Author Archive

Show your American spirit with this hot slashed leather necklace

By Roseann

july4_necklace

When I sat down to do this entry I was a little scared.  Americana fashion is hard to do without looking cheesy.  I don’t know, that’s just my opinion.  However, I really think that by incorporating our colors into today’s hottest trends the look can be quite hip.  Wear this piece with a white tank as to not over do it.

july4_necklace_2

 Materials

  1. Ultra suede tape 10 yards of both white and cardinal, and 3 ½  yards in French blue
  2. Sobo craft glue
  3. Jewelry wire
  4. Wire clippers
  5. Cord necklace fastener.  I choose to use a magnetic fastener, be sure that it will be large enough to hide all the ends of the leather.

 july4_necklace_3

 Directions

  1. Cut the red and white suede into strips 36 long and the blue into strips 20” long.
  2. Take all the red and white and 3 strips of the blue together and wire wrap the end.
  3. I then pinned this end to a board and gathered the other side with the other 3 strips of the blue and draped to the other side of my board.
  4. If you like pull on some of the leather strips at the unwrapped end to create different lengths in the necklace.
  5. Once you have the desired look, gather the other ends, trim, and wire wrap.  Trim the blue hanging strips so they have a staggered appearance.
  6. Using Sobo craft glue, glue the wrapped ends of your necklace into the magnetic fastener.

Add comment July 1, 2009

DIY Cufflinks For Dad

By Roseann

cufflinks

If your dad is anything like mine, then he’s probably not interested in any fancy expensive gifts this Sunday.  Some of the best gifts given to dad were the macaroni art you made when you were five.  A handmade gift is more personal and really comes from the heart.  But, now that you’re older you may want to step up the level of taste just a bit, not that the macaroni art wasn’t cute.  So, if the “what should I get dad for father’s day” question is still plaguing you?  Skip the shave kit or another tie, you know he’s got plenty, and try making him a gift this year.  My suggestion is a pair of cufflinks.  It’s easy to do and won’t break your bank.   

All you will need for this project is cufflink posts, you should be able to purchase these at any jewelry supply shop. I found them for a dollar a piece, some cool buttons, wire clippers, and E-6000 craft glue.    I chose 4 different styles to create a variety of looks.  I like to cover my basis.  They range from casual with a leather button  to business with a gold and black glass button and a gold crest to very dressy with a rhinestone , for dads who are into a little bling.  All of these buttons can be found online.  All you need to do is remove the loop from the back of your buttons and glue the cufflink post to the back.  When purchasing buttons for this project be sure to purchase shank buttons only.  I hope this has helped some of you.  Please share with us some of your creative personalized gifts for dad.

cufflink_1

cufflink_3

cufflink_2

cufflink_4

1 comment June 16, 2009

DIY Beaded Fringe Reversible Necklace

By Roseann

samp1_b 

In the wake of the slow economy many people have turned to do it yourself fashion projects.  As a result I have seen some of the most innovative and creative pieces in decades.    The best of these hand made accessories display bold mixes of materials and colors.  And hey, if you’re going to use the remnants of previous projects you can throw out, “The less is more attitude”.  So, go a head and dive into your scrap box and mix it up.

samp1_c

 Materials:

samp2

 Instructions:

  • On the back side of 1 6” fabric square mark the middle at one edge.  Measure up 2 ¼” and mark.  At top right corner mark ¼” in from the side.  From your 2 ¼” mark draw curved line to ¼” mark in right corner.  Do the same from the bottom mark to right corner.  Fold square and cut on lines so that you have an even crescent shape.  Repeat steps with the other fabric square. 
  • Find the outer measurement of your crescent.  Subtract 2” and cut fringe to this length. 
  • Pin fringe to bottom curve and baste.
  • Embellish face of the other fabric crescent.  I chose flat sew on jewels so that the piece can be reversible.  If you like you can embellish with larger sew on jewels and beads and where your piece from 1 side only.
  • Pin fabric crescents back to back and stitch around. 
  • Finding the placement of you piece is up to you.  I left my chain a little longer so that it can be adjusted depending on my outfit.
  • Stitch chain to the corner of you crescent
  • Add jewelry clasp.
  • Wear, enjoy!

samp2_b

Add comment June 2, 2009

DIY Swarovski Tear Drop Earrings

 Tear Drop

Well it has finally arrived, that’s right, it’s prom Season.  Although an exciting milestone in a young person’s life, prom today can be a costly event and with the state of our current economy it may be causing some parents and teens to wince at the price tag.  We’d like to help.  A pair of self made Swarovski earring can really add elegance to your look without cleaning out you savings account.   The total cost of this project, $25!

 Materials

  1. Two pear shaped Swarovski jewel (#38394/crystal vitrail light).   1-800-9-MJTRIM
  2. 6 pieces of 4mm Swarovski beads
  3. 4 5mm roundels in crystal/silver, you should be able to purchase these and the rest of the following materials at any bead shop or jewelry making supply shop..
  4. 2 earring posts and back.  I purchased a type of post with a rhinestone in it and then replaced it with one of our own Swarovski rhinestones. 
  5. 2 eye pins.
  6. 2 jump rings.
  7. Fine step jaw pliers.

