Blog | Fall For DIY

DIY Crochet Rug

I taught myself to crochet around 10 years ago now whilst I was studying. At the time I was really into cross disciplinary work and I wanted to broaden my range of skills, but I found I really took to crochet, and since then I must of made thousands of granny squares for multiple uses. One of the things on my ever growing (thanks Pinterest…) list of objectives was a crochet fabric rug. They’re so easy and simple to make, and it’s a great use of that stash of fabric you are keeping because “one day” you’ll use it… USE… Read More

DIY Go Go Gold Strip Sandals

These sandals are inspired by THESE amazing strappy bad boys. I’m a big sandals fan. I think maybe because they always remind me of holidays and summertime. I get a bit excited each year when the weather is just about warm enough to walk around, toe baring, without looking like a crazy fool! I want to wear these everyday. Lets just hope it doesn’t rain… Instructions: Cut a strip of gold ribbon to fit the size of the strap. Using a blade or needle mark the points to punch holes going through the ribbon and into the leather. Carefully line… Read More

DIY Studded Handbag Strap

This is some serious hardware right here. The chain is a necklace that’s just slightly too long, but too strong for me to alter. Perfect for the bag handle. I’m one of those horder types that never throws anything away. So I have around 5 broken black leather handbags. So I decided to start using them in DIYs. Good bit of upcycling for you right there. Instructions: Cut a 30cm strip from an old leather handle or broken belt. Split the two sides apart creating a tube. Starting about 1.5 inches from the edge, use a scalpel knife to cut… Read More

DIY Twisted Tshirt Headband

This week at Checkmybox HQ we’ve been getting a bit carried away planning for our stand at Shambala Festival. Nice thoughts of making carnival themed attire sat out in the sun with cocktails in hand. All fun and games until it comes to day four of windswept, dried out, rained on (lets hope not) beer covered, spray dyed, dry shampoo overkill, crazy lady hair… no-just me? This year I’m planning ahead. I’m making like, a hundred of these, just in case, and because it’s dead easy too. ps. The sunglasses aren’t just a nod to festival sun. It was so… Read More

DIY Indian Summer Tassel Bracelet

Summer’s (almost) here! Jackets off, arm candy on, and this is the ultimate in statement bracelets. I love how the colour is almost dripping off my arm or the tassels are floating about in the wind. Then add some diamante to the mix and, well.. summer is happening right here. Instructions: Tie the diamante strip to the bangle using one of the embroidery threads. Begin to wrap the thread around the bangle and diamante securing them together. Tip: Wrap the floss around the shorter thread to keep it hidden and secure. Continue to wrap all the way around the bangle…. Read More

DIY Neon Plaited Bracelet

This is a variation on an original Teahab tutorial I made, which is one of my most popular tutorials to date (it’s currently big in Japan…) I wanted to spruce it up a bit as it’s well over a year since I first posted the project. It’s pretty spectacular how much my personal blogging style has changed, and how much I wish I’d known back then! It just makes me think If can come this far in a year, imagine the next one… Ok, getting carried away here. Tutorial instructions below. Note- You need 6 ribbon ends for each bracelet…. Read More

DIY Holographic Stripe Tshirt

My inspiration for this tshirt was from Jonathan Saunders Spring-Summer 2013 ready to wear show, in particular these holographic threads. It’s had quite a reaction from my friends, and I love it! I’m going to shine like a disco ball this summer. Instructions Cut the holographic fabric into strips around 2 inches wide. Pin the pieces onto the tshirt. Take extra time to keep them straight. Pin the pieces 2 inches apart to create an even stripe. Either sew on your strips, or use hemming web and iron on the strips. I prefer the hemming web, as it gives a… Read More

DIY Bag Tassel Charm

Instructions Cut many lengths of suede all around the same size (mine were around 30cm). Keep folding the in half and checking they fit into the cord end until you can’t fit anymore in. Wrap an elastic band around all the cords, slightly to one side of the centre, securing them all together. Fold the longer ends outwards over the elastic band and the shorter ends of suede. Move them around until you have a neat bundle Put some strong glue into the cord end. Squeeze the folded strips of suede into the cord end. Trim the ends so… Read More