Update Your Bike With This Fabric Hack

Raise your hand if you have a hard time coming to terms with how expensive bikes are — me!! I had no idea that a nice bike could cost upwards of $1,000! If this kind of purchase isn’t in your budget, and you’re just looking for something to cycle from A to B, I’d suggest hitting up sites like Craigslist. That way you can get a nice bike for a lower cost and help out the environment by: 1. Cutting down on driving 2. Recycling and reusing instead of purchasing something brand new.

Of course, buying something hand-me-down means that it might not be exactly your style. But we’re here to show you how easy it is to update an old bike with a new look! All you’ll need is half a yard of fabric and some dishwasher-safe Mod Podge. :)

Materials and Tools:

Instructions:

  1. Mix Mod Podge and water into a bowl. Cut strips of fabric and dip into the glue mixture.
  2. Wrap strips of fabric around the structure of your bike. Let dry.

When choosing your fabric, find cotton that is thin and almost see-through. Cut strips that are about one inch wide and dip them into the glue mixture that is one part water to two parts Mod Podge.

Put on some rap music and start wrapping the structure of your bike. Let dry and then paint a coat of straight Mod Podge on top of the fabric. Let dry for five hours before riding.

Start cruising around town and stop by all the bright, solid-colored walls.

Then take some photos of your new bike next to some great greenery.

Hit up the beach and enjoy some time with your BAE in the sun.

When your bike matches its surroundings ;)

Show us your latest spring projects by tagging us on Instagram+ using hashtag #iamcreative, and be sure to check out our Pinterest and subscribe to our newsletter for more DIY inspo!

DIY Production and Styling: Kelly Bryden
Photography: Brittany Griffin

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

If you know me, you know how much I love Taylor Swift. Something about hearing music written by someone while they experience the same life stages feels so personal, and there's a good chance that almost every emotion I feel can be summed up by a Taylor Swift song. In short: I just love her.

Taylor frequently drops merchandise when a holiday rolls around and for Valentine's Dayin 2022, she released a collection inspired by her 2019 album Lover. I fell in love with a pair of fuzzy dice inspired by her hit song "Cruel Summer," and apparently so did everyone else because the next time I visited the website, they were sold out! So, I decided to make a simplified version of them with my sewing machine for a fun V-Day activity and to add some extra pink to my space. Check out our online sewing class to brush up on your skills and keep reading for a low stakes tutorial on how to make your own!

Here's how to make your own Taylor Swift "Cruel Summer"-inspired dice for Valentine's Day.

Supplies For Your Own "Cruel Summer" Taylor Swift Fuzzy Dice:

Chloe Williams/Brit + Co

  • Sewing machine
  • Pink fleece fabric
  • Pink thread
  • Pink felt
  • Scissors
  • Blue rope/cord (I took mine off a loofah)
  • Needle + pins
  • A copy of Lover to listen to while you sew ;)
  • Poly-Fil Stuffing (not pictured)
  • Ruler (optional)
  • Glue gun + glue gun sticks (optional, use it to touch up your seams if you need)

Instructions:

Chloe Williams/Brit + Co

Start by marking your fleece with the measurements for your squares. Since the size of the dice on Taylor's official website was listed as 3.5", I marked them just above 3.5" so I could leave room for a hem. You'll need 12 squares total.

Chloe Williams/Brit + Co

Next, cut out your squares. I used the first square as a template for the others, then went back in and cleaned up the edges where necessary.

Chloe Williams/Brit + Co

The first image I made was a sun, and I started by drawing a circle on my felt. I used the rim of my thread spool to make sure I had a perfect circle but you can also free hand if you want the circle to be a different size.

Chloe Williams/Brit + Co

Pin your felt to the center of a fleece square.

Chloe Williams/Brit + Co

Sew the circle to the fleece using a regular straight stitch.

Chloe Williams/Brit + Co

Next, move your sewing machine from a straight stitch to a zigzag stitch and decrease your stitch length to a lower number like 0 or 1. This will allow your art to have more of a filled-in border, instead of a messier, chevron finish.

Go back over the rim of your circle with the zigzag stitch to give it that embroidered look. I did this with the fabric right side up, then I did it again with the fabric flipped upside down just to be extra thorough.

