Forget bundling up and trekking out in the cold this winter. Instead, give in to your instincts to hibernate and take the opportunity to try out a few new crafts. And the most efficient way to learn a new craft is to start with craft kits. No trip to the craft store required. Everything you need to learn a new crafty technique can be delivered right to your door!

9 Crafts Kits for Getting Your Craft On!

1. Crochet

If you don’t yet know how to crochet, this Granny Square Blanket craft kit is a great place to start. Each kit includes absolutely everything you’ll need to make a 25 x 31-inch classic granny square blanket, including a full-color instructional booklet that explains it all.

2. Felt Craft

What better way to deal with the winter cold than to make your own felt garden with this pretty Felt Succulents kit. The kit includes enough materials to make 18 beautiful succulent plants for a faux garden.

3. Macrame

We are on a theme here with another plant-themed craft. Learn to macrame with this Macrame Plant Hanger Kit that comes complete with everything you will need to discover the lovely craft of macrame.

4. Crewel Embroidery

Crewel is a type of embroidery that traditionally features wool thread and freestyle stitching. It’s a very pretty form of needlework and lends itself nicely to being learned via a craft kit like this Paisley Blue Whale kit.

5. Polymer Clay

Learn the craft of polymer clay sculpting with this Polymer Clay Pocket Kitchen kit that includes everything you could possibly need for sculpting tiny, adorable, and fake food items.

6. Paint By Number

Do you desire to paint pop culture icons, but don’t really have any painting skills? Never fear. All you need is a kit like this Prince Paint by Number kit.

7. Resist Indigo Dye

This Easy Indigo kit is just what you need to discover the art of tie-dye, shibori dye, vat dye, and resist dye techniques.

8. Rug Hooking

You might have done hook rug crafts as a kid and want to pick it back up. Get reacquainted with this small Rug Hooking kit that comes with all the supplies you could need, including hand-dyed wool pre-cut strips.

9. Loom Weaving

Weaving was another perennial childhood craft, particularly for those who went to summer camp or after-school programs. Whether new to you or not, weave your own tapestry with this Weaving kit that even includes a small loom.

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Looking for something to do? Get lost looking at maker-designed goods at an indie craft show near you.

The Renegade Craft Fair is the largest multi-location independent craft show and has been a mainstay in the indie craft world since 2003 when Renegade was founded and held its first fair in Chicago. Since that time, Renegade has expanded to include indie craft fairs in New Work, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Austin, Portland, Seattle, Denver, and London. In total, the events attract more than 300,000 visitors annually.

Renegade is to the craft and design world what ComicCon is to the pop-culture and comic world. The Renegade Craft Fair’s motto is “founded by makers for makers,” but it is much more than that. Attendees can certainly expect plenty of maker-designed goods for sale, but there’s also live music, artisanal food offerings, interactive features, and good vibes found at each fair.

One of the attributes that set the Renegade indie craft shows apart is that they are highly curated and attract the best and most innovative from among the world’s indie artists and designers. Renegade also boasts that it is an entrepreneurial incubator and there have been many lesser-known artists whose careers took off after exhibiting at a Renegade. They do even offer some wholesale shows for artists and designers who sell their work to retail locations and who are looking to expand.

Whether you are looking for handmade shoes, art prints, jewelry, home accessories, ceramics, vegan backpacks, macrame plant hangers, or something you’ve never seen before, there is a pretty good chance you can find it at a Renegade Craft Fair.

Check out the schedule to see when one of these indie craft fairs is coming to your neck of the woods–many locations even hold several shows throughout the year.

And to get you inspired, we have put together a lineup of some of our favorite artists and designers who have recently participated in a Renegade fair.

Peg and Awl – Peg and Awl offers home goods and jewelry made from reclaimed wood and other materials. We love this functional chalk pad.

Make Shifter Canvas Works – Maker of user-friendly bicycle bags and other canvas bags like this Picnic Bag.

