I just got these low black boots from Forever 21 for $30. They’re ok, but a little boring for my taste.  At 30 bucks, though, they’re hard to pass up!

To make them more my style, I decided to add some more metal to them.  I originally planned on buying various chains from Michaels, but I found this necklace at Walmart for $7 and it was perfect. Plus, less work for me to do!

Read the rest here.

I wasn’t sure how much chord I would need so instead of starting out with the suede (which will look awesome but is about $2/yard), I started out with this kind since it was only 50 cents per yard.  I bought 10 yards and that seemed to be the right amount for the loose look.

First thing to do is cut the chord in three long strips. If you are dealing with a twisted or braided chord, you need to secure the ends of each strip so they don’t unravel. I did this with a hot glue gun.

Then you need to secure the three ends together. You can glue them together, but it might look messy. I used a needle and thread since you can barely see it.

Next use a safety pin to secure the sewn up side to something heavy. I used a suitcase. Doing this allows you to pull on the three chords as you braid and get a tight result.

Once you finish braiding the chords, all that is left is to sew or glue the three ends together. Then wear it!

If you give it a try, send in a pic. I’d love to see it!

]]> http://prommafia.com/2010/05/diy-braided-belt/feed/ 0 http://prommafia.com/2010/05/summer-to-do-list/ http://prommafia.com/2010/05/summer-to-do-list/#comments Sun, 16 May 2010 04:36:15 +0000 Queen Bee http://prommafia.com/?p=7293 I can’t just sit and do nothing, can you? If you’re a busybody like me, check out the diy kits on Etsy. I’ve ordered a few and always enjoyed them. Here are some I recommend:

Resin Pendant Kit

From anniehowes.etsy.com

These are fun. You can make necklaces to match all your outfits! I’ve also made a few Scrabble tile necklaces as gifts and they are always a hit. Here is one I made.

Clutch Kit

I’ve never tried this kit, but I have “make a clutch” on my to do list so I’m definitely considering it.

From whilebabynaps.etsy.com

What plans do you have this summer?

I received a lot of positive feedback on this flower headband so I decided to make a tutorial. You can turn this flower into a clip, broach, or headband. It’s up to you!

If you try this out, send in a pic of your finished project!

For this look, I paired the tunic with my faux leather moto jacket from Forever 21, Vera Wang denim leggings from Kohls, wedges from Nine West, and a flower headband made by me.

I decided to be fancy by pleating the front of the top and adding a poofball detail to the left strap.  I also tried it with a thin belt from Forever 21.

These shoes are definitely not comfortable, but they are so cute!

I needed something casual that I could pair with a tee.  To complete the look, I added my Target belt and Steve Madden heels.

I wanted something other than a plain skirt so I added some ruffled tulle to the bottom and a tulip wrap that is removable.

This way, I get two looks in one!

I’m also playing around with some shirt designs. What do you think of this one? I don’t think I’ve got it quite right yet.

Loves ya, my Mafiettes!

From voguepatterns.com

Since I am a novice seamstress, I prefer the Very Easy Vogue patterns because they are, well, very easy!

From voguepatterns.com

I seem to be going through a bow phase and love this top.

From voguepatterns.com

When I get a bit more experience under my belt, I’ll try their designer patterns, like this one from Anna Sui:

From voguepatterns.com

Or these gorgeous tops from Oscar de la Renta (side note: this pattern is on sale for $5!)

From voguepatterns.com

I made everything but the white blouse. I was going for a retro-girly-tea party feel and I think I captured it pretty well. Thank you thank you to my inspirations Keiko Lynn, Erica Leigh, and my so very stylish Grandma!

It’s just a skirt and a sash with a big ol’ bow in the back for good measure.

It’s only the second real outfit I’ve ever made so I’m beaming with pride. Obviously it’s not perfect, mais tant pis!

If you have any suggestions on how to spruce it up, please share. I’m always open to constructive criticism.

In just a few more days, I’ll be able to tell you all about the event to which I’m wearing this outfit. I promise to spill all the details asap!

From emilinaballerina.etsy.com

Gorgeous, I know. You use metal stamps of letters, numbers, or designed and hammer them onto a pendant. For Christmas I received all the equipment (which is very affordable on Etsy, by the way): stamps, disks, and a metal block.

I made my first attempt at a fleur de lis and here’s what I ended up with:

First try, no big deal, I told myself. I’ll just try it again. Here’s attempt #2.

Ugh!

And attempt #3.

Any ideas on what I’m doing wrong?