By Dara

When it comes to Halloween many of us enjoy dressing up and pretending to be someone we’re not for just one day.  However, there are certain years like this one, when we wonder if  a $100 costume is practical.  With the economy the way it is, some people are going the other route for Halloween. 

If you don’t feel like wearing a costume this year, then you also have the option of wearing the colors of the holiday.  The great part is that you can reuse the outfit later on for other special occasions.  You can wear an orange dress and use black ribbons as a sash.  Then top it off with black leggings and shoes.  If you really want to make it stand out, then also use unique stitch fabric glue to add some loose sequins to your leggings.  That’s all it takes to look great for a fun night out.  If you don’t want to wear an orange dress, then wear your little black dress with orange ribbon sash and orange accessories like a ribbon bow with applique headband. 

This past week, Kelly drop by M&J Trimming for some supplies to create her own fun DIY costumes.  She talks about her experience at the store on the show.  Check out the video here. 

We recently added a new feature on our blog.  You can now rate the content of the each post.  After you finish reading an article, scroll down until you see the stars and choose how many stars you give the post.  It is quick, easy and imformative to other readers.  Your rating will also help us decide on new post that you might enjoy reading. 

By Dara

After Alterations

The weather is starting to get a little breezy and that is definitely a sign that summer is long gone.  That means it is time to put away those summer clothes and bring out the warmer clothes for Fall.  Fall is usually a fashionista’s favorite time of the year.  It is not too cold nor is it too hot.  It is a perfect time to wear comfortable and trendy clothing.  This week, we brought out the classic black blazer and embellished it with a variety of Swarovski buttons, crystal trims, pearl strands and braided lace or frogs.  Below, you will see a before picture and above is after the alteration.  It is very easy to get this chic look with simple supplies and instructions. 

Before Alterations

You can see there is a big difference in the before and after image.  This Fall, dramatically embellished garments are very popular.  For the blazers, you will notice in a lot magazines that the shoulders are embellished with different materials.  A lot of deisgners are using fringe, and feathers.  However, crystal jewels are the most used to embellish blazers.  Why spend thousands of dollars when you can create your own unique look.  For the unique look on the blazer, I mainly used Swarovski buttons andvarious trims. 

Materials:

• Various Swarovksi Rhinestone buttons
• Glass Buttons
• Swarovski Rhinestone Trims
• Pearl Strands
• Braided Lace
• Pins
• Thread
• Unique stitch glue
• Needle

Instructions:

1. Pin the lace on top of the shoulder according to how you feel it fits best. Then either stitch on the lace or use Unique Stitch glue.  It works just like a needle when applying fabric on fabric.
2. Decide where you would like to add the buttons on the shoulder and easily stitch them on using the needle.  It is really up to you how you want to design the shoulder.  The main idea is to make it dramatic. 
3. Add the pearl strands and rhinstone trim along the side and then add a button over where you started the trim.
4. Do not forget to replace all the old buttons with a different style of glass buttons.  When you do this, your friends will barely notice it is the same blazer from last year. 
5. When it is done, then you are ready to wear it and show it off. 

It’s that time again.  Time for another fun and exciting headband workshop.  Come join us on September 13th to learn how to create Fall season headbands.  Call 1-800-9-MJTRIM to register. 

Mark your calendar for this Labor Day’s sale.  On September 7th, save 15% on all purchase on ribbons.  Then save another 15% on all button purchase on September 8th.  Don’t forget to save the date.  For two days only, save on beautiful and unique selections of ribbons and buttons.

By Dara

Accessories can either make or break an outfit and when you can’t find one that’s going to enhance your outfit, then make one.  I always go through magazines everyday, looking for the latest trend.  This Fall, I noticed that ribbon and applique necklaces are going to be the must-have accessory of the season.  With a tight budget and still having a yearn for something nice, I decided to make one myself.  You can too with a few simple supplies and instructions. 

I used three appliques, item number 43013 from M&J Trimming, they were only $11.98 each. If you like the appliques, you can call 1-800-9-MJTRIM to order them.  I also used two grosgrain bow, a yard of silk grosgrain, a small piece of ultra suede fabric and glue gun.

All you have to do is add glue to the back of the appliques and lay them on top of the ultra suede.  When it dries, trim out the extra fabric.  Make sure to not to cut in between the appliques, so that they hang together on the necklace.  Then cut the grosgrain ribbon in half and glue it to each side of the necklace.  Once you’re done, add the bows and it’s ready to wear.  Simple, right?

Learn how to make some fashion Fall accessories with DIY guru, Erica Domesek and Refinery 29.  Erica created some stylish accessories for Refinery 29 featuring M&J Trimming’s pleated ribbons, dupioni ribbons, pearls, sequins, unique stitch glue and nailheads.  There’s so many things you can do when you put a little exta creativity.  Visit Refinery 29 for instructions.

M&J Trimming is excited to announce our participation with Quicksilver Women’s and Tia’s Place for the 2009 Fashion’s Night Out in NYC.  Come join us and DIY guru, Erica Domesek at the Grand Central Station on September 10, 2009 for some fun DIY crafts and Fall accessories.  See you there!

By Dara

It’s been a while since I last wrote an Arts & Crafts blog.  So here I am today, finally updating after so long.

 I’ve been contemplating on getting a puppy lately.  Can you guess what kind of puppy?  Yes, I want a bull dog.  They’re just so adorable.  I know a lot of people think they’re ugly, but they just make me so happy whenever I see one.

Well, I haven’t gotten one yet, but I did get a poster with three cute puppies on them.  The wall in my office is kind of dull right now, so I decided to place the small poster in a picture frame.  It’s not just any picture frame.  It’s one that I handcrafted myself and is pretty proud of it.  The best part is that it was fun and anyone can do it. 

If you want to make one similar to mine, you’ll need is a small foam core board (you get this at an arts and crafts store.  You’ll only need one small enough to fit your picture with an extra inch around all corners of the picture.  You’ll also need one weight sheet protector, cords, sequins, sew-on jewels, glue-gun, double sided tape and a pair of scissors.

Using the double sided tape, attach your picture of the center of the form core board.  Trim the weight sheet protector to fit over the board.  You can tape down along the edges.  Use the glue-gun for attachment, start decorating the frame according to your style.  It’s really that simple.