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Black Artists+ Designers Guild

Designer Spotlight: Black Artists + Designers Guild

At M&J Trimming, we encourage people of all ages and backgrounds to celebrate their individuality through art. That’s why today we’re shining a spotlight on the Black Artists + Designers Guild, a global collective of independent Black artists, makers and designers who are at the top of their fields.

BADG Founder Malene Barnett faced adversity as a Black woman in the design industry for over 10 years before she started the nonprofit to, as she says, “create a safe space for Black artists, makers, and designers to celebrate Black excellence and culture in design.”

Founded in 2018 to combat a lack of representation of Black talent and culture in the design industry, the guild has now grown to almost 100 members and counting. BADG provides showcases and other opportunities for its members in efforts to make design culture more inclusive.

In honor of talented Black artists in the BADG and all over the globe, we are donating 10% of profits from the Black Lives Matter patch collection to the Black Artists + Designers Guild.Black Artists + Designers guild BLM patchShow your support by shopping these products here.

3 Ways to DIY Summer Shorts

It’s getting hot out there and it’s time to bust out your Daisy Dukes. With these three easy DIYs you can take your plain old shorts and turn them into pretty little things. Check out this video to learn how to make 3 awesome pairs of shorts for the summer:

For more details:

Floral Patched Shorts

Lace Trimmed Shorts

Rhinestone Bling Shorts 

DIY: 3 Ways to Use Iron-On Letters

Always wondered how to use iron on letters? Here’s 3 fun ways you can use chenille or embroidered letters to add some character to your projects. Add it to a clutch, a sweatshirt or monogram your pet’s name on its pillow!

Check out this video to see how you can use iron on letters in 3 fun ways:

Click on the links below for more detailed instructions:

Multicolor Lettered Clutch

Lettered Sweatshirt

Monogrammed Pet Pillow

DIY: 3 Ways To Give Your Throw Pillows a Fresh Look

Sometimes I put things on a list just to cross them off. Really simple things like “Finish watching Season 10 of …..”. Ah the sense of accomplishment. What if you could do that and be productive at the same time? These 3 quick updates for your throw pillows will make you feel like you made a lot of effort (when you really didn’t). Check out this video to see how you can cross off easy DIY throw pillows off your list:

Check out the individual tutorials here:

Tufted Pillow

Embroidered/Patched Pillow

Tassel Pillow

DIY: Wedding Invitation With Lace And Rhinestones

A little sparkle goes a long way! This elegant wedding invitation is a great and easy DIY! We’ve broken it down for you!

What you’ll need:

Cardstock Envelope

Lace Trim

Brilliance Sew-On Jewels 

Gem- Tac

Glue Syringe

Scissors

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Step 1: Fill glue syringe with Gem-Tac.

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Step 2: Measure lace trim around envelope once. Cut excess with scissors.

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Step 3: Apply small amount of Gem- Tac with syringe to end of trim and seal. Allow time to dry.

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Step 4: Using syringe, apply small amount of glue to center of scallop and place rhinestone. Allow time to dry. Continue this until end of trim.

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You’re special day will be sure to sparkle with this DIY!

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Watch our full tutorial!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DIY: Wedding Invitation Sleeve with Velvet and Lace Trim

Spring weddings allow for some color and fun! Mix it up with this DIY invitation sleeve! The soft blush velvet and white lace trim are the perfect touch for the season. We made it simple for you with these easy to follow steps!

What you’ll need:

Invitation sleeve

Velvet Trim

Lace Trim

Brilliance Heart Buckle

Scissors

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Step 1: Measure white lace trim around sleeve equally on both sides. Use scissors to cut.

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Step 2: Measure velvet trim to equal lace, with excess on each side. Weave brilliance heart buckle through velvet trim until centered. And place velvet trim on top of lace.

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Step 3: Tie both lace and velvet trim around card on back side. Tie ends tightly with knot. Use scissors to cut excess velvet.

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Flirty and sweet for this special day!

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Watch our youtube tutorial for a step by step process!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DIY: Floral Patched Bag

Fashion week told us one thing: florals aren’t going anywhere this season! We’ve got you covered! We’ve broke down this DIY floral patched, rhinestoned bag just for you! Check out our easy steps below to be ahead of the trend!

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What you’ll need:

Black Bag (Fabric works best)

Rose Patch

Floral Bunch Patch

1 yard floral jacquard trim

2 colors of rhinestones

Gem-Tac

Iron

Needle/ thread

Scissors

Tweezers

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Step 1: Place patches as desired on bag. Carefully, press hot iron over patches and hold for 20 seconds. Repeat if necessary. Be careful of the metal zipper!

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Step 2: Remove strap from bag. Using scissors, cut strap and remove from the buckle. Cut floral trim to desired length.

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Step 3:  Weave floral trim through metal buckle. Fold the end and sew it together.

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Step 4: Apply thin layer of gem-tac to floral patch. With tweezers, place rhinestones over desired area. Allow time to dry!

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And you’re done! Sport the latest trend this spring without breaking the bank.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oscar 2017 Fashion Roundup

The 59th Annual Academy Awards marked the end of award season this passed Sunday. And though it proved to be a more interesting show (hint hint: the biggest blunder in Oscar history), the fashion never failed to make us swoon. We picked our favorite looks of the night.. AND to make it even more fun, we pulled products inspired by the looks so you can create your own versions!

Here ya go!

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Best Actress winner, Emma Stone stole the show in this metallic gold, fringe Givenchy gown. Shop our metallic fringe trim!

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Kate Bosworth was a vision in this J. Mendel ballerina, tulle gown. We love the accent of velvet!

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Emma Roberts took the plunge in Armani. Use our beaded rosette trim for this bustier look!

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Selma Hayek stunned in this illusion black lace Alexander McQueen gown. Shop our sequin embroidered black lace trim!

 

Nina Dobrew oscar.jpgNina Dobrev had all eyes on her in this sheer Dior number with elastic straps. Shop our elastic to accent your pieces!

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And last but definitely not least, Janelle Monae in Elie Saab Couture. This gown is just WOW! Shop our rhinestone appliques to get this look!

 

 

 

 

DIY: Valentine’s Day Card

Love is in the air! Valentine’s Day is a time to express to the ones you love how special they truly are. What is more special then making your own Valentine’s Day card! We’ve made it super simple with these fun DIY ideas! Moonlight as Cupid by following these easy steps:

HEART VALENTINE’S DAY CARD

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What you’ll need: 

Cardstock

Pencil

Pink and Red Buttons

Magna-Tac Glue

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Step 1: Download the templates for the outside and inside (links provided) and print it on cardstock paper.

Step 2: With a pencil, draw a faint heart shape on the paper.

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Step 3: Apply a thin layer of glue along the line of the traced heart.

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Look’s like someones been struck by Cupid!

TWO HEART VALENTINE’S DAY CARD 

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What you’ll need: 

Cardstock

Pencil

Magna-Tac Glue

Rhinestone Glue-On Kit 

Brilliance Rhinestones 

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Step 1: Download the template provided and print it on cardstock paper

Step 2: With a pencil, trace 2 small hearts side by side.

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Step 3: Apply a thin layer of glue in the heart.

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Step 4: With a small amount of Beeswax on the Wooden Applicator, pick up each rhinestone and place within the outline of the heart until filled.

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Step 5: Repeat Step 4 with other color.

Wearing your heart on your sleeve never looked so pretty!