DIY Lapel Pins

This is a simple tutorial with few materials, few steps, and lots of variations. Without further explanation, here is the DIY.

Here is what you need: 

- 2 brooches (either matching or not)

- 2 jump rings in color complementing the brooches

- 2 lengths of chain, both 11 inches long (I am doubling up the chain, but this is optional)

-Pliers

Step 1: Take a look at the back of your brooches and figure out where the jump rings will go. As you can see on my brooches I have some rings that are part of the structure. If these rings aren't on yours then slip the jump ring, with the chain, into the pin backs. 

Step 2: Insert the both strands of chain onto the jump ring. Now slip the jump ring onto the pin backing. You will have to be careful whenever opening or closing the pin backing. 

Step 3: Here is where the jump ring rests on the brooch. 

Done! Here is the finished product. This can also be down with clip-on earrings; this is ideal for fabric that is not substantial enough to hold brooches or if you don't want holes in your clothing. You can also glue some pin backs to a pair of buttons and achieve the same results. 

See you all next Thursday!

DIY Pin Buttons

First, let me start by saying that I am very proud of myself. I've stuck to my commitment of DIY Thursdays. *Cyber High-Five/Fist-Bump* Now on to the DIY!

I personally have an extensive collection of pin buttons. Most of them come from a phase I went through in high school. I had pin buttons on everything. My backpack, my jacket, my t-shirts, my jeans, and my soul. Figuratively speaking, of course. So I have an abundance of these things and I finally figured out how to repurpose them to give them a new look. 

For this DIY you'll need:

Pin Buttons
Mod Podge - Any kind will do.
White Acrylic Paint
Paintbrush
Tissue Paper - The more interesting the paper, the more interesting your pin buttons will be.
Optional:
Sharpie Pens

1) Find a pin button you have that has become useless. Maybe it's useless because you realized the band you idolized in your youth is, in reality, awful. Or maybe the slogan on it doesn't really pertain to anyone over the age of 13. For instance, "Daddy's Little Angel" or "Boys are cute". So let's turn these pin buttons into something useful.

2) Now paint the button white. A couple of coats will be necessary. Let each coat sit for a few minutes before painting the next coat on. Don't forget to go over the sides of the pin button. Once the color is opaque let it dry completely.

3) Pick your tissue paper and cut out a piece larger then your button. You can trim away any excess. For my button I cut out each individual skull.

4) Now put a thin layer of Mod Podge on the pin button and gently press the tissue paper on it. Let it sit a minute or two and trim the excess tissue. Then put a thin layer of the Mod Podge along the edge and gently press the tissue down the sides. Let dry completely. 

5) Your new pin button is done! I did a few different variations to show the various tissue papers I used. I had some metallic paper and some tie-dye paper. For the colored buttons I tinted them with sharpies. 

So there is the DIY. Doesn't repurposing give you a good feeling? The joys of re-using! Here is how some the pin buttons look on a blazer. Sorry for the bad quality! I really need to photograph in daylight. 

I hope you liked this DIY. Don't be scared to share!

DIY Stud Earrings

I have come to an understanding with myself that every Thursday will be Do-It-Yourself projects. There! I am committing, so everyone please don't be afraid to call me out of my BS. Todays DIY will feature STUDS! Which can be used on everything, and I mean everything.

Here are the supplies and tools you will need:

1. Metal Studs - You can take the studs off an old belt or order some online.

2. Some cheap earrings - The type of earring I'm using is called a "stud" earring. Isn't the English language confusing?

3. Pliers

4. Hot Glue Gun and Glue Sticks

STEP 1: You will need to have cheap earrings that are you never wear for this project. The ones shown in the picture are the best for this project. As stated in the supplies list, these earrings are called "stud" earrings. NOTE: The size of earrings you use depends on the size of metal studs you chose.

STEP 2: These metal studs were taken for an old belt that was coming apart. You can also buy these online, just be sure to pay attention to the size of the studs. You don't want earrings that are bigger than your face!

STEP 3: Now fold the prongs on the studs down inside the stud, or you can choose to cut them off with wire cutters. NOTE: I do not recommend cutting the prongs off because the raw edge that is left can cut you. Ultimately your decision.

STEP 4: If you don't want to destroy your fingers, use some pliers to fold down the prong and ensure that it is as flat as possible.

STEP 5: Next, all you have to do is hot glue the earring into the metal stud. Repeat the steps for the other earring. NOTE: Be sure that the earring sits as level as possible in the stud. If you notice it's lopsided, just go back a step and flatten out the prong some more.

STEP 6: Now you have some awesome studs earrings. The best part of this DIY, it was free!

Now my friends, you are done! So show off your new earrings and make everyone jealous. Look at the photo below... doesn't it make you a little jealous?

Metal Ball Chain Ring - DIY

       We have all ripped tags off of our new clothes and chucked it in the trash without a backwards glance. We are all guilty of this. I came to realize that sometimes these tags come with interesting little bits of ribbon, string, metal chains, etc. and I started wondering how I could reuse them. This DIY is the result of these thoughts.

       Here is what you'll need:

                              A Metal Ball Chain : This can be found most often on tags for jeans.

                                                                          AND

 Scissors or Wire Cutters: If using scissors make sure they won't be missed, as this project may damage them.

Project:

       First measure the chain around the finger of your choice. I recommend giving some space when you measure. You can always cut more off, but you cannot put more on. The line I marked is where I measured (plus some extra).

       Second, cut the chain to the measured length.

       Third, try the ring on for size. If it fits then you're done; if not then cut a metal ball off and try again. Continue until it fits. Now close the ring with the attached clasp and you're done!