Upcycled Dress into a Lace Back Vest (the how-to)

I bought a lacy dress at Forever 21 on clearance a few summers ago.  It was great for walking to the beach in Chicago.... but now that I am beachless in Charleston, I decided to upcycle it.

I've slowly been collecting lace back vests (like this one form Charlotte Russe).

I decided this would be the perfect next life for my dress.  So I trimmed off the bottom with my rotary cutter, mat, and guide thingy.

Originally, the lace was on the front of the dress.  For the vest, I wanted it on the back.  So I put my mat in between the front and back of the dress with the original back of the dress facing up.  I lined my guide in the center of the tag all the way down the back.  Next, I cut down with my rotary cutter and cut out the tag.

If you wanted, you could hem it... but I like the unfinished look.

here's the front:

I hope you enjoyed this how-to!  If you give this a shot.... please take pics and post links in the comments!  I would love to see your projects.

DIY Craft Show Display Tutorial #1: Vintage Plate Stand

Hello readers and friends!  Today I'm going to give my first tutorial on this blog!  I'm rather excited about it.  I'm going to be showing you how to make an easy peasy craft show display using vintage plates and saucers. 

What you're going to need:  vintage plates and/or saucers, a short taper candlestick holder (I got this one for $1 at Dollar Tree), and E6000 or any industrial strength glue.

All that you do is line the top of the candlestick holder with a generous ring of E6000.

Turn the plate/saucer upside down, stick the candlestick holder to the plate, and let it set.

After the glue has set, turn it upright and arrange your craft show lovelies on top!