Author: Sourya Venumbaka

How To Customize Your Christmas Stockings

Customized Stockings – 2 Ways!

Tis the season to be silly, fa la la la la. Get silly by customizing your stockings this year with cute patches that show off your unique personality or spell out your name with some chenille patches. Patches have been hot hot hot for the last few seasons and we don’t see why they can’t make their way on to our festive decor as well. They make for awesome stocking stuffers too. These two easy DIYs will have you ready for the holidays in no time. Santa won’t be able to stuff coal down these stockings!

DIY: Gucci Inspired Embroidered Fall Coat

Gucci has been bringing its A-game these last few seasons with downright decadent designs. They’ve used an amalgam of textures, fabrics and embroidery to create eclectic but wearable collections. I personally love the slew of tigers in various forms on everything from dresses to coats. The only thing that isn’t easy on the eyes or the wallet is their price tag. I like the idea of owing beautiful things without having to empty my bank account, so I made this Gucci Inspired Coat that’s way more affordable and super easy to create.

Gucci’s Embroidered Coats

 

Our Version

Price does not include cost of the coat.

 

What you’ll need: 

All these beautiful patches:

A coat

An iron

A thin cotton cloth to cover the patches while you iron

 

1

Place patches how you want them and take a picture so you know where everything goes. I stuck to the body of the coat but you can get creative with the back and the sleeves. If you want to keep it simple, you can just add flowers to the lapel.

 

2

Set the iron to high with no steam. Place a thin cotton cloth or teflon sheet over the patch and hold the iron down for 20 seconds. Repeat if necessary. Do this with all the patches.

 

And guess what? That’s it. You’re done. Yup, it’s that simple.

*This item is currently unavailable. Check out our full selection of floral patches.

DIY: Art Deco Earrings

Art deco marks a time of guilty pleasures and luxury. Think modern geometric architecture and flapper dresses. Think Gatsby. I’ve always loved the 20s and wanted to channel that into a pair of earrings that are modern yet reminiscent of more glamorous times. If you love Art Deco as much as I do you’re going to love these earring DIYs.

Color Block Leather/Vinyl Earrings

What you’ll need:

Leather/Vinyl Trim in different colors. We used these:

Pink

Green

Black

Scissors

Pliers

Jump Rings

Slide Connectors

Ear Wire Hooks

Card Stock for Template (A ruler would work too)

1

Using a template or a ruler I marked and cut out 3/4″ wide strips from the leather/vinyl. I did this with the pink and green.

 

2

Then, using one of the cut trims as a measurement, I marked the width on the black vinyl. I then cut out a square and marked a triangle on it. Cut out the triangle.

3

Then, I lay each strip on top of the other so they’re overlapping about a 1/4″. I then use a sharp pin to poke holes on either end. I repeat this for the rest of the pieces.

4

Next, I put a jump ring through the holes to connect the pieces. Repeat this with all of the pieces.

5

Lastly, I used a slide connector, usually used on necklaces and bracelets, on the top piece. I used a pair of pliers to clamp it down. I like the hammered effect on the gold so I didn’t mind the dents the pliers made. I then added the earring hook to the loop on top.

And you’re done!

Neutral Color Block Earrings

What you’ll need:

3 colors of leather or vinyl. We used these:

Black

Brown

Tan

Scissors

Earring Hooks

Jump Rings

Magna-tac

Card Stock for Templates

1

Using card stock, cut out two circles of different sizes. I used a 2 inch and 1 inch circle. Using the templates I cut out 2 black circles with the 2″ template and 2 brown circles with the 1″ template. I also cut out a 1.5 inch square out of the tan. This makes one earring so double it for 2.

2

Apply a thin layer of Magna-tac to the black circle and glue it in half. Repeat it with the other black circle.

3

Apply Magna-tac to the brown circles. Glue one black semi circle a 3/8″ in. Glue the second on a 3/8″ from the bottom. Then apply the second brown circle on top.

4

Cut a little fringe out of the tan square and glue it to the center.

5

Poke a hole through the top with a pin or sharp object. Put a jump ring through it and attach the earring hook before closing it.

