Author Archive
DIY Fringe and Feather Sandals. HOT! HOT! HOT!
By Roseann
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 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.
- 1 yard of feather fringe. Style #26796 in Turquoise available by calling 1-800-9-MJTRIM
- 1 pair of sandals
- 1 bottle of Sobo Craft Glue.
- 1 leather needle.
- 1 spool of thread, rayon or a cotton/poly blend work best.
Instructions:
- If you are using a pair from your closet, clean them first.
- Next measure down the center vertical strap.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Using your leather needle begin to stitch the fringe to the strap.
- Using glue once again top the two center pieces of fringe with your feather trim. Allow to dry for 24 hours.
- 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.
- Wear, enjoy!
DIY EMBELLISHED LEATHER CUFF
By Roseann
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.
Materials:
- ½ yard of leather. Style #41165-2 Amber (1-800-9MJ-TRIM)
- Rectangular sew on jewels. Style #39982-Antique Brass (1-800-9MJ-TRIM)
- Square sew on jewels. Style #39983-Antique Brass (1-800-9MJ-TRIM)
- Square leather sew on jewels. Style# 41332 Gold/Silver
- Oval glass beads. Style# 38711 White/Antique Brass
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:
- Measure wrist
- Cut Leather 2″ longer than wrist measurement.
- Create your design
- 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.
- 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.
- Wear, enjoy!
From the Runway to the Streets
By Roseann
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.
Instructions:
- Begin by choosing a jacket to embellish.
- 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.
- 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.
- Next mark the cuff at desired measurement chosen. Again I used a 5 inch measurement.
- 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.
- Hand stitch the laces to the jacket sleeve. If your sleeve is wide enough a machine may also be used.
- 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.
- Hand stitch the lace to the jacket.
- 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.
- Hand stitch the ribbon to the sleeve at each edge of the ribbon.
- Wear, enjoy.
DIY Rhinestone 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
- 1 rhinestone buckle #40970
- 1 yard of 36mm silk ribbon #02336
- needle and thread
- scissors
- and your iron and ironing board
Instructions:
- Measure your waist. This belt has no adjustment so don’t cheat or you will be holding your tummy in all evening.
- Add one inch to this measurement and cut ribbon at this length.
- 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.
- Thread your ribbon through the back of your buckle, stop at 1″ and fold over.
- Hand stitch the tab you’ve just created down to the ribbon as close the bar as possible.
- Trim off excess, if you own pinking sheers these are ideal to use. If not a straight cut is fine.
- Enjoy!
Twisted Knot Mesh Necklace
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 7x4mm lobster claw, purchased at any craft store.
- Invisible thread
- Size 12 needle, anything larger will not go through your beads.
Instructions:
-
Cut 10 25″ strips of metallic tube ribbon.
- Knot one end of all the ribbon strips together, then separate ribbon into two groups of five.
- 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.
- 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.
- Pin the other side to the cork board so that you have created a u.
- 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.
- 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.
- Only bead the top of your braid. I beaded each side and then the knot individually.
- 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.
- Attach the lobster claw to one of the crimp tubes.
- Now go be the envy of all your friends!
DIY Valentine’s Day Vase
By Rosenn
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.
Materials used:
- 1 Glass flower vase
- 24 inches, depending on circumference of flower vase, of seed/bugle beaded fringe (style#14301-red)
- 24 inches of imported chinchilla feather tape (style#934-26796)
- 8 mesh covered square stones with setting (style#40407-champagne silver)
- Hot glue-gun
- Plug in hot glue gun. Allow gun to heat up 3-5 minutes.
- 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.
- Apply feather tape in same manner.
- 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.
Rhinestone Portable Speakers
DIY Swarovski Rhinestone Table Setting
By Eleah
This week I embellished a segment of a table setting to show what a little bling might do to your dinner table. I used size 12 and 16 rhinestones in Light Peach, Crystal, and Palace Green Opal. For 1 fork, 1 knife, 1 napkin ring and 1 small candle holder it took about 7 packs of rhinestones in various sizes and colors. The amount and size you need to do this for your own setting will depend on the amount of silver wear and other table accessories you plan to embellish.