 Instructions

  1. From the open end of your eye pin add your beads and roundels so that you have an end result of 3 beads 2 roundels.
  2. Using your pliers close the open end of the pin by creating a loop.  Fine step jaw pliers will ensure that your loops come out the exact same size.  All you must do is wrap the wire around the rounded end of the pliers reposition and close the loop.
  3. Connect one jump ring to the pear shaped jewel.
  4. At one of your loops add your earring post.
  5. At the other end add the jump ring and jewel.
  6. Have a wonderful and safe Prom!

 More Money Saving Prom Tips

  •  Borrow your dress.
  • Check consignment shops for a great dress.
  • Do you own nails.
  • Have a friend do you hair.
  • Many girls have opted for a less costly pair of flip flops or sandals over higher priced heels.
  • Make dinner at home and set up the back porch with candles and lanterns.
  • Skip the limousine and drive yourself.

2 comments May 19, 2009

DIY Fringe and Feather Sandals. HOT! HOT! HOT!

By Roseann

sandal_2

I am very much in love with two of this season’s biggest trends, feathers and fringe.  Designers are using these two elements to embellish everything from clothing, jewelry, and accessories, and I am looking for any way to incorporate them into my wardrobe.  As I am searching my closet I find a pair of gladiator sandals from last summer and decide they are perfectly in need of a make over.  By adding just two simple trims to a past “must have” I now posses this summer’s hottest look.

 To Get the Look:

  1. 1 yard of 2” faux leather fringe. M&J carries leather fringe in many different styles, colors, and sizes.  So please, take a look and be creative.
  2. 1 yard of feather fringe.  Style #26796 in Turquoise  available by calling    1-800-9-MJTRIM 
  3. 1 pair of sandals
  4. 1 bottle of Sobo Craft Glue. 
  5. 1 leather needle.
  6. 1 spool of thread, rayon or a cotton/poly blend work best.

 Instructions:

  1. If you are using a pair from your closet, clean them first.
  2. Next measure down the center vertical strap.
  3. Cut two pieces of the fringe about a ¼” longer than strap measurement.  I like to dap just a touch of glue on the ends of the fringe to keep it from fraying and coming apart.
  4. Using glue tack the center of each piece of fringe down the center strap of your sandal.  Let this set up for about 45 minutes.
  5. You may skip this step if you wish, I choose to do it because I like the way it keeps my work in place while I am trying to sew by hand.
  6. Using your leather needle begin to stitch the fringe to the strap.
  7. Using glue once again top the two center pieces of fringe with your feather trim.  Allow to dry for 24 hours.
  8. You may carefully stitch the feather trim down using your leather needle, I would use a very thin thread, being careful to hide all stitches.
  9. Wear, enjoy!

1 comment May 12, 2009

DIY EMBELLISHED LEATHER CUFF

By Roseann

bracelet11

Today embellishing is seen everywhere, from necklines to ankles.  It’s a great way to add color and a little flash to an everyday piece.  I was really inspired by John Hardy’s new bamboo and sterling silver cuffs.  Since I am not an expert jewelry crafter, I figured a leather cuff would be a great way to get the look.

 

bracelet21

 Materials:

 Please note that M&J Trimming offers a wide selection of sew on jewels and beads. So explore our selection and be creative.

 You will also need:

  • Gem Tac glue
  • 2 18mm snaps  (1-800-9MJ-TRIM)
  • Thread
  • Leather needle

 Instructions: 

  1. Measure wrist
  2. Cut Leather 2″ longer than wrist measurement.
  3. Create your design
  4. Using Gem Tac lightly glue down your design to the leather.  Be sure to measure and center.  I like to wait about 4 hours to allow the glue to set.  Once you feel that your jewels are adequately attached you may sew the jewels on to the leather.  I like to glue the jewels down first, I think it makes this step easier.  If you’re comfortable with sewing them without glue feel free.
  5. Measure in 1″ from sides.  Center snaps in center of 1″ edge. Sew them down in a vertical position from one another.  The female piece should be sewn on the outside of the cuff and the male piece on the inside.  This will make the cuff easiest to get on and off.
  6. Wear, enjoy!

3 comments April 21, 2009

From the Runway to the Streets

By Roseann

blog_coat

Earlier this month Chanel presented the Fall 2009 collection at Paris Fashion week. Lagerfeld stayed true to many design elements that are so classically Chanel, while adding his own soft touch. The Chanel runway exhibited an array of ruffled collars, sweet pleats, and cuff treatments. The embellished cuff really stood out to me, and I realized that this would be easy to incorporate this look into my own closet using an old shrunken jacket.

