Hi! My name is Amy and I can't tell you how honored and thrilled I am for the opportunity to guest blog on one of my all-time favorite blogs! One thing about me is that I LOVE girly details like hearts and bows. I'm also on a budget so I came up with some cheap and easy ways to update my wardrobe, using Elsie's DIY Hair bow tutorial. I hope you can use these tips to update your own wardrobe! Note: All of the fabrics I used were either thrifted or fabric scraps from my collection. I think it would be really cute to cut up an old flannel shirt or anything else you may have in your closet that you no longer wear.
1. Update some plain flats or heels with bow clips. You can purchase clip earring backs at just about any craft store. Create a pair of matching bows using Elsie's bow tutorial. Hot glue or fabric glue the clip earrings to the back of the bows (I like hot glue because it dries faster). Once the glue is dry, you can clip them onto a pair of shoes. The great thing is that they are removable so you can use them on multiple pairs of shoes.
2. Update an old purse or vintage clutch by hot gluing a big bow to it! I thrited this cute vintage clutch but there was a spot on it that wouldn't budge. Now the spot is hidden and my new clutch is both girly and fun.
3. This bow belt is so cute and super-easy to make. First get yourself a piece of wide cross-grain ribbon (1" wide or wider). For the length, cut it long enough so that you can tie it in a bow around your waist. You can hem the ends of the ribbon so that it doesn't fray OR use an anti-fray solution on the ends (usually found in the glue isle of craft and fabric stores). Create your bow. Now turn your bow over so that the backside is facing you. Slip the ribbon under the middle piece. Center the bow on the ribbon and it's ready to wear.
4. For this project, you'll need a pre-made elastic headband. These can be purchased at most discount and grocery stores - you can usually get 6-8 of them for $2. Start out by following Elsie's tutorial for the bow but hold off on sewing the center loop. Wrap the loop around both the center of the bow AND the headband. Stitch the center loop closed and you are good to go!
5. The necklace is made the exact same way as the headband, except you will be using a chain. You can use a pre-made thrifted chain or one you already own. For an asymmetrical look, stitch the chain to the back of the bow so that the bow stays in place. Tip: When folding your fabric into a rectangle shape to create your bow, it can be helpful if you iron your folds in place. I hope you find this tutorial helpful in updating your wardrobe for Spring (or any season). Please post your finished projects in the RVA Flickr group - I'd love to see them! ♥Amy
cute!!!!!
Posted by: rachel denbow | March 03, 2010 at 06:24 PM
awesome ideas!
Posted by: Jenn | March 03, 2010 at 06:32 PM
I love bows. I want to use all of these ideas. The shoe idea is awesome.
Posted by: Nathalie P | March 03, 2010 at 06:38 PM
I love the idea of clipping them onto shoes so that they're removable. I have multiple plain shoes but too afraid to do anything permanent to them. Thanks for the ideas!
Posted by: Toshi | March 03, 2010 at 06:51 PM
Bravo! What a wonderful post for today! I now must go buy fabric to make bows :)
Posted by: Cali of PassionBird | March 03, 2010 at 08:52 PM
Super-super-cute! Love the purse!!! Such a fab idea for covering those blasted spots! :-) TFS!!!
Posted by: Erica from ATL | March 03, 2010 at 09:44 PM
This is so cute, Amy - I *love* the shoes!!
Posted by: Alli (One Pearl Button) | March 03, 2010 at 09:53 PM
So cute, I love the shoes so much!
Posted by: Sonja E. | March 03, 2010 at 10:08 PM
Oh my, I am absolutely obsessed with bows.
There is nothing your trusty glue gun can't do. :)
Posted by: rxanna | March 03, 2010 at 10:52 PM
well that gave wayyyyy to many wonderful ideas! oh the possibilities!
xo.
Posted by: tiffany. | March 03, 2010 at 11:08 PM
cute ideas! I've been obsessed with bows lately- much like everyone else, apparently!
Posted by: Chelsea | March 04, 2010 at 07:39 AM
Amy! FANTASTIC ideas! I'd been wanting a bow belt for a while now...and your tutorial is awesome! And now I'll be able to customize it for different outfits and colors :-)
Posted by: Jaymi | March 04, 2010 at 10:38 AM
Bows are cute :) Lovely idea to have the bows on clips for the shoes!!
Posted by: Katie | March 04, 2010 at 10:59 AM
Amy that little houndstooth is to die for, and I am in love with the toe bows! Very cute.
Posted by: pinksuedeshoe | March 08, 2010 at 12:28 AM
Amy,well written! You are real genius and too talented for us :)
You have great ideas and a you know how to make them alive! I never thought about such things, so cool and vintage.
And the best - this idea really cheap, efficient and very variable.
Thank you!
Posted by: Vintage Wedding Rings | April 07, 2010 at 07:37 PM
Hi AMy, I loved your ideas!Bows are very cute!
Thank you.
Posted by: Gabi | April 13, 2010 at 09:11 AM
Ok I have an obsession with shoes (lol) and i need to know the best online places to shop for shoes that are cute...like wedges, flats, slip ons, oh, i love polka dots...lol
Posted by: Generic Viagra | April 15, 2010 at 11:22 AM
I have been unable to find any official statistics for you, however I
have found various sites where the matter is discussed. One of these
sites has an unofficial chat room poll where 41 votes were cast. The
results of the poll seems to reflect the general situation in the UK
regarding shoes in the house.
Posted by: slimquick fat burner | April 20, 2010 at 09:45 AM
Ok I have an obsession with shoes (lol) and i need to know the best online...
Posted by: transparent laptop | April 20, 2010 at 03:37 PM
Thanks so much for writing such an AMAZING rainbowrific post over at DC! If I can ever repay the favor, do let me know, although I'm not sure I can live up to your standards!
Posted by: cheap kamagra | April 27, 2010 at 06:31 PM