DIY: Painted Rhinestone Necklace

I love the idea of adding some color into my wardrobe for Spring. The easiest way to do so is with accessories. When I saw these necklaces from Tom Binns, I immediately knew what my next DIY would be. The DIY steps are simple and allow you to update a rhinestone necklace that may have been sitting in your drawer since prom.

Materials:

Spray Paint

Scrap Paper

Permanent Markers

Rhinestone Necklace (Similar 

Here

 and 

Here)

Scissors

Masking Tape

Steps:

1. Cut scrap paper to cover areas of necklace that you do not want to spraypaint. Tape paper in place.

2. Spray paint necklace to desired color. This will give a more opaque look. Repeat steps 1 and 2 for different sections of the necklace to create a fun color combination.

3. Marker in certain sections with the permanent markers to achieve a colored, yet translucent look.

4. Easy breezy!! Enjoy your SwellMayde DIY Painted Rhinestone Necklace.

DIY: Rhinestone Chain Bracelet

I am a believer that a statement piece can really make an outfit. And with my current love of rhinestone embellishment, I wanted to create a piece of jewelry that could serve this purpose. Here, I show you how to use beautiful large rhinestones to create a chain bracelet that I have been wearing non-stop.  I especially love it paired against delicate pieces.

Materials:

- 1 large sew-on rhinestone (similar 

here

,

 here

, and 

here

)

- 4 large jump rings

- chunky chain

- large lobster claw

- wire cutter

Steps:

1. Cut two lengths of chain using the wire cutter about 2.5 to 3".

2.  Add a jump ring to one end of each cut chain.  Before closing the jump ring, also loop the jump ring through the holes in each each of the large rhinestone.

3. At the end of one of the chains, add one jump ring.  At the other end, add one jump ring and a lobster claw.

DIY: Delicate Hand Chain

Last month, I hosted my very first Instagram contest (@swellmayde) where I asked everyone to post DIY inspiration that they wanted me to create a tutorial for. There were so many amazing entries, from a studded leather bowtie to embellished sweaters and shoes. It was difficult to choose the winner, but in the end, I couldn't quite stop thinking about this beautiful hand chain that @KatBerry8 posted. I love how delicate it is and that it can become the standout piece in your outfit.

Materials: - delicate chain - beads - thin beading wire - lobster claw - 4 small jump rings - needle-nose pliers - round-nose pliers - wire cutter - ruler/measuring tape

Steps: 1. Cut several lengths of the delicate chain at 1 1/4", 1 3/4", 3", and 2 x 3 1/4". 2. Take the 3" chain and loop both ends onto a small jump ring. Also loop one end of the 1 1/4" chain. Close the jump ring with the needle-nose pliers. This creates the ring section. 3. Cut a piece of wire about 6" long. It is good to use a piece that is longer than needed, so that it is easier to handle. Loop the wire through the end of the 1 1/4" chain. Then, wrap the wire around the round nose plier, with one end of the wire about 1 1/2" long, like photo. 4. Stick one side of the round-nose pliers into the wire loop you just created. Then, take the shorter end of the wire and wrap around the loop you created (at least 2 times). Cut excess wire. This video is helpful to visualize (here). 5. String about 3/4" of beads through the longer end of the wire, then create a loop with the wire and round nose pliers (like prior). String the 1 3/4" chain into loop your created. 6. Stick one side on the round-nose pliers into the wire loop, to hold it in place. Take the loose end of the wire, and wrap around the loop (at least 2 times). Cut excess wire. 7. Add a small jump ring to the end of the 1 3/4" chain. Also, loop in one end of each 3 1/4" chain. Close the jump ring with the needle-nose pliers. 8. Add a small jump the end of one of the 3 1/4" chain. then, add a small jump ring and lobster claw to the end of the other 3 1/4" chain. This creates the bracelet section.

A big congrats to KatBerry8 on winning the hand chain.  Thank you to everyone who entered!  Next DIY Inspo contest coming soon!!!

DIY: Sequin Heart Elbow Patch

I recently looked into my closet and realized that I have more black and white striped tops than I remembered ever buying. I guess it's fine, since it really has become my uniform (here). But, so I don't have a constant "Doug" moment, I wanted to figure out a way to update them in a cute way. Thankfully, Pinterest provided great sources of inspiration. Here's how to add a sequin heart elbow patch to any top or sweater.

Materials: - striped top (here) - 3 1/2 yds sequin trim (here) - liquid stitch (here) - scissors - copy paper - pencil

Steps: 1. Fold the copy paper in half. Draw half of a heart about 3 1/4" tall. 2. Cut out the heart. 3. Place the paper heart on top of the sleeve, where your elbow would land. This should be at the center of the sleeve, about 9 1/2" from the armhole seam. Add a thin line of liquid stitch around the paper heart. Then, remove the heart. 4. Place the sequin trim on top of the liquid stitch. 5. Continue adding a thin line liquid stitch and placing the sequin trim on top until the whole heart is filled with sequins. Repeat for the other sleeve.