Ta da!

DIY: Dorm Room Décor Round Up

Dorm Room Décor Round Up

After a long day of classes followed by a long night of studying in the library, what you need is to come home to some peace and quiet to recharge before tomorrow’s craziness. There are a few different style directions that you can take to make your dorm as comfy and inviting as ever while still maintaining all of your spunky personality.

Come home to a bright, colorful jungle and escape your surroundings with this DIY: Jungalow Dorm Room  This décor option is for those adventurous spirits that like to travel and explore the unknown. Think tropical birds, bright blues, deep greens and fun, eclectic prints. 

Rest and rejuvenate with DIY: Modern Dorm Room which will take you 10 years into the future when you’ve landed that sweet job and are living in your contemporary dream home. This style is for those with the latest fashion and decor tips at their fingertips who have an eye for modern design and know how to spice up any room with their trendy finds.

If you identify with the artists and bohemians all around you and love to wander, DIY Bohemian Chic Dorm Room will further express your free spirit. This room is all about earthy colors, rich textures and a fringe wall hanging that will bring your inner maverick to light.

The room where you’ll spend over 1/3 of your day should express your inner self and be home to your creative genius. Whichever option you choose, you can be confident that your dorm room will tower above all others in its unique, chic beauty.

DIY: Jungalow Dorm Room

If you love plants and the word “Jungalow” is unfamiliar to you, you should get acquainted, quickly. The true queen of Jungalow is Justina Blakeney, with her ‘jungaliciousness’ (her word) decor and homes. It combines bright colors and organic textures with nature. It’s not a hard look to achieve and if you can’t keep plants alive just find some real looking fake ones. Besides, if you’re in college, looking after yourself is hard enough. I have two easy DIY’s to add some color to your Jungalow.

Beaded Jungle Lamp

I found this fabric in our fabric drawer and I couldn’t believe how perfect it was for this DIY. I decided to sew a lampshade for it that fit one of the frames I had. You could just modify an existing lampshade or buy one for cheap at a thrift store. And you can substitute the printed fabric for solid colors if that’s more your style.

Here’s what you’ll need:

A lampshade

Beaded Fringe

Sequin Patches – We used this, this and this

Sewing Machine or Strong Fabric Glue

Iron

1

First, start by placing your patches on your lampshade. Since I made mine I could lay it flat, but if you have a pre-made one you can pin your patches to it for placement. Once you have them where you want them, cover them with a thin cotton cloth. Using an iron on it’s hottest setting, press and hold down for 20 seconds at a time. Repeat if necessary. Be careful, the metal of the lamp will get hot too. For all those of you who own a hair iron, you can use that too.

*DO NOT do this while the lamp is still plugged in.

2

Once all the patches are ironed on, start pinning the beaded fringe to the fabric. If you’re going to be gluing it to the lampshade you can skip this step. Pin the fringe and the fabric with their ‘right’ sides facing each other.

3

If you’re using glue (I suggest Sobo Craft Glue or E6000), start gluing the fringe in sections to the inside of the lampshade for a neater finish. You can use binder clips to keep it in place while it dries. I would sew a few stitches by hand just to secure it.

If you’re sewing it to a lampshade, sew along the pinned fabric, removing the pins as you go along.

Now plug that lamp in and watch the beads catch the light.

Jacquard Bed Scarf

You must be wondering what a bed scarf is. Trust me, the term is new to me too. I just called it that decorative quilt-like thing at the foot of the bed. So that’s what a bed scarf is. I decided to use all the beautiful jacquards that we have and it totally goes with the Jungalow theme.

You’ll need:

Jacquard trim – We used the following:

1 ½” Ivory and Gold Jacquard

30MM Metallic Jacquard

2″ (50mm) Sun Moon Jacquard

Embroidered Metallic Jacquard

50MM Imported Wine Metallic Jacquard

53MM Fine Imported Jacquard

1 ¼” Metallic Jacquard Red/Gold

40MM Metallic Jacquard Red/Green

 

Tassel trim

Scrap fabric – You can choose a print you like that complements the jacquard

Scissors

A sewing machine – If you don’t have a sewing machine you can glue the trims together but I strongly recommend sewing

1

Plan the arrangement of your trims. Take a picture when you’re done so you know the order you want them in.

