Blogger Babble: P.S. I Made This

It always seems that there is at least one stylish item that you are absolutely lusting after, yet is way beyond your budget. For example, the latest tie-dye creations from Proenza Schouler, or perhaps a pair of embellished shoulder pads , a-la “Samantha” in the latest Sex and the City movie. How about saving your cash and taking a cue from Erica Domesek, the most fashionable DIYer we have ever met, and her instructive blog, PS. I Made This, where she literally takes the looks right off the runway and teaches her readers how to make the stylish items themselves.

Erica has been crafting since she was a kid. Before she started her career as a prop stylist and a creative consultant for brands like Madewell and Anthropologie, she was tinkering away as a Florida college student on her very own jewelry line, called Belle & Jax. “I was working with my best friend at the time. We would find vintage jewelry from eBay and estate sales, and would reconfigure them to the styles we were coveting. One day a woman came up to me and told me she loved the necklace I was wearing. I looked at her and said, 'Thanks and P.S. I made this.' She bought it from me on the spot for $500 and that is where it all began!”

Cut to nine years later (in 2008): Erica has moved to New York City, closed Belle & Jax, and become a go-to-gal for behind-the-scenes creative needs in the design and media world. It is around this time that Erica receives an email from a close friend asking her opinion on a $600 necklace. Erica loves the necklace, but will not, under any circumstances, let her friend buy such an expensive accessory. Instead Erica tells her friend that she will help her make the necklace for under $40. The necklace is a success and soon Erica has a small monthly craft club with a group of girlfriends at her apartment. After many fun nights and stylish creations with her girlfriends Erica realizes that other people might also like her creative insight. In February of 2009 she launched her now famous site and named it after her love of using the phrase “P.S…”

Erica describes herself as Carrie Bradshaw, meets MacGyver, meets Sarah Silverman. And we do have to say with her long raven hair, her wit, and her tag line, “I see it. I like it. I make it.” that she definitely fits the description. When we met Erica for this article she was DIYing a pair of impressive, look-a-like Valentino nude strappy sandals which she has since posted on her blog. Even though Erica can’t decide between her favorite DIY projects, “They’re like my children! I get so attached,” she does think that everyone should be proud of their crafting skills. She proudly displays her own gold plated crafting tools on the wall of her apartment. Yes that’s right; she has a gold plated glue gun on hanging on her wall.

For those of you who want more of Erica’s DIY ideas and resources she will be publishing a “P.S. I Made This” book next fall, in which she features eBay as “the world’s best online resource for finding amazing gems to reuse and re-purpose for cool DIYs.” Erica even tells us that she tends to have a late-night eBay shopping habit. We were lucky enough to get an inside look from Erica on the items she buys from eBay to help her with her stylish DIY projects. Hopefully, with her instructive blog and impending book release, we will be as crafty as Erica in no time.

** Portrait by Patrick Cline  provided by Erica Domesek. **

Erica’s DIY Ideas

Roll over items for details

Gold Bow Brooch Lot

"I would add a ribbon or chain and turn each of these brooches into a necklace."

(starting bid, $9.99)

Vintage Doilies and Crochet Table Runners

"I am really into Chanel’s spring crochet looks right now. There are so many accessories to make from these: headbands, brooches, earrings!"

(starting bid, $9.99)

NEW Cotton Rope

"This rope is perfect for summer nautical-inspired rope necklaces. It is also great to hang summer lanterns for outdoor entertaining."

(buy it now price, $7.49)

Retro Bright Red Tool Box

"Keep your tools and craft supplies in this cool retro toolbox. It will look really chic on display on a shelf in your home!"

(starting bid, $25)

NEW Tie Dye Kit

"Nothing says summer like tie dye! I am obsessed with Proenza Schouler's tie dye look right now! This one-step, just add water dye kit (complete with gloves, and rubber bands) makes for an easy and fun project."

(buy it now price, $15.95)