Tag: DIY

Back To School 2018: DIY Preppy Backpack

It’s that time of year again, the one that students dread and parents love: Back to School Season. The fall semester starts in about a month so it’s about time to start creating some great new school supplies, for a great price! I am going to start this series with an essential: the backpack. Today, we are creating the perfect, basic, preppy-style backpack which is perfect for every student who wants to update their backpack for the new school year!

Today’s Look: The Preppy Student

What You’ll Need:

Instructions:

Step 1: Cut zipper tassels already on bag off with scissors. Then, loop leather cord through zipper and cut to desired length, making a loop.

 

Take thinner cord and tie in a knot around the loop to hold it together. Wrap thin cord around and then tie in a knot twice to secure. Cut off excess of both cords. Repeat for all other zippers on bag.

Step 2: Take white grosgrain ribbon and striped grosgrain ribbon and layer them on top of each other, then glue with E6000 glue. Wait for it to dry a bit, then you can begin to line your backpack with it.

Glue ribbon to the inside part of the zipper flap and then fold to begin lining the backpack along the zipper.

Continuously glue as you go until the ribbon is all the way across the top of the backpack. To finish, fold over flap and glue, the same as when you started the ribbon.

Step 3: Using the same ribbon layered and glued on top of each other, glue to the side pockets of the backpack (if there are any) using E6000 glue. Tip: Use binder clips to secure ribbon while drying to make sure it stays in place!

Step 4: Now we are going to apply the letters! Lay out your monogram in the desired order and lay a thin piece of fabric on top in order to protect the letters from the iron.

Then, use your iron to press down onto the patches for about 20 seconds, or until they are attached to the bag.

Remove fabric for the finished look!

 

DIY: Beaded and Sequined Mother’s Day Gifts

Mother’s Day is almost upon us! Struggling to find the perfect gift for mom, something that’s handmade yet worthy of her? We’ve got you. These super simple, super stylish DIYs will have mom smiling and you looking like the best daughter/son.

Flowered Sun Hat

This easy DIY will take you all of 10 minutes. Add a little glitz and glam to a sun hat by adding some beaded flower appliques.

What you’ll need:

A Hat

These Floral Beaded Appliques

E6000 Glue

Some Tape

1: Add some glue to the back of the applique, making sure you get all the edges.

2: Place the patch where you’d like it and press it down.

3: Put some tape over it to keep it in place while it dries.

4: Let dry for a few hours, wrap it up and give it to mom!

 

Embellished Loafers

Give mom a pair of comfy loafers to slip into, that she can wear out to dinner too.

What you’ll need:

A Pair of Loafers

An Iron

A Cotton Cloth or Teflon Sheet

2 x This Beaded Flower Applique

1: Place the patch where you want it.

2: Cover the patch with a thin cotton cloth or Teflon sheet and iron on high heat. Hold the iron down for 20 second intervals, repeating as necessary. Don’t use steam.

3: Repeat on the other shoe.

4: Gift them to mom and put a spring in her step 😉

 

Sequin/Beaded Flower Bag

All moms have that one bag that they throw everything in. They always manage to have snacks and bandaids and just about anything you might need in a sticky situation. Like wet wipes. Treat her with a clutch that she can take out when she’s off duty.

What you’ll need:

A Plain Clutch or Crossbody Bag

E6000 Glue

This Flower Beaded Patch

1: Apply glue to the back of the patch, making sure you get all the edges.

2: Place the patch on the bag and press down.

3: For added measure, place a heavy object over it and let it dry for a few hours.

Now you just have to gift it to mom and see her try to fit all the “essentials” into it.

 

Spring/Summer 2018: Get The Look

I’m secretly hoping that by dressing for Spring, I’m willing it to come quicker. It’s April and I want to cast off the blues, grays and blacks and bust out the yellows, pinks and reds. There are so many fun trends to try out this season and I’ve rounded up 5 of my favorite ones. You can easily incorporate these trends into your wardrobe with some mini DIYs. I hope you find some inspiration in here to brighten up your Spring/Summer wardrobe.

