Jun 13, 2017 | DIY
This post contains affiliate links, wherein I make a small commission if you click through and buy something. My FTC Disclosure is here.
Lately there’s been a plethora of crafty accessories all over the stores. Colorful tassels, fringe, pompons, and embroidery evoke a 70’s Summer with an 80’s pop flair. This means that any wily DIY’er can easily create the look for less and craft up accessories that look fresh, fun, fantastic, and on-trend this Summer without breaking the bank.
Take this Loeffler Randall Tassel Pouch – a big, trendy investment at $225. (And now totally sold out – for good reason! Similar in beige with silver tassels here.)
Why not be inspired to create your own fun version at a fraction of the cost?
BUY – Original
Loeffler Randall Tassel Pouch, $225 (similar here)
DIY – Your Own Version
YOUNA Small Leather Crossbody Purse, $15.99
1/10yd Custume DIY Craft Leather Fringe Tassel trims, $0.99 per 1 yard piece
Loctite Vinyl, Fabric, and Plastic Adhesive, $10.50 for 2
Pick up some suede tassel trim from your local crafts, notions, or leather working store – or from eBay here. (At $0.99/yard – plus a little wait for shipping – eBay is definitely the most affordable options_though if you can buy local, go for it!) If you’re buying on eBay I recommend these colors from the seller to truly recreate the Loeffler Randall look: Yellow, Watermelon Red, Blue, Orange, Purple, Dark Purple, Pink, and Beige.
Use a plain black zip pouch as your base (or try my DIY Leather Laptop Sleeve to make from scratch – just add a zipper closure to the top instead of an elastic!)
Roll up the tassel trims, spreading some Loctite Adhesive at the base to hold the rolls. When you feel the roll is full enough, cut off the remainder. Allow to dry, holding closed with a piece of tape.
One dry, fan out the pompons (you may need to trim the end of the tassels shorter) and use a generous dab of Loctite on the base to secure to the pouch. If you’re worried about adhesion, a hand-stitch using black polyester waxed thread and a leather hand-sewing needle will secure those suckers on there!
Pair with some natural wedges, some washed skinny jeans, and a wrap top make of striped shirting – and you have yourself a foolproof day-to-night Summer outfit!
Happy DIY’ing!
xo
Carly
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Sep 14, 2010 | DIY
Another project -this time a bag project- I submitted for Style Sample Magazine and New York Design Shop’s Create Couture Challenge back in early August. It’s a little bohemian and a whole lotta fun!
Materials:
*Rust Suedette Fringe
*Gold Circle Studs
*Leather Flower Appliques
Additional Tools/Materials:
*faux suede handbag
*scissors
*pliers
*leather glue
*awl (optional)
[prep: remove embellishments on bag…I also cut the shoulder strap off and braided it, reattaching it to the bag]
How-to:
1. Cut Suedette Fringe in half.
2. Apply leather glue to underside of fringe, and place just under the top edge of the bag.
3. Allow to dry.
4. Lift fringe up, and glue second layer of fringe underneath so the top fringe just barely overlaps it.
5. Push a Circle Stud through the center of each Leather Flower.
6. Apply flowers to bag, pushing the prongs of the studs through the bag, and using pliers to fold the prongs over on the inside. If the material of the bag is very thick, an awl can be helpful to poke hole first.
7. If you prefer more security, add a thin layer of glue between the leather flowers and the bag in order to glue them down.
Let the 70’s come alive again!
Happy DIY’ing!
xoxox
Carly
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Sep 5, 2010 | DIY
Yes, another project I submitted for Style Sample Magazine and New York Design Shop’s Create Couture Challenge back in early August. I’ll get all of these posted if it kills me!!!
You Need:
*Mocha Suedette Fringe
*Mini Gold Pyramid Studs
*Large Gold Pyramid Studs
Additional Tools/Materials:
*faux suede or leather strappy sandals (American Eagle Tomahawk Beaded Sandals from Payless)
*pliers
*leather glue
*awl (optional)
*moleskin (optional)
[prep: remove any embellishments from shoes first]
How to:
1. Push studs into the straps of the shoes, using pliers to bend the prongs over on the underside. If you have trouble pushing the studs through the shoe material, an awl can be helpful to punch holes first. You can also use small pieces of moleskin on the inside of the shoes if any prongs scratch your feet when you are wearing them.
2. Measure length of fringe needed by wrapping it around top of sandals. Cut.
3. Apply a thin strip of leather glue to the tops of the sandals, and press the fringe into it. Allow to dry.
And that’s it!
Gladiatrix, boho, SoCal…however you say it, these sandals are FAB!
xoxox
Carly
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Aug 24, 2010 | DIY
Yet another of the projects I submitted for Style Sample Magazine and New York Design Shop’s Create Couture Challenge.
You Need:
*Rust Suedette Fringe
*Mocha Suedette Fringe
Additional Tools/Materials:
*double-chain necklace
*hand-sewing needle
*matching thread
*scissors
How to:
1. Start on bottom chain of necklace. Stitch chain links onto top of Suedette Fringe (I stitched through every other link).
2. Cut fringe once you’ve reached the end of the chain.
3. Repeat for the lighter-colored fringe and the top chain.
4. If desired, trim edges of fringe so they hang better whilst wearing.
Sometimes the best thing about DIY is the fringe benefits! 😉
xoxox
Carly
**This was actually the project that the person who won the random commenter drawing commented on, saying she loved it! (I know that sentence doesn’t seem to make sense, but my brain is feeling muddled right now:-) So I sent this fringed necklace to the winner – and I hope she likes it! Congrats, Monica!
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Oct 29, 2009 | DIY
Few things add edge to a look like bits of metal leering out from an unexpected angle; in combination with swingy fringe, the trend has continued to stomp down many a runway. 
Adding a touch of tough to pieces you already have in your wardrobe is a fun way to freshen up your look. But be careful: there is a wrong way to stud and fringe your basics, so we’ve put together this helpful little primer on Badass Embellishment Skills 101.
To sex up a boring black leather tote, this is what you’ll need:
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