Category: DIY

DIY: Vintage Trim Cuffed Jeans

Have you ever wandered into a store and found a beautiful jacquard trim or a vintage trim, but didn’t know what you could use it for? Your jeans of course! This DIY is cool because of its semi-permanence. Cuff ’em and show of the trim or un-cuff ’em and have your jeans back and no one’s the wiser. Watch the video below to see how to make them and scroll down for more details.

What you’ll need:

A Pair of Jeans

A Vintage Trim/Jacquard Trim

E6000 Glue

Scissors

Step 1: Measure the bottom of your jeans. Add two inches to that and cut the trim to that measurement.

Step 2: Apply glue to the end of the trim and fold it over once at about an inch. This is to hide/seal the frayed end.

Step 3: Apply a line of glue to the jeans at the seam and at the top and bottom of the cuff. Start glueing the trim all around. E6000 takes some time to dry and it helps if you don’t jostle the fabric too much.

Step 4: Repeat Step 2 when you get to the end and glue down the end to the jeans.

 

That’s it, you’re done!

DIY: Rhinestone Hem Jeans

If minimalism is your style but you have a soft corner for some bling this DIY is for you. This easy tutorial will show you how to give your jeans a little glitz and glam. You can dress it up and dress it down as you please. Watch the video to see how to make them and scroll down for more detailed instructions.

What you’ll need:

A Pair of Jeans

Iron-0n Rhinestone Trim

Sew-on Jewels

Needle and Thread

Scissors

Iron

Step 1: Measure the bottom of your jeans and cut the rhinestone trim to that measurement, adding an extra inch.

Step 2: Iron on the trim slowly making sure you apply heat uniformly. You can use a cotton cloth over the trim to protect it from the heat. Do not iron on the steam setting. Add the second row.

Step 3: Using the sew on jewels, make a three petal flower at the center. Using a needle and thread, sew through the jewels till they feel secure.

That’s it, you’re done!

DIY: Rose Embroidered Vans

What do you do when a cool new pair of shoes hits the market and everyone has a pair? You customize yours so you can be a dolphin in a sea of sharks. The new Vans Old Skool sneakers are ultra cool and since they’re unisex it seems like EVERYONE is wearing them. And they should. But what if you could take it to the next level with a feminine touch with this rose embroidered patch.

What you’ll need:

Vans (or any sneakers you wanna switch up)

Rose Iron-on Patches

Iron

Glue (If the patch is being stubborn in places)

Scissors (If you want to trim the patch to fit the shoes)

Also keep a cotton cloth handy for the ironing part.

Step 1: Decide how you want the patch placed on the shoe. I chose this single rose embroidered patch to be placed along the side of the shoes.

Step 2: Making sure the patch is where you want it, place the cotton cloth over it. Press down with the iron, supporting inside with your hand. Hold down for 20 seconds. Repeat if necessary.

Step 3: Do it on the other side and repeat with the other shoe.

And you’re done!

 

DIY: Beaded Summer Sandals

It’s time to free those toes! Put away the stuffy boots and slide into some flirty sandals, because spring is here! We just got these great new beaded iron-on trims and had to put them on something quick. 

What you’ll need:

A Pair of Sandals

Beaded Rhinestone Trim (This one is Iron-On but we didn’t want to iron it onto vinyl)

Pom Pom Trim

E6000

Scissors

Step 1: Cut the trim to size by measuring it on the sandals. To play it safe, cut a little extra on either side. You can always trim that later.

Step 2: Apply a thin line of E6000 on the the strap. Stick the pom pom trim to it with the pom poms facing outward.

(E6000 is a great glue but make sure you’re working in a well ventilated area since it’s a powerful formula. It also takes longer to dry than other glues. You can use a glue gun for quicker results)

Step 3: Apply glue between the two pom pom trims and glue on the rhinestone trim. Since this is an iron on trim you have the option of ironing it on if your base fabric will allow it.

Step 4: Trim the excess on either side and let dry.

And you’re done!

DIY: Decorated Graduation Caps

Graduation time is here! Nothing is more exciting than putting on your cap and gown and walking across the stage. But those plain cap and gowns they give you are a bit boring, now there is nothing wrong with being just another cap in the crowd. But if you want your family to be able to spot you from the bleachers, go out in style by decorating your cap. Here are two great ideas on how to stand out and show your individuality.

Cap #1: Decorate with Patches

Customize your cap with some of your favorite things, and what better way to show your style then with patches?

What You’ll Need:

  • Graduation Cap
  • Patches
  • Iron
  • Thin cotton cloth

NOTE: Make sure you know which is the front of your cap so your design sits properly.

 

Step 1:  Grab an assortment of patches in various sizes and play around with the layout until you’ve got it right.

Step 2: Iron the patches for 20 seconds each on high heat (no steam). Repeat if necessary.(Use a thin cotton cloth over the patches, to protect them)

Viola! You’re finished.

