Mini Denim Backpack

By: Valeria Herrera

*All photos taken by me.

For this weeks fun DIY project we will be taking an old pair of jeans right from your closet and converting them into cute mini denim backpack. It is such unique idea that I had so much fun creating it.  This bag is meant to carry small on the go essentials, such as your keys, wallet, cell phone or favorite makeup. The best part about it, it involves little to no sewing. Follow along to find out how to make this creative item yourself!

Here’s what you will need…

A pair of jeans ( any style works as long as they are full length), patterned piece of fabric, lace, fabric glue or hot glue, marking tool (color pencil), scissors, measuring tape & pins.

Optional Tools…

Sewing needle/thread and seam ripper

WARNING!

Do not discard of any of the fabric after cutting. Mostly all sections of the jeans will be used. Throw away the scraps after the DIY project is completed!

Preparation:

You will need to cut out the pieces for the backpack before getting started.

You will create pieces #1-6, a total of 10 pieces all together. ( e.g. #1 is 2 pieces, #6 is 2 pieces, etc).

Measure 16 inches in length from the hem of your jeans. Before cutting the piece, its preferable to pin the hem together for each jean leg so that the back doesn’t move while cutting.

You will then cut the side seams and the hem of the fabric to create rectangular pieces. Try to cut along the the seam of the fabric, don’t cut through it because you will later need to use the side seams for a step. Once you remove both seam & hem, try to make your pieces into rectangular shapes as much as you can. It should be around 15″L x 13″W, but it can vary by the shape of your jeans. These will be pieces #1. The side seams will be pieces #6.

Taking the remaining part of the jean, cut along the inner seam of the pants all the way up to the zipper. Then, cut around the zipper all the way up to the top of the jeans.

Using your scissors or seam ripper, carefully remove the pockets from the fabric. Set them aside for later. They will be pieces #5.

2 strips of fabric will be cut from this part. Each being 3 inches in width, length will vary from side of the fabric to the next. These will be pieces #3.

Using the last remaining part of jean, you will be creating the flap and the bottom piece of the backpack.

On one side of the fabric create an arch shape to create the flap of the backpack. It should take up most of the fabric. Once cut, place on top of your patterned piece of fabric, you will need to recreate the shape onto the fabric. Pin it in place so it doesn’t move. Allow for an extra 1 inch around the jean fabric that will be fold over. This will be pieces #2.

Finally, using the last remaining fabric outline an oval and cut it. This will be pieces #4.

 

Pieces #5 and #6 will be the pockets and side seams removed from the fabric.

Step One:

Taking “pieces #1,” place right sides together (one on top another). Place glue on the length edge on one of the right sides and press them together. Make sure to leave a 2 inch gap towards the bottom of the fabric (about an 1 inch away from the bottom). This is where the straps will be placed. Repeat the same step on the other length side of the rectangle pieces. It is easier to flip the fabric “inside out” so the right sides are once again facing each other.

For a flatter surface, glue down the newly created edges seam onto the inside fabric, so that it is not sticking out. Set it aside so the glue dries.

Step Two:

This next step, you will glue “pieces #2” together. With the pieces placed together (wrong sides together this time), place glue on the edge of the denim fabric and fold over the 1 inch patterned fabric and press the fabrics together. It should create a border around it.

Then, place the lace on top of the patterned fabric so that it is around the flap. Make sure not to place lace on the top of the flap. Pin the lace in place. For this step you can use glue or, if desired, sew the lace onto the fabric for extra security.

Step Three:

Using “pieces #3” you will create the straps for the backpack. Fold and glue down the sides the fabric inwards at about 1- 1.5 inch each side.  The width of the straps should be around 3 inches. Place pins to help hold down the folds while the glue is drying.

After allowing the straps to dry, place one end of each strap through the 2 inch gap hole, you made in step 1. Pull the fabric all the way through until the desired length of the strap is  created. Cut of the excess length that is no longer needed.

Glue shut the 2 inch gap pressing the fabrics together with the strap remaining through inside of the gap. You can stitch the hole together for extra security.

