Author Archive
NYC Showroom Closed on 8/9/09
Close this Sunday August 9, 2009
If your’e thinking about visiting our NYC retail showroom this Sunday, the 9th of August, then you might want to hold that thought. We will be closed all day due to the Dominican Parade. The parade will start right outside of the store. We hope everyone enjoys the weekend and the warm whether.
Add comment August 7, 2009
Tips On Embellishing Your Shoes
By Dara
If you have a pair of shoes you’re considering making some changes to, then here’s a couple of suggestions. Summer is still around and sandals are quite comfortable during this time. So maybe embellishing the sandal you already have in your closet is a good idea.
On the streets of NYC, you’ll notice that a lot of sandals are embellished with studded nailheads, sequins and beads. You can purchase them already embellished, but where’s the fun in that? Try doing it yourself with a few packs of nailheads, metal sequins and beads. You’ll only need some gem-tac glue to add them on. The fun part is that you’ll be able to design whatever pattern you like.
3 comments July 15, 2009
Headband Workshop 7/12/09
Fashion Headband Workshop July 12, 2009
Time: 9am
Cost: $20
To sign-up: 1-800-9-MJTRIM ext 377
Hi everyone. It looks like it’s time for another Headband workshop. The date is set for July 12th at 9am. If you’re interested in attending, please call 1-800-9-MJTRIM ext 377 to sign-up. Bring friends and family to enjoy this exciting workhsop. We’ll teach you all the cool tips and tricks to creating your own fashionable headband.
1 comment July 6, 2009
Recession Friendly Gift (DIY Money Box)
By Dara
Summer is finally here! It’s about time. Well, actually it doesn’t quite feel like summer in NYC. It still feels like spring time especially since it’s raining almost every day. If it wasn’t for the tall buildings, you’d think its Seattle.
Anyways, summer is a time for celebration. There’s graduation, Independence Day, and just time to enjoy the warm sun. If you’re planning a celebration this summer for birthdays, weddings, anniversaries or graduation, then why not make it recession friendly. Instead of receiving gifts, ask for a thick envelope with cash instead.
You’ll need a safe place to store all that cash. So today, I decided to make a money box! The money box should be very popular this year; especially with the recession, who wouldn’t want some cash instead of a toaster for your gift.
The money box I made today measures 8 inches all around. If you plan on doing the same size then you’ll need:
-
6 pieces of 8” x 8” form core boards. (You can purchase a large one at a craft store and cut it with a box cutter)
- 30” x 9” fabric of your choice (This is the fabric that is going to wrap around your box)
- 9” x 9” fabric of your choice (This is the fabric that is going to cover the top of your box”
- 11 inches of the 1 ½” satin ribbon
- 13 inches of the 1 ½” satin ribbon
- 24 inches of the 1 ½” satin ribbon
- 27 inches of the 1 ½” satin ribbon
- Rhinestone button of your choice
- 2 yards of the 2 ½” hand-dyed silk ribbon
- Small box cutter
- Ruler
- Gem-tac glue
- Needle and matching thread
- One can of multipurpose adhesive spray
- Four straight pins
Instructions:
-
You have 6 pieces of the 8” x 8” board, take four of them and glue them together along the edge to build a box. There should be a hole in the center after you finish. It’s the space for the top and the bottom of the box. Let is dry before continuing to the next step
- While the glue is drying, work on the top of the box. With the ruler, measure 2 inches from the edge of the board and mark it with a pencil. Mark the opposite side with about 5 inches from the edge. Then mark 1.5 inches on both the left and the right edge of the board.
- Using the pencil and ruler, trace the marked areas. It should form a long rectangle. It should be about ½” long.
- Use the box cutter to cut out that area. It will be the hole for the money.
- Now, using the multipurpose adhesive, lightly spray the top of the board and lay the 9” x 9” fabric on top. Smooth out the fabric.
- With the cutter, cut through fabric into the hole you just created for inserting the money. Leave enough fabric so that you can cover the inside and give it a nice finish.
- Take the gem-tac glue and glue don the extra fabric onto the other side of the board.
- Now, going back to the box. Take the 30” by 9” fabric and wrap if around the box after it finished drying. You can use the multipurpose adhesive and spray it around the box first. It helps smooth out the fabric.
- Wrap it tightly and at the end, fold the extra fabric inside. Then use the gem-tac and glue it in place.
- Use the gem-tac to glue the other extra fabrics along the edges of the box. Fold the fabric into the inside of the box. If it’s hard, use scissors to cut the corners and then fold the fabrics and glue it in place.
- Using the pins, pin the top part of the box with the rest of the boards. This should close the top. We’re using pins instead of glue, so that you can take out the money when the party is over.
- It’s time for the satin ribbons. The 11” goes in front of the box. The 13” goes in the back of the box. The 24” goes along the side of the box. Glue them in place.
- Center the 27” ribbon and glue only the center of the ribbon to the center of the box.
- It’s time for the hand-dyed silk. With one hand, hold the end of the ribbon. With your other hand, start folding the ribbon over to form a flower.
- Take the needle and thread and stitch the center in place when you’re done.