 

Cap#2: Decorate with Rhinestones

What You’ll Need:

  • Graduation Cap
  • Monogram print out
  • Rhinestones
  • Iron-On Rhinestone Trim (we used this one)
  • Iron safe transfer paper
  • Iron
  • Tweezers

NOTE: Make sure you know which is the front of your cap so your design sits properly.

Step 1: Choose the font and size you want your monogram (or quote) to be and then print it out . Make sure to print the “mirrored” version so it is the correct way once it is on your cap. For this we used the font Paduka Script

Step 2: Place your monogram under the transfer paper and peel back the protective layer to reveal the sticky side.

 

Step 2: Fill in your monogram with rhinestones. Put the rhinestones flat back up, jewel side down, so that the top of the jewel is on the sticky part of the transfer paper.

Step 3: Transfer to your cap. Carefully put your cap over the transfer paper and flip both over. Then position your monogram where you would like it to go.

Step 4: Iron on. Place a thin cotton sheet over the transfer paper and iron your monogram onto your cap. About 30 sec in each place then move around until its on there good.

Step 5: Lay out your trim. We cut this trim so it was a little thinner. Measure each side with the trim and make sure to account for any overlap in corners so that the trim lays flat all around.

Step 6: Iron on your trim. Just like with the rhinestones, place a thin cotton sheet over your trim and iron on. Holding for about 30 sec or until it is not loose.

That’s it, you’re all done!

 

 Now go strut your stuff across the stage and congratulations!

DIY: Matching Infinity Bracelets

Finding a gift for your mom is one of the hardest things to do. There’s nothing that can express your gratitude and love for someone who’s loved and cared for you selflessly all your life (and before!). But every year, in May, we try! A mother and child’s bond is forever and we wanted to express that with these simple DIY Infinity Bracelets, one for you and one for your mom, so you can wear your special link wherever you go.

What you’ll need:

Gold Link Chain

Suede Cord

Pliers

E6000

Cord Ends

Jump Rings

Lobster Claw Closure

Step 1: Measure your the cord wrapped snugly around your wrist and cut. Do the same with the second color. Cut the chain to the same length.

Step 2: Apply a little E6000 to the ends of the cords and insert into the cord end. Let it dry. Once it’s dry you can use a flat nose plier to flatten the cord end to pinch the cord and secure it.

Step 3: Add a jump ring, linking the two cord ends.

Step 4: Loop the chain inside the cord and connect the ends with a jump ring. Before closing the jump ring add a lobster claw closure.


And you’re done!

We hope your mom loves it!

15 DIY Gifts For Mom

The best gifts Mom can receive for Mothers Day are those made from the heart. Mothers seem to love and appreciate just about anything you make them, and you don’t have to be a little kid to give Mom something handmade. These craft ideas are creative ways to show mom just how much you care (and secure your spot as favorite child). Visit M&J Trimming for the supplies you need then follow these step by step tutorials to give your Mom one of these special DIY Mothers Day gifts this year.

1. Ribbon Vase

Cluster pink peonies and tulips, red roses, and chartreuse verbena in an oversized square vase wrapped in striped and polka-dotted ribbons. Hot-glue the backs of the ribbons and adhere them to the vase (or substitute heavy-duty double-faced tape).

Your mom will love this simple yet fun DIY Ribbon Vase. Here’s how to make it.

2. Tassel Necklace

diy-tassel-necklace-18

For a simpler version use these tassels from M&J Trimming. Get the full tutorial here.

3. Mason Jar Picture Frame

How to make a mason jar vase and frame

This DIY is simple enough for kids to do mostly by themselves and it screams spring with the bright colors. Full Tutorial.

4. Blooming Monogram

Blooming Monogram DIY at LuLus.com!

Help Mom brighten up your home decor by adding M&J silk flowers to her monogram. Learn how here.

5. Button Rings

Get a load of this fresh notion for something you probably already have around the house! Emily Peters sells these baubles at our Country Living Fairs (emmalou vintage.etsy.com), but she's also generous enough to tell you how to craft your own. If you become so carried away that you need more buttons, Etsy.com has a killer selection of vintage ones. Step 1: Start with an adjustable brass "ring blank," the band that wraps around your finger ($6.50 for 10; findings.etsy.com). Step 2: If your button has a shank on the back, snip it off with wire-cutting pliers and sand down the back surface with a rotary tool (Dremel 4.8-volt, $24.97; homedepot.com). Step 3: Apply a thin layer of metal-bonding glue (Beacon's Glass, Metal & More glue, $6.99 for two ounces; createforless.com) to the back of your button, then adhere it to the top of the ring blank. If you'd like to add a second button, apply a thin layer of the glue to its back side, then adhere it atop the first button. Let dry for 24 hours.

Button jewelry is one of the latest trends, so help Mom look fabulous for Mothers Day with these rings. Instructions found here.

