We're ba-aack!! And so good it is too to be back! We've been getting some last minute relax done before things get really wild as we prepare to launch our new line of sewing patterns in October! Deeply, deeply excited we are. It's getting harder and harder not to reveal all just yet let me tell you... Good thing then, that we have a nice backlog of DIY projects to keep us all distracted for the time being!
Inspired by the genius Galaxy Resort 2011 collection by the unstoppable Christopher Kane, and fuelled by a lifelong fascination with Space (yes, I have seen just about every galactic documentary the internet has to offer, and yes, I am currently researching for at least two novels set in Space which I plan to write one day...), for a while now I've been itching to try a galaxy DIY.
Galactic inspiration, clockwise from top: Christopher Kane Resort 2011; dipped hem tank by Fetch Tops; diy galaxy wedges (try as we might, we simply cannot find the source for this image... if it's yours, please let us know!); intergalactic manicure by Pshiiit.
And here's how we did it...
Step 1
Fill your empty bottle with the thin bleach and give your item of clothing a little spritz. Remember to put newspaper down! Unless you want galaxy floorboards, that is...
Step 2
Pour any remaining bleach back into its bottle and rinse out your spray bottle. Mix 1 part metallic fabric paint to 2 parts water, shake it up and have another spritz. Repeat this for each different colour you want to incorporate. We used pearl white, gold, and a teeny bit of turquoise. Finally, using the end of a paintbrush, add some stars/comets/planets. Hang up to dry. To seal the fabric paints, give it a thorough press with a hot iron once dry.
Elisalex wore: galaxy print t-shirt; homemade red 1/4 circle skirt; Miu Miu sequin shoes.
x Elisalex
** Thank you once again to Alan at Bamber Sew, for so generously providing us with enough fabric paints to keep us inspired to infinity and beyond! **
-
Elisalex de Castro Peake
Comments on this post (21)
Informative and interesting Blog! Beautifully written, as usual, I like the post. Thank you so much for nice sharing with us. Keep posting!
— Fashion Sensei
What is the difference between metallic fabric paint and regular fabric paint?
Also where can ome get some metallic fabric paint?
— Jake
Hi Brooklyn, yes indeed – as long as you’ve used proper fabric paints and let them dry, you’ll be able to wash your garment just fine.
— Elisalex
Will I be able to wash it?
— Brooklyn
Hi Avital, it’s probably a good idea to leave it to dry overnight, or until it really feels bone dry all the way through. Hope this helps! ~Elisalex
— Elisalex - By Hand London
how long do these need to dry?
— avital
Super cute and simple! Love this idea x
— qtπ
Okay so I tried this and at first when I sprayed the bleach it was cute but when I sprayed the two parts water one part paint it didn’t stick on very well. Maybe I didn’t do it right but it didn’t look as good. Other than that it was a fun little project.
-Taylor— Taylor N
thin bleach means ? and metallic fabric color ?
— tausif
The toothbrush idea sounds perfect! Might have to give it a go – still so much more that I want to galaxify!
— byhandlondon
I really want to try this. I have an old black shirt dress that is pretty boring and I’m thinking it would be the perfect candidate. I wonder if putting fabric paint on a toothbrush and doing the splatter effect where you pull the bristles back and the paint flies of (know what i’m talking about??) would look cool for star? I’m amazed at how simple this idea is yet it totally looks like space!
— dixiediy
Thank you! Will check them out now :)
— byhandlondon
The wedges are by Custom Kix. Hand painted custom made footwear.
— Stranger number 9
Not weird at all, I thought it was kind of genius actually. And the apple pie from scratch stuck out for me too… Nuts but true xxx
— byhandlondon
EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!! That is the sound of me clapping and jumping excitedly.
So glad you like that Sagan jam. Is it weird that I play it on sad days? Days when I think humanity is doomed? And then I’m like, “A still more glorious dawn awaits”, and feel so much better. I’ve also put it on mixtapes. Good to know that if you want to make an apple pie from scratch, first you must invent a universe.
— Heather Lou
Ahhhh amazing! That is getting shared on our fb right now!! And as for pattern testing, don’t you worry, you’re top of our list! Expect an email in September at some point… ;)
xxx
— byhandlondon
Elisa, I’ve been meaning to get around to galaxy-ing something – such a cute idea for a refashioned thrift tee. And for you my space obsessed friend, this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zSgiXGELjbc
I AM SO EXCITED ABOUT YOUR PATTERN LINE!!! Have I mentioned/begged/pleaded that I would be over the moon to help you test patterns? I WOULD BE OVER THE MOON TO BE A PATTERN TESTER!
— Heather Lou
Your blog is wonderful! I love it :)
— yesmissy
Thanks! We love it too… So much so that we have a little queue of clothes awaiting the galactic treatment! Let us know if you try it out – we’d love to see your version!!
— byhandlondon
These look fab! I love the galaxy look and have been meaning to incorporate it into my wardrobe. Will have to give this a try. Thanks!
— Rachel Richardson
Thank you!!! Much much much more to come! :)
— byhandlondon