Show off your tresses with these DIY hair jewelry projects!

One of the emerging spring and summer 2015 fashion trends is hair jewelry. Hair jewelry is nothing more than hair accessories, but hair jewelry emphasizes the form a little more over the function of hair accessories. And hair jewelry isn’t just the purview of the wedding world either.

Learn how to make your own hair jewelry to rock this trend this season with these fashion forward DIY hair jewelry projects and tutorials.

19 Hair Jewelry Projects

1. Gold DIY Twig Pins – Make elegant golden twig pins to decorate your locks with this project how-to.
2. Vintage Inspired Bobby Pins – If you are into a more retro look, make these pretty vintage inspired bobby pins.
3. DIY Knit Hair Bow – Knit up this cute hair bow to show off your topknot. You will need to translate the how-to first though.
4. Vintage Brooch Hair Pin – Use vintage brooches to make pretty hair pins to show off your tresses.
5. DIY Boho Hair Chain – And for something a little more boho, try making your own hair chains.
6. DIY Bejeweled Hair Combs – Add chunky jeweled pieces to hair combs for a chunky look.
7. Paper Hair Flowers – Make paper blossoms for your next updo.
8. DIY Hair Necklace – Here is a pretty draped chain hair necklace you can DIY up.
9. DIY Hair Cuffs – A ponytail doesn’t have to be boring with these hair cuffs.
10. DIY Triangle Hairpins – Use lightweight craft wood to make these pretty hairpins.
11. Gemstone Bobby Pins – Another project idea for adding jewels to your locks.
12. Boho Chain Headband –  Love this boho inspired chain hair jewelry project.
13. Crystal Chain – This is a pretty project for a bride or bridesmaid.
14. Plate and Chain Hair Necklace – Make this pretty plate headpiece for a trendy look.
15. DIY Feather Grip – This one is a throwback to the 1980s.
16. Beaded Felt and Ribbon Headband – This project is for a sweet beaded headband that would show off your chignon perfectly.
17. Nail Polish Painted Bobby Pins – Add some panache to your simple bobby pins.
18. DIY Spike Hair Comb – Show off your inner rock with this rock-n-roll spiked hair comb project.
19. Glitter Star Headband – Perfect for your next party or night out on the town.

Related on EcoSalon

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10 DIY Bracelets To Make This Weekend

DIY: 10 Statement Earrings You Can Totally Make

Image: HeadbandsByCUP

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ColumnGet your mod podge ready ladies for these rad DIYs on how to revamp your old shoes and make them into modern cool shoes.

Extend any shoe’s lifetime and create your own style — with these foundational tutorials, the possibilities are endless. Dream, glitter and glue away.

1. Dolce Gabbana Embellished Shoe

Too much? Never. Have fun with this embellished shoe tutorial via love maegan.

2. Dipped Chanel Toe

Scuffed toes? Turn any shoe into a nod to mega-brand Chanel with these Dipped Chanel Toe via Stars for Streetlights.

3. DIY Maison Martin Margiela x Converse 

Just paint ’em white! If Maison Martin Margiela did it for Converse, why can’t you make your own cool shoes?! via Converse.

4. Doily Wedges

Ingredients: Mod Podge, Lace and Patience for these Doily Shoe (with great video tutorial) via Makezine.

5. Twinkle Toes

Click your heels together and transport them to a long lasting life of glitter and glam with Twinkle Toes via A Little Glass Box.

6. Comic Book Heels

POW! just took a whole new meaning with these Killer Comic Book Heels via iron spy.

7. Leopard Print

Lusting over a basic outfit with the perfect pair of cheetah shoes? DIY! Great video tutorial on how to get it just right via Maksimized and detailed description on how to draw realistic leopard spots via Mr. Kate.

Want more DIY? See Also

DIY Dye with Natural Indigo To Revamp Your Clothes: On Trend

DIY Jewelry: 10 Sartorial Brooches You Can Easily Personalize: On Trend

DIY: 10 Stylish Handbags You Can Make At Home

DIY: 10 Statement Earrings You Can Totally Make

10 DIY Bracelets To Make This Weekend

DIY: 10 Things To Do With An Old T-Shirt

The post 7 DIY Ways To Turn Old Shoes into Cool Shoes (Again): On Trend appeared first on EcoSalon.

