Fashion House

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

How To: Hair Bow

A few weeks ago I posted a picture of a hair bow I did on a bride. After I posted the picture I got a lot of emails requesting a step-by-step for it. So I made one!

1. Begin by taking one small section of hair from each side of your head. The bigger the sections, the bigger the bow.

2. Tie the two sections together with an elastic to create a half ponytail. Don't pull the ends through the elastic the last time you wrap it to create a loop like the picture on the right.

3. Split the loop in half to create two smaller loops and clip one loop aside for later.

4. Use your fingers to spread out the loop and push it flat against your head into a bow shape. Insert one bobby pin going from top to bottom and one going from bottom to top.

5. Repeat on the opposite side to finish the bow shape.

6. Pick up the remaining ends of the ponytail and wrap them up and around the elastic to hide it. Secure it with bobby pins underneath.

Ta-da!

After seeing a pair of Swarovski encrusted New Balance sneakers, captured via Instagram at last week’s CFDA Awards, I was immediately inspired to DIY my own. I loved how simple the shoes looked – with just the logo covered in subtly colored rhinestones. So why not bling out my recently purchased Nike high tops?!

You’ll need:

a pair of sneakers

300-400 Swarovski flatback 3.2mm round crystals

400-500 Swarovski flatback 4mm round crystals

jewel setter or skewer and beeswax

E6000

toothpicks

Start by squeezing a dollop of E6000 glue onto a piece of cardboard or disposable surface. Use a toothpick to apply a thin line of glue along a small section of the logo perimeter.

Flip all the crystals so they are all face up. Use the jewel setter, a wax tipped tool, to pick up each crystal. You can easily DIY your own jewel setter by balling up some beeswax on the tip of a skewer or toothpick.

Apply the smaller crystals, one at a time, along the perimeter. Add more glue as needed.

Fill in the logo with larger crystals. Smaller crystals may need to be used to fill in any small gaps.

Allow to dry completely before repeating the steps. Use a wet cloth to wipe off any waxy residue left behind by the jewel setter.

Viola! Your crystal studded kicks are finished . . . bling bling.

DIY Découpage Floral Bag

When H&M asked us to DIY a boho-inspired item for their summer issue, découpage was the first thing that came to mind. Honestly, does it get any better than customizing a simple handbag with a brilliant floral print? However you create it, it’ll be satisfying to know that you’ve designed yourself a one of a kind bag!

You’ll need:

a handbag

cotton fabric with a large floral pattern

painter’s tape

Mod Podge

craft paint

2 small plastic dishes

2 brushes

scissors

Start by taping off the edges and hardware of the handbag.

Squeeze a dollop of colored craft paint into a small disposable container. Apply a layer of paint to the desired section.

Allow the first layer to dry completely. Apply another coat or two.

While the paint dries, carefully cut out a handful of flowers from the fabric.

Arrange them onto the painted section of the bag. Glue the flowers on with Mod Podge and seal them by applying another layer on top.

Remove the painter’s tape when the Mod Podge has dried clear and your floral handbag is complete!

DIY Rhinestone Sliding Knot Bracelet

I suppose we can call this week’s tutorial somewhat of a refresher course on how to master the perfect sliding knot. But the real reason why I had to recreate this familiar DIY with you is to share a little thing I recently discovered called a crimp end, that’s especially made for rhinestone chain. It’s a nifty finding that attaches to the ends, allowing you to finally put some use to all those few leftover inches of sparkle. Pay close attention and I’ll show you how to add to your growing and ever changing stack!

You’ll need:

a few inches of 2.5mm rhinestone chain

a pair of brass crimp ends

10-12 inches of 0.8mm chinese knotting cord

wire clippers

flat nose pliers

scissors

lighter

Start by cutting the rhinestone chain to any length. Place the last link of the chain into the crimp end. Use the flat nose pliers to fold each of the prongs over the rhinestone. Repeat on the other side.

Thread 4 inches of cord through one side of the charm. Fold 2 inches of cord back on itself and then again to create a zig zag. Fold an inch of the tip down over the parallel cords.

Coil the cord three times around, towards the the loop. Thread the tip through the opening of the loop.

Push the coil to the right, while pulling the tip at the same time until the knot is tight. Test the adjustable knot by sliding it towards the base of the chain.

Trim any excess cord and melt the tip to secure the knot. Repeat the same steps on the other side.

Your rhinestone adjustable bracelet is finished. And honestly, why not make more in a multitude of colors?

Happy knotting!

DIY Elbow Patch

While perusing Pinterest one evening, I came across an intriguing tutorial on the wonderful art of needle felting. I had to learn more – especially after realizing it entailed repeatedly stabbing a needle up and down into a piece of fabric or sweater. A satisfying stress reliever that results in something wearable? Sign me up. And now that I can officially call myself a needle felting maven (and nerd), trust me when I say that you’re going to have a blast with this technique. So grab your supplies and let’s get started on a pair of heart shaped elbow patches!

You’ll need:

a wool sweater

a 36 gauge felting needle

a piece of dense foam cut to size or needle mat

some wool roving

a 3″ heart cookie cutter

an iron

With the sweater on, place a piece of tape about half an inch below the elbow. Do the same with the opposite elbow. Remove the sweater and insert the foam block into one of the sleeves.

Align and center the bottom of the cookie cutter along the top of the tape. Pinch off a few tufts of wool roving.

Fill the cutter, spreading out the wool fibers evenly.

At the base of all felting needles are tiny, sharp burrs, which grab and interlock the wool fibers. While holding the needle vertically, repeatedly stab it into the wool roving and through the sweater. I found it easier to work around the outer perimeter of the cutter first and then work my way inwards. Important tip: To prevent breaking the needle, always keep the needle upright and never at an angle. And don’t forget to pay careful attention to your fingers while felting as the needle is extremely sharp. Honestly.