Alchemilla – It is possible to get completely overwhelmed by the jewelry artists are a Renegade fair, but we like Alchemilla for their use of reclaimed, deadstock, and vintage findings in their designs.

Friend Assembly – Did you know that you needed planters featuring funny faces on them? Friend Assembly has got you covered.

Caiques – Handmade in Rio, these shoes are a family tradition that started out as a hobby and turned into a passion for this maker.

This is just a small sampling of some of the makers that can be found at a Renegade show–some of the shows features as many as 400+ vendors–so, be sure to see when the next fair is near you!

Related on EcoSalon

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Top Image Renegade Craft Fair

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Get your craft on with these socially acceptable craft projects using faux feathers.

Everyone loves a cool feather headdress (at least some of the Coachella attendees do) or a feathered dreamcatcher to hang on the wall, but appropriating culture and using real feathers isn’t actually cool. But don’t worry, it’s possible to get in on the trend and show your love for birds and their lovely plummage without actually ruffling any feathers. Pay homage to the natural world without doing any harm.

9 Projects to Adorn You & Your Space with Faux Feathers

1. Fabric Feather Mobile – Turn a boring corner of your home into a feathery delight by adding a pretty feather-like mobile. You can create feathers from paper or fabric, like in this project. Use twill fabric, felt, repurposed leather scraps, or any kind of fabric to suit your decor.
2. Feather Lampshade – Make a luxe faux feather lampshade to kick things up a notch, but without spending a lot of dough. This easy project turns a plain lampshade into a luxurious shade. Come up with your own twist to match your style.
3. Dipped Feather Earrings – Decorate yourself in feathers by making your own faux feather earrings. Use vinyl or leather to make drop earrings like in this project. You can dip dye them in gold for extra points too.
4. Paper Feather Wreath – Dress up your front door by crafting a pretty feathered wreath with this simple project that even includes a feather template if you aren’t so sure of your sketching skills.
5. Feather Topped Cupcakes – Make feathers so good that you could eat them–literally. Learn how to make edible fondant cupcake toppers in the shape of feathers for your next baking project.
6. Painted Fabric Feather Pendant – Adorn yourself with feathers by making your own faux feather pendant necklace with this how-to from artist Alisa Burke.
7. Stained Glass Feather Suncatcher – And for those who want to get a little more adventurous, try making your own faux feather glass suncatchers. This tutorial guides you right through the complete process.
8. Faux Feather Dreamcatcher – And to keep the bad dreams away, make your own vegan dreamcatcher using vegan suede, felt feathers, beads, and other fun additions.
9. Faux Feather Canvas Wall Art – Add some feathered wall art to your space by following the steps in this easy tutorial. It calls for making a relief painting wall art with spray paint and fake feathers.

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Image: Bird Feathers Print from Printlandia

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 Calling all you “Project Runway” wannabes who don’t even know how to sew. Finally, master your sewing machine and learn all sewing basics.

For all who dream about sewing up quick home DIY projects and chic clothing (and eventually making it to “Project Runway”), but don’t really know which end of the sewing machine is up, your dream can become a reality. Thanks to a new book, “The Little Guide to Mastering Your Sewing Machine: All the Sewing Basics, Plus 15 Step-by-Step Projects,” which is a step-by-step sewing basics guide illustrated with nearly 200 photos and drawings, you’ll discover all the basic techniques.

After learning the sewing basics through the illustrated guide, you can then quickly test out your news skills with the 15 special projects that are specially designed to be beginner-friendly. Make up easy projects like the perfect little pouch, a cover for your sewing machine, a cami top, cushions, table runners, a big tote bag, and more practical and simple beginner projects.

One of the best features of this handy guide is that it even has a fold-out stand and is set up as a spiral flip book for increased functionality. Set it up next to your machine and flip the pages as you work through the guide to learn the basic functions and accessories of the sewing machines. The guide also walks readers through the additional equipment you’ll use, choosing and cutting of fabric, the different kinds of stitches, how to sew pieces together, and more.