For those of with a jewelry obsession, there is no such thing as having too much jewelry. From precious baubles and thrift store chic to vintage hand-me-downs and do-it-yourself treasures, jewelry collectors are equal opportunity lovers of all jewelry styles and flavors. Of course, when one is budget conscious (and who isn’t these days) the need to make your own adornment utilizing DIY jewelry tutorials is a must.

While making DIY jewelry may seem daunting, it’s not. It’s possible to find an almost infinite amount of simple, in-one-sitting and budget-friendly projects. Of course, it you want a little more of a challenge and want to create something more complex, there are plenty of more involved tutorials for you as well. The key is to not be afraid to make a mistake, which is easier to do when working on a project that didn’t cost an arm and a leg in supplies!

So, pull up some jewelry pliers, some hardware store washers, leather cording, reclaimed jewelry pieces and a few beads and get to work. Pretty soon, your jewelry box will be overflowing with divine handmade DIY jewelry creations.

Here’s a list of 11 stunning DIY jewelry projects that can all be made for $20 or less!

1. Pyramid Stud Bracelets – make your own rock-n-roll studded bracelet, which is a variation on this Pearl and Thread Bracelet project.
2. DIY Neon Painted Stone Rings – who doesn’t love chunky cocktail rings? Make your own brightly colored ones from painted river stones.
3. DIY Hair Necklace – use chain necklaces you don’t wear anymore to make some pretty hair jewelry to wear with your next up-do.
4. Pom Pom Earrings – the estimated cost for this project is $.75. Yup, fun and budget-friendly. Make a pair in every possible color.
5. Golden Knot Necklace – and for something a little more elegant, try this stunning knot project. This one might take a little more time commitment, but the effort would be so worth it.
6. DIY Criss Cross Bead Bracelet – a simple cord and tubed bead project that is stunning in its simplicity.
7. DIY Clay Chain Necklace – who knew playing with clay could yield such impressive results?
8. Bib Necklace – this project requires a little bit of sewing skill, but ever so basic.
9. DIY Dreamcatcher Jewelry – make a dreamcatcher that can be made into a necklace, earrings or even bracelet.
10. DIY Washer Necklace – a trip to hardware store and leftover nail polish and voila, you’ve got colorful jewelry!
11. Leather Cord Bracelets – bring some leather cord and plenty of creativity for this project.

Related on Ecosalon

Jewelry Storage Solutions: 7 Ways to Unjumble, Including DIY

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Image: hBrit + Co

The post 11 DIY Jewelry Projects for $20 or (Way) Less appeared first on EcoSalon.

ColumnAccessorize any outfit with these ten DIY jewelry brooch projects you can easily make at home. 

Each DIY jewelry brooch project below is super easy! Add a pin or even magnets (so not to poke holes in any shirts or dresses) to the back of each brooch for an instant accessory. Customize with feathers, colors–just have fun and let your creativity play!

1. Flower Pin Brooch

This very easy DIY flower brooch is brought to you by the United Blogs of Benetton. Really just a matter of glueing the pin on and finding the right flowers at your local craft store, it will spruce up any white button up. You can pin them along the collar or in a cluster on the chest.

2. Decoupage Badges

An ode to David Bowie, this DIY tutorial by Rookie Mag can be great starting point for any brooch you want to make. Using a wooden base, Mod Podge, bar pins, and whatever pictures you want, it’s a super easy guide to creating a colorful brooch.

3. French Pouf Chiffon and Tulle Flower Brooch

One of our favorite’s, this French pouf chiffon and tulle flower brooch by Love Maegan is a delicate statement accessory. And, as with all these DIY brooches, you can pin them on to a belt or in your hair too!

4. BBQ Brooch

This BBQ Brooch by P.S.- I made this, is perfect for thrifty recyclers. Made from napkins, plastic forks, a coaster and whatever bedazzle you want to add, it’s a summery pop of fun.

5. Bejeweled Flower Brooch

Fabric scraps, glitz jewels and time is really all you need for this bejeweled flower brooch by Go Make Me. The project is originally intended for a headband, but you can glue a pin or magnets to each flower to create a brooch.

6. Felt Flower Brooch

This felt flower brooch tutorial by Cynthia Shaffer not only explains how to make a felt flower brooch, but also how you can dye the fabric to vary it’s color. Why not take it a step further and use natural dyes?

7. Vintage Brooch Corsage

A Beautiful Mess calls this DIY brooch project a “dressed up version of a floral brooch.” You can follow their entire tutorial, or simply add feathers to a brooch you already own.

