Category: Inspiration

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

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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.

Fresh Off The Runway: SS 2017 Trend : DENIM

From the runway to the streets, denim was everywhere this season. And what’s even more fun is the exciting, fresh take on denim! No need for basics this spring. Amp up your classic denims and make it your own! Here are some street style pics that you can totally DIY!

Looks we love:

Patched/ embellished denim

Acid washed denim

Patchwork denim

Studded denim

Ways to wear it:

Throw a patched denim jacket over any outfit to make it instantly and effortlessly cooler. Ultimate goals!

Acid washed denim is subtle and chic. Make a statement while maintaining the ‘cool -girl’ vibe.

Multi-color patchwork denim is a great twist on a classic.

Bring out your edgy side with a studded jean jacket over any outfit.

Check out these inspo below: 

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GUCCI, Acid washed, oversized denim jacket
Andrew Gn Denim ss17
ANDREW GN, denim studded skirt
Balmain ss 2017
BALMAIN, beaded denim jacket
Carolina Herrera Resort 2017
CAROLINA HERRARA, structured denim peplum top, and oversized wideleg pant
Gigi Hadid Marc Jacobs
MARC JACOBS, patched denim jacket
Gucci Denim
GUCCI, acid washed denim
Gucci Street Style
GUCCI, patched denim jacket

Street Style Denim 1Street Style Denim 2Street Style Denim 3Yves Saint Laurent Denim ss 17

Keep an eye out for our denim DIY coming soon!

DIY: Wedding Invitation with Ladder Lace Trim

Wedding season is around the corner! Spring weddings are all about DIY! Need some wedding invitation inspiration? We’ve got you covered! Here are some simple DIY invites to make your wedding extra special!

What you’ll need: 

Envelope

Metallic Ladder Lace trim

Brilliance Star Buckle

Scissors

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Step 1: After stuffing envelope, measure ladder lace trim around outside of envelope once, leaving excess trim to be tied at the end. Cut with scissors.

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Step 2: Weave trim through rhinestone buckle. Place rhinestone in the center of the trim.

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Step 3: Place rhinestone and trim on opening on envelope. Tie knot in the back.

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Simple and elegant is always the answer!

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Don’t forget to check out our youtube video!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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!

 

 

 

 

Embroidered Patch Trend Inspiration

Fashion moves forward by looking back. This time, the reminiscence of brands like Phillip Lim, Gucci, Alice and Olivia, Valentino and Marc Jacobs, brings us ultra cool, delightfully unique, patched outfits. Retrofitting everything from jackets to playsuits with patches that are cheeky, rebellious or just plain adorable (think unicorns) unearthed this easy DIY-able trend of the 90s, much to our delight. We dare you to resist the urge to make your own patched jackets or jeans after looking at these fine examples of ‘patching’:

A round up of our favorite designer patched outfits from the runway.

Street Patches Inspiration Board

Don’t you absolutely love these inspired street style looks?

 

Pantone’s Colors of the 2016: Serenity and Rose Quartz

Every year color authority, Pantone, picks the reigning color for the upcoming year. This color then dictates home decor, fashion and beauty for the rest of the year. This year Pantone threw us a curveball by revealing two colors, Serenity and Rose Quartz, as the “it” colors for 2016. The best part about the pair? The duo work so well together that one can easily transition to the next with the ease of Sleeping Beauty’s ballroom gown. These soothing shades pair perfectly in home decor, fashion and wedding style. How will you be using Serenity and Rose Quartz this year? Do you prefer one over the other? Let us know in the comments!

Pastel Living Room
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