Place the other ends of the straps on top of the backpack fabric (right side). Pin and glue the straps at the top edge center. Then, fold about an inch inwards to the inside of the bag to create the top seam of the backpack. Glue and press the fold for a clean edge.

Using one of the side seams created for “piece 6” make a hanging loop for the backpack. Cut a medium size piece and glue it at the center of the fabric.

Place the constructed flap on top of the backpack so that both the straps and the hanging loop are under. Right side facing down. Glue the top edge of the flap to the top edge of the bag. Make sure you center it properly before gluing. Allow it to dry.

Step Four:

Using “piece #4” you will pin it at the bottom of the bag . It is easier to pin and glue with the backpack inside out. Glue “right sides” together along the edge of the oval. Make sure of that the length of the oval is facing horizontally to add width to the backpack.  If you have any excess fabric remaining from shape you can always trim it off after gluing.

Step Five:

Pocket “pieces #5” will be placed at the front and inside of the bag. Put glue on the wrong side of the fabric so that the right side is facing up. Glue the 1st pocket at the center front of the bag. Next, flip the bag inside out and place the 2nd pocket in the inside of the backpack.

Step Six:

Cut out a small piece, about 1 inch, of  “piece #6.” Create small loop , gluing the ends together then place the loop towards the inside of the pocket so that it is slightly sticking out.

Then, at the inside of the backpack flap, use your scissors or seam ripper to make 2 small cuts, so that you can pull the remaining “piece #6” through the constructed hole. Make sure not to cut all the way through the flap, just the denim fabric. Insert the string through the holes and glue it from the inside to keep it secure. This will create the knot closure for the backpack.

I added small piece of lace at the end of the strings for decorative effect.

Step Seven:

The final step is to place and glue lace along the straps of the backpack.

There you have it!

Your unique, personal backpack. It so amazing how we can to something old and recreate it to something completely new. Almost every section of the jeans were recycled in this DIY project. Use your creative minds and try this project yourselves!

(Twitter @vherrera7211)

 

DIY SPRING EARRINGS

By: Desteny Villa

This week we’ll be creating something small and simple to add to our spring wardrobe. These pink and yellow earrings are perfect for this season. Not only can earrings add a touch of sophistication to any outfit, but it’ll brighten up any face as well.

*All photos were taken by me.

Time Estimation: 2 hours

SUPPLIES NEEDED:

Statement beads
Swarovski crystal small & regular size
Silver chain
Two different sizes of pins
Pliers

First, grab the largest size of the pins and start by adding a small clear crystal. Then, add your statement bead. Add one more small clear crystal, then put the pin through the silver chain.

After putting the pin through the silver chain, use the pliers to hold and bend the pin into a right angle and then, start twisting around. (Make sure to leave about 2 cm open for the twist for each bead.)

Then, you can repeat the same procedure for the other crystals that will hang in-between. But make sure to have each bead in a different loop of the silver chain.

After you add as many beads you want, you can cut the chain off from the second to last loop from the top and attach the earring loop and close it with the pliers. After that, 2 hours have passed and you’re done! And look! Oh, so pretty!

 

 

DIY FLAME CROP TOP

By: Chelsea Vang

Instagram: itschelseachels

*All photos were taken by me*

Hi, Creators! This week I felt a little daring and wanted to create a DIY that was simple, fun, and trendy…of course! I have been noticing flame prints in street style and so far I am loving it! Flames give off a vibe of danger, edge, and badass-ness to an individual’s outfit. If you are loving this trend then keep on reading to create your own!

The materials you will need for today’s DIY are a trash bag, pen, brush (recommended to have one thin precise and thick brush), scissor, thread, needle, red and yellow fabric paint, tweezer, and a white t-shirt.

First, measure the desired length of your crop top and cut a small slit in the shirt to help guide you when cutting the t-shirt.

Next, look for an image of flames and free hand it on the shirt. Feel free to create a flame stencil if you are uncomfortable with drawing the flame free handily.

Then, lay down the trash bag under the shirt and prepare your colors to paint.

The first color is start off with is yellow. Paint the empty spaces and do not worry if the lines are not clean and neat.