Supplies:
- Rhinestones
- Table settings + dressings
- Wooden stick, wax and Gem-Tac glue and plastic syringe (or a Rhinestone starter kit)
Directions:
- Come up with a basic pattern of which you would like on your settings. I suggest keeping it simple since there is not much surface to cover on something as small as a fork. It is also a good idea to lay your rhinestones out unglued to make sure they will fit properly across the surface.
- Once your pattern is decided set the rhinestones to the side, flat side down for easier pick-up. Pinch off a pea sized piece of wax and stick in onto the end of your wooden stick.
- Apply glue with your syringe in a small section (start on the straightest edge for best results) Pick up one rhinestone at a time by lightly touching the wax end of the wooden stick to the top of the stone. Place the stone onto the desired glue covered area. The glue should pull the rhinestone from the wax but sometime a little nudge with your finger is helpful. Continue this process until you have completed your design and repeat on the rest of your table settings. The glue dry within a half hour of application but I suggest letting it sit a full 24 hours before actually using it.
- Don’t run your project through the dishwasher since the jets could possibly disrupt your design by loosening the stones.
*Remember, this project does not have to apply only to table settings. Rhinestones can be added to a variety of home decorations. *
Halloween Ribbon Candy Basket
By Eleah
This week I threw together a cute little basket for handing out Halloween candy. The supplies are simple and it only takes a few minutes to make.
Supplies:
-
2 yards of 63mm “Wired Night Out” wire edge ribbon
-
1 ½ yards of 3/8 inch grosgrain polka dot ribbon in black.
-
basket (mine was 10″ in diameter and made of woven wood)
-
Fabric large enough to line the inside of the basket + visibly hang over the edge
Directions:
-
Spray a couple coats of polyurethane on all surfaces of the basket. Let dry for 15-30 minutes between coats. This step is optional, I just like the way it glosses the surface of a wooden basket.
-
Line the basket with fabric. Keep raw edges exposed or fold under and seam with craft glue. No need to bother hemming with the machine since this is really just a seasonal project.
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Tie your piece of wire edge Halloween print ribbon in a bow + glue to the back center of the rim of the basket (onto the fabric of course). Shape the arms + loops of the bow as desired.
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Cut the polka dot grosgrain ribbon into 8 inch segments and tie all of them into bows. Along the remaining blank fabric covered rib of the basket, glue each bow using the sobo craft glue.
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Fill with candy and you’re done.
Velvet Ribbon Striped Pillow
By Eleah
This week I wanted to make an accent pillow with stripes but didn’t have any striped material on hand. What better solution than to make my own stripes! With the cool weather rolling in, I wanted it to be extra soft. I selected some leftover high-pile apoulstery fabric for the body of the pillow. For the stripes I used 22mm velvet ribbon that complimented the color of the fabric. Since I used two different fabrics for each side, I wanted something to break between them with out clashing with the ribbon so I picked out velvet cordedge in a neutral color so the stripes would not disappear.
Materials:
- Two 13×13 inch squares of fabric
- 51 inches of 22mm (style# 00856) cordedge
- 3 ¼ yards of 22mm velvet ribbon in 1 color, or 1.6 yards of 2 different colors.
- Sewing Machine, needle, thread to match ribbon
- Stuffing
Instructions:
- Pin down ribbon evenly spaced on 1 of your 13×13” squares of fabric
- Remove pins as you hem down the ribbon. Try to keep the stitch as close to the edge of the ribbon so as not to interrupt the pile of the velvet.
- Refer to one of my earlier blogs for instructions on the rest of the pillow. Begin with step 8 from my textile transformation blog. FYI-you will probably want to pin the cordedge to the side of the fabric that has the ribbon sewn to it. Since that will be the front, you will want more control of a perfect hem.
- And you’re done!
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