8. Pearled Knot Brooch

Very classic and clean, this pearled knot brooch by My White Idea originally sprung out of a Mother’s Day present project. Sailor glam? Why not!

9. Detachable Flower Pins

A fresh, simple DIY project that you can pin to your shirt or even on your bag like shown above. This detachable DIY project by Matter of Style reminds us of the flowers on Marc Jacobs’ Daisy perfume, but even better because it’s created by you.

10. Baubled Brooch

Inspired by Tom Binns’ neon necklaces, Cupcakes and Cashmere explains how to spruce up a vintage brooch by adding nailpolish to color its gems. Choose what ever colors you have at home to upcycle a found brooch.

Want more DIY? See Also:

DIY: 10 Stylish Handbags You Can Make At Home

DIY: 10 Statement Earrings You Can Totally Make

10 DIY Bracelets To Make This Weekend

DIY: 10 Things To Do With An Old T-Shirt

DIY: 10 Pretty Little Clutches

images from the DIY sites

The post DIY Jewelry: 10 Sartorial Brooches You Can Easily Personalize: On Trend appeared first on EcoSalon.

Ten great DIY bracelets that will keep you busy crafting all weekend.

Wearing an item that you’ve made yourself feels really good, and getting compliments on something you’ve actually made is totally satisfying. Why not take some time this weekend and make a few summer bracelets for yourself? We’ve dug around to find you ten of the best DIY bracelet tutorials out there. It’s time to get crafty.

Big Beaded Cuff Bracelet
Sometimes you just want to wear a piece of jewelry that demands attention. But why spend the money on shiny baubles when you can just bling them out yourself? This DIY beaded bracelet from Style Me Pretty is totally easy to make with nothing but an old cuff, shiny stones of some kind, and a glue gun.
Difficulty level: 1 of 5

Safety Pin Bracelet
I may be partial since I used to make these a lot back when I was in college, but safety pin necklaces are very simple to create. It does take some time to get all the small beads onto the pins, but you should be able to make one of these in about a half hour. This DIY safety pin bracelet by Instructables uses the larger pins, which I think is a nice touch that also keeps it from looking too home-made.
Difficulty level: 1 of 5

Sailor’s Knot Bracelet
If you’re planning on rocking that nautical look this summer, you’ll need the right kind of arm candy to match. A basic sailor’s knot bracelet like this is easy to make – all you need is twine and a can (or other round object) that matches the width your bracelet needs to be. Check out the tutorial from More Design Please and give it a shot. You can make anything from belts to headbands with this technique too.
Difficulty level: 2 of 5

DIY Leather Bow Bracelet
A sweet alternative to a plain leather cuff, this DIY bow bracelet by Oh the lovely things is very simple to make if you are a bit handy with the glue. All you need is a piece of leather, scissors, leather glue or super glue, thread and a snap button.  You can also make these from any kind of sturdier fabric, it doesn’t have to be leather. Either way, it’s totally adorable.
Difficulty level: 2 of 5

Recycled T-shirt Knotted Bracelet
We all have old tees lying around – why not put them to use by making bracelets out of them. It’s also a great way to use of fabric scraps that you have lying around (and it doesn’t have to be a T-shirt, it could be any kind of soft fabric). So pretty and simple to make. Learn how to get knotty in this video tutorial by this old dress. You could mix colors to make a fun summer version too.
Difficulty level: 2 of 5

Friendship Bracelet
Most of us have made these at some point in our lives. Well, it’s time to dig up those old friendship bracelet making skills again, because these childhood staples are quite fashionable nowadays. Once you master the technique, here demonstrated by Honestly WTF, you can start playing around with different color variations and thicknesses. The possibilities are endless. Just don’t forget to actually make some for your friends, because they’ll want some.
Difficult level: 3 of 5

Floral Bangle
Big bangle bracelets and floral prints are all the rage this summer. This clever DIY bangle by P.S. I Made This combines the two in a simple and clever way, paying homage to the art of decoupage. The project is an interesting mix of technology, craft and nature and involves snapping pictures of pretty flowers with your phone. Intrigued? You should be. This can, of course, be done with any other kind of print as well.
Difficulty level: 3 of 5

Mystery Braid Leather Cuff
Ever wonder how some of those leather cuff bracelets you see are braided, yet seem to be made from one unbroken piece of leather? That’s called mystery, magic, or trick braiding, and it involves manipulating a single piece of leather with two slits into a braided strip by twisting and turning it in the right ways. In this DIY tutorial, Martha Stewart herself demonstrates how to make a simple leather cuff using this technique. Mystery no more.
Difficulty level: 3 of 5