Halloween DIY

Having just moved into a house after years of living in an apartment, I'm looking forward to passing out candy to the kiddies in our neighborhood this Halloween. I'll be wearing this little DIY all night. Please check out the full tutorial after the break, along with suggestions on what to wear to complete the look.

Materials: - tulle - fabric covered headband - e-6000 adhesive - stem wire - thread - sewing needle - 1 1/2 yards of decorative trim (1/4" or 3/8" wide) - scissors - computer paper - black spray paint

Steps: 1.  Spray paint 2 stem wires black.  Once fully dry, twist the ends together 2 times about 1 1/4" from the tips.  Curve them like the photo to look like rabbit ears, trying your best to make the shapes similar. 2. Trace around the curved wire. 3. Add a dotted line around the tracing about 3/8" away. Cut out using the dotted line. 4. The cut out is now your pattern.  Using the pattern, cut two pieces of tulle.  Pin or tape onto the tulle if needed before cutting if needed. 5.  Hand sew the cut tulle onto the wire rabbit ears.  Remember to double knot at the end and beginning. 6.  Repeat step 5 for both ears. 7. Wrap the extra ends of the wire ears onto the headband, towards the top of the headband, about 2 1/2" apart. 8. Add a dab of e-6000 after wrapping the wire around the headband. 9. For the veil, use a piece of computer paper (8 1/2" x 11") as the pattern.  Cut one piece of tulle 8 1/2" x 11". About 1/2" from the edge, use your needle and thread to rouche the tulle. 10. Continue roughing the tulle, until it is about 3" long.  Remember to double knot at the beginning and end of sewing. 11. Using e-6000, glue the decorative trim on the tulle ears to cover the wire. 12. Sew the tulle veil onto top of the headband, in between the ears. 13.  Glue a piece decorative trim at the top of the veil to give it a finished look.  Also, if the ears feel a bit wobbly, you can add a little bit of e-6000 on the inside of headband where the wire is wrapped.  Then, add a small piece of masking tape to hold it in place.  Hold with your thumb for a minute, to lock in the glue, then let fully dry for a couple hours.

To complete the look: Try wearing a black bodysuit (here or here) or a cute fit and flare dress (here).  Then, add a black pom pom as a tail.  Follow the tutorial (here) to create a pom pom!  Enjoy!  And have a fun Halloween!!

DIY Supply Guide: LA

On my personal blog SwellMayde, one of the most asked questions is about where to buy supplies.  Having lived in LA most of my life, and gone to school in the heart of the LA fashion district, I compiled a list of my go-to spots for supplies.  Hope you all find it pretty handy! :)

I separated the list by areas in Los Angeles, since the stores are a bit spread apart. Note: I have only gone to their actual store locations, and have not personally purchased from their websites.  Please stay tuned for a list of online sites that I buy materials from. :)

LA Fashion District:

Fabrics: 1. Michael Levine (here) 920 Maple Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90015 Phone: 213-622-6259 Mon - Sat 9:00am - 5:30pm Sun 11:00am - 4:00pm You can find every type of fabric here at great prices.  Beautiful finds go fast. Snatch your favorite fabrics when you first eye them, because chances are they might not be there the next time go. They also carry sewing supplies and a wonderful array of trim.

2. Michael Levine Home (here) 919 Maple Ave. Los Angeles, CA. 90015 Phone: 213-689-1363 Mon - Sat: 9 am - 5:30pm Sun: 11am - 4 pm This is a great place for upholstery and outdoor fabrics, with good prices as well.  I often stop here for my vinyl and pleather.

Trim/ Jewelry Supplies: 1. Button & Trim Expo 828 Maple Ave Los Angeles, CA 90014 Phone: (213) 622-2323 Mon - Thu, Sun: 9 am - 6 pm Fri: 9 am - 4 pm I love stopping by here for trim inspiration or when I'm on the hunt for something very specific.  Fringe, lace, sequin, and beaded trim galore!

2. X Trims & Leathers (here) 811 S Maple Ave Los Angeles, CA 90014 Phone: (213) 622-8585 Mon - Sat:  9 am - 5 pm Sun: 10 am - 5 pm Awesome place for hardware, especially for accessories, such as leather bags.

3.  Athenian Fashions (here) 820 S Maple St #5 Los Angeles, CA 90014 Phone: (213) 623-1289 They have an awesome selection of jewelry supplies from beads to chains to studs.  A little pricier than other spots, but the quality is great.

4. Bead Factory (here) 810 S. Maple Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90014 Phone: (213) 624-2121 Mon - Fri 9am-4pm Sat 8am-1pm Sun closed This place can get pretty crowded, and once you check out their awesome selection of beads and chains and unbeatable prices, you will see why.

5. Beads & More (here) 800 Maple Ave Ste A Los Angeles, CA 90014 Phone: (213) 955-9000 An amazing selection of beads and jewerly materials. Slightly on the pricier side, but I have on more than one occasion found very unique beads and studs that I could not find anywhere else.