Come away from the experience knowing how to sew straight, take up a hem, and how to add bias binding, piping, and zippers. While the techniques offered in the book are simple, this book can help you get to the next level of learning more advanced techniques and skills. Everyone has to start somewhere, and this book offers easy to follow instructions that won’t overwhelm beginner sewers. Even “Project Runway” contestants had to learn how to use their sewing machines at some point!

The author of this indispensable sewing basics guide is Sylvie Blondeau, a French artist specializing in craft and illustration. She teaches sewing classes to adults and teens, and is the author of several sewing and craft books, including “Appliqué for Little Ones”.

Related on EcoSalon

7 Delightfully Easy Sewing Projects for Beginners

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Sew Creative, Sew Green

Top Image: Sewing Room via Shutterstock

Book Images: The Little Guide to Mastering Your Sewing Machine images courtesy of Schiffer Publishing, Ltd

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Easy sewing projects for your home to hone your sewing skills!

Sewing is among the crafty skills that seem to be making a comeback in recent years, and it is a handy skill to have. If you know how to sew, not only can you hem your pants, take in a skirt, and make other clothing alterations, but you can use your skill to make pillows, curtains, and other easy sewing projects for your home.

Sewing for your home can save you money, allow you to decorate with a personal touch, and can be a fabulous way to repurpose fabrics, like reusing a stained tablecloth to make cloth napkins. And while some projects may be a little too advanced for beginners or the average sewer, the key is to tackle easy sewing projects that you know you can complete.

There are millions of easy sewing projects out there for your home, but we have compiled some of our favorites for their cleverness or their easy breeziness. So, pull that sewing machine out of the closet and put your sewing skill to good use!

7 Easy Sewing Projects for Your Home

1. Galloping Horse Draft Dodger – With winter headed our way, door draft dodgers are one sewing project that just makes sense. This project is also super easy for beginners or if your skills are rusty. You could use this tutorial to repurpose patterned fabrics or use the galloping horse template provided.
2. Quilted Coasters – This Martha Stewart project for making quilted coasters is a perfect way to repurpose fabric from tablecloths, clothing, curtains, and more. Do make sure not to use a difficult fabric to work with like stretch fabrics or thicker fabrics. This project is so simple that you could sew up some coasters in about an hour or so!
3. Yo-yo Wall Art – Easy sewing projects don’t have to be just practical. Use your sewing skills to make wall art from easy to sew fabric yo-yos. Simply sew up yo-yos from leftover fabrics and hot glue gun them to a painted canvas creating a pattern or design as you go.
4. Linen Napkins – This super easy project for linen napkins is perfect for you to customize with your design aesthetic. Follow the tutorial and choose gorgeous autumnal colors for the coordinating fabric, colors more appropriate for another season, or even choose a print. The beauty of this project is it is so easy that you can make it your own.
5. Geometric Pillows – Pillows are among the most ubiquitous easy sewing projects around. This project has a slight twist, though. Instead of the traditional square or rectangular shape, it’s for making octagon-shaped pillows instead. One clever idea for customizing this project is to use one color on one side and another on the other side.
6. Patchwork Throw – While it seems cliche, we still love a patchwork quilt. But, making a whole patchwork quilt is a lot of commitment for a beginner. The easier alternative is to make a throw instead. It’s an opportunity to repurpose fabrics and practice your skills. This project is from Amy Butler, the queen of quilting fabric designs and is a step-by-step tutorial to guide you easily through making a quilt for the first time.
7. Color Block Shower Curtain – Many may not think of sewing their own shower curtain, and to that we say, “Why not?” And if you’re going to do it, why not make a color-blocked shower curtain to add some color to your bathroom. It’s awesomely easy to do–check it out!

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Image: Woman Using Sewing Machine via Shutterstock

The post 7 Delightfully Easy Sewing Projects for Beginners appeared first on EcoSalon.