 

2

Take the first two trims and lay one over the other, overlapping very slightly. Now sew along the edge making sure you’re sewing both together. Repeat this process with the all the trims.

 

3

When you’re done with all the jacquard, place the tassel trim with the tassels at one end of the scarf, facing away from the edge; right side facing down. Next,  take the scarp fabric and lay it over the the tassel trim, sandwiching it in between.

 

4

Sew along about 1/2″ from the edge. You can leave the fabric in the back unfinished and cut it to about 2 inches or you can do a double fold and sew it. Repeat this for the other side of the scarf. I added a top stitch just to make it more sturdy.

 

And Voila. Jungalow done.

 

DIY: Modern Dorm Room

Just because you’re in a college dorm room doesn’t mean you need to live in a basic box. You can have the future apartment of your dreams, in college, at a fraction of the cost. Just hop aboard the DIY train like everyone else on Pinterest and make your dorm room look classy beyond its years. I have three new DIYs for you that are easy to make and will have a big impact!

Gingham Lamp Cord

Gingham is back and how! This quirky plaid print looks great on clothes and home decor alike. So when I saw this plaid ribbon I had to do something with it. I decided to make a decorative cover for the bare wire of a lamp.

What you’ll need:

Plaid Ribbon

Vinyl Tape

Scissors

Glue Gun

Lamp cord

1

Glue the length of the ribbon to the length of vinyl. This is to give it a strong backing. 2 yards of ribbon made us about a foot of the final covering.

 

2

Now cut 8″ strips of the backed ribbon.

 

3

Next,  using your glue gun add glue to 1/2 at the end of the strip, plaid side facing up. Now make a loop by attaching it to the other end.

 

4

The next piece needs to be glued in a similar way but you need to pass it through the first loop before closing it. You’re essentially creating links. Repeat this process with the remaining loops.

5

When you’re done with all the links, thread your lamp cord through them, making sure you follow an even threading pattern.

Now lights on!

Faux Metallic Leather Basket

This catch all leather basket is perfect to have on your night stand or in the entryway. You can just toss your earphones and keys in here so you’ll always know where to find them on your way out.

What you’ll need:

Metallic Vinyl Tape

Scissors

Glue Gun

1

We’re making a basket that is 8″ wide,  6″ long and 5″ tall. See the below above for the measurements of the pieces you need to cut. Since we want the walls of the basket to be 5″ tall, using a pencil make a light mark at 5″ from both end of the base strips.

 

 

2

If you’ve made a basket before or used a basket weave for any project this will be simple. Even if you haven’t you just have to know it’s an alternating pattern. 1 up 1 down.

 

3

Apply a little glue at the joints as you go along so you can have some stability and the strips won’t be able to move out of place.

 

4

Once you’re done with the base strips ( 3 x 18″ + 4 x 16″) you’ll need to start weaving the sides of the basket. To do this, glue the 28″ strip to a base strip at the right angle formed by the base strips. Make sure this strip is alternating with the parallel strip. For example if the strip next to it is going under, you have to start by glueing the side strip over. This is the point of the basket weave, to interlock and create a sturdy structure.

 

5

Repeat weaving in and out till you’re all the way around the basket and glue the end piece. You can crease the corners to give it a more defined shape. Do this with the second strip as well, making sure it’s alternating with the previous strip.

 

6

To finish the ends, fold down and glue the remaining on inch wither inward or outward.

 

Aaaaand you’re done!

 

Faux Leather Strap Shelves

This might be the easiest of them all. Add a sleek touch to your shelves by adding these faux leather straps. They look good and are also actually functional. Double yay.

You’ll need:

Vinyl Tape

Scissors

Glue Gun

Shelf

Screws

Drill (If you don’t own a drill you can use a screw driver and do it manually)

 

1 

Measure how high or low you want the shelf hung. The longer the strap, the lower the shelf. Our strap was about 18″. When measuring, keep in mind the strap at the back will be straight while the one in the front will be longer because it’ll be at an angle. Mark the short end and the long end.

