DIY Leftovers: Sweashirt Necklace, Sweatshirt Headband

Trim excess fabric along the seam with a good pair of scissors. Trim down either side of the collar to your desired length. Take some sew on gems - or buttons, or beads, or a combination of everything - and sew/hot glue them to the collar. Measure two long pieces of silk or grosgrain ribbon, sew/hot glue each piece onto either side.



DIY: Watercolor Petal Necklace

This totally reminds me of spring and warm weather and sunshine - all of which I would love right now! It was inspired by this Lanvin Ribbon & Pearl Drop necklace below; it’s also $450.



Supplies:

- White faux flower*
- Watercolor paints; student grade is fine
- Paintbrush
- Pearls, or whatever beads you would like
- Headpins, if needed
- Jump rings
- Long piece of chain
- Clasp, if needed
- Jewelry pliers & scissors
- Paper towels

Source:  http://www.studs-and-pearls.com/2011/02/diy-watercolor-petal-necklace.html

DIY: Fur & Ribbon Scarf

.But even with winter transitioning into spring, there are still those chilly days that sneak up on us every now and again. I love this project because I was able to use up a decent amount of faux fur that I've had for (literally) years, AND because my original idea sparked the ribbon detailing idea. Which I'm in love with.


..Supplies: 

- Faux fur (Mine was 50 inches long & 5.5 inches wide) 
- Ribbon, about 100 inches. My ribbon was 7/8inch wide. 
-Good pair of scissors 
- Needle & thread 
- Glue gun (optional) 
- Pins 
- Sewing machine, preferably 


DIY: Embroidery Thread Tassel Earrings

I only really go with trends if I like them - as I think anyone should do! - you like what you like, you don't like what you don't like. Tassels seem to be one of those trends that seem to be loved by many, especially in the form of jewely. I happen to like this trend but I haven't done a tassel project on S&P...until I realized that a skein of embroidery thread could easily be made into a pair of tassels, for a fraction of the cost. Depending on the type of thread you buy, they may not "flow" the same way as store bought tassels, but they are more or less the same idea.


Supplies:- One full skein of embroidery thread
- Scissors
- Jewelry pliers, if needed
- Strong glue, such as E6000
- Clip on earring blanks, or large blank studs
- Flat backed charms or buttons


Rhinestone Multi-Finger Ring

I'm a big fan of multifinger rings. This ring DIY uses rhinestone trim that I purchased from MJ Trim last summer. I had initially bought it to make a headband for my friend's wedding (she wore it to her reception, click here for a photo!), but I had about half a yard leftover.


Supplies:

- Rhinestone trim
- 3 ring blanks
- Super/E-6000 glue
- Scissors


DIY: Scarf Vest

One step DIY's are the best. Am I right or am I right?

I recently made this scarf into a more wearable piece of clothing, by simply cutting two slits. It's all about where you cut the slits. The best part: you can still wear it as a scarf if you wanted to.


Supplies:

- Large square scarf or fabric
- Scissors
- 3 minutes of your time


Bra to Bustier

Sooo of course, I set out to make my own, using a strapless bra. I almost want to call this a "faux" bustier, because it's so easy - essentially, it's really just fabric wrapped around a strapless bra, in a sense. I made this top with high-waisted shorts/pants/skirts in mind, so it hits right above my waist. It's up to you how long or short you'd like your top to be.


Supplies:

- Strapless bra (or a bra with removable straps)
- About 1 yard of jersey fabric (I used an ITY jersey knit from Fabric.com. I think it'd help to get a fabric that has a little bit of stretch to it)
- Sewing machine
- Coordinating thread
- Craft needles, for hand sewing
- Measuring tape
- Dress form & a tank top might be useful!


Studded Shoulder Top

I love love love basics. Maybe it's because they're so easy to customize, or maybe because I know they'll match with everything. Either way, I like my basics to be well made and comfy. If you're the same way, check out Bella - I love the aesthetics of this brand. Their clothing is simple but sexy, providing the perfect base for making it completely your own.



Fringe Scarf Cardigan

Turn a fringe scarf into a cardigan/cover up, in just a few minutes. As long as you know how to sew a straight line, you'll be good to go. Learn how to do it after the jump! 