Get crafty with craft kits and avoid the expense and hassle that comes from investing in a craft only to find out you don’t like it.

I’m crafty as the next person, which means I dabble a little in various crafts, but I’m not serious about any of them. I enjoy spending quiet time creating something and having something to show afterwards, but I just don’t have the discipline or the time to devote to learning a craft well enough to become accomplished at it. Short crafty chunks of time are ideal for my attention span–like when I’m waiting in the doctor’s office, when watching a movie on the couch or spending a peaceful afternoon.

If you, like me, are crafty but want to get in out and quick, consider purchasing craft kits instead of starting your own projects from scratch. Craft kits are great because you get everything that you need at once time, without multiple trips to the craft store, and they allow you to try new crafts without having to invest a lot of money initially.

Sounds like fun, right? Then jump right in with one of these fun craft kits!

1. Owl Kit – Here’s a cute, simple sewing project that’s great for beginner’s and children. From bespoke fabric, a sewing kit and instructions this kit contains everything you will need to make 3 adorable stuffed owls.

2. Ultimate embroidery Kit – From embroidery queen, Jenny Hart, this kit contains everything you need to get started with embroidery, including the floss, hoop, patterns and more. Choose from 5 different fun patterns and combos.

3. Fuzzy Sheep Needle Felting Kit – Get started with needle felted with this adorable kit. Needle felting is the process of felting one piece of wool to another using barbed needles. It’s possible to make sculptural felted objects using this process.

4. Learn to Knit Kit – Purl Soho has put together a basic learn to knit kit for newbie knitters? Every wanted to be able to spend your winters knitting blankets and throws, it’s starts with the first stitch.

5. Letterpress Paper House Kit – This kit is a super, easy way to get initiated into the art of paper crafts.

6. Kitten Toy –  Make this adorable felt kitten toy with this kit.

7. Rabbit Rug Hook Kit – Everything you need to make your own hooked rug.

Related on EcoSalon

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Top Image: Hey Paul Studios

The post 7 Super Easy Craft Kits to Get Your Craft On appeared first on EcoSalon.

Ten clever, easy-to-do DIY clothing revamp projects to update and transition your wardrobe into fall.

Labor day may have officially signaled the end of summer, but its not quite time to go out and buy fall clothing yet. Skip the store and scratch the itch to buy something new by revamping your existing clothes with these 10 easy-to-do DIY wardrobe updating projects.

Lace-up Heels
Bring your summer pumps right into fall by transforming them into lace-up heels. It’s surprisingly easy to do with just a handful of supplies, Runway DIY shows how. Wear a pair of socks underneath and you can rock these until the snow starts falling.

Givenchy Boots
The first time I saw these boots I thought they looked kind of awkward. I still sort of do, but the fashion elite seems to have taken quite a liking to the Givenchys. Instead of coughing up serious cash for the real things, take a pair of wedge heels you never use and make your own versions. Check out this tutorial by Syl and Sam to learn how.

Gladiator Lace-up Sandals
Now that summer is officially over, it’s time to retire those flip flops for the season. Instead of putting them away in a box, however, do like Glitter N Glue and wrap them in a scarf to turn them into pretty lace-up sandals, perfect to wear with ankle-length pants this early fall.

Studded Knee Cap Jeans
Inspired by one of Christopher Kane’s runway looks, this DIY tutorial by Chictopia shows you how to make a regular pair of jeans into a true statement piece. You can, of course, put the studs wherever you want on a pair of jeans, but we think the knee cap placement kind of rocks.

Stitched Open-knit Sweater
The loose, open-knit sweater was all the rage this summer, and to take it into fall all you really need is some yarn and an hour to spare. Check out this brilliant tutorial by Inspiration and Realisation and get out those stitching needles. Because you already know how to make the T-shirt Yarn.