After, take a thinner precise brush and use the red paint to outline the flames. This will help clean any messy lines from the yellow paint and it will enhance the flames.

This is how the shirt will look like after you are done painting the flames.

As the paint dries down, fold the sleeves and sew them into place.

Next, use the scissor to cut the shirt at the places where you want it to be distress. Then grab the tweezers and pluck away!

There you have it! A trendy flame crop t-shirt with distressing details! This is perfect for the flaming hot summer ahead of us! It was so fun creating this and the great thing is that it took me less than an hour. If you are feeling daring then you’ll love this DIY!

Don’t forget to click on the like and subscribe button to see what is in store for next week’s DIY!

Cozy Sweater to Chic Cardigan

By: Valeria Herrera

*All photos were taken by me

Spring is finally in the air! Say hello to cute cardigans and see you later to heavy winter sweaters. Cozy sweaters are my favorite clothing item when it comes to the winter season; the fun patterns and soft textures, I love it all. Unfortunately for me, each year when the cold weather comes back around, I cannot help myself but to purchase even more sweaters. I tend to overwear my new sweaters forget about the ones I have stored away in my closet. By the time spring is here, I have a closet full of sweaters that probably won’t be used in a while. So, for this week’s project, I thought it would be a great to recycle one of my sweaters that has been stored away in my closet for a long time and redesign it to be more appropriate for the spring weather.

Before

After

I DIY’d my gray turtleneck sweater and reconstructed it into a shoulder cut-out cardigan, which has recently been a big trend. I loved the results of this project and how easy it was to do. Below I’ll show you step by step on how you can create this look yourself!

P.S

*This project requires beginner to intermediate sewing skills. I will explain what type of stitching I used for each section. They are all pretty easy to do, since I consider myself a beginner sewer.  If you are not skilled sewer, you can use alternative options to create the look such as fabric glue or iron-on adhesive hem tape.

* Also, feel free to modify this DIY project to your type of sweater. Adapt the techniques I used to recreate this look for your garment. Along the way, I will state which steps are optional if you have a turtleneck sweater.

Here is what you will need…

Before

• Sweater
• Sewing needles
• Thread that matches fabric and bias tape
• Bias tape (single folded)
• Fabric Scissors
• Color pencil or fabric marker
• Pins

Helpful Tools…

• Flat Iron & measuring tape
• Seam ripper (not shown on image above)

Step One:

 First, Measure at the edge of the shoulder 2 inches away from the neckline. Use a white color pencil to mark each point. Next, measure 5 inches from your first mark. Then, at the middle point between the first two marks, measure 2 inches away and mark your final point. Once, you are done marking each point, create half a circle. I suggest using a circular object to make a perfect half circle. Repeat this step on the other sleeve as well.

Now that you have drawn the half circles on each shoulder of the sweater, make sure they accurately positioned and equal level on each side. Use your fabric scissors to cut out the shape and create the cut-out shoulder. Fold the sweater in half and use the first cut out as a guide to help you cut the second shape, so that they are equal in size.

Step Two:

Next, measure the cut out hole with your bias tape. Cut the bias tape to fit the size of the cut-out. It is very important you leave a little bit of excess tape on the ends to so that they overlap each other at their meeting point. This will create a cleaner look. You will notice that the single folded bias tape has two inward folds. Unfold one side of the folds and align it to the edge of the cutout hole on the “right side” of the fabric. The right side is the outside of the sweater; the part you can visibly see. Fold the excess tape on the ends to create a clean edge and pin each section into place. Once everything is pinned you can begin to sew. On this side, you can do a running stitch to sew the pieces together. Make sure you sew the ends in place. When you get to the last end of the tape, overlap it over the other end. * Sew using the matching color of the bias tape.

When you are done sewing the “right side,” flip it inside out to the wrong side. The wrong side is the inside of the sweater. Taking the other fold of the bias tape (don’t unfold this part), pull it and fold it over the visible stitches of the fabric. Pin it into place if it helps. Repeat the same step as before by folding the edges and sewing into place. This time you will sew the bias onto the sweater fabric by doing an overcast stitch. Put the needle through a small piece of fabric underneath the bias tape and then pull it through the bias tape to gather the pieces together.Do not pull too tight on the threads because it will make small wrinkle. Do this all the way around the cut-out hole, overlaping the ends and repeat on the other sleeve.

