DIY: Serape Print Shoes

If you you've taken a peek at my  blog…  you probably noticed how much I love myself some ethnic prints. I especially love it in small pops in a wardrobe and thought it would look great on the upper portion of this shoe. The steps are pretty simple and can be used on a variety of different shoe styles, maybe something that's already in your closet. Here's how...

 

Materials:
- shoes
- serape print fabric (or any print you fancy)
- e6000 glue
- scissors
- pencil
- tracing paper
- tape
Steps
1. Trace the region of the shoe you would like the fabric to be placed on.
2. Cut out the drawn pattern. Tape the pattern onto the fabric and cut out.  Remember to do a left and right side.  Using a sewing machine, sew a topstitch around the edge of the cut fabric shapes.
3. Glue fabric onto the shoe using e6000.  There you go!  Easy breezy!!  SwellMayde serape shoes!

DIY: Painted Rhinestone Necklace

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I love the idea of adding some color into my wardrobe for Spring. The easiest way to do so is with accessories. When I saw these necklaces from Tom Binns, I immediately knew what my next DIY would be. The DIY steps are simple and allow you to update a rhinestone necklace that may have been sitting in your drawer since prom.

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Materials:

Spray Paint

Scrap Paper

Permanent Markers

Rhinestone Necklace (Similar 

Here

 and 

Here)

Scissors

Masking Tape

Steps:

1. Cut scrap paper to cover areas of necklace that you do not want to spraypaint. Tape paper in place.

2. Spray paint necklace to desired color. This will give a more opaque look. Repeat steps 1 and 2 for different sections of the necklace to create a fun color combination.

3. Marker in certain sections with the permanent markers to achieve a colored, yet translucent look.

4. Easy breezy!! Enjoy your SwellMayde DIY Painted Rhinestone Necklace.

DIY: Wire Heart Ring

How beautiful is a delicate wire ring? I love stacking them together and even pairing them against opposites, like our chunkier DIY Geode Ring. With Valentine's Day just around the corner, I wanted share this gorgeous wire ring in a delicate heart shape. So perfect for gifting to your loved ones! Make one or ten!

Materials:

- 24 or 26 gauge wire - wire cutter - flat nose pliersround nose pliers - pen - paper - thin cylinder object like a sharpened color pencil

Steps: 1. Draw a small heart about the width of your finger or smaller. 2. Cut a piece of wire about 6" long. 3. Curve up one of the wire using the round nose pliers, and close it using the flat nose pliers. 4. Using a thin cylinder object (try a colored pencil... I ended using the angled portion of sharpened colored pencil, which created a smaller heart), curve the wire around to mimic the round part of the heart you drew. 5. Straighten out the the wire below the curve to look like the heart your drew. 6. Using your drawn heart as a guideline, angle the wire backwards, with your round nose pliers, where the point of the heart is. 7. Curve the wire around your finger, making sure the half heart is sideways (like photo). 8. Loop the wire through the curved loop you made in step 3. 9. Angle the wire using your round nose pliers to create the invert point at the top of the heart, then curve the other side of the heart to mirror the prior half. 10. Make a loop to create the bottom point of the heart and to connect the ring together. Close the loop using the flat nose pliers.

DIY: Polka Dot Jeans

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I am a denim fanatic and am always on the lookout for great new styles to add to my wardrobe.  When I saw this adorable pair byMarc Jacobs, I knew what my next DIY would be.  I love that he used a light washed denim with distressing; it is such a fun and refreshing take on polka dots.

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Materials:

- Mossimo distressed denim (here) - 3/4" circle sponge brush (here) - Tulip fabric paint (here) - paper plate - ruler

 Steps: 1. Add about one tbsp of water to 3 tbsp of white fabric paint on a paper plate.  I chose to water the paint down a bit to match the look of the washed out denim. 2. Mix the paint and water together and dip your circle sponge brush into the paint mixture. 3. Press the circle sponge brush onto the denim. I painted the first dot at the front side of the denim, near the belt loops. 4. Measure the next line of polka dots. Mine are about 3" apart horizontally and 1 1/2" apart vertically. 5. Continue to paint the dots all over the front side. Let dry for a couple hours, then paint the back side. Let fully dry. It is important to set the fabric paint, if you plan on washing the jeans later. Once the dots are fully dry, set the iron on medium and run across the front and back side of the pant a couple times. Remember to constantly move the iron, and not to use steam.

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DIY: Rhinestone Chain Bracelet

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I am a believer that a statement piece can really make an outfit. And with my current love of rhinestone embellishment, I wanted to create a piece of jewelry that could serve this purpose. Here, I show you how to use beautiful large rhinestones to create a chain bracelet that I have been wearing non-stop.  I especially love it paired against delicate pieces.