Chloe Williams/Brit + Co

After your circle is complete, it's time for the sun rays! Use the same zigzag stitch and 0 stitch length to move from the circle outward. This is where you'll want to add another element: stitch width.

To give the sun rays their triangular shape, adjust your stitch width as you move out from the heart of the sun. While the stitch length ensures your sewing won't have empty spaces, the width will let you move from a wider sunbeam base to a thinner point. I just decreased the width every few stitches as I went along.

Chloe Williams/Brit + Co

Your finished sun will look something like this! I went back in with a needle to clean up loose threads by hand. I waited to trim them until I had threaded them to the back so that the front image had a more polished look.

Chloe Williams/Brit + Co

Repeat the above steps for your devil and angel hearts. There are only a few differences between these and the sun; you'll cut the felt into hearts instead of circles, and to fill in the horns and the wings, I used a straight stitch to give it a colored-in look, reserving the zigzag stitching for the borders.

I know the original dice had "Cruel Summer" lyrics stitched onto these squares, but I ended up leaving them off. It makes the design more minimal and easier to work with.

One thing to note about this step: beware of bunched fabric! Filling in the angel wings brought the edges of the squares in a bit, but I wasn't too upset about it. I think flaws give a craft some personality!

Chloe Williams/Brit + Co

The "Lover" stitching got a little more complicated than the images. I first traced the word with my pen so that I would have some guide as to what the word should look like. Move the stitch width back down to one of the lower settings.

Then instead of just moving the fabric in a circle like I did for the sun, I moved it all around to follow the word I had written in marker. Repeat this a few times until you're satisfied with the thickness. I definitely tried this step a couple different times so don't worry if you don't get it on the first go!

Chloe Williams/Brit + Co

For my final embroidered square, I did a simple "TS," which of course stands for "Taylor Swift."

Chloe Williams/Brit + Co

Before you can sew your squares together, line the edges up and pin them. I used my ruler to mark how far I wanted my hem to go (I did 1/4" at every edge) for a sewing guideline.

I pinned the squares one at a time, checking at each step that they were pinned the right way (especially after I sewed two together incorrectly and had to pick out the stitches. Oops.)

Chloe Williams/Brit + Co

Arrange the images in a similar way to the official dice, or change it up however you'd like! I chose to arrange the squares so that there was a blank in between the images.

Chloe Williams/Brit + Co

Pin and sew your remaining three squares around the middle square so that you end up with a cross.

Chloe Williams/Brit + Co

I continued pinning and sewing the edges to one another until I had an inside-out cube. Here's a tutorial to help you better understand which edges should be sewn together.

I did one square at a time, making sure to focus on the corners and going back in to tighten them up once I was done. You only want one gap, which is where you'll flip the cube inside out and then stuff it.

Chloe Williams/Brit + Co

Once you have a cube, flip the fabric inside out. I used my pen to make sure all the corners and edges were good to go.

Chloe Williams/Brit + Co

Next, stuff your cube with whatever filling you prefer. I didn't stuff it super full because I didn't want it to have a rounded look when I was done.

Chloe Williams/Brit + Co

Ta-da! A little wonky but very cute :)

Chloe Williams/Brit + Co

When you have both dice, cut a small hole in the top for your cord. Knot the ends and stuff them into the holes, then use your needle and thread to attach the cord and the fleece together.

Chloe Williams/Brit + Co

Voilà!

Chloe Williams/Brit + Co

They're soft, fuzzy, and pink. What could be better than that?!

Chloe Williams/Brit + Co

If you don't want to hang these in your car, they also make excellent Valentine's (or Galentine's) decor.

Chloe Williams/Brit + Co

If you need me, I'll be blasting "Cruel Summer" for the rest of the month.

Loving these Taylor Swift fuzzy dice? Follow us on Pinterest and TikTok for more entertainment inspo, and don't forget to check out The Latest On Taylor Swift And Travis Kelce's Relationship!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

This post has been updated.