 

2

After you measure, cut the strap. Cut a second piece for the other end.

 

3

Glue the strap about 1.5″ in. Make sure you align the marks you made earlier with the edges of the shelf. Next, glue the sides.

 

4

When you figure out where you want the shelf, using a drill, drill the back strap at the top and the bottom. You can have a friend help you keep the shelf straight while you do this. Repeat for the other side. Then, drill the front strap to the wall in the middle of the other. Make sure you’re shelf is straight while you do this.

Ta da!

DIY: Bohemian Chic Dorm Room

Yes, yes, I know, you don’t want to think about school. You just want to keep enjoying your summer and pretend that it’s never going to end. But sadly, it must. Maybe a cool new dorm room is just what you need to make the start of school less daunting. Over the next couple of weeks we’re going to give you awesome budget-friendly ideas for decorating your dorm room. You can choose the one that suits your style the most and then put your own unique spin on it. The first one in the dorm decor series is a chic bohemian dorm room that can express your wandering spirit and bohemian aesthetic. We have three easy tutorials to bring bohemia straight to your dorm room.

Fringe Wall Hanging:

Woven wall hangings have been making the rounds all year and some of them can be time consuming and hard to make. We came up with an easier way to achieve the cool textured effect that you can customize and complete in less than 30 minutes.

Here’s what you’ll need

Various Colors of Bullion Fringe – Based on the width of your final hanging, buy double or triple that amount so that you can color block

We used these:

6″ Pink Bullion Fringe

6″ Loden Bullion Fringe

3″ Dark Beige Bullion Fringe

3″ Spruce Bullion Fringe

 

Scissors

Board – A piece of wood or sturdy cardboard would work. We made ours 11″ x 17″

A Glue Gun

1

Cut all the fringes to the width of the board you have + 2 inches.


2

Once you’ve planned how you’re going to lay out your colors, starting at the bottom, glue your first line of fringe. To finish the ends, glue the excess fringe around the fringe to the back.

3

Keep repeating this process until you get to the top and finish off the top edge by gluing the last fringe slightly higher, so it’s peaking out over the edge and covers the board behind. The aim is to not have the board show through at all.

4

Now just find a spot and hang up this beauty.

Tassel Trimmed Basket

This DIY is so easy I don’t think you need step by step instructions. But I’ll give them to you anyway.

Here’s what you’ll need:

A Basket

Tassel Trim

A Glue Gun

Scissors

1

Start by applying glue on the top edge of the basket.

2

Place the tassel trim over the glue and press to secure. Make sure you align it to the edge. When you’re done, cut the excess and add a little glue to the cut end to prevent fraying.

3

Repeat this process, working on small sections at a time so the glue doesn’t dry out.

That’s it. Now go put some plants in it and show off your awesome project on a window sill or a side table.

Pom Pom Pillowcase

This DIY is a little more advanced (you need to know how to sew on a sewing machine). If you don’t have access to a sewing machine you can glue the trim on. This tutorial can also be applied to curtains, cushion covers and duvet covers. You can use bigger pom poms for a duvet cover.

What you’ll need:

Pillowcase

Pom Pom Trim

Scissors

Sewing Machine (or fabric glue)

Pins

1

Measure how much you need for the pillow case. You can either sew it in sections or per side. Cut according to what you decide. We decided to sew it as one continuous piece for 3 sides and do it separately for the open side.

2

Pin the trim to the pillow case edge. Make sure you’re not pinning it to the part the pillow has to fit through. Stick to the very edge, along the seam.

3

Using a sewing machine sew the trim along the edge of the pillowcase.

*An even more advanced option would be making the pillow case from scratch and sandwiching the pom pom trim between the fabric for a more finished look.

 

DIY: Embroidered Off-The-Shoulder Top

There’s no way you haven’t seen these off-the-shoulder tops in every store and every fashion pin in 2017. They’re so cute and summery and actually really easy to make. You don’t even need a sewing machine. Wait, what?!