- Glue the flower down on the top of the box and glue the button in the center of the flower.
- When the glue for the box dries, flip the box over and glue the bottom of the box on. You can add a strip of rhinestone trim to the button like how I did.
- You’re all done!
1 comment June 23, 2009
Fun Times At M&J’s Headband Workshop
This past Sunday’s headband workshop was another success and, “What do we consider a success”, you ask? Well, it’s when we’ve accomplished our goal in creating a fun and exciting time for those who participated.
Marisa of Neon Tea Party also attended this early morning workshop and assured readers that she had a great time. Visit Neon Tea Party for some details on her experience. If you’re interested in attending the next headband workshop, pleases call 1-800-9-MJTRIM ext 377. Spread the word. We hope to see you there.
2 comments June 8, 2009
M&J Trimming Bridal Salon Opening, Featuring Magnolia Bakery
Save the date! M&J Trimming is officially opening our new Bridal Salon to the public. The opening is scheduled for June 1st from 11am – 6pm. Come join us and Magnolia Bakery for cupcake tasting and custom veil and glove viewing.
On this big day, you’ll meet our Bridal Specialist, Bethany. Don’t forget the delicious cupcake tasting and wedding dessert ideas by NYC’s most popular Magnolia Bakery. We look forward to seeing you there.
1 comment May 22, 2009
DIY Bracelet for Mother’s Day/Prom/Evening out
By Dara
Today’s project is a beaded trim bracelet. You can make this bracelet as a gift for your mom, for yourself, for prom or a nice evening out. It’s an easy way to accessorize in only a few minutes. The steps are really easy and you can use the same instructions to make matching headbands or belt also. Here’s the detail.
Materials:
- 20.5 inches of black 5/8” double face satin ribbon
- 6 inches of Beaded trim item number 20230 (call 1-800-9-MJTRIM if you want this trim)
- Unique stitch glue
- Measuring tape
Instructions:
- Measure the ribbon and along the center, add glue along the six inches in the center.
- Slowly add the beaded trim on top of the glue.
- Leave it to dry and you’re done.
If you want to make a headband, you can use a longer ribbon and it’s the same instruction. The same instruction also applies to creating a belt. When it dries, you can tie it up and you’re done.
6 comments May 7, 2009
DIY Mother’s Day Leather Belt
By Dara
Where has the time gone? It’s almost the end of April and Mother’s day is right around the corner. With the way the economy is right now, everyone is cutting back. That doesn’t mean you can’t give your mother a nice gift this year. It just means you have to be wise about your spending.
Last year, I post up a DIY mother’s day gift idea using fabric flowers and added it onto a necklace. It came out great. Well, this year we’re going to bring that idea back and step up a notch on the design. This year, we’re going to make a leather belt with DIY fabric flower embellishments. It’s really easy, especially if you already followed the steps from my post last year. If not, it’s okay, we can start over.
Materials:
- A yard and half of 1 ½” leather trim (Item number 41166)
- One metal hook & I buckle (Item number 30159)
- Three rhinestone buttons
- Half a yard of 50MM double face silk satin ribbon
- Half a yard of 36MM double face silk satin ribbon
- Half a yard of 24MM double face silk satin ribbon
- Leather needle
- Unique Stitch Glue
- A Few Pins
- Thread
Instructions:
- Lay the 50mm ribbon flat on the table, then fold it in half horizontally.
- Using straight pins, pin the ribbon in place.
- Using the matching thread begin hand-stitching the ribbon along the left side. Be sure to stay close to the edge and start from the backside of the ribbon.
- Space each stitch at least ½” apart.
- When you get to the end of the ribbon, remove the straight pins
- Then using your fingers, push the end of the ribbon back towards the beginning of the ribbon.
- Stitch the end in place.
- Make sure the edges of both ends of the ribbon is facing you
- Stitch the edges together, allowing the trim to form a flower shape.
- Tightly stitch the open center together.
- Then turn the ribbon around and add your button in the center.
- Stitch the button into the center.
- Repeat steps 1-12 for the 36mm and 24mm ribbons.
- Now for the belt, make sure you know your mom’s waist because the belt should fit perfectly. Let’s say your mom’s waist is 28 inches, then that means you’ll need to cut 30 inches off the leather trim.
- After you cut the trim, add on the buckle by wrapping one inch in the loop and use the leather needle to stitch it in place. Do this for both ends of the trim on each end of the buckles.
- Lastly, it’s time to add on the flowers. If you unhook the buckles, the left sides you can use unique stitch glue to add the larger flower onto the buckle so that it covers it.
- On the other side of half of the buckle, add the other two flowers along the side.
- Leave it to dry and then after it’s dries, it’ll be ready for gift wrapping
Here’s a sample picture of how to put the flower together from last year’s post.
1 comment April 28, 2009
M&J Trimming On Teen.com (DIY Headbands)
Our designer, Abby and M&J Trimming was recently featured on Teen.com TV. As headbands continue being a popular must-have, Abby teaches you how to create some easy and beautiful pieces.
Click here to watch the video clip of Abby teaching you the simple techniques.
Add comment March 26, 2009
