Author Archive
Fashion Embellishment Tip
By Dara
It looks like spring is finally here. That means it is time to bring out your dresses and start looking fashionably sassy. However, I know that in this economy, we can’t spend as much money on shopping as we use to. So here is a little fashion tip for this week.
This season, you will see a lot of silk satin ribbon belts. For most designer dresses, simply by adding a ribbon belt means they can also add up the dollar sign on the price tag. So why waste the extra cash when you can do it yourself.
You can do a single wrap of satin ribbon along a dress you already have hanging in your closet. However, this season you will see more of the double wraps; which typically takes about 3 yards of silk satin ribbon. Wrap the ribbon around your waist twice and end it with a bow in the front left or right side. Then “Ta Da”! You’re all set for trendy day.
Add comment March 24, 2009
Rhinestone Application Workshop March 29th
Register by calling 1-800-9-MJTRIM ext 300
Are you going to be in NYC on the 29th of March? Do you like rhinestones? Then you’ll probably want to join us at our retail store for a Rhinestone Application workshop. Our guest speaker from Swarovski will teach you how to apply hot-fix rhinestones onto ten different types of fabrics.
Come join us for a fun time and great supplies in your goody bag. Hurry because space is limited.
1 comment March 16, 2009
Two Days Only! 20% Off Swarovski Rhinestones
SALE SALE SALE!!
Two Days Only!!
Today and tomorrow only, take 20% off all Swarovski rhinestones at
www.MJTRIM.com
Sale ends March 12th at 11:59 EST
Add comment March 11, 2009
DIY Swarovski Rhinestone Bracelet
By Dara
Hi everyone. It has been a while since I last post an update on here. There’s a lot going on at M&J Trimming right now. If you have read Milton’s blog, then you probably already know that M&J has been pretty busy with the headband workshop held on Sundays. We’re also going to be hosting a rhinestone workshop on the 29th. It’s going to be fun because we have some guests from Swarovski teaching everyone different ways to apply rhinestones.
Speaking of rhinestones, today I made a rhinestone buckle bracelet. Headbands are currently in trend right now and the next big thing is creating your own bracelet. You can see my “DIY bracelet” in the image above. It only took me two minutes to make this stunning piece.
Materials:
- 12 inches of 2.5mm suede flat cord
- 3 – Small rhinestone buckles with two insert loops holes on the back
- & Two minutes of your time! =)
Instructions:
- Simply loop the cord through the front of one side of the buckle and then out through the other side.
- Repeat the step above and adjust the buckle into the desired position.
- After that, you’re all done and ready to tie the bracelet on your wrist and go out in style!
3 comments March 10, 2009
Button Sale! 20% OFF!
20% OFF ALL BUTTONS!
2/7/09 – 2/15/09
Calling all button lovers!
This Saturday, for one week only, we will be offering 20% OFF our button inventory at our retail store .
If you’re in the New York City area and want some new buttons, please visit our 5,000 sq ft store at:
M&J Trimming
1008 Sixth Avenue
Between 37th and 38th St.
New York, NY 10018
In store only sale, not applicable online or on rhinestone buttons.
For more information call 1-800-9-MJTRIM.
1 comment February 6, 2009
Charm Bracelet Inspired By Twilight
There are plenty of charm bracelets out there, but the most popular one right now is the one inspired by Eclipse which is a part of the Twilight saga. In this book, Jacob gives Bella a graduation present; which of course is a bracelet with a wolf charm. Later on, Edward decides to add onto this charm, a large crystal heart.
There’s different version of this bracelet on the internet right now. Of course this is my version. Jacob used wood to carve his charm, but I used a metal charm instead. It would have taken me days if I attempted to carve out a tiny wolf.
For Edward’s charm, I used Swarovski crystal. You can’t go wrong with Swarovski. The steps are pretty easy. All you really have to do is just add the charms onto a metal chain and you’ll have your own little piece of Bella’s gift.
1 comment January 27, 2009
Magnetic Twilight Saga Bookmark
By Dara
Okay, I have a confession to make. While everyone is soaking in the Gossip Girl trend, I’ve been hooked on the Twilight saga. Yeah, I know it’s a teen book, but I can’t get enough of it. I’m currently reading ‘Eclipse’. I definitely recommend the Twilight saga. Lately, reading has definitely made me feel more productive than watching TV until I fall asleep.