 Totally crushing on this top from the Alexis 2017 Resort Collection

All you need is:

An oversized T-Shirt

Scissors

Embroidered Floral Patches

Elastic

Iron

Needle and Thread

Safety Pin

Also, keep a measuring tape handy.

1

Cut the T-shirt right under where the sleeves begin, in a straight line. You’ll be using the bottom half. Then, cut the sleeve in a straight line an inch or so from the armhole. Using the cut piece as a reference, use it to cut the second sleeve.

2

Now, place the embroidered patches where you want them on the piece you cut and iron it on. I did one big piece near the hem and cut the second patch into smaller flowers for the sleeves. Use a thin cotton cloth to cover the patches while you iron and hold down the iron for 20 seconds at a time. Repeat as necessary. Do not use steam.

3

Using a measuring tape, measure across around the upper chest. Then, measure your bicep. That’s the fullest part of your arm. Cut 1 piece of elastic a couple of inches smaller than your upper chest measurement and 2 pieces an inch smaller than your bicep measurement. For example, I had  30″ as my upper chest measurement and 10″ as the bicep measurement. I cut my elastic to 1 x 28″ piece and 2 x 9″ pieces respectively.

 

4

Taking a pair of scissors, snip two small holes (big enough for the elastic to go through) near the seam of the hem. That’s the pre-stitched part of the piece you cut. Then, attach the safety pin to one end of the longer elastic and use it to pull it through the hem. Make sure you secure the loose end so it doesn’t get pulled in. Scrunch as you go along as there will be more fabric than elastic. Repeat this step with both sleeves. Once you’ve threaded the elastic and come out through the second hole, secure it by stitching it to the fabric.

5

The final step is attaching the sleeves to the body. Match the seams of the sleeve and the body and sew on either side at about 1/2″.

Pair it with some denim cut-offs and show off your new embroidered off-the-shoulder top!

DIY: Velcro Patches

Never had a tattoo because you can’t commit to a design? Feel the same way about trends? Me too. I love looking at all the beautiful things designers grace the runway with every season but I can never manage to semi-permanently adopt a hot new trend. Patches have been a staple since the spring of 2016 and they don’t seem to be going anywhere, anytime soon. So I thought to myself, what can I do if I want to cover my things with unicorns and emojis without really committing to the trend? The answer is *drumroll* VELCRO!

Fun Fact: The word Velcro is a linguistic blend of the French words velours (“velvety fabric”) and crochet (“hook”). It’s one of those companies (yep, it’s the company name) that’s become synonymous with the product.

You can watch the video below to see how you can use Velcro to attach patches and scroll down for more details.

 

Here’s What You’ll need

Velcro

Patches

Scissors

The thing you want to put patches on

1

Cut the Velcro to the size that you need. You can cut both sides of the Velcro so that you have a matching set.

2

Peel off the backing for the adhesive and stick one piece of Velcro on the accessory or clothing and the other on the patch.

3

Now you just have to attach the two pieces like you would do with Velcro normally. Switch ’em out for different patches.

*Note that the adhesive might not stick to some materials.

Kind of a no-brainer huh? I love simple life hacks.

You can also do it with shoes:

 

 

 

DIY: Flower Studded Shoes

Ahh it’s that dreaded time of year when you start seeing all those back to school ads. Time to start thinking about finishing your assigned summer reading and mentally preparing for another school year. A cool new wardrobe is just the thing you need to help you look forward to the first day of school. Keep reading to see how you can make these adorable floral studded slip ons to strut into school with.

What you’ll need:

This daisy velvet trim

Small gold pronged studs

Scissors

Pliers

Shoes

1

Start by cutting the trim into individual flowers. You can do this by cutting them where they join together.

2

Place the flowers on the shoes to see what placement looks good.

3

Using the stud, push it through the flower and through the shoe. On the back of the flap you can see the prongs protruding.

4

Using the pliers flatten each prong until it’s curling in. Repeat for all the flowers.

You can also try different placements as shown below:

 

That’s it! You’re done.