Notions: Making the Most of What I've Got!

Wednesday

Hello lovely fashionistas indeed it has been a long while since my last DIY, but I have been doing a few things. I decided to complete some of the projects that I'm excited to show you all. Continuing my love for lace, I wanted to use many of the remnants I had stowed away in my fabric bins.

Additionally, I've wanted to do something more with chain and studs, because I made an appliqué that I did not use on a garment I had initially intended it for, here's what I accomplished so far... I hope that you enjoy!  

*Skip to results/mobile photos if you're in a hurry! 
Other materials used/equipment: Metal glue, fabric glue, glue gun, hand needle, sewing machine, tailor's chalk, pins, invisible thread, or silver thread, and patience!

The Chain Reaction: This belt was inspired by my biker jacket and I wanted it to be a bit more edgier to go along with this particular dull biker jacket. I used my appliqué for the studs. I am not one to waste much when it comes to sewing, so I simply cut off all of the studs that were hand sewn on the mesh fabric. 

The chain: I bought at a wholesale market by the yard. You may purchase this at your local hardware store. I've cut the leather here into 4 strips, (although only one is needed for this belt project) I am using the other 3 pieces for another idea at a later date. Leather can be purchased online, or even bought at a fabric store (I am using old scraps of leather from an art project years ago). 
I measured my waist using measuring tape, divided it into 3 parts (2 sides, and 1 front), because I wanted to add contrast fabric at the ends. Cut the leather into the exact measured thickness and length/stylized measurement that you want your belt. You may not own tailor's chalk, if you don't then think about what you have in your household already, use white eyeliner! This will help you lightly mark where you want your studs and chain placement.                      

The ends of my belt are dyed crochet-lace. Of course this may be any colour, but I generally buy white lace so that I can later dye it any way that I choose. After the dyeing process or after you cut your purchased lace, iron the piece and cut once, creating 2 separate pieces. This measurement for me was minus the leather measurement + the length that I wanted my belt tied (I wanted a longer belt, so I made the length to be worn in a variety of ways, fitted, drop waist, loose, etc.). *By using measuring tape it may help you to visually see it better!

Hand-stitch, or even easier machine stitch each crochet-lace side joining the leather strip. Positioning my chain in the center, I carefully basted it by hand (with silver or invisible thread) to the leather to stabilise. Afterward, I hot-glued my studs in the design that I wanted. Securing the position chosen for the chain to be in I carefully put very small amounts of metal/fabric glue to the chain, and also a few studs, that I have touching the chain (which is also part of my design).  I knotted the ends of my crochet piece, but you may put beads on the ends, fold over & sew, or even add other trim on the ends. Here's the result!


If the Shoe Fits: 
If you have a favourite pair of shoes, particularly flats that you LOVE as I do, then you've probably worn them religiously over the years. I have tons of shoes that I wear and adore, but I also have a few go-to styles that are not only my favs, but also incredibly comfortable! I'm ashamed to say how long I've had this particular pair. 

I wanted to do something playful by dressing up my plain and old black patent-leather flats, yet something that could still go with many of my not-so-dressy ensembles, especially if I had to slip them on quickly after work. I decided on using lace as a top covering to add texture to the shoes. I also found a v-neck piece that I cut in half and used it to create a fun bow that sparkled nicely as an added bell to my DIY whistle! 
I cut the lace into 4"strips, and the width-wise measurement of the toe of my shoe. This measurement may vary, depending on style of shoe and size. Use fabric glue to adhere the lace to the shoe. The adhesive that I used said that it needs 18-24 hours to dry, but It was dry within 12 hours. 

I love getting the most out of the products that I buy! All of this came from what I already had in my artsy house ... granted I do sew and have a few art supplies, however everything used here can be acquired from your local art store, hardware or fabric stores, and the best part is that it's really inexpensive! 
I created a triple ruffle/bow and stitched the center. I wanted my sequins ruffles/bows to be slightly flat, yet puffier on the ends, and hot-glued the center atop the lace, then glued around the edges of the bottom and top of the sequins piece. For versatile use I decided to add a barrette style clip to the back of each ruffled piece in case I fancy using the ruffle on another garment. Here's the result! 
You may also remember this dress from my bargain shopping score!


The goods: Hat- H&M, Shoes- Target- DIY/Ladyofashion, Biker boots-Dirty Laundry, Dress, thrifted-see above, Belt-DIY/Ladyofashion, bracelet-Forever21 

 Next up? Jewellery, and more accessories to come! 

58 comments

  1. Ofelia15 June

    Madison, you are so creative and have so much pantience to do all this projects. The end results are unique and look great with this outfit!
    A bit rock and roll princess, I love it!

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  2. You rock! What a brilliant tutorial and an excellent result. Thanks for sharing. xxx

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  3. I also have an admiration for a pair of nice flats. I prefer heels, but sometimes you just have to give them a rest! As always, I love your DIY post. If only I was as craft as you are... le sigh.

    xoxo

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  4. You are very creative.. love the tips.. its a must share page
    lee x
    http://leeoliveira.com

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  5. love your new DIYed shoes there !

    www.glistersandblisters.comenter my $100 shopbop giveaway here

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  6. Love your diy's!! I like the edge your extra trimmings give to your basic pieces. Clever, clever, girl.