To get the look you will need:

  • 1 to 2 yards of pleated lace (36194), this depends on the measurement around your sleeve, take this measurement and multiply by 4. To order please call 1-800-9MJTRIM
  • 1 yard of pleated lace (2387) Use the measurement around the sleeve and multiply by 2. To order please call 1-800-9MJTRIM
  • 1 yard of cotton grosgrain   Just a note that I used grosgrain to complement the material of my jacket (corduroy). M&J Trimming carries many different types of ribbon and other trims that may be used.

blog_sleeve

Instructions:

  1. Begin by choosing a jacket to embellish.
  2. Then take the measurement around the sleeve. I took the measurement 5 inches from the bottom of the cuff. I like the look of it when the actual cuff of the jacket is exposed.
  3. Cut two pieces of the longer lace the length of the sleeve measurement. Cut 4 pieces of the shorter lace, and two pieces of grosgrain adding one inch to the measurement.
  4. Next mark the cuff at desired measurement chosen. Again I used a 5 inch measurement.
  5. At your markings begin to pin the longer lace down, followed by the shorter style. These two pieces may be stitched one on top of the other using a sewing machine if you prefer.
  6. Hand stitch the laces to the jacket sleeve. If your sleeve is wide enough a machine may also be used.
  7. Pin the another piece of the shorter lace around the cuff with the binding pointing down and the ruffle of the lace pointed towards the shoulder.
  8. Hand stitch the lace to the jacket.
  9. Take one side of the grosgrain ribbon and fold over ½ inch and tack down. Pin the ribbon over top of the lace to hide all bindings. Start with the raw cut end at the sleeve seam, then around the back to the front so that the finished end lays over the unfinished end and is pointing toward the back of the sleeve.
  10. Hand stitch the ribbon to the sleeve at each edge of the ribbon.
  11. Wear, enjoy.

1 comment March 31, 2009

DIY Rhinestone Belt

By Roseann

 

belt

Looking for an easy way to jazz up that little black dress in your closet?  A simple belt with an exquisite buckle makes a great addition to a fashion classic.  Stick to a black belt, you do not want to draw too much attention to the waist. 

To get the look you will need

closeupbelt1

 Instructions:

  1. Measure your waist.  This belt has no adjustment so don’t cheat or you will be holding your tummy in all evening.
  2. Add one inch to this measurement and cut ribbon at this length.
  3. Create ½” pleat at the top of the ribbon and press.  Ideally you want the lines to create an up right V, this is a much more youthful look.
  4. Thread your ribbon through the back of your buckle, stop at 1″ and fold over.
  5. Hand stitch the tab you’ve just created down to the ribbon as close the bar as possible.
  6. Trim off excess, if you own pinking sheers these are ideal to use.  If not a straight cut is fine.
  7. Enjoy!

Add comment March 15, 2009

Twisted Knot Mesh Necklace

pic1

 Materials:

  • 7 yards of Metallic Tube Ribbon (36876-BCO) in white. 1-800-9MJTRIM
  •  Brown Bugle Beads and Silver Seed Beads (15933-59148, 15931-18503).  1-800-9MJTRIM
  • 2  ½” silver crimp tubes with loop, purchased at any craft store.
  • 1 7×4mm lobster claw, purchased at any craft store.
  • Invisible thread
  • Size 12 needle, anything larger will not go through your beads.

 pic21

 

Instructions:

  1. Cut 10 25″ strips of metallic tube ribbon.
  2. Knot one end of all the ribbon strips together, then separate ribbon into two groups of five.
  3. I used cork board to pin the ribbon down, then in a braided fashion twist the two groups together to create a rope. Knot your loose ends together.
  4. In the middle of your rope create a simple knot.  I created my knot a little loose and wide so that the twist is still apparent.
  5. Pin the other side to the cork board so that you have created a u.
  6. Once you have decided which part of the twist you want to follow begin beading.  I tied a knot at the end of my invisible thread. I then threaded my needle across the back of the rope and then once more leaving slack to pass my needle through to create another knot attached to the rope.
  7. Pass the needle through the rope toward the front pass 1 bugle bead then 1 seed bead through your needle, now pass your needle towards the back.  Repeat.
  8. Only bead the top of your braid. I beaded each side and then the knot individually.
  9. Once you have completed beading unpin your rope.  With pliers attach a crimp tube around each knotted end.  Be sure to trim off any excess ribbon near the knot before attaching your crimp tube.
  10. Attach the lobster claw to one of the crimp tubes.
  11. Now go be the envy of all your friends!

3 comments February 23, 2009

DIY Valentine’s Day Vase

By Rosenn

vase 

Expecting flowers this Valentines day?  Why not put them in a vase as hot as the man who sent them.  You can dress up an old vase or grab an inexpensive plain glass vase from your home décor shop. 

 closeup

Materials used:

 

  1. Plug in hot glue gun.  Allow gun to heat up 3-5 minutes.
  2. Once glue-gun is hot and glue can easily be applied, begin applying to the lip of the vase. Do this while working in small section, about 2-3inches at a time.  Apply the tape of the fringe to the lip while glue is still hot. Work around entire lip of vase. Trim off any excess fringe.
  3. Apply feather tape in same manner.
  4. Glue 1st mesh covered jewel on top of tape.  Measure 2 1/2″ from either side of jewel and apply the 2nd. Continue around entire lip of vase.

Add comment February 3, 2009

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