Pink + Red

Although this combination is timeless, it packs a punch every time it comes around. The contrast is just beautiful and can easily be achieved with either accessories, separates or jewelry. Designers like Dolce and Gabbana, Ferragamo and Stella McCartney are embracing this yummy palette. Does it remind anyone of candy?

(Source)

Here’s a few ideas on how you can try this trend out for yourself:
  • Some pink buttons on a red shirt or vice versa.
  • Red and pink sew-on jewels on a blouse would look stunning.
  • A red fur pom pom on a pink handbag or vice versa

Birds of a Feather

Feathers are a whimsical touch to any garment or accessory. They add a bit of dramatic flair or in the case of Alberta Ferreti and Proenza a Schouler, a LOT of dramatic flair.

(Source)

Here’s a few ideas on how you can try this trend out for yourself:
  • Add some feathers around an ankle strap on your strappy sandals.
  • A wispy feather trim around the neckline or sleeves is just the thing.
  • Long feather earrings to add to a simple outfit.

Sequin-Land

Sparkle is abundant on the runways this season. Sequins made an appearance time and time again, upping the glam quotient. It’s clear that sequins are no longer restricted to the holidays!

(Source)

Here’s a few ideas on how you can try this trend out for yourself:
  • Glue on sequins to a pair of heels for some instant glam.
  • Sew on large paillettes to a tank top to create a going out outfit.
  • Embellish a clutch for a night out by gluing some sequins on it.

Bling-Bling

Sequins aren’t the only ones having a moment right now. I don’t think we’ll ever tire of bedazzling things. Rhinestones and crystals have made their way into several collections on the runway this season. Everyone from Saint Laurent to Gabbana is adding some sparkle to their lines.

(Source)

Here’s a few ideas on how you can try this trend out for yourself:
  • Take a page out of Dolce and Gabbana’s book and add some crystals to your sunglasses.
  • Add rhinestones to a pair of thigh-highs like Saint Laurent.
  • Add some sew-on jewels to your light spring overcoat to make it a style statement.

Fringe Benefits

I personally love the flappers from the twenties with their beaded shift dresses and drawn-on panty hose. Fringe was an essential back then and apparently in S/S 18 too. Whether it’s Chanel’s subtle fringe on their classic tweed suits or Stella McCartney’s macrame fringe bag, we can’t get enough of this trend.

(Source)

Here’s a few ideas on how you can try this trend out for yourself:
  • Make a pair of statement earrings with a 6″ fringe to add some oomph to any outfit.
  • Glue some fringe onto the front of a small bag for a statement piece.

    Let us know in the comments if you tried any of these trends out! Happy Spring!

How to Tie a Classic Bow

Classic Bow Tutorial

Want to step up your gift wrapping game? Well, to do that you need to master the classic bow. Watch the video below and you’ll be an expert in no time. To make sure you get the best possible results follow these tips:

• Use a ribbon that has some stiffness if you want a nice structured bow that holds its own. If you want something softer and almost drape-y, use a silk satin ribbon.

• Use a double faced ribbon so you don’t have to worry about a right and wrong side.

• Use a sharp pair of scissors to avoid a frayed edge.

 

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 Halloween Decor: Embroidered and Studded Pumpkins

With Halloween less than two weeks away, we’re skipping the more time-consuming DIYs and showing you two unbelievably easy and straightforward pumpkin décor ideas that you can put together at the drop of a (witch) hat.

First, a throwback DIY that is so quick and simple we had no choice but to raise it from the dead. If you’re looking for an easy DIY that will instantly make your doorstep more festive for your favorite frightening holiday, Halloween, this is it!

For a pumpkin decoration, instead of going the traditional carving route, we decided to make use of our leather cord to create a unique embroidered effect. We also used a craft foam pumpkin for this DIY so that it can last multiple seasons, but you can swap it out for the real thing too! Get ready to not carve up some pumpkins!

Spooky Embroidered Pumpkin

What You’ll Need:

Scissors

Spooky Image of Your Choice

Pins

1mm Round Leather Cord

Pumpkin

1

Cut out your image that you drew or printed. Pick a design that isn’t too complicated.

 

2

Pin paper cut-out to the pumpkin using the pearl head pins.

 

3

Cut out the top of the pumpkin. If you’re using a real pumpkin you’ll want to clean out the inside!