Gold Collar
Collars are still going strong this fall, and they are a great way to instantly update any shirt. This one by A Pair and a Spare is super easy to make, and probably more wearable than the Louis Vuitton piece that inspired it.

Embellished Collar
This fall, we won’t only see more of those removable collars (see above) but also lots of embellished collars on the shirts themselves. It’s a fun update to a wardrobe staple and could really look spectacular. This tutorial by Love Maegan shows you how to transform the collar of your favorite shirt to make it seriously glamorous.

Embellished Skirt
This fall is all about embellishment, and there is almost no such thing as too much. This DIY tutorial by P.S. I Made This shows you how to take a plain skirt from ordinary to fabulous by embellishing it with lace trim.

Cut-out T-shirt
Fall is all about layering, and you can start right now with lighter weight pieces. This DIY T-shirt project by Refinery29 shows you how to quickly and easily cut up a regular tee to make it look all desiger-y. And, it’s perfect for layering.

Geometric Beaded Top
Inspired by Burberry Prorsum’s tees embellished with wood beads, Inspiration and Realisation made their own version of this hot fall trend. The beads can be painted any color and cut into any shape, so the possibilities are endless. We love that they used upcycled popsicle sticks, we all probably have some of those laying around after summer.

The post DIY: 10 Easy Wardrobe Updates For Fall appeared first on EcoSalon.

Ten easy-to-make DIY projects to get your kids all geared up for school.

Hard to believe for most parents, but it’s time to send your kids back to school. Instead of spending tons of money on all that back-to-school gear they need, involve them in the process and make the stuff yourself. All you need are some basic tools and materials and a serious sense of play. Here are ten great back-to-school DIY projects you (and the kids) can easily make at home.

Apple Print Drawstring Backpack.
A is for Apple, and this easy-to-make drawstring bag by Alphamom features an apple print that is made using an actual apple, and its leaf. You could also totally decorate this bag with any motif you like, or better yet, let the kids design one.

Initial Drawstring Backpack
Drawstring bags are great because they are so easy to create, which means you can actually make more than one of these. We love the striped fabric in combination with a large bold initial on this DIY bag by Momtastic. You could also make this with smaller letters to spell out your child’s whole name (but think twice about that if that name happens to be really long).

Patterned Backpack
Who says you have to buy a new bacpack just because school starts again? Maybe an old backpack could do just fine with a fun little update. This floral backpack tutorial by Hello Cotton shows you how to add panels of patterned fabric – which, by the way, doesn’t have to be floral – to an existing bag to give it a whole new look. We’re thinking you could do this and just tell your kid it’s a new bag.

Solar Backpack
For all those science nerds out there (and their parents), this DIY solar backpack by Dick Demenus (via NPR) would be a fun family project. It involved soldering and weatherproofing, so it seems like it could take a while, but making it yourself means it will cost around $40 – far less than the $200 or so that similar backpacks cost in the store.

Fabric Lunch Bag
Instead of packing them lunch in paper bags, make a washable, reusable lunch bag that will last all year long. This fabric lunch bag by The Purl Bee features cute embroidered detailing on the front, which you can skip or modify (maybe let the kids loose with some permanent markers?). The basic construction, though, is very simple, sturdy and, of course, easy to make.

Oil Cloth Lunch Bag
If your kids are on the messier side of the scale, it could be a good idea to try your hand at making one or two of these resuable oil cloth lunch bags by Skip to My Lou. They can easily be washed off and you can make them from worn out outdoor table cloths you may have laying around after summer.

Bicycle Frame Lunch Bag
If you’re fortunate enough to live in a place where it’s safe to send the kids off to school in their bikes, you should totally make sure they have a lunch bag that attaches to their bike frame. This simple tutorial by Evil Mad Scientist shows you how to make it. While you’re at it, make one for yourself too (oh, and start biking to work).