Anyways, when I first bought ‘Twilight’, I got the special collector’s edition. It came with a nice red satin ribbon attached to it as a bookmark. The other three books didn’t come with the ribbon; which made me feel a little empty. Lucky for me, I work at M&J Trimming. So I decided to make my own ribbon bookmark. However, I also wanted to add a little creativity to this easy project and made it a magnetic bookmark. Here are the materials and instructions.
Materials:
- 33 inches of 7/8″ single face satin ribbon (any color you like and if you don’t like your ribbon to dangle so much, then it doesn’t neccessarily have to be 33 inches, it can be 6 inches shorter)
- 1 pair – Magnet with plastic seal
- 2 – Buttons (I recommend flat buttons, like the four-hole ones or regular shanks are fine also. However,if you use regular shank you have to make sure the back is a flat)
- Pliers (only if you’re use a regular shank button with a flat back)
- Scissors
- Gem-tac glue
Instructions:
- Using the scissors, trim the plastic seal around the magnet so that it fits within the 7/8″ ribbon
- After you finish trimming it, add a few drops of glue around what’s left of the plastic seal.
- Then place one of the magnets on the back side of the single face satin ribbon. The magnet should be at the end of the ribbon.
- Add glue onto the other side of the plastic seal and fold the ribbon over so that the magnet is cover. Be careful not to use too much glue.
- Now repeat the steps with the other magnet, but on the other end of the ribbon. After that’s done, let it dry for about 5 to 10 minutes.
- Once everything is dry, you can add glue to the back of your button and place that over the magnet, but of course on the side where you can’t see the fold of the ribbon. Repeat this with the other button.
- If you’ve chose to use a regular shank button with a flat back, then carefully use the pliers to take off the shank. Then you can add the glue and place it over the magnet.
- If you don’t want to use buttons, you can also use appliqués.
- Now you’re all done and ready to snap your bookmark in place.
13 comments January 13, 2009
Scrappin’ Up Handmade Cards
By Dara
Kerry’s Paper Craft
Looking through the lens
Scrappin’ Librarian
Have you ever visited your local holiday card store and found nothing that really expressed how you felt? If you have, then that’s when making your own homemade card comes in handy. It’s quite enjoyable. It sort of reminds me of when we were in elementary school working on arts and crafts. Who said that after we grow up, the creaitivity and fun has to go away?
I found some really cute homemade cards. Each image links to the owner’s blog; which has more inspirational ideas. If you notice, each card is embellished with either grosgrain or single face satin ribbon. Go ahead and give it a try. Make your own homemade card and decorate with will beautiful ribbons.
2 comments December 29, 2008
Christmas Decorating Tips
By Dara
Have you started your Christmas decoration yet? If you haven’t or you’d like to add more decorations, then here’s a few tips for fast and fun decorations. Around this time of the year, wired ribbons are quite popular. Not only do they come in a variety of patterns, but the wires along the edge of the ribbon makes it really easy to work with. You can use it to decorate Christmas wreath, trees, gifts, center pieces and more.
When decorating a Christmas wreath, you can wrap the wired ribbon around the wreath so it almost looks like the stripe on a candy cane. Finish it off by hiding the end of the ribbon in the back of the wreath. Now as for the bow, yow you can tie a regurlar bow. Tie about three to four individual bows, then lay them on top of each other. Using a twisty tie, twist the bows in place and also twist it around the wreath. After that is done, then you can shape the bows any way you like. It’s that easy with little mess and time. Oh yes, I’ve added berries in the center of my bow to hide the twisty tie. You can do this too. You can use berries, charms or anything you’d like. The secret of the bow can also be used on Christmas trees, gifts, center pieces and more.
Add comment December 9, 2008
How to tie the perfect bow.
Christmas is getting closer, and I’m getting ready for wrapping all the presents for my family and friends. I always try to give each of the presents a touch of personality and I get very creative while I do gift-wrapping. However, to get there it’s important to know the basics, and that is why today I’m showing you how to tie the perfect bow. It’s very simple and with some practice you will be able to make ribbon bows in no time.
Instructions:
- Make a loop with the ribbon and hold the loop between your thumb and index finger, with the ribbon end at the back several inches longer than the front end. Use your opposite hand to pick up the long end and wrap it around the loop to begin the knot.
- With your index finger of the same hand, push a loop through the knot in front of the thumb holding the first loop.
- Pull the back of the loops with your thumbs and index fingers to tighten the knot
- Cut the ribbon ends to equal lengths.
Add comment December 2, 2008