Optional Step:

If you are redoing a turtleneck sweater like me, this step will create a new neck collar more appropriate for the design. Measure 3 inches away from the neckline at the center and edges of the collar. Mark each point and create a line to make a new neckline. Cut the excess fabric and fold over to make sure you cut it evenly. Save the extra fabric for an additional optional step later on.

Step Three:

Measuring from each side of the sweater, mark the center point of each section. It is important to measure to get the precise center of the sweater. Draw a line connecting each point together. Using your drawn line as a guide, cut the middle of the sweater (only the front side, be careful not to cut the backside).

Step Four:

Similar to step two, you will sew on bias tape on each flap of the new cardigan to create a hem. Measure the amount of bias tape needed for the new hem and leave excess tape on the ends. Unfold one side of the folded bias tape bias tape, align it to the edge of the”right side” fabric and make sure to fold the excess tape to create a polished end. Pin everything into place and do a running stitch to attach the two pieces together. Make sure not to pull too tight on the thread because it will create a wrinkle effect on the hem.

Taking the other side of the folded bias tape, pull it and fold it over the visible stitches on the “wrong side” of the fabric. You can iron the bias to help keep it in place or pin it in place. Do an overcast stitch to create the hem by putting the needle into a small piece of the fabric that is under the bias tape and then pull it through the fold of the bias tape. Make sure to sew the folded ends for a neat look. Be careful not go through the other side of the hem. Taking your time is the key.

Then, I created a new hem for my collar. If you also need to create new hem, make sure to use thread that matches your fabric color since these stitches will be visible.  Stretch the collar out to make a small hem fold. I used basic small running stitches to create the hem and it seemed to do the job. Fold the collar back into place once you are done.

Optional Step:

Using the fabric that remained from cutting my turtleneck , I decided to create pockets for my cardigan. You can also recreate this by using any fabric you may have. Cut 2 rectangles large enough to create pockets. Like steps two and four, I used the same bias tape to make a hem for my pockets. I also used running stitch on the “right side” and overcast stitch on the “wrong side.”

  Next, fold the sides, excpet the hemed section, about 1/2 cm and use a flat iron in low heat to keep into place. Cut the excess fabric at the corners to reduce the bulk.

  Pin into place at the lower center of the flap of the cardigan. For this you will need to use blind hem stitch. This technique requires you to stitch through the folded pocket fabric. Then, pick up only one or two threads of the main fabric of the fabric underneath the pocket, so it is not visible, and pull through. Repeat all the way through, excluding the top part of the pocket. Repeat on the other pocket. Reinforce the stitching at the ends and corners of the pocket. Avoid tightening the thread to create a nice surface.

Voila!

You are finally finished with your chic cardigan. It might seem like many steps, but trust me it was well worth it. I am so happy with my one of a kind design and the best part was recycling a sweater I probably would have normally ignored.

It is amazing what we can do when we use our creativity and imagination. Hope you enjoyed this week’s DIY project and subscribe to see what we will be doing next time!

2 SIMPLE WAYS TO UPDATE A PLAIN TEE

By: Desteny Villa

*All photos were taken by me.

Spring is coming quickly and is just around the corner. Soon we’re going to have to put away our heavy thick layers and opt for our spring friendly wardrobe. So, this week we’ll be creating two spring friendly tees.

The first one is simply adding a few embroidered words onto a tee.

Time Estimation: 20 Minutes

SUPPLIES NEEDED:
Plain white Tee
A needle
Black thread
Pen & paper

First, you’ll need to figure out what you want to say on your tee. Practice the font you would want to use on a piece of paper.

As soon as you figured out what you’re doing, use something to write onto your tee with(I’m using a non bleeding pen)

After you’re done with your outline, start sewing onto your tee!

The second one is adding a lace trim to the sleeves and to the bottom of the tee.