Drawstring Gym Bag
Sometimes it’s helpful to have a smaller bag to pack special things for school – such as gym clothes or supplies for a special project. This drawstring pouch by Planet Green takes only minutes to make. Using a tea towel is clever and saves time, but you can use any material you like.

Pencil Case
Help your little ones keep their pens, scissors, erasers and such in order with a nice pencil case. This DIY one by Pink Penguin is a little more involved, but – if you have the time to do it – totally worth it. Again, you can use any kind of fabric. Let the kids pick them and you can be sure they love their new case.

Chalkboard Notebook
Customizing notebooks is something most of us have done since we were in school. It’s a basic way to express our creativity, which is why we love the idea of one that can constantly change and evolve. Check out this tutorial by Warm Hot Chocolate and make the cover of your child’s notebook into a chalkboard. A bonus is that they can use it instead of passing notes, because that, well, kills trees you know.

The post DIY: 10 Backpacks and Other Projects You Can Make With the Kids appeared first on EcoSalon.

Ten head-turning pairs of earrings you can easily make at home.

A pair of great earrings can pull together a look like nothing else. We love how they can transform a simple outfit from borderline boring to head-turning in a pinch. Instead of spending tons of money on these baubles, get out some basic tools and make them yourself. Here are ten great pairs of earrings you can easily make at home.

Fabric Button Earrings
A bit of a throwback to the 80s, these cute button earrings can be customized with any fabric – to match your outfit or not. All you need is fabric, earring backs, a button cover kit, hot glue, pliers and this tutorial by Casa de Lewis. You may just end up making a whole bunch.

Friendship Hoop Earring
You’ve heard of friendship bracelets, perhaps you’ve even tried making them. But friendship earrings? Brilliant. In this tutorial, P.S. I Made This shows you how to turn a pair of plain hoop earrings into colorful statement pieces. We think these would make excellent gifts for your girlfriends too.

Hammered Metal Earrings
People will be amazed when you tell them that you actually made these gorgeous hammered metal earrings. They do require a bit more work than some, but it’s really very doable following these instructions by My Girlish Whims. The most intense tools you will need are a hammer, hole punch, and anvil.

Prada-inspired Rose Earrings
Some of the standout pieces of Prada‘s spring jewelry collection were necklaces, bracelets, brooches and earrings featuring large resin flowers and crystals. They’re retro and feminine and surprisingly easy to wear. Learn how to make a pair in this tutorial by Honestly WTF. (Also learn how to make those Dolce & Gabbana pasta earrings here.)

Dangly Gem Earrings
For your next cocktail party, there’s no need to spend money on fancy accessories – just make a pair of bright, sparkly gem earrings. This simple DIY tutorial on the M&J blog, created by Thanks, I Made It shows you how to make these beauties using sew-on gems in colors that capture the oceanic and pastel trends of the season.

Hex Nut Earrings
Hex nuts are one of the DIY movement’s secret weapons, simply because they have so many uses. You would never guess this pair of dangly earrings were made from hardware store supplies. Letandas will show you how to make them, using just a few basic tools.

Paperclip & String Earrings
Ever thought you could make a pair of stylish earrings from a humble paperclip and string? Well, you can, following this great tutorial by Evie S. We think this would be a great project for a slow day at the office.

Tassel Knot Chain Earrings
These are so ridiculously easy to make there’s no reason you should ever buy them in the store. Learn the tricks from Glitter and Glue and let your inner disco diva out.

Feather Earrings
I think we all have a hippie chick somewhere inside, and what better way to let her out than to sport some major feather earrings? What we particularly like about these, by The Coveted, are that they use wire instead of beads and pre-made clasps to attach the earwire. Make them simple and black, like these, or crazy and colorful – you can use any kind of feathers.

Antique Copper Rose Earrings
Created with little more than pliers and wire, these earrings have serious closet staple potential. House of Avandan gives you step by step instructions on how to make them. We give them serious bonus points for teaching us how to make earwires and how to antique copper – it’s easier than you think.