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Materials:

- 1 large sew-on rhinestone (similar 

here

,

 here

, and 

here

)

- 4 large jump rings

- chunky chain

- large lobster claw

- wire cutter

Steps:

1. Cut two lengths of chain using the wire cutter about 2.5 to 3".

2.  Add a jump ring to one end of each cut chain.  Before closing the jump ring, also loop the jump ring through the holes in each each of the large rhinestone.

3. At the end of one of the chains, add one jump ring.  At the other end, add one jump ring and a lobster claw.

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DIY: Studded Clear Clutch

There is something so beautiful about the minimal look of a clear clutch. I love that it also forces me to declutter my purse and only carry my essentials... absolutely the theme of 2013 for me. When I saw this beautiful style from Nasty Gal, I immediately knew what my next DIY tutorial would be.

Materials: - large paper (even use the back side of wrapping paper) - clear vinyl - button studscissorsstudse6000 glue  - bbq stick or wooden chopstick - ruler - scotch tape - sewing machine - sewing thread

Steps: 1. Cut a piece of paper: 12" x 19". This will be your paper pattern. 2. Tape your pattern onto the clear vinyl. 3. Fold the bottom piece up 7". 4. Sew the left and right side that you folded up 7". 5. The unfolded/unsewn part is the flap of the clutch. 6. Glue studs to the outside of the flap. Try putting a small amount of e6000 on a paper, and add glue to the stud using a bbq stick or wooden chopstick. The trick to keeping the stud layout very even, is it to place the ruler underneath as a guide for straight lines. Please note to keep a small area free of studs, for placement of the button stud (the closure of your clutch). I placed my 1" up, centered from the bottom edge of the flap. 7. Draw a very small X or dot onto the top layer of the clutch for the placement of the button stud. Have it located directly below the area you left without studs on the flap. It is important that these match up. Cut a very small X where you put the mark. Screw in the button stud here. 8. Now, close the flap and cut a small slit where the button stud lands. This is so that you can open and close your clutch.

DIY: Delicate Hand Chain

Last month, I hosted my very first Instagram contest (@swellmayde) where I asked everyone to post DIY inspiration that they wanted me to create a tutorial for. There were so many amazing entries, from a studded leather bowtie to embellished sweaters and shoes. It was difficult to choose the winner, but in the end, I couldn't quite stop thinking about this beautiful hand chain that @KatBerry8 posted. I love how delicate it is and that it can become the standout piece in your outfit.

Materials: - delicate chain - beads - thin beading wire - lobster claw - 4 small jump rings - needle-nose pliers - round-nose pliers - wire cutter - ruler/measuring tape

Steps: 1. Cut several lengths of the delicate chain at 1 1/4", 1 3/4", 3", and 2 x 3 1/4". 2. Take the 3" chain and loop both ends onto a small jump ring. Also loop one end of the 1 1/4" chain. Close the jump ring with the needle-nose pliers. This creates the ring section. 3. Cut a piece of wire about 6" long. It is good to use a piece that is longer than needed, so that it is easier to handle. Loop the wire through the end of the 1 1/4" chain. Then, wrap the wire around the round nose plier, with one end of the wire about 1 1/2" long, like photo. 4. Stick one side of the round-nose pliers into the wire loop you just created. Then, take the shorter end of the wire and wrap around the loop you created (at least 2 times). Cut excess wire. This video is helpful to visualize (here). 5. String about 3/4" of beads through the longer end of the wire, then create a loop with the wire and round nose pliers (like prior). String the 1 3/4" chain into loop your created. 6. Stick one side on the round-nose pliers into the wire loop, to hold it in place. Take the loose end of the wire, and wrap around the loop (at least 2 times). Cut excess wire. 7. Add a small jump ring to the end of the 1 3/4" chain. Also, loop in one end of each 3 1/4" chain. Close the jump ring with the needle-nose pliers. 8. Add a small jump the end of one of the 3 1/4" chain. then, add a small jump ring and lobster claw to the end of the other 3 1/4" chain. This creates the bracelet section.

A big congrats to KatBerry8 on winning the hand chain.  Thank you to everyone who entered!  Next DIY Inspo contest coming soon!!!

