it’s going to be a BIG one!

I started decorating earlier that usual with this DIY ‘Sweet As Maple Syrup” Garland
( scroll down to the very bottom to see pictures of this as well) 

Not being in Ottawa this year, where the decorations start going up before the snow is all gone & the warm weather even rolls in… I decided to take matters into my own hands (pun intended) & created an [Upcy] up-cycled version of this Year’s 150^th Canada Celebration Logo. 

I didn’t plan on sharing this as a Tutorial when I originally made this, but after sharing a snap I took while making it I received a LOT of feedback, and requests for a tutorial, & decided to go ahead and share it for those of you who enjoyed it & would like to make their own!

Supplies Needed: 

~ Popsicle Sticks 

~ Hot Glue Gun & Glue Sticks 

~ White & Red Paint

~ Paint bush(s)

~ Red, Orange, Yellow, Pink, Sky Blue, Navy Blue, Violet, Purple, Lime Green, & Grass Green  Cardstock
~ Small length of ribbon or rope. 

How To:

(constructing the basic Gemotic Shapes)

To construct your Geometric Maple Leaf you are going to make 5 large ‘Diamond’ shapes, 4 Small ‘V’ shapes, as well as the stem as shown above. I have broken down how to make all of these key shapes into steps & step by step images below. For this you are going to need Popsicle sticks & your glue gun.

Step #1. Create 11 double length Popsicle sticks by slightly overlapping the ends of two and gluing them in place using a small dab of hot glue.  Step #2. Glue The top of two of the ‘double lengths’ you made in Step 1 to create a large ‘V’ shape

Step #3. Using single popsicle sticks this time attaching one popsicle stick to the open ends of the V to continue the process of creating 5 Large Diamond shapes.

Step #4. Once those are secure in place move on lastly to gluing the ends of the single popsicle sticks together {closing the Diamond shape} 

repeat this process 5 times, creating 5 Diamond Shapes, &

one double length popsicle stick left over which you will use later as the Stem

Step #5. Create the small ‘V’ shapes by gluing the tips of two singular popsicle sticks, with an opening of roughly 1.5”.

(Assembly Required)

Using your Hot Glue Gun, & Refer to the Images directly above for Assembly Instructions– I kind of get why Ikea uses Images over text as this is very difficult to explain verbally

Step #6. Begin by laying down two large Diamond shapes as shown above, attach them with Hot Glue overlapping the two base Popsicle sticks. [Referring to Image 1 directly above]
Step #7. Attach a third large Diamond shape in the center (as shown above) with the place of attachment for the first two being placed in the direct center! [Referring to Image 2 directly above]
Step #8. Attach the fourth large Diamond shape to either the left or right side ( I chose the right when referring to the images above) do this by overlapping again with the outer-edge of the center Diamond the same way you attached the first two) [Referring to Image 3 directly above]
Step # 9. Attach the fifth and last large Diamond shape to the apposing side to that chosen in Step #8. Repeating the same process. [Referring to Image 4 directly above]
Step #'s 10-13. Chose either the left or right side to begin (I chose the right when referring to the images above). Using your Hot Glue Gun I swear you could make a drinking game out of my Blog where you take a shot everytime you read the words "Hot Glue Gun" apply a small dab of glue to each end of the small V shapes and begin applying them into the 'spaces' between the large Diamond Shapes [Referring to Image(s) 5-9]

(Adding The Colour)

Step #14. Time to paint – the ‘Leaf’ portion white
Step #15. ... & the ‘Stem’ Red!

Step #16. Refer to the ‘Trace & Cut by Numbers Chart' & the Images as a guide for tracing & Applying the Coloured Card Stock.
Again be sure to use your Hot Glue Gun to keep this process quick and simple!

Summer Bucket List FREE Printable

Today is the first official Day of summer!!

 something you may or may not know about me, is that I am absolutely obsessed with the changing of seasons. I Just love the new feelings and all of the smells, {& minor decor changes} it just feels so brand new & welcoming to me.

Summer is an exciting time [not so much around the Blog due to me spending the majority of my time outside], but I have a few things in the works that I am super excited about sharing this Summer!

Cody and I recently relocated our selves back to our Home Town of Brockville & our making ourselves home again in a new space. There is something even more exciting about celebrating a New season in a New place. We have so many New things on our Summer Bucket List this year, & a few that have become Traditions for us over the summer.