See Also:

10 DIY Bracelets You Can Make This Weekend

DIY: 10 Things to do With an Old T-Shirt

DIY: 10 Summer Shorts You Can Make At Home

Top photo by Honestly WTF

The post DIY: 10 Statement Earrings You Can Totally Make appeared first on EcoSalon.

Ten great DIY printed summer shorts you can easily make at home.

Summer time is shorts time. Hot days and warm nights means you won’t have to wear pants for at least another few months. Cute print shorts are all the rage this season, and you can channel that trend without breaking the bank. Just get out some basic tools and make a few of these great summer shorts.

Scarf Print Shorts
This is the more summery version of the pajama pant (which will be all the rage this fall). You can easily make a great-looking pair of scarf print shorts from a vintage scarf and just a few basic tools. Find out how in this simple tutorial from a pair & a spare.

American Flag Shorts
Yes, I know it’s almost been a month since Independence Day, but I am still kind of stuck on American flag motifs (and I don’t think I’m the only one). You can easily make a pair of stars & stripes-inspired denim cutoffs using little more than fabric paint and tape – Ascot Friday will show you how. Show some American pride and wear them while cheering on your favorite athletes in the Olympics.

Leopard Print Shorts
Leopard print shorts have definitely hit mainstream this season, and I understand why, because they do strangely kind of go with everything. There’s no need to shell out big bucks for a pair, though, Cameo Blog shows you how to easily make a pair of these using just paper, an x-acto knife, a fabric pen (and a little bit of skill).

Cheetah Print Short
If leopard just isn’t your kind of print, try another wildcat, maybe a cheetah? It’s a little more unexpected. These ones are even faster and easier to make, as demonstrated by Mr. Kate.

Victorian Shorts
For a more romantic, sweeter take on the printed shorts trend, try making a pair from victorian fabric, following this tutorial from Trash to Couture. There’s a bit of sewing involved, but you’ll base them on your favorite pair of shorts so you can be sure that they will fit perfectly. And you can totally make these from any kind of fabric – the possibilities are endless.

Ombre Dip Dye Denim Shorts
I’ve seen dip dyed shorts on virtually every fashion blog out there this summer. Needless to say, they are very easy to make at home. What we like about these by Fashionotes is that they don’t use bleach (which we all should know by now is horribly bad for both humans and the environment). Pick your colors and start dipping and dyeing.

Fabric Applique Shorts
After seeing this style of shorts with a Mexican blanket pattern, I’ve been kind of obsessed. It’s very easy: pick a pair of shorts that you love (or find them at a thrift shop) but have grown tired of and a great fabric and put them together. This tutorial by Free People shows you exactly how to do it. Again, you can do this with any fabric so get creative.

Tribal Print Shorts
Tribal patterns are very on trend right now, and the great thing is that they are meant to be sort of imperfect, which makes it a great candidate for DIY. These ones by Made in Pretoria can be made in an hour or two, and instead of bleach you can start with a lighter color and use regular fabric dye.

Dip-Dye Star-Studded Shorts
This cool pair combines three hot trends into one pair of (equally) hot shorts – dip-dyed, American-flag inspired and star-studded. What we really love is the flattering placement of the studs, and you can do very easily do just that to any pair of shorts. This video tutorial by Daniela Tabois shows you exactly how.

Tie-Dye Shorts
Oh, how we still love tie-dye, that sweet old wardrobe staple of the free-wheelin’ 60s. This dyeing technique gives you a cool pattern which may be too much for a pair of pants, but are just perfect for a pair of short shorts. This tutorial by The Signature Bow demonstrates an easy way to do this, without resorting to toxic bleach. Peace out.

See Also:

10 DIY Bracelets You Can Make This Weekend

DIY: 10 Things to do With an Old T-Shirt

DIY: 10 Statement Earrings You Can Totally Make

The post DIY: 10 Summer Shorts You Can Make At Home appeared first on EcoSalon.