Braided Hex Nut Bracelet
Hardware stores are great sources for jewelry making. Hex nuts are great for DIYing, and are super affordable too. Braided into a bracelet they look surprisingly elegant. Who knew? This DIY bracelet by Honestly WTF is fairly easy to make, if you can master some basic braiding skills.
Difficulty level: 3 of 5

Crocheted Utility Cord Bangle
This bangle is an interesting mix of sporty utility cord material and crafty crochet technique, and the result is incredibly sophisticated. It does require a certain amount of skills with the crochet hook, but that, and cord, is all you need to make this utility cord bangle. This tutorial from Blog a La Cart makes the process easy to follow. Keep it simple or use a thin metal chain to add some bling.
Difficulty level: 4 of 5

See Also:

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

DIY: 10 Summer Shorts You Can Make At Home

DIY: 10 Statement Earrings You Can Totally Make

Top photo: Honestly WTF

The post 10 DIY Bracelets To Make This Weekend appeared first on EcoSalon.

Rayan Turner explores the do-it-yourself movement.

The Do-It-Yourself (DIY) movement has made a grand entrance over the course of the last several years, making DIY an acronym everyone is familiar with.

The state of the economy has become the latest, and perhaps greatest, impetus for the DIY craze. Now more than ever, people are turning to a lifestyle that is not only within their control but is completely customizable according to their own needs, desires, and budget. Quite accidentally, the DIY movement has also become the harbinger of healthful living for the average person, drawing attention to the details of those things that surround us, forcing people to understand their environment from a different perspective and helping people make smart yet tough decisions about how their lives should be lived.

As this movement takes hold of more people, many changes are bound to occur. Paying retail will take on an entirely new meaning, and will come to represent the retail price of the parts, rather than the whole. How items are made – and how they should be made – is a topic of interest not only for those who have made a conscious decision to live a green lifestyle, but for everyone, because how something is made dictates its cost, availability, and safety.

Products with dual functionality will become the norm, rather than the pleasant exception. We will all begin to demand more from those who provide for us as their means of business, and in the process will find ourselves turning inward more and more frequently to meet the needs of our families and our lives.

From building your own furniture, to landscape gardening, and growing or raising your own food, the information is out there just begging for you to give it a try.

One aspect of DIY that may alone change the face of retail as we know it lies in the furniture-building industry. No longer are we subject to toxic finishing techniques and the pieces we live with having high levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). No longer are we forced to purchase items that are not constructed from sustainable or renewable materials. You can take greater control of your life by deciding to build or rehabilitate your own furniture and in the process determine your own level of cost, the materials you feel comfortable incorporating into your life, and the level of output you may have with a new sense of organization and comfort. You can choose only those pieces that are absolutely necessary and that provide what you need – nothing more, nothing less, and nothing else will do.

Are you in need of furniture that is more fitting for your newly down-sized residence? Does that furniture need to serve multiple purposes to maximize your living space? Is $4000 for a dining table more than you care to spend? No problem. The DIY furniture building industry is flourishing, reverse engineering is prospering, and retail catalogs are increasingly becoming a source of inspiration. DIY is the new design style, and it is anything but generic in appearance or technique. Hello handmade, goodbye toxins.

Here’s a taste (including an estimated cost to build), of The Design Confidential projects you can do yourself: outdoor garden structures, indoor/outdoor furniture, storage and organization, dual functionality, space maximization, and (of course), they’re all budget friendly.

Mitchell Cubby Organizers, $25

Modern Classic Pergola, $250

Outdoor Furniture Plans, $10 – $100

Craft Space Collection,  $25 – $200

Kiddo Collection and Ann Marie Collection, $25 – $125

2 x 2 Collection of Pieces, $10 – $75

The DIY Movement has done nothing if not tear down the wall of carpentry mysticism by showing people they have the power and the skill-set necessary to build their own furniture. The customization possible is truly worthwhile for creating a healthful, and beautiful home.

Dive into DIY by shopping the Visual Plan Index or Project Catalog from The Design Confidential.

Guest author Rayan Turner is a self-proclaimed carpenter, goddess of handmade furniture, and the creative force behind The Design Confidential.

The post Hello, Handmade appeared first on EcoSalon.