Time Estimation: 20 Minutes

SUPPLIES NEEDED:
Plain white Tee
A needle
White thread
White lace trim

First, you’re going to have to fold the sleeves over 4 times or as many as you like. You can pin it down if needed ( I didn’t.)

Align the lace trim with the shirt and start hand sewing.

After that’s done, you can fold the bottom of the tee over four times or as many as you like. (I pinned the fabric down this time.) Then, line up the lace with the fold and start sewing. After that, start knotting the ends of your thread and you’re done!

Just put on a pair of jeans and throw one of these beauties on and you’re good to go. Both can be done within the hour, so start sewing!

SHRINK DINK DAINTY BRACELETS

By: Chelsea Vang

Instagram: itschelseachels

*All photos were taken by me.

Hello, Creators! Fashion is not always about the clothes you wear, it also about accessories that goes with. Accessories are a great way to make a statement. For example, bracelets are a means to enhance the clothes you are already wearing. It can help personalize your style or express something you believe in. For today’s DIY, we will be creating dainty bracelets!

The materials you will need: paper, scissor, twine (or anything to wrap around your wrist), shrink dinks, sharpies, hold puncher (not in image), and a gold paint pen (optional), paint (optional), paint brush (optional).

First, find designs you want for your pin. You can either draw them out and get creative or simply just print out the designs you want. But make sure to enlarge them because they will shrink!

Next, place one shrink dink on top of your designs with the pre-sanded side up.

Now, you can begin to color the rainbow! In this case, the rainbow is your designs.

After, cut out the artwork on the line or leave some space around it. In addition, hole punch both sides of the design to make an opening for the twine to pass through.

Then, place the pieces on a tray that is either cover with aluminum foil or parchment paper.

Preheat your oven according to the instructions of your Shrink Dink.

Now, it’s time to bake the goods for 1-3 minutes! You’ll see them curl up during the baking process but that is normal!

Once they are done baking take the tray out of the oven and the foil with the designs off of the tray to let it cool down for 1 minute. After the cooling process, paint the back of any designs that needs to be painted and let it dry for 30 minutes.

Next, take the twine and wrap it around your wrist to measure out the length but add a few inches. Then, cut the twine from your measurements and cut in one more time in half.

Insert the twine in one hole then tie a knot. Do the same steps to the other side. The last step is to tie a knot to both ends to connect them!

Your masterpiece is complete! These dainty bracelets are a great accessory to add on to anything you own. We hope we love them as much as we do!

Here’s to another great week of creating! Subscribe to The Creative Room to see next week’s DIY. We post every Monday.

 

Holographic Detailed Shoes

By: Valeria Herrera (all photos were taken by me)

Welcome back, Creators! For this week’s DIY project, I wanted to create a trend I have been recently seeing a lot on social media. I have noticed how shoes have become a big fashion trend, especially ones with unique colors and designs. One of my favorite designs are shoes with iridescent details. They look so unique and artistic. Unfortunately for me, shoes like these cost around $70-$100 and I can not afford to easily spend that much money. So, I decided to try to recreate this amazing design.

I took an old pair of my favorite puma shoes and transformed them into the latest stylish trend. Below, I will guide you step by step on how you can recreate this trend yourself!

Materials You Will Need:

• Your own used shoes (you can re-design a detailed shape of your shoe or even the midsole of your shoe).
• Metallic paint
• Mod Podge
• Paint Brush
• Iridescent cello wrapping tissue
• Scissor
• Piece of paper

Helpful Tools:

X-acto Knife and Scotch tape

  Step One:

The first step is to outline the shape of where you would like to place the iridescent detail (shoe logo or midsole of the shoe). Make sure your outline is light but visible so that you can easily cut the piece. Using scissors, cut out the shape. I found that using an x-acto knife was easier to get the precise shape.Trust me, cutting the detail piece at the beginning will make it easier to paste later on and save time.

Once you cut the piece, set it aside for now until step four.

slightly press with a pen to outline the shape

Make sure the outline is visible to cut.

Placing a piece of paper underneath makes it easier to see and cut the outline.