 

4

Make a knot at the base of the leather cord.

 

5

Either drill or puncture small holes into the pumpkin using your cutout as a guide. Make sure the holes are big enough to thread the cord through comfortably.

6

Start weaving your leather cord through all of the holes. Make sure every hole has a corresponding hole close by.

7

Continue weaving until the image is complete. For small areas you can tie a knot and weave back through one hole, as we did with the spider fangs.

 

And you’re done! #squadgoals

 

Studded Pumpkin

What You’ll Need:

Assorted Pronged Nailheads

Pumpkins in Assorted Sizes

 

1

Get several pumpkins in several sizes. We chose smaller pumpkins because we were low on time but this DIY is great for pumpkins of all sizes. You can use our Hotfix Nailheads if you are working with a hard plastic pumpkin.

 

2

Carefully push the prongs of the nailhead into the skin of the pumpkin until they are secure. Or glue them on with Hotfix nailheads if you are using a plastic pumpkin.

 

3

Play around with creating different patterns using various colors, shapes and sizes. Add as many or as few as you’d like and then you are done!

 

4

Here we used small round nailheads for our tiny pumpkin.

 

5

For this striking white pumpkin, we used different types of nailheads to create a playful look.

 

And here are the four beautiful pumpkins that were crafted in just minutes.

Happy Halloween!

 

 

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: Sugar Skull Inspired Halloween Mask

Guys. It’s October. If you haven’t started planning your costume already, you better start now. Halloween is fast approaching, and I want to help you out with a DIY mask to get you started on your costume. I’ve put together a fairly simple tutorial to make a Day of the Dead mask, inspired by the sugar skulls. I’m sure you’ve all seen awesome Day of the Dead themed costumes the last couple of years and now it’s time to make your own.

Did You Know: Day of the Dead is a Mexican holiday where people believe that the spirits of their loved ones are reunited with them for two days following Halloween.

What you’ll need:

Flatback Rhinestones

Sew-on Jewels in Different Shapes

3D Flower Patches

Magna-Tac Glue

A Mask

A Rhinestone Applicator

 

1

I improvised the placement of the stones for the most part. That’s what was most fun about this DIY. However, if you need a little more guidance, you can use a pencil to lightly sketch out a design on your mask.

2

Start by applying a thin layer of glue to the area you want to place the stones. I started around the eyes. Then, using a rhinestone applicator, pick up the stone and place it where you want it. Repeat till you’re done with that section.

3

I kept going with the designs, using different colors and shapes to create dimension.

4

When you’re done with the stones, take the flower patches and glue each one, facing forward, to the back of the mask. I added one on the front in the center just to give it some depth.
A good substitute for these patches would be red silk roses. 

That’s it, you’re done! Pair this with a corset, tulle skirt and some lace gloves to complete the look.

 

DIY: Lace Wedding Centerpieces

Looking for the perfect table toppers? Enhance your reception table bouquets with some inexpensive, rustic flair. We love the homey, backyard-wedding feel of these lace covers for Mason jar vases. Mix and match using our great selection of lace to give your DIY wedding a quick and easy, vintage look.

What you’ll need:

Cluny Lace

Cotton Eyelet Lace 

Leaf Lace Fringe

Scissors

Glue Gun

1 spool of invisible thread

30 Mason Jars (minus the lids)

Note: We used 3 different sizes of mason jars but you can choose to use 3 of the same.

1

Measure the lace around each jar allowing for a 1/2″ seam (doing the measuring and trimming all at once saves precious time!)

 

2

Cut lace accordingly

3

Wrap the piece of lace around the jar and eyeball a section 1/2” from the edge

4

This is where you can choose to delicately glue the piece together overlapping at the ½” mark, or sew the edges together. We prefer gluing to save on time. If you’re sewing, make sure that you’re using invisible thread. It’ll disappear into the trim!

 

Voila! Beautiful vase coverings that give your tables a country feel!

Want to put together your own assortment of lace? Choose from M&J Trimming’s incredible selection of guipure, knitted and more to find the perfect lace for your special day. These DIY lace coverings for mason jars are also the perfect giveaway for guests that want to bring a little bit of your wedding day home with them! 

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!