Supplies:
- Large fringe scarf. I got mine at H&M for less than $8.
- Scissors
- Coordinating thread
- FrayCheck (optional, but a good idea)
- Sewing machine (not shown)


Half & Half Jeans

I love simple things that manage to make a statement. Two color jeans are the perfect example - plus, they're so easy to make. It's also a great way to bring a little life to an old pair of jeans (because you know almost all of us have at least one pair we don't use!)


Supplies:

- Jeans
- Plastic bag
- Garbage bag (or something to cover your work space)
- Rubber bands
- Packaging/duct tape
- Spray paint

I used a matte black spray paint (Krylon in Flat Black) that I already had on hand. It left a slightly chalky finish, but I don't mind this too much. It's totally up to you what color and finish you'd like. 

Only do this project outside!! When working with this much spray paint, you'll need all the ventilation you can get.


Box Lanyard and Chain Bracelet

Lanyard (or plastic lacing, or gimp, or boondoggle, or whatever you'd like to call it!) has definitely been making a comeback. For most of us, it's a blast from the past that had a pretty significant role in our childhood - or at least, it did for me. I've been trying to think up of different ways to use lanyard in more stylish and mature ways, like the Lanyard Stitched Clutch and the Lanyard Double Chain Bracelet.


Supplies:

- Lanyard (also known as plastic lacing/gimp) in two colors. I used two strands at roughly about 100 inches each, which was more than enough.
- Scissors
- Length of chain (Your wrist measurement minus 2 inches)
- Jump rings
- Jewelry clasp
- Jewelry pliers
- Clear nail polish


Multi-Strand Chain Watch

When it comes to DIY, most of you know that I tend to focus on jewelry and accessories. Between that & the fact that I've been making jewelry for many years, it's no surprise that I have a crazy stash of random chains. I thought this project would be a good way to use up the leftover chain that isn't long enough to be a necklace, or even a bracelet. Might as well put every little bit to good use!

It's really simple and easy to make, even for beginner DIY'ers and jewelry makers. Check out how I made it below.


Supplies:

- Watch with a strap that can be cut off
(Try stores such as Target or Claire's for simple, affordable watches)
- Large jump rings (at least 4)
- Jump rings and jewelry clasp
- Jewelry pliers
- Scissors & ruler (not shown)
- Assorted strands of chain...colors & types are up to you!
Each should be at least the length of your wrist.


DIY Gucci Tassel Belt

When Erica and I spotted tassels, tassels, tassels and more tassels accessorizing the Spring 2011 collections, there was no doubt that we wanted to do a DIY incorporating this beloved fringe ornament. Inspired by the tassels seen in Sonia Rykiel and Gucci‘s Spring Collections, we’ll teach you how to make a tassel belt with leather and a few items from the hardware store.


You’ll need:
- at least 2.5 yards of rope
- 2 pieces of leather of a similar color measuring 3.5 x 4.5 inches (we cut a purchased 3.5″ x 9″ leather piece, from Michaels, in half)
- 2 small nuts
- 2 half inch compression nuts from the hardware store
- 4 wooden beads
- a glue gun
- a ruler
- a pen
- a pair of sharp scissors


DIY Market Bag

With Earth Day just around the corner, we’re turning to artist and environmentalist Chris Jordan for inspiration. In this large-zoom photograph he has captured 1.14 million brown paper supermarket bags, the number used in the US every hour. And did you know that 2.7 billion plastic bags are used every day worldwide? Floored by these staggering numbers we were motivated to do a quick and easy DIY, recycling an old t-shirt into a reusable fringed market bag. We hope that it will also inspire you to use less plastic and paper!


You’ll need:
- an old t-shirt (the larger the shirt, the larger the bag)
- a pair of scissors
- a safety pin


Beaded Diamond Bracelet

Everyone loves a little arm candy, especially during the summer months. Stacking on the bracelets is a fun way to mix and match different elements, something I've always loved doing! This particular project is pretty simple and sweet; you can probably make a few within in an afternoon. It was inspired by a bracelet I spotted at Barneys NY. The original used metal beads, but was more or less made using the same technique. Mine costs me about $40 less, though!