Step Two:

For the next step, I chose to mix sterling silver and ice blue. I decided to mix these two because my cello wrap tissue had a strong pink shade, so I added metallic blue color underneath that will create an even more iridescent effect. If your cello wrap tissue has blue/green tones, then you can mix purple or pink with metallic silver to do the same effect.

Before I began to paint my shoe, I added scotch tape around the edges of the shape. I found this helpful in case I painted onto the fabric of my shoe. Then, I painted the white detail of my shoe with the metallic ice blue paint. I found that 3 coats of paint were enough to achieve a solid color.

*Tip: Make sure to wait until the paint is completely dry in between each coat of paint because the paint can move around when still wet. You can use a blow dryer to speed up the process.

Step Three:

Using Mod podge, cover the design shape with a light layer of the glue finish. 1-2 coats should be enough.

*Tip: Make sure the shape is completely covered with mod podge and somewhat tacky before proceeding to the next step.

Step Four:

Finally, the last step in the process to take the cut piece you set aside from step one and place it on top of your shoe while the glue is still somewhat wet and tacky. Let it dry so that it does not move around.

*Tip: If you notice that your cut out shape is slightly bigger than the design, then use scissors or x-acto knife to trim the excess tissue.

After you placed the iridescent tissue, add another layer of mod podge on top to reinforce the tissue onto the shoe. The glue finish will harden and protect the cello wrap tissue from falling off.

Hooray! You have finished!

 

I loved this DIY project! It added a unique touch to my favorite shoes and made them look as if they were brand new. The vibrant iridescent color reflected beautifully against the light. But what I loved about this project the most is that, instead of buying shoes with iridescent details for $70-$100, I only spent around $10 to create myself. How amazing is that!

 

BLACK SKINNY SCARF

By: Desteny Villa

*All photos were taken by me.

So my DIY creation for the week is pretty simple. I’m sticking to the basics, with a solid black skinny scarf. It’s simple enough to wear it diversely with any outfit and it adds a cool vibe to any style, while still remaining playful.

What’s so great about scarves is that they’re year round accessories. And skinny scarves are a perfect companion for any spring and summer outfit, because of their simplistic decorative purpose, which makes them breathable.

Time estimation: 30 minutes

You’ll need a few supplies:

• Silky fabric
• Black thread
• Scissors
• Sewing machine or fabric glue
• Iron
• Pins are optional

First, you would need to cut your fabric to the size you want. Then, you’ll need to pin the fabric down so you’ll be able to iron straight. If you don’t have pins just use a paperweight to hold down the ends, so you’ll be able to iron straight.

Then, sew down the edge.

Tie a knot with the thread after sewing each end.

Trim any excessive fabric from the seam.

Turn fabric inside out.

Iron the end edge inwards and close the seam either by machine or sewing by hand.

And you’re done!

Just wrap it around your neck, you can try knotting at the front or just throw it around your shoulder! There are so many ways to wear it and don’t stop from personalizing, I simply gave you the template of your canvas, so enjoy and experiment!

Embroidered Denim Jacket

By: Chelsea Vang

*All photos were taken by me.

Happy Monday, Creators! I noticed that embroidery has been all over the runways for Spring 2017. Being on trend can be costly, but not if you can do it yourself! Here is an inexpensive alternative to help you stay on trend, and keep money in your pockets, for this season!

Here are the materials you will need: denim jacket, needle, pins (or tape), a blank sheet of paper, pen, scissor, and embroidery threads (color of your choice).

First, on a blank document chose the font and size for the word you will be embroidery on your denim jacket.

Next, print and cut out your word.

Then you will pin and adjust it to the denim jacket until you are satisfied.

Once that is done, use a pen to trace out the stencil you created.

It should look something like this afterward.

Next step is to thread the embroidery thread into the needle and create a knot at the end of it. Now you’re ready to start embroidering!

Pull the needle through from the back of the denim jacket

To begin, I am embroidering in a horizontal direction then I will follow the direction of each curve in the letters.

Here you have it! Your trendy embroidered jacket should look like this once it is done!

Staying on trend does not have to mean spending hundred of dollars when you can do it yourself! Look good for the upcoming season with keeping money in your pocket. Stay tuned for next week’s inexpensive DIY!

Instagram: itschelseachels