West Hollywood / Beverly Hills: 1. International Silks & Woolens (here) 8347 Beverly Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90048 Phone: (323) 653-6453 Mon - Sat 9am - 6pm Sun - 11am - 5pm Beautiful array of fabrics, especially silks and wool, a little on the pricier side.  I love sifting through their vintage fabric section.

2. Mood Fabrics (here) 6151 W Pico Ave Los Angeles, CA 90035 Phone: (323) 653-6663 Mon- Fri 9:30am - 6:30pm Sat 10am - 5pm Sun closed They have an amazing selection of fabrics.  This was my go to spot for beautiful knit jerseys and cotton shirtings.  They even receive remnant fabric from great designers like Marc Jacobs and Helmut Lang. They also have a great variety of leather.

3. Pearl Art (here) 1250 La Cienega Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90035 Phone: (310) 854-4900 Mon-Sat 9:30am - 8:30pm Sun 11am - 6pm After Mood, I would come here for all my art school needs, from paint to drawing psncils, and they offered a student discount.

Culver City: 1. Graphaids (here) 3030 La Cienega Blvd Culver City, CA 90232 Phone: (310) 204-1212 Mon-Fri 8am - 5:30pm Sat 10am - 4pm Each time other art supply stores in LA would be sold out of a certain something I was looking for, this store seemed to always have it in stock.

Westwood: 1. F&S Fabrics (here) 10629 West Pico Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90064 Phone: (310) 475-1637 Mon-Sat 9:30am - 6pm Sun 12pm - 5pm Wide array of amazing fabric selection, but slightly on the pricier side.  Also, they have beautiful trim such as laces, ribbons, and an eclectic mix of buttons.

2. Bead Source 10606 W Pico Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90064 Phone: (310) 841-2636 When I can't make it all the way downtown, this is my go to spot for all things jewelry from beads to tools.

North Hollywood: 1. Tandy Leather Factory (here) 6436 Bellingham Ave San Fernando Valley, CA 91606 Phone: (818) 763-1264 Mon-Fri 9am - 6pm Sat 9am - 4pm Sunday: Closed A bit of a drive away from LA, but I love this place. They carry everything leather related from tools to dyes and the staff is very knowledgeable.  They also offer classes to learn more about leather and leather crafting.

Here's Looking at You... Tiger

This project’s mirror/faux magazine cover theme attempts a somewhat raunchy (although you can switch it up) approach to playing up your partner’s ego…and we all know there’s a little narcissist in all of us. This one’s pretty easy, once you get the materials—so here goes.

Craft O’ Meter (Level of Difficulty): Easy

Materials:

Alphabet Stickers (1” – 2”)

A Small Mirror (try thrift shops; I found mine at a discount store for $2!); approximately the size of a magazine cover

Small Plastic Animals/Toys (think cake topper size); type of toy depends on the phrase you decide to go with (see Step 1 for ideas)

Pin (optional)

Hardware:

Epoxy/Hobby Glue (the stronger, the better)

Masking Tape

Small Pliers (optional)

  Steps:

1. Think of a compliment/phrase; I went with “Hey tiger.” and “Best Lover Ever”

Additional Ideas (in this order-- top text; bottom text; toy to use)

• “Sexy Beast”; “You drive me wild”; any wild animal
• Cutesy Alternative: “Such a dear”;” Sweetest Girlfriend Ever”; deer

1. Use masking tape to make straight lines on the top and bottom of your mirror (to use as a guide for your stickers).
2. Stick the phrase of your choice to their corresponding areas (I recommend choosing a bigger font for the top text and a smaller font for the bottom).
3. Once the words are in place, it’s time to glue the animals. If you choose to go with the “mating” position and think you’d like a little more stability (aside from glue), use a pin (cut off its head so that you have two pointy sides) and pliers to stick the two together. You can also go simpler by just gluing the toys on top of the frame.
4. Let dry overnight.
5. Clean the mirror to remove any fingerprints/dirt.
6. All done. Start gifting!

DIY Workshops Announced

Time to get crafty y'all! We are excited to welcome back The Urban Craft Center, L.A. Zine Fest and the Craft and Folk Art Museum as our DIY Workshop partners at the 4th Annual Holiday Show. We're also proud to offer our own UNIQUE project as well! Free crafty fun is offered all-day long at the Holiday Show from 11-6 both Saturday and Sunday (December 3 and 4). There's no need to sign-up, simply come to UNIQUE LA and look at the Map in our printed booklet to find the DIY Lounge. See you soon!

Make a Zine This activity allows DIYers to make their very own Zine... Make one as a gift, create a biographical zine, tell a story or simply create a great visual piece of art - the possibilities are endless!

Sew a Vintage-Inspired Flower Crafters will use basic sewing skills to whip-up flowers out of fabric. The flowers can be used to make a brooch, attach to headbands/hats/hair pins, or even be used to create jewelry or appliques on pillows and quilts...

Make a Green Gift Bow CAFAM will lead crafters to make perfect paper bows out of old magazines, making this an awesome eco workshop! And one that I need to take, as I've tried to make 'nice bows' my entire life and can't seem to get it right.