6. Scarf or Ribbon Watchband

It's easy to fall in love with vintage scarves at flea markets and thrift stores. The hard part? Finding a fresh way to wear the ladylike relics. Here's one: Just remove the straps from a watch, then weave a scarf through the watch's lugs (the bars that hold the straps in place). Wrap the scarf's ends around your wrist and secure with a knot to make a timely fashion statement.

For a different look, use ribbon instead of scarves for the band and then tie with a pretty bow.  Tutorial.

7. Lace Handbag

Make it any size! For the lining, cut two fabric circles, about 3/4 inch smaller than the two doilies. Right sides together, sew together the lining pieces, leaving an opening at the top; turn right side out. Sandwich lining between doilies and topstitch through all layers (lining included), leaving an opening at the top. From a runner, cut a wide handle, folding it lengthwise in thirds. Machine-stitch down its length. At the lining's opening, turn under the raw edges; stitch the ends of the handle inside.

M&J has a wide selection of lace that would work perfectly for this design. Instructions here.

8. Ribbon Shoes

Expert crafter Melissa Neufeld uses beautiful fabric ribbons to give everyday shoes a quick, colorful makeover. Using bright tafetta ribbon and a hot-glue gun, Melissa needed just 10 minutes to give a pair of suede slip-ons this stylish new look.

Spruce up a pair of shoes with Mom’s favorite color or pattern by adding ribbon, here are a couple different ways it can be done.

9. Lace Earrings

Three-DIY-Lace-Earrings

These delicate lace earrings will never go out of style and are super easy to make!

10. Rhinestone Jewelry Box

If your making any of the jewelry shown above, Mom might need a place to store it. Make her a rhinestone jewelry box to add a little sparkle to her room. M&J offers a wide variety of rhinestones so you can make this in Mom’s favorite color. This DIY is super easy, just get a wooden jewelry box from your local craft store and make it as simple or detailed as you want.

11. Box of Flowers

This is a beautiful gift for Mom to show her just how much you care. See how to make it here.

12. Fun Animal Cookie Throw Pillow

DIY Circus Animal Cookie Pillows | studiodiy.com

Add some fun to your home decor for Mothers Day with these cute frosted animal cracker pillows.  Find all your pompoms at M&J Trimming

13. Photo Pendent

Keep yourself close to mom’s heart with these photo pendents.

14. Pompom Branches

This craft is perfect for kids and it is super simple to do. These branches also goes great with our PomPom flowers we featured earlier on the blog.

15. Button Monogram

button canvas wall art

Buttons are being used in home decor all over the place. Help mom jump on this trend with her very own monogrammed initial. Get the full instruction here.

DIY: Tassel Wall Hanging

Wall hangings have been all the rage the last year or so and the trend doesn’t seem to be dying down. Whether it’s a woven tapestry, macrame or fringe, a handmade wall hanging is a beautiful addition to any room. I decided to use the stunning colorful tassels we have and make a simple hanging that is vaguely bohemian.

What you’ll need:

A dowel or sticks (I used long thin sticks from the floral section of the craft store)

Twine/Cord

Tassels (I used multiple colors but you could also try the all white or all black look)

Step 1: If you’re using multiple thin sticks, bind together a few to make it more sturdy. You can skip this step if you use a dowel.

Step 2: Decide how you want your final hanging to look. Do you want them all the same length? Do you want a ‘V’ Shape? I chose to do an asymmetrical upside down ‘V’. Keeping your design in mind, tie the cords to the sticks and cut to whatever length you need.

Step 3: Using the loops, attach the tassels to the ends of the cords.

Step 4: Tie a cord on both ends of the stick to hang the hanging from.

And you’re done!

DIY: Faux Bee Embroidered Pillow

Ok, so we didn’t actually do the embroidery, hence the ‘faux’. But our way is better for those of you who don’t have the time or the skills to embroider something. Check out how to make this super cool bee embroidered throw pillow:

 

What you’ll need:

A pillow cover

Embroidered patches – We used this one

An iron

 

Yup, that’s it.

Step 1: Place the patches how you want them.

Step 2: Iron the patches for 20 seconds each on high heat (no steam). Repeat if necessary.

(Use a thin cotton cloth over the patches, to protect them)

And that’s it, you’re done. No joke.

Check out how to make this pillow and two others in this video:

DIY: Tassel Pillow

Have an old pillow you want to give some life to? Just grab a few tassels and add them all around. Tassels are a fun addition to a lot of home decor projects. Check out how we updated this pillow:

What you’ll need:

A pillow cover/pillow

Tassels

Needle and Thread

Step 1: Starting with a corner, sew a stitch from the back of the pillow and then sew it back through.

Step 2: Using the loop on the tassel, fasten it to the cover by repeating the first step.

Step 3: Just add more tassels all around the pillow.

And you’re done!

Check out this video for more ideas on making cool pillows: