As winter blossoms into spring, so does the shifting fashion season. Despite my urge to substitute my current wardrobe for a closet of fresh clothes when this time rolls around each year, I have found a similar sense of novelty in recycling pieces I already own. In the spirit of new beginnings, I have provided a few ways to revamp your denim without breaking the bank on a trendy new pair of jeans.



Dye it.

Dip dying is very on-trend this season and is an easy and fun way to breathe new life into your denim. By repeatedly dipping your jeans in the dye, you can control the color saturation to achieve a gradual ombre effect. Dyes are available at most craft stores, and the color is up to you! You can even use bleach for a brighter, beachy vibe.

Stud it.

I am obsessed with anything studded and love the contrast between severe studs and a muted wash of denim. Jazz up your jeans by studding the back pockets, belt loops, or even the pant legs. Go crazy! You can probably purchase studs at your local craft store, but I just bought some on Etsy for less than $4.

Fray it.

While distressed denim often evokes images of those shabby Abercrombie jeans you wore in eighth grade, you can fray your own jeans to keep the look updated and chic. Use a razor blade to make slits along the thighs and throw them in the washer and dryer to complete the process. Rubbing sandpaper along the legs is another way to DIY your denim distress so that it looks like you’ve been breaking them in for years.

Paint it.

With the current craze of tribal trends and colorful patterns, painting your denim is a great way to add some style to your jeans or shorts. Using fabric paint, you can color block, create intricate patterns, or get wild with colors by using your brush to splatter paint.
Cut it.

A classic take on denim renovation: turning your jeans into cutoff shorts is the perfect DIY project for the approaching summer. Make sure to choose jeans that are already a little baggy, and overestimate the length of the shorts. Remember, you can always cut more, but there’s no turning back once you’ve snipped too much!

By: Kimberly Suchy | Images: Weheartit

It’s about halfway through summer vacation and if you’re anything like me, you find yourself anxious for something to fill your time. Your minimum wage job is starting to wear you down and you can’t quite handle too many more TV on DVD marathons. It’s true that summer vacation can be a great time to relax and rejuvenate, but there comes a point when too much relaxation can start to look a lot like boredom. What’s your easy solution? Pick up your paintbrush or sewing kit and fire up your creative juices with a few DIY summer crafts! Here are a few simple craft ideas to keep you occupied and to fight off inevitable summer laziness.

Tie-Dyed Towels
For a traditional look, use rubber bands to create a pattern for your towel and dip it into boxed dye. For a new look, try using simple fabric paint in spray bottles. Multiple colors will make your towel stand out at the beach or pool!

Fabric Letters
Looking for a cheap way to decorate your dorm or apartment walls this fall? Create your own fabric letters with cheap scraps and a little thread! Spell your name or inspiring words like hope, love or laugh and hang them from a rope as antique-inspired décor. Take two pieces of fabric (cut in the same letter) and simply sew them together. You can add filling or magnets on the inside as an extra touch.

Homemade Headbands and Bows
If you are tired of paying for expensive hair accessories, pick up a few pieces of cheap fabric and make them from scratch! Buy a few art deco felt pieces or fun ribbon from a craft store and super glue them to clips or simple plastic headbands. For a fun, exotic look, attach a faux flower to an elastic band using a simple pin or braid a few pieces of fun colored elastic and knot at the end.

T-Shirt Quilt
Do you have tons of extra t-shirts from your early high school or college days that you don’t know what to do with? Turn them into a cozy blanket to liven up your bed or futon! For a basic 36” x 48” quilt, choose 12 t-shirts and cut each up the sides, separating the front from the back. Cut 12 x 12 inch squares from each shirt, lay them out and arrange them into columns. After you sew the t-shirt columns together, sew the pattern onto your desired backing fabric.

Trust your artistic instincts and try creating these handmade treasures that will keep you entertained this summer and can travel with you to school in the fall! Always remember, art projects are all about what you make them- there are no right or wrong answers. Don’t be afraid to let your mind wander and your feelings and emotions take over. Happy crafting!


By Meaghan O’Connor | Photos: moxiefabworld.com, manolohome.com, youaremyfave.blogspot.com, toocooltshirtquilts.com