Cody made me this super fun Summer Bucket List & he has been so kind as to let me share it with all of you absolutely FREE!

I will be sharing some of the things that are on our Summer Bucket list over the coming weeks!!
What are some of the things on your Summer Bucket List, Do you have any Traditions?
Have you crossed anything off your List -- We Have & plan to knock a few more off this Week!

[scroll down to the very bottom to get yours]

If your Feet aren't Dirty by the end of the Day you're Summering wrong!

To get your very own  Summer Bucket List printable by Chopfyt / Upcy ;

As easy as clicking HERE & clicking PRINT 

DIY Watermelon Ice Cream & Doughnut soled Shoes

As we head into the May long Weekend & what feels like the not so official kick off to summer, I decided what better time to get back into the Up-cycling game & share a fun little DIY perfect for the coming long weekend & Summer!
I had been holding onto these flats for over a Year , I got them during one of those classic " 3 for $10.00 " Ardene Sales, They are a little bit worn (some more than others) & I find I don't get a lot of wear out of Any of them now, so I decided to show them a little love. In my attempt to live a more minimal life I am doing my best to not hold onto things that aren't practical. I decided it was a great opportunity to experiment with my creative side . I truly am sweet steppin' now in these babies.
Watermelons, Ice cream cones, & a Doughnut {what's not to love}

What You Will Need: 

~ Flats 

~ Acrylic Paint (colours needed specified above each Tutorial)

~ Ruler

~ Small Cup 

~ Paint brushes / sponges 

~ Clear Spray Paint //  Polyurethane

How To : 

If you are upcycling a pair of your old flats be sure to begin by washing the soles of the shoes & drying them completely before you move on to any of the following Steps.

Watermelon Slice (s):

Paint Colours Needed:      Red      White      Black      Green.  

Step 1. Begin my painting the entire sole white as a base.
Step 2. Paint 2/3 of the shoe Red (starting at the toe & working your way just past the natural arch curve in the shoe) [see Imagine 2 above] allow time to dry & apply a second coat. 
Step 3. Paint The heal portion Green (leaving a roughly 1" white line between the two) [see Image 3 above] allow time to dry & apply a second coat.
Step 4. Finish your watermelon design by adding seeds by gently touching your paint brush using black paint.  [see Images 5 & 6]
Step 5. Apply a coat of clear spray paint or Polyurethane to seal in your design!
Repeat on the Second Shoe

Ice cream cone (s):

Paint Colours Needed:      Brown      White      Pink      Blue      Yellow

(or whatever colour*flavor* of ice cream & sprinkles you would like) 

Step 1. Paint a white Base (to ensure paint goes on evenly & helps the colours POP)
Step 2. Using a ruler and pencil draw a straight line across the shoe
just under the thickest portion
Step 3. Paint below the line light brown [See Image 2 above]
Step 4. Paint the top portion Pink & dont forget the drips!
{learn from my mistake & Whip back out that ruler and pencil and draw the done lines before painting them}
Step(s) 5 & 6.  2" below the 'top of the cone' using a beige tone (which i created by mixing white, brown & yellow) paint a single relatively straight line with two diagonal lines inside to create the top of the cone. [as shown in Image 4 above]
Step 7. Using the beige again, paint pines in both direction to create the Ice cream one grid.
[Images 4 & 5 above]
Step 8, 9, & 'however many sprinkle colours you choose to add'. Get To Sprinkling! Using a very fine paint brush draw tiny straight lines [ Images 6-9above]
Step 10. Apply a coat of clear spray paint or Polyurethane to seal in your design!
Repeat on the Second Shoe 

Doughnut: 

Paint Colours Needed:      White      Brown      Black      Blue      Lilac      Pink
choose your own colour *flavor* of the icing & sprinkles OR pick another style of doughnut entirely!

Step 1. Always start by painting  the entire sole of your shoe white! [Image 1]
Step 2. Repeat with light brown. [Image 2]
Step 3. Using a pencil & small cup or three wick Bath & Body Works Candle  whatever you've got handy, trace half a circle onto the inner/center of the shoe. [Images 3 & 4]
Step 4. Paint the inside of it black to create the HOLE for your Doughnut shape! [Image 5]
Step 5. Using whatever colour you chose colour icing (I chose a pale Blue) paint over the doughnut (keeping in mind it's icing & the lines aren't perfect so unlike the lines from the previous Tutorial... free handing this is ideal) [Image 6]Step 6.SPRINKLE time.. Draw straight lines, or gently dab your paint brush to create a sprinkled look using your choice of colour(s) [Image(s) 7 - 9]
Step 7. Apply a coat of clear spray paint or Polyurethane to seal in your design!
Repeat for the other side of the doughnut // shoe

Thank you so much to the amazing team of Ladies!
 it was a pleasure working with you All!