We knew when 1923 ended that Alex and Spencer would have to fight their way back to each other in season 2. After I interviewed Alex herself, actress Julia Schlaepfer, and learned that she "barely" spent timewith Brandon Sklenar on set, I realized they wouldn't share many scenes — but I didn't realize that apparently, their separation would last the entire season. It's pretty heartbreaking TBH! Plus, based on the very passionate comments Brit + Co's interview has gotten, no one else realized they'd be separated this long either.

Here's what 1923 fans are saying about Spencer and Alex in season 2 of the show, currently airing on Paramount+ every Sunday.

Do Spencer and Alex get back together in 1923 season 2?

Alex and Spencer are still apart as of season 2 episode 5, and Julia Schlaepfer told Brit + Co in her 1923 interview that her and Brandon Sklenar's filming schedules were "very separate."

"I mean, we block shot as well, so we were all kind of coming in at different times to film, but no, we did not [see each other a lot," she says. "Season one we spent all our time together, this season we barely spent any time together. It was very much like, suddenly we were ripped apart. But that's what the characters are going through."

And now that we're approaching episode 6 and they still aren't together, some passionate fans are starting to lose their cool. (Same, TBH).

"Them together was the only thing that made 1923 good," one user said in the comments of our TikTok video, while another adds, "Well this is not ok. I need major Spencer and Alex love story episodes."

"I'm broken," a third user adds. "If only we could have a Spencer and Alex spinoff show."

Although I agree with another user who theorizes that we'll see Spencer finally return home in the finale. "You just know all of season 2 will be him getting to Montana and showing up in the last episode," they say.

What happened to Spencer and Alex on 1923?

Emerson Miller/Paramount+

At the end of 1923 season 1, Alex and Spencer got separated on their ship to America; after a duel with Alex's ex-fiancé Arthur led to Arthur's death, Spencer got kicked off the boat and Alex got locked in her room. Now with no supplies and barely any money to their name, both Alex and Spencer are trying to get to Montana — and hoping they find the other one there.

Check out The Only Guide You Need To Watching 1923 Season 2 Before The Epic Finale so you don't miss a single moment — and you can see Alex and Spencer reunite (hopefully sooner rather than later)!

Lighting can make or break a space. Overhead lights are convenient to switch on but can feel too harsh, while the right mix of lighting can create a warm, inviting aesthetic. The secret? Layering — think floor lamps, table lamps, sconces, and more. To help you achieve that cozy, designer-worthy look, we’ve rounded up 18 affordable Target finds that look way more expensive than they are!

Target's "rich-looking" lamp collection will brighten up your space

FLOOR LAMPS

Target

Wavy Shade Collection with Ceramic Base Floor Lamp

With its playful wavy shade and three-way light setting, this floor lamp lets you customize the brightness to suit any moment—whether you're reading, catching up with friends, or settling in for a movie night.

Target

Gooseneck Floor Lamp with Natural Shade

This gooseneck floor lamp, featuring a rattan shade, looks so elegant and natural and offers adjustable lighting.

Target

Traditional Oil Rubbed Swing Arm Floor Lamp

This bronze floor lamp features a classic swing-arm design, so you can direct light wherever you need it most, such as in your workspace or living area.

Target

Cantilever Drop Pendant Swing Arm Floor Lamp

I've owned Target's most popular floor lamp for about a decade and it still looks and works as well as it did back then. It's a keeper!

Target

Oak Wood Tripod Floor Lamp

This oak wood tripod lamp looks great in your modern space with natural decor.

Table + Desk Lamps

Target

Threshold x Studio McGee Woven Table Lamp

This charming design lamp designed with Studio McGee has adorable scalloped edges and looks sweet on a nightstand or desk.

Target

Threshold x Studio McGee Task Lamp

This retro metal task lamp features a flexible neck to focus the light where you need it the most.

Target

Mini Printed Ceramic Base Table Lamp with Pleated Shade

Love the blue Pollock-like print on this ceramic mini lamp. It's great for teen and dorm rooms!

Hearth & Hand with Magnolia Brass Accent Table Lamp with Plaid Shade

Plaid is always in style in Magnolia's design playbook. This accent table lamp is a stylish addition to your office or side table.

Target

Assembled Ceramic Table Lamp

This blue and white abstract pattern adds a bit of texture to your overall design. Pair two on each side of your bed.

