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
DIY Neon Fringe Necklace
The sun is out here! (a fact all our fellow British readers will appreciate is pretty rare) So I’m currently sitting on a wooden chair on a mound of grass in my garden thinking about tassels. Well, I love them. I want to put tassels onto everything I own, and I started with a statement necklace tutorial. Instructions Measure and cut 17cm of tassel fringing and diamante strip and 22cm of chain. Tie a knot in the end of your embroidery thread and sew onto the solid strip at the top of the fringing. Begin to sew the diamante strip… Read More
DIY Rose Ring
I’m quite ashamed to admit it, but this was my first ever time using polymer clay. I think up until now I just assumed it was quite a labour intensive procedure to make charms and beads, but after whipping up this delicate rose in about 10 minutes I must say I am converted. I’ve got some great plans for more tutorials… but lets stick with this one for now. I love this ring. It reminds me of Frida Khalo and Mexican flower bouquets, and was inspired by the Oscar de la Renta ring in our Inspire// Fresh Florals post. If you… Read More