Photos By :  KM Photography

Models : Kielah Crowder       Karen Macnuall

Shoes & Styled By: Upcy // Jennie Matthie

Classic Fashion 'returning' for Spring 2017

These are some of the most classic cuts of clothing and it sort of bugs me that they are calling it the 'return' of these styles for spring... but the truth of the matter is they never went anywhere!! While they may not have been on the rack of every retail establishment they certainly never went out of style. Timeless classics never do! 

Unless you have Carrie from sex and the Cities fashion budget they may have to be acquired in a bit more creative ways . At this point I would say it is safe to say that 75% of my wardrobe was either passed down to me from my Grandmother, my Mom. OR Thrifted. 

Thrifting clothes is something I have done for a few years now, & I am no Pro; I do have a quick trick

I was thinking about putting together a post that included a few tips & tricks to help overcome the overwhelming vibe of most Thrift / Second stores. As well as a couple for how I go about choosing which pieces to purchase and which to pass on. & maybe even share a few of my personal favourite spots.

Wide Leg Pants

These pants were thrifted last spring in Ottawa {they have some great second hand // thrift // consignment stores} with my Mom {who is the queen of Vintage shopping {she always spots the most amazing pieces & always convinces me to take risks that end up being right on trend -- she can spot the classic timeless pieces & I truly believe these pants are a great example.

The shape is very flattering on almost every body shape, not to mention they are ridiculously comfortable - im talking pj's level comfort people! 

Backless tops; are also very much back in style 😉 & you know the pun was intended! 

This piece was a thrift find as well. 

Graphic Tshirt(s) 

This graphic T is an oldie from 10 Tree
 but It's so unbelievably comfortable which is exactly why graphic Tshirts will truly never go out of style - provided you skip the obnoxious ones grade school boys wore that year their mom stopped pick out what clothes they wore. -

Over sized bags - these are just practical!

In my life anyways its one of these bad boys or I'd be tackling my day lugging around 2 or 3 smaller bags - it's the lesser of evils! 

I actually shove a smaller purse into this bag for running into the store / when I don't need to bring the whole shebang with me, but I must admit i still like to have it all near by just in case someone needs me to rummage out a snack, pen, Or snack On the Go (it's mostly snacks)!

While i am completely aware that at 5'3" i could probably fit in this bag & it may be causing me back problems  according to my Google research (eye roll face) i  don't see this style going anywhere) this one I got from Walmart (Here) & is Great for the budget because not only is the price right, but it is also reversible! 

... I am actually trying to switch to a back pack  because I'm actually worried about the back damage thing...

Trench Coats are amazing - I got this one from my favourite Thrift Store in Ottawa last winter. So this Spring has been my first chance to wear it & I have fallen in love! I don't think there is a single other coat I own that is as practical or versatile as this one has turned out to be!
 The only time it has proved less than practical is over a skirt or dress that is cut above the knee as I feel I look like everyone in staring at me half certain I am about to streak! 


Navel Hovering Necklace(s)

This necklace is something 90s & 70s dreams are made of. A choker // Navel hovering pendant necklace that was a gift from my boyfriends father, so I have NO idea where it's from.

Pant Suits

What I called a jumper but my Nana calls a Pantsuit (since it belonged to her & she is the classiest lady i know I went with what she called it) 

They are such a statement all on their own &

I love that they can be styled up (a piece of statement jewelry & heels ) for a formal /Night look or dressed down (a scarf & flat shoe) for a more casual / Day look--  fashion wisdom from my Nana; you're welcome!  

Bold all over floral print

I'm talking ALL Over- This floral strapless cotton jumper also falls under the above pantsuit category. From Ardene but out of stock - Similar Here
In case you haven't picked up in all about comfort and this one doesn't let me down - or wedgie up - & it has pockets so that's a win!!
A look I have been swooning over is the long sleeved floral maxi dress {I've been seeing all over Insta & Pinterest} my legs are entirely too short & maxi dresses turn me into something of a floor become mop -- less swoon worthy