Target

Hearth & Hand with Magnolia Fluted Ceramic Table Lamp with Marble Base

This fluted design is very hot right now and looks elegant solo or in pairs.

Target

Threshold x Studio McGee Round Faux Wood Lamp Base

Give your living space some mood lighting while also adding a cute decorative pattern with a checkered shade.

Target

Farmhouse Ceramic Urn Pot Table Lamp

Go for organic vibes with this modern cement table lamp.

Target

Hearth & Hand with Magnolia Fluted Metal Rechargeable Library Table Lamp

Give your bookshelf a dose of classic elegance with Magnolia's fluted rechargeable library lamp.

SCONCES

Target

Hearth & Hand Magnolia Milk Glass Striped Wall Sconce

Milk glass is always in style for any vintage-inspired decor. These would look great in a kitchen for a modern-retro vibe.

Hearth & Hand with Magnolia Fluted Ceramic Sconce

Here's the fluted lamp in a sconce variety. Matching lamp styles is actually a great way to create cohesion in your design.

Target

Threshold x Studio McGee Metal Sconce Wall Light

Add metallic appeal to your home with this Studio McGee sconce that gives off a warm golden hue.

Target

Threshold x Studio McGee Wall Sconce with Plaid Shade

An affordable sconce with a unique shade is a great way to add personality to your space while saving space too!

Subscribe to our newsletter for more home decor ideas!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

The Last of Us cast showed up and showed out at the season 2 premiere on March 24, 2025, and aside from being one of the hottest casts around, this batch is talented — and not just at surviving infected. Season 1 proved just how magnetic they are onscreen together and since our favorite stars are returning alongside some brand new additions, The Last of Us season 2 promises to be outright electric.

Meet The Last of Us season 2 cast, led by Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey, before new episodes premiere on Max April 13, 2025.

1. Pedro Pascal as Joel Miller

Liane Hentscher/HBO

The Fantastic Four & Materialists star Pedro Pascal returns as Joel Miller, Ellie’s father figure who wants them to have a better life.

2. Bella Ramsey as Ellie Williams

HBO

Bella Ramsey will star as Ellie Williams, a girl who’s immune to the infected who learns a huge secret Joel’s been keeping from her.

3. Gabriel Luna as Tommy Miller

Liane Hentscher/HBO

Gabriel Luna stars as Tommy Miller, Joel’s brother who’s started his own family in Jackson, Wyoming.

4. Isabela Merced as Dina

Liane Hentscher/HBO

Isabela Merced stars as Dina, a free spirited member of Jackson who begins a relationship with Ellie.

5. Young Mazino as Jesse

Liane Hentscher/HBO

Young Mazino plays Jesse, one of Ellie’s friends.

6. Rutina Wesley as Maria

Liane Hentscher/HBO

Rutina Wesley returns as Maria, co-leader in Jackson and Tommy’s wife.

7. Kaitlyn Dever as Abby

Liane Hentscher/HBO

Kaitlyn Dever joins The Last of Us season 2 cast as Abby, who’s out for revenge.

8. ​Danny Ramirez as Manny

Marvel Studios

MCU star Danny Ramirez stars as Manny, a member of Abby’s crew who tries to keep the group’s spirits up.

9. ​Tati Gabrielle as Nora

Netflix

Tati Gabrielle plays Nora, a medic traveling with Abby.

10. Ariela Barer as Mel

Greg Lewis/Hulu

Ariela Barer stars as Mel, a doctor and a member of Abby’s group.

11. ​Spencer Lord as Owen

The CW

Spencer Lord plays Owen, one of Abby’s group who struggles to maintain his gentleness.

12. Catherine O'Hara as Gail

Liane Hentscher/HBO

Catherine O’Hara stars as Gail, Joel’s therapist.

13. ​Joel Pantoliano as Eugene

Lionsgate

We'll also see Joel Pantoliano in The Last of Us season 2 as Eugene, Gail’s husband.

14. Jeffrey Wright as Isaac Dixon

Murray Close/Lionsgate

Jeffrey Wright stars as Isaac Dixon, the leader of the militia. Jeffrey played this role in the game!

