The other day, I totally splurged.
I don’t splurge much. I have a shopping buddy I tend to splurge with when it comes to clothing, and it happens once in a blue moon. Afterwards, I’m promptly put on shopping probation by the hubster. Not-so-ashamedly, most of our spending moolah goes to the kids, or our home. But the other day I was in Loft, and I picked up this belt. I had a gift certificate, and it was on sale. But really? 40 dollars for a belt?
Once I got home and started examining it, I realized I could have made this. Though I have to admit, sometimes it’s nice not to make something…and sometimes it’s nice to rip something else off make your own version. So I decided I could make a better, interchangeable version for me, and a smaller version for Emerson, too.
Most of my Mondays are a lost cause as far as work is concerned. Aiden goes to Kindergarten and the other two are home with me. I enjoy time with the kidderoos, but lately, I’ve noticed that Emerson is more into the crafting side of things. I was feeling a little crafty myself, so I decided this would be a great project for a mother daughter dynamic duo. You could even use this for a gal’s night for crafters.
Here’s what you’ll need:
1. Elastic Trim, {when searching for it, be sure it’s something you can wear in a versatile way. I made a version (not seen here) for Emerson, and it was woven elastic per your average Hobby Lobby sewing central, dyed in pink. It actually turned out not half bad, for a four year old fashionista.}
2. Flowers + embellishments of choice {That’s where the fun part comes in.} Check your flowers in craft stores, and the jewelry section for hat embellishments (where our funky feathers came from} + make your own fancy or felt versions.
3. Your average t-buckle found in your notions section {check the width of your buckle vs. the trim you choose.}
4. Scissors, hot glue gun, felt or heavy fabric, pins + sewing machine or thread and needle {the beauty of this project is that you don’t have to own a sewing machine, just a few passes via hand stitching and tada!}
Wrap the elastic around your waist, and cut to length. Make it just a little snug, with a little give, to the point where it’s comfortable, so you know how long to make it. {don’t forget a ‘seam allowance’ (where your fabric will attach to the buckle) of about .5 inches} Cut the elastic and break out your buckle. Thread the elastic through each end, and secure with a needle and thread, or run it through your sewing machine.
**Helpful hint: don’t make a rookie mistake and have one buckle facing up, while the other faces down. Double check before you sew. Set aside
For your flowers, to make them interchangeable, just make sure each one {whether snipped from a stem, created by you, or grabbed from your latest craft store run (some of those don’t need a pin added-they already have it)} has a pin secured to the back.
Give yourself a pat on the back. You probably just made about twelve belts for the price of ONE via that other place.
The possibilities are kinda endless. After all was said and done, I noticed this is basically a wearable version of our lazy gal’s wreath. Meh. What can I say? We love some funky flowers over here.
Emerson was so proud of her creation. Don’t tell anyone, but I think we may have a future fashion designer/trendsetter in training on our hands.
Let me know if you make one-happy creating everyone!
Angela says
Sooo cute! I love it with the dresses. That green one is fab!
jessica@fourgenerationsoneroof says
Very cute idea 🙂 You are right, definitely worth making but it’s always nice to buy something fun once in while 🙂
Alexis says
This is adorable, and really easy to make. I can see it on so many of my summer outfits. Thanks!
Laura G. says
Oh my gosh. I was about to gush over the cuteness of the belt, and then I kept scrolling & saw little miss diva posing! What a doll! I am so going to make myself one of these belts!! I have a dress that has been BEGGING for one like this, and I refuse to pay what most belts cost. Cause I’m a cheapskate. Thank you for sharing!!
Sandra says
CUUUTE!!! Lately, I’m have a little flower obsession . THANK YOU 🙂
Kim says
Making one like NOW! Did you have to tea dye the elastic? It’s the perfect jute-ish color! Where did you get it from? Love!
Nicole B says
Where did you find the buckle? I’ve looked all over and can’t find any t-buckles like that! I’m wanting to add an interchangeable belt to my dress for a wedding in May (and another in June!), and this is precisely what I’ve been envisioning! 🙂
ashley @ the handmade home says
Hey! Just a standard, generic fabric store here in town. Did you search online? Try the MJ trim link in the post?
Nicole B says
I know I’ve seen them in stores before, but I’ve checked the fabric stores near me, and they didn’t have it! Also have been looking online, including MJ trim, and not finding that kind of buckle. I have finally found something that will probably work on Etsy, but it’s in England right now!
LKN says
very cute! funny thing is, i was just looking at the loft’s belts and was very close to buying the flower belts. so, are the flowers just safety pinned on?
ashley @ the handmade home says
yes, they are! just backed with a safety pin. ;}