Tea Cozy DIY

I am sure at one point or another you might have accidentally shrunk your favorite sweater in the wash by felting it. Felting is a process where the fibers shrink and interlock with each-other creating a thicker, denser fabric.  Sometimes a sweater gets felted by accident but you can also do this process on your own by putting a sweater in a pillowcase or a mesh laundry bag and wash it in a washing machine on HOT with whatever soap you use for your laundry.
For felting, only animal-fiber sweaters will felt, so look for wool, alpaca, cashmere, or a blend of these.
The great thing about wool felt is it is an amazing insulator and doesn't fray, so it makes for a wonderful material to use for quick and easy DIYs.  This tea pot cozy is fun way to enjoy (and keep) your beverages hot. Make one for yourself or a bunch for personalized gifts for the tea lover in your life.
1. Take the felted sweater and fold it inside out. Then draw an outline like the one shown pictured.  You can cut both layers at once and you will end up with two pieces that resemble a house.
2. Since you flipped the sweater inside out the right sides of the sweater will be facing each other and you are ready to sew around the edges.  Sew approximately 1/4" in from the edge.
3. Once sewn, flip once more so the sewn edges are inside and the right-side of the sweater is facing out.
4. Enjoy!
Here is a great link for a similar felted project with more instructions (It's a flower)

DIY: Sequin Heart Elbow Patch

I recently looked into my closet and realized that I have more black and white striped tops than I remembered ever buying. I guess it's fine, since it really has become my uniform (here). But, so I don't have a constant "Doug" moment, I wanted to figure out a way to update them in a cute way. Thankfully, Pinterest provided great sources of inspiration. Here's how to add a sequin heart elbow patch to any top or sweater.

Materials: - striped top (here) - 3 1/2 yds sequin trim (here) - liquid stitch (here) - scissors - copy paper - pencil

Steps: 1. Fold the copy paper in half. Draw half of a heart about 3 1/4" tall. 2. Cut out the heart. 3. Place the paper heart on top of the sleeve, where your elbow would land. This should be at the center of the sleeve, about 9 1/2" from the armhole seam. Add a thin line of liquid stitch around the paper heart. Then, remove the heart. 4. Place the sequin trim on top of the liquid stitch. 5. Continue adding a thin line liquid stitch and placing the sequin trim on top until the whole heart is filled with sequins. Repeat for the other sleeve.

Halloween DIY

Having just moved into a house after years of living in an apartment, I'm looking forward to passing out candy to the kiddies in our neighborhood this Halloween. I'll be wearing this little DIY all night. Please check out the full tutorial after the break, along with suggestions on what to wear to complete the look.

Materials: - tulle - fabric covered headband - e-6000 adhesive - stem wire - thread - sewing needle - 1 1/2 yards of decorative trim (1/4" or 3/8" wide) - scissors - computer paper - black spray paint

Steps: 1.  Spray paint 2 stem wires black.  Once fully dry, twist the ends together 2 times about 1 1/4" from the tips.  Curve them like the photo to look like rabbit ears, trying your best to make the shapes similar. 2. Trace around the curved wire. 3. Add a dotted line around the tracing about 3/8" away. Cut out using the dotted line. 4. The cut out is now your pattern.  Using the pattern, cut two pieces of tulle.  Pin or tape onto the tulle if needed before cutting if needed. 5.  Hand sew the cut tulle onto the wire rabbit ears.  Remember to double knot at the end and beginning. 6.  Repeat step 5 for both ears. 7. Wrap the extra ends of the wire ears onto the headband, towards the top of the headband, about 2 1/2" apart. 8. Add a dab of e-6000 after wrapping the wire around the headband. 9. For the veil, use a piece of computer paper (8 1/2" x 11") as the pattern.  Cut one piece of tulle 8 1/2" x 11". About 1/2" from the edge, use your needle and thread to rouche the tulle. 10. Continue roughing the tulle, until it is about 3" long.  Remember to double knot at the beginning and end of sewing. 11. Using e-6000, glue the decorative trim on the tulle ears to cover the wire. 12. Sew the tulle veil onto top of the headband, in between the ears. 13.  Glue a piece decorative trim at the top of the veil to give it a finished look.  Also, if the ears feel a bit wobbly, you can add a little bit of e-6000 on the inside of headband where the wire is wrapped.  Then, add a small piece of masking tape to hold it in place.  Hold with your thumb for a minute, to lock in the glue, then let fully dry for a couple hours.

To complete the look: Try wearing a black bodysuit (here or here) or a cute fit and flare dress (here).  Then, add a black pom pom as a tail.  Follow the tutorial (here) to create a pom pom!  Enjoy!  And have a fun Halloween!!

DIY Halloween Sun Jar

Halloween is just around the corner and I am very excited to share this DIY. I wanted to push myself out of my comfort zone of fashion, and get