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!
1 comment May 12, 2009
History of Rhinestones
By Milton
After working with Fashion Analysis and Trend Forecasting, one thing I have learned is that trends repeat itself over the years. There are some things that no matter the season or what the hottest trend is, they are always popular. For instance, there is denim, we can wear jeans all year long and even if the cut or color changes, they are always in fashion.
Rhinestones are one more trend that has been popular for decades. They were used to embellish Elvis Presley costumes, and after speaking with Autricia, who has been working with M&J for over 30 years, she told me how they applied rhinestones to Elvis’ costumes using something very similar to our EZ Rhinestone Setter. They were used to embellish shoes for many years. Examples of this are: the David Evins sandals from 1934, which were originally designed for the movie Cleopatra but later modified for everyday wear, and the Roger Viver Decollete sandals that were very popular in the 50’s.
In 1892, Daniel Swarovski patented an electric cutting machine that facilitated the production of lead crystal glass jewelry. And in 1895 the Swarovski Company was founded. Nowadays, they are the biggest creators and distributors of crystals for fashion houses, designers and consumers.
Now, in 2009, we can see them everywhere: cell phones, shoes, headphones, clothing, eveningwear, and so on. The best part is that we don’t have to spend crazy amounts of money buying clothing and accessories with rhinestones, since now they are so accessible and easy to apply.
Add comment May 12, 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.
4 comments May 7, 2009
M&J Trimming Lace-Inset Table Runner On Martha Stewart Show
M&J Trimming was recently featured on the Martha Stewart Show on May 4th. In house designer, Hosanna Houser showed Martha and the audience how to put together a table runner using M&J Trimming’s imported lace. If you missed the show, then no need to worry. Click here and watch the video.
Add comment May 6, 2009
M&J Trimming after the Disaster
While today is a day of celebration for Cinco de Mayo, it also marks the 12th year since the old M&J Trimming showroom in NYC caught on fire. In 1997, M&J Trimming’s showroom was less than 1,000 square foot yet was still a favorite destination for designers and all crafters alike.
Dreams did not end with the fire on May 5, 1997. Instead, M&J Trimming built a newer and larger showroom. This brought great hope for designers in the area, especially with the fashion district only a few feet away from the showroom.
Twelve years later and M&J Trimming continues to stand strong and offer designers a wide variety of fabric trimmings from around the globe. This popular destination has also become a favorite to celebrities who often stop by like Beyonce Knowles, Lady Ga Ga, Andre 2000, TI, Sex and the City celebrity, Sarah Jessica Parker, Cynthia Nixon, Popular Project Runway host, Heidi Klum, Christian Siriano and more.
2 comments May 5, 2009
Photos From The Headband Workshop 5/3/09
M&J Trimming would like to thank all the participants from this Sunday’s headband workshop. Despite the heavy rain, everyone was able to attend and enjoyed the session. Here are a few photos from the workshop. We hope to see you all again for the next one on the 14th of June.
1 comment May 4, 2009
M&J Trimming featured on The Today Show (Kentucky Derby Fashion)
The Kentucky Derby, held on the first Saturday of May is right around the corner. To kick off the event, senior editor of All You magazine, Amy Goodman featured some great ideas for dressing up for the occasion. The segment also featured beautiful silk flower pins from M&J Trimming. Here is a sneak preview.
Add comment April 30, 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.
Add comment April 28, 2009
Save $30 When You Attend Our Month Of May Workshops
Attend All 3 Workshops for only $60 and save $30. Call 1-800-9-MJTRIM Ext 377 to sign-up
M&J Trimming
1008 Sixth Avenue
New York, NY 10018
(Between 38th & 37th St)
Event Date: May 3, 2009
Event Time: 9:30am -12pm
(212) 391-6200 ext 377
Price: $20
Event Name: M&J Trimming’s Headband Workshop
Learn how to create and design your own fashion headband for the summer. Create unique and one of a kind headbands with friends and meet new friends at this exciting event.
M&J Trimming
1008 Sixth Avenue
New York, NY 10018
(Between 38th & 37th St)
Event Date: May 17, 2009
Event Time: 9:30am -12pm
(212) 391-6200 ext 377
Price: $35
Event Name: M&J Trimming’s Rhinestone Application Workshop
Learn how to embellish your iphones, ipods, cameras, t-shirts and more using Swarovski rhinestones at M&J Trimming’s Rhinestone Application Workshop. Special guest speaker from Swarovski will teach you how to save a few bucks by teaching you how to create, design and embellish with rhinestones.
M&J Trimming
1008 Sixth Avenue
New York, NY 10018
(Between 38th & 37th St)
Event Date: May 31, 2009
Event Time: 9:30am -12pm
(212) 391-6200 ext 377
Price: $35
Event Name: M&J Trimmings’ “Embellish My Own” Workshop
Redesign what you already have in your closet using different tips and tricks. Bring your old outfit back to life by embellishing them with trimmings. Come join the exciting “Embellish My Own” workshop and learn how to design and embellish. Remember to bring something from you closet that you would like to embellish to the workshop.
Add comment April 28, 2009
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!
3 comments April 21, 2009
