WAKANDA FOREVER! If you haven't seen the Black Panther movie by Marvel yet, you need to go! It was riveting, it was funny, and the afro-centric fashion was errthang! Speaking of fashion, I know you've seen all the African garb and cool outfits that movie-goers wore to pay homage to the fictitious African nation in the movie. Me on the other hand, I'm scrolling through Instagram and Facebook thinking, "well dang, I have nothing to wear!" I know, I know, I didn't necessarily have to dress up to see the movie. But where's the fun in that!? I had to join in the fun :) So the easiest thing that came to mind was to make a t-shirt. All you'll need is an $8 plain black tee from Target, and some glitter gold letters from Hobby Lobby. If you've ever done letters on a t-shirt, it's not rocket science, but check out this quick video of me making my Wakanda shirt. 

To complement the look, I wore the little piece of Ankara cloth that I did have, which was a scarf. That, along with my braids in a high bun completed my look. I also wore my newest tassel earrings, that swung back and fro as I strutted into that movie theater lol. 

What articles of clothing have you made lately? Share in the comments below!

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Let's be clear - I love a challenge. My favorite phrase is "Pshh, I can make that!" lol. I became a self-proclaimed do-it-yourself-er in my college days when I realized the my expensive taste did not match my budget. As a result, I learned to tap into my creativity. Before long, I had made my own curtains, pillow cases, lampshades, coasters, and more.

This project was no different. I had just moved into a new place and ottoman prices were just off the charts! My strategy was to buy one second hand at the thrift store, and then make it my own. And it did just that. The project was quite easy and only took a few steps. Here is what you'll need:

Tools:
Upholstery foam (sized to fit your ottoman)
Fabric (make sure you get a little extra to tuck under)
Upholstery staple gun and staples
A box cutter or scissors
Screw driver

Step 1: 
I started with a simple padded top storage ottoman that I bought for $8 at the thrift store. The fabric was obviously not appealing, but sometimes you have to look past the appearance and see the potential. This ottoman had great real wood legs and had a storage pouch. I could envision it sitting in front of my couch so I could put my feet up and store cozy blankets in it. Ahh...ok back to business.

Step 2
Strip off the old fabric and the padding with a box cutter or scissors. All that should be left in the wooden top and the legs/body of the ottoman. If you have a storage ottoman, unscrew the hinges top of the ottoman with a screwdriver. This will remove the top of the ottoman from its base.

Step 3:
Then lay out your new fabric and upholstery foam on a flat surface. Place the top of the ottoman (that you just unscrewed) on top to that, keeping the face that would represent the inside of the ottoman up. (You have the option of redoing the inner black lining, but I was being lazy and chose not to.) Pull the sides of the fabric as taut as you can over the foam and over the edges of the flat top. Hold that portion of the fabric down with one hand, and staple it down with your other hand (watch your fingers!). Repeat until the entire perimeter of the flat top is covered.

Step 6: 
Finally, return the upholstered top of the ottoman back to its legs and screw the hardware back in. And you're done!! Not too shabby for an amateur! It's not perfect, but the finished product is a beautiful, crisp looking piece of furniture!! LOVE it!  

What pieces of furniture have you attempted to upholster? Tell me in the comments below!!

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