Supplies:

- Thin waxed linen cord, or any other type of thin cord
- Jewelry clasp, at least 2 jump rings & 2 crimp beads
- Beads of your choice...you'll need exactly 16!
Just be sure that the holes are big enough to fit two strands of cord!
(I used beads that are known as "E" beads, from Michael's)
- Scissors & jewelry pliers (not shown)


Faux Braided Bangle Bracelet

I called this "faux" braided because it looks like your typical braid, but actually isn't. I've had this idea in my mind for a while; I've been contemplating ways to use thin metal bangles that I never use anymore. When the crew at Lion Brand asked me if I'd like to try out some of their yarn, I saw that they had this really interesting "ribbon yarn" and knew it would be perfect for this project. I love trying out new materials that aren't common (or that I haven't used before) so thank you to Lion Brand for letting me try it out! Of course, after I made the first bracelet, I had to go digging through my stash and try it out with some leather cord and satin ribbon.


Supplies:

- 4 thin metal bangles
(or less/more, depending on the thickness of each bracelet and your desired look)
- Measuring tape, scissors, Scotch tape
- Any kind of flat fiber of your choice, such as ribbon or leather cord. 
I used this interesting ribbon yarn, Lion Brand Incredible® Yarn in City Lights. (c/o Lion Brand)
- Clear nail polish (optional)


Oversized Bow Notebook

Now that it's back to school season, I thought this would be a fun and simple project for this time of the year. Obviously, you don't need to be in school to own a notebook - I use them to jot down ideas and plan projects. (Although, I am in grad school, but I'm currently taking my last class ever this semester. So close to being done!)

The bow is actually a repurposed handmade turban headband. You'll need to do some sewing for this, either by hand or machine. The headband I used was made from a pair of printed tights I no longer wear. The material is very stretchy, perfect for making a headband or a bow for this project. See how I made it below:


Supplies:


- Composition notebook
- Turban headband, handmade or store bought *
- Large piece of fabric, at least 40" x 20"
- Double sided tape (less mess!), scissors & Elmer's glue (not shown)


Chain and Rhinestone Necklace

I love mixing and matching materials, and I also love quick and easy projects. This necklace is all of that in a nutshell! I've also had many requests for beginner jewelry tutorials, so this is a simple DIY that is great for starters. A basic reconstruction and perfect for a weekend afternoon :)


Supplies:

- Thick curb chain
- Rhinestone bib necklace 
(there are tons of vintage rhinestone necklaces on Etsy!)
- Round nosed jewelry pliers
- Handful of jump rings
- Scissors and jewelry clasp (not shown)


Zip Jumper

I'm a big fan of 'the jumper' and I've had this one for quite some time now. The only problem with it is the bottom which is a bit too snug, rides up and gives me a look I remember from the shell suits of my childhood. Not very flattering... So to combat this problem I've come up with zips. Yes not the most original idea, but if it ain't broke and all that. I love the result and have already worn this jumper more in the past week than I have in months. Success! Here's how I did it:


1. Measure/buy your zips longer than the side seams of your jumper. If in doubt go longer. Always go     longer.

2. Unpick the side seams. This takes a while and is much easier if you have a quick unpick.

3. Fold in the seams you've just unpicked around 1cm and pin onto each side of the zip. Stretch the jumper     slightly to avoid wavy zips.

4. Sew it all up! (No nonsense here, just sew up one side, then over the top of the zip and back down)

5. Cut off the excess zip and threads.

6. Do the same to the other side.


Gift Wrap Clutch

Their gift wraps are made from 100% recycled cotton fiber, and is definitely not your ordinary wrapping paper! I chose this Perfume print in white; very antique-y, and I loved the gold accents. I knew I wanted to try using it in a fashion project, so I made this large clutch with some clear vinyl and a long zipper.


 Supplies:


- Clear vinyl 
(this can be purchased at Wal-Mart, Home Depot, & even by the yard in fabric stores)
- One sheet of Midori Ribbon recycled cotton gift wrap
- Long zipper
- Ruler, scissors, thread & sewing machine
- Paper cutter (optional, but recommended)