Check out The Most-Anticipated TV Shows Coming In 2025 for more series you can't miss.

Easteris over, and now, you have more leftover pastelcandy than you know what to do with! Don't stash it in your cabinet until Halloween (trick or treaters don't deserve that). Instead, give your Easter candy new life with these colorful leftover Easter candy recipes. You'll be surprised at how far Easter M&M's and Cadbury chocolate eggs can go!

Brit + Co

Cadbury Creme Eggs Rocky Road Bar

This rocky road-inspired candy bar made with creme eggs is as colorful, gooey, chocolatey, and creamy as they come. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Easter Chocolate Bark

You can use any Easter candy you want to create this treat. Just make sure it's chocolate on chocolate on chocolate. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Peeps S'mores

Turn regular ol' s'mores into brightly-colored dessert sandwiches with chocolate-dipped graham crackers, and a pastel gooey marshmallow center – no campfire necessary. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Caramel Candy-Apple Nachos

Who needs chips and queso when you have leftover Easter candy recipes that include apples, caramel, and Heath bars? Pile on a crumbled Heath Bar and some walnuts over the top of these dessert nachos and instantly ease that sweet tooth. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Cadbury Cocktail

After all the Easter festivities, you deserve a drink. This is the perfect libation that uses leftover Easter candy: a smooth and sweet combination of vanilla vodka, milk of your choice, and the best part of a Cadbury Egg (the insides, obviously)! (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Cadbury Creme Egg Pop Tarts

Creations like these pastries make for the best leftover Easter candy recipes. Stuff these pastry pockets full of Cadbury eggs, and boom, you've got dessert. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Giant Cadbury Creme Egg Cheesecake Dip

This decadent entertaining dessert would also be excellent for an Easter brunch! (via Brit + Co)

A Zesty Bite

Candylicious Junkyard Cookies

This cookie recipe is all about cleaning out your candy jar. Sure, it calls for specific candies like M&M's and Kit Kat bars, but you can throw in whatever chocolate-based candy you have on hand. Trust us: your cookie will come out equally delicious. (via A Zesty Bite)

BRACH's Jelly Bean Pancakes

Ingredients:

  • 1 1⁄2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3 1⁄2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon white sugar
  • 1 1⁄4 cups milk
  • 1 egg
  • 3 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 2 cups BRACH’S® Classic Jelly Beans plus 1⁄2 cup as toppings
  • Whipped cream, for topping
Directions:
  1. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, salt and sugar.
  2. Make a well in the center and pour in the milk, egg and melted butter; mix until smooth.
  3. Mix in BRACH’S® Classic Jelly Beans.
  4. Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium high heat.
  5. Pour or scoop the batter onto the griddle, using approximately 1⁄4 cup for each pancake. Flip and brown on both sides.
  6. Once cooked through, remove from griddle. Let cool. Top with whipped cream and extra BRACH’S®Jelly Beans and enjoy!

(via BRACH's)

Melanie Makes

Jelly Bean Donuts

Finally, a socially-acceptable way to eat jelly beans for breakfast! If you don't have a donut pan handy, that's okay. You can also make jelly bean muffins! (via Melanie Makes)

Tastes Better from Scratch

Chocolate Cadbury Egg Cookies

Chocolate lovers will go wild for these Easter-y cookies. For starters, the cookie base is chocolate. What's even better is the Cadbury eggs are five times as big as chocolate chips. That's more chocolate per inch of cookie! (via Tastes Better from Scratch)

Crazy for Crust

Candy Bar Pie

Put your leftover pie crust and leftover Easter candy to good use with this pie. Sure, this is more like a giant cookie in the shape of a pie, but we're still in heaven. (via Crazy for Crust)

A Pumpkin & A Princess

Marbled Jelly Bean Bark

Why should peppermint bark get all the glory? Jelly beans liven up white chocolate bark with spring colors in this delish treat. Bonus: this leftover Easter candy recipe only requires *three* ingredients. (via A Pumpkin & A Princess)

Something Swanky

Bunny Chow

Dress up puppy chow for some bunny in your life. Though this recipe needs only four ingredients, feel free to add more candy or your favorite nuts to this sweet, crunchy snack mix. (via Something Swanky)