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  7. Love the belt! And doing a DIY on shoes seems very adventurous to me- you rocked it!

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  8. Brilliant.I must try.
    Besossssssssssssss

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  9. That DIY was so neat, what a great way to update your daily foot wear!

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  10. I love how you personalize your stuff!  I need to tackle something similar!

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  11. Thanks Jamilliah!
    Yes, I figured it was time to do a different kind of DIY! -xxoo
    Have a wonderful day dear! ;0

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  12. Thank you lovley Vix! I appreciate the sweet words. I'm excited to wear these.  :)

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  13. Hi Ofelia,
     I've taught myself that if I can watch a full TV programme, say an hour, then I can at least start my idea by a mere thought, sketch, etc. It most certainly takes time, yes! Thank you so much! -xxoo

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  14. Yes, I too adore heels. I love these flats because of the comfort factor. 
    Thanks Lauren, so glad that you liked them. I have so many ideas, but unfortunately only a few make it through my posting timeline, haha!  More to come...promise!  -xo

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  15. Hi Jann, 
    Welcome! I'm so happy that you came by to view this post. 
    Thank you! :)
    ~Madison 

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  16. Courtney Thomas16 June

    Oooh, so many cool ideas - I love the shoe one, they look great!

    xoxo ~ Courtney
    http://sartorialsidelines.blogspot.com

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  17. I love your DIYs.  You always have great instructions!

    http://www.glamkittenslitterbox.com/Twitter: @GlamKitten88 

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  18. I love the shoe treatment- creative and I think I might even be able to do something similar! Great way to reduce, reuse, recycle and rock!

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  19. I've been having trouble with Disqus here and on other blogs too but wanted to say I've been reading your posts.

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  20. Veronica16 June

    OMG you are really talented! The flats...I mean...those are fabulous!

    Veronica
    @bestofpbconsign 

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  21. Thank you! I received your response, it worked! Hopefully Disqus will stay that way, I appreciate you taking the time to comment. :)

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  22. Wow! Awesome tutorial!!! Thanks for sharing this. You are so talented & creative!!

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  23. Cashmereandcandy16 June

    Fantastic idea! I'm not much of a DIY-kinda-gal but this is really interesting!

    www.cashmereandcandy.com

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  24. That is very clever - love the belt - such good ideas - well done you x

    http://fashionandfrank.blogspot.com/

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  25. Thank you Claire! This was a fun project!

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  26. aww, thank you dear! :)

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  27. I'm happy that you enjoyed these.  Thanks for your comment!

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  28. Great! Thank you, Rosebud (Bella)! -xo

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  29. Hi Bonnie,
     Thanks I appreciate that. I'm working on a few more interesting ones. -xxoo

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  30. Thanks Lee!  yes, share, share, do share! lol -xo 

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  31. Hi Kara,
     Thank you very much!  :)

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  32. Thanks dear! a bit of DIY never hurts, haha!  :)

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  33. Thank you Alexis! Can't wait to see what you create, pics please!!  :)

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  34. Thank you Courtney! -xo

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  35. Thank you! Interesting indeed, more to come dear! :-)

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  36. I love your DIY ideas. I love reiventing my old clothes with a bit of DIY. I also have some leftover bits of lace in my cupboard.

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  37. Thank you Ceri! I like to use all/ or most all of my fabrics. 
    Have a great day! :)
    ~Madison

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  38. THE-LOUDMOUTH16 June

    Love these little projects!  So inspiring.

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  39. Kimberly16 June

    this is so cute love how the flats turned out!

    http://kc-citystyle.blogspot.com/

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  40. Great DIY! Love how you jazzed up your comfy flats!

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  41. lfried16 June

    this is so cool! I wish I had the patience to re-do some boring old shoes like this...

    Hand drawn:
    My Closet in Sketches

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  42. Seriously? This is so impressive! I always have big dreams when it comes to DIY projects, but nothing ever turns out the way I want it to.

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  43. Thanks dear! I sort of love DIY! I believe it's thanks to my mother who was always redecorating our home growing up. haha!

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  44. Thank you Stephanie! :)

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  45. Hi Kimberly,
    Thanks!  Appreciate your comment. -xo

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  46. Hi there! Thank you for stopping by and commenting!
    yes, it was fun to redecorate these dull shoes into stylish goodness! :)

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  47. Hey there Henar,
    Thanks so much! -xxoo

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  48. Iysha Robinson17 June

    New visitor & follower...love the D.I.Y.

    www.milesoffashion.blogspot.com

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  49. Oh gosh! How crafty are you? This is so cool!

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  50. Thank you Courtney!  :)

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  51. Hello Iysha, & Welcome to FASHION TALES!
    Thank you, so glad that you liked my DIY!   :)

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  52. The lots of varieties available in the jewelry.The different types of varieties are available of chains and bracelets.

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