FashBlog.com

Today I stopped by Michaels, the neighborhood craft store. It had been awhile since I visited, and as usual, I left feeling like I was missing out on numerous opportunities. There is so much a person can make when it comes to jewelry, that if left to my own devices, I’d end up with boxes full within a very short while.

Granted, your creations won’t be confused with Tiffany’s, but you are sure to end up with jewelry unlike that owned by any of the other several billion people in this world. But if you yen for something fancy, know that Michael’s even carries Swarovski Crystal beads. (You can make your own bracelet with any or all colors for around $10…)

If you don’t have such a store near you, there may a similar establishment. (We also have Joanne Fabrics here, and you can be sure that it’s really hard to leave empty-handed from there as well!) Anyway, here are some ideas that you may be able to put to use:

Jewelry-Buy thin (.5mm), clear, elastic to string your own small bead bracelets and necklaces. This elastic is easier overall when putting on and taking off bracelets, but you may want to string twice for added strength. For necklaces, unless you want chokers, the weight of the beads will pull the piece down, and the elastic may be noticeable on your neck. For those, you may prefer to use hooks and circular connectors-but be sure to knot many times. You will find post earring backs as well as wires for dangly earrings. Onto these, use super glue or bonding cement to make pierced earrings from existing clip earrings, unique buttons (not the kind with holes) or semi-precious gems that these stores also usually sell. There are also tons of charms that can be simply added onto bracelets or necklaces; Michaels has added a line that looks pretty upscale. Even at that, each charm is only around $4; if you add a few gems or crystals on either side, and attach all onto a good quality gold or silver chain, it could easily look like a department store piece. Also sold are pin backings, which mean that anything you love can be made into a pin-an interesting charm, pendant, miniature, tiny silk flowers, etc. It should also be mentioned that these stores usually sell gold and silver-toned chains as well, but they are obviously not as fine and delicate as the real thing. But they could be used in some instances, like if your young daughter wants to make a batch of necklaces for friends with the same type of pendant. However, packages come in long lengths and must be cut down with pliers, and hooks attached.

Belts-There are many plastic and metal buckle-type items sold in craft and fabric stores. Making a belt is super easy: buy a length of belt material (sold in fabric stores) and flip one end over the center strip on this kind of buckle. Sew it down (preferably by machine so it holds better.) Go to the other end of the strip of material, flip the edge over, and sew down for a finished edge. It’s ready to wear.

Purses-Purse handles are also sold, which work on the same basic premise as the belts. First you take material, turn inside out, and sew up the two adjacent sides for side seams. Turn to right side out again. Then, flip one top edge through the slot on one handle, and the other edge through the slot of the other handle. Anchor with sewing, and voila!

Hair Ornaments-Use items from the large array of gems, crystals, beads, silk flowers, lacing and the like to cover inexpensive or old barrettes, sturdy headbands, or even bobby pins. Fashion accessory stores sell such items starting around $5-$10 each, but they can be made for a fraction of the cost.

Tops- Buy an inexpensive tee or sweatshirt and decorate it with fabric paint (applied freehand or with stencils) or appliqués.

These are just a few ideas; you’ll probably come up with your own the more you allow yourself become an artist. You’ll find that you’ll love to say, “I made it myself.”