The Domestic Rebel

Peeps Candy Bars

It's a fact: food becomes irresistible when it's brightly colored and pretty — also if it's topped with sugar coated marshmallows! Okay, so that might not be a statistic yet, but based on these Peeps candy bars, we can vouch for it. (via The Domestic Rebel)

Dessert Now Dinner Later

Peanut Butter Chocolate Nests

This leftover Easter candy dessert is a work of art, both in your mouth and to the naked eye. It's an adorable bird's nest that you can eat! Chocolate, peanut butter, and pretzels are a dream team that don't get enough credit. (via Dessert Now Dinner Later)

How Sweet Eats

Chocolate Peanut Butter Peeps Skillet S'mores

Need s'more s'mores? We got you with this gooey, chocolatey, peanut buttery dip, topped with golden brown leftover Peeps. Grab a graham cracker, and dig in. (via How Sweet Eats)

Leelalicious

Leftover Candy Stuffed Brownies

This delicious brownie recipe is filled with all your favorite Easter candy (or whatever candy you happen to have on hand). Swap out butter for coconut oil for a slightly healthier twist. By that logic, we'll have two, please. (via Leelalicious)

Deliciously Sprinkled

Cadbury Brownie Bites

You could always hide your leftover Easter candy, or you can just hide them inside these delicious brownie bites! (via Deliciously Sprinkled)

BRACH's Jelly Bean Cinnabunnies

Ingredients:

  • BRACH’S® Classic Jelly Beans
  • Store-bought jumbo-size cinnamon rolls
  • White frosting

Directions:

  1. Unwrap the first layer of dough from the outside of each cinnamon roll. Remove and set aside.
  2. Place the dough that is still rolled on your baking sheet, widely spaced; these will be your bunny heads.
  3. Tear the removed outer layers into two smaller pieces, about 2.5” each.
  4. Loosely fold each 2.5” piece in half and pinch the ends together to form the bunny’s ears.
  5. Take two folded pieces and lightly press the bases together onto a roll to form the full bunny.
  6. Bake according to package instructions. Decorate with frosting and jelly beans once cooled!

(via BRACH's)

Delightful E Made

Spring Krispie Cake With M&M's and Candy Drizzle

This Rice Krispies cake doubles as a colorful center piece for your Easter table spread. Melt down some Peeps and mix with the famed cereal. If you're using Peeps of varying colors, melt each color down separately, and mix cereal in portions for a tie-dye effect. (via Delightful E Made)

Two Sisters Crafting

Easter Candy Popcorn

Put a spin on sweet and salty popcorn with a butter marshmallow sauce. It's like a more indulgent version of kettle corn that coats your popcorn in a sticky, sweet, and buttery sauce. Add Easter M&M's and candy-coated chocolate eggs to make this the perfect post-Easter snack! (via Two Sisters Crafting)

Kirbie's Cravings

Leftover Easter Candy Mug Cake

This single serving of cake is just the emergency sweet treat you keep on-hand when you need a little “me time." Just toss in a handful of Easter M&M's into a mug along with flour, milk, and baking powder. Voila! Your sweet tooth is satisfied in under five minutes using ingredients you already had in your pantry. (via Kirbie's Cravings)

Averie Cooks

Chocolate Peanut Butter Kit Kat Crunch Bars

This leftover Easter candy recipe looks too good to be true! We love these crunchy homemade candy bars topped with our favorite twin chocolate wafer bars. (via Averie Cooks)

Domestic Superhero

Twix Cheesecake Bars

Creamy cheesecake + crunchy Twix Bars = the ultimate Easter dessert. Drizzle the top with chocolate and caramel right before serving to complete this masterpiece. (via Domestic Superhero)

Pink Owl Kitchen

Easter Cookie Cake

If you grew up loving cookie cakes, you'll love using your leftover Easter candy to make your own homemade version! You'll love the warm and tantalizing taste of peanut butter, but it's the mini chocolate eggs that really make this recipe shine. (via Pink Owl Kitchen)

Follow us on Pinterest for more easy + delicious recipe ideas!

This post has been updated with additional reporting by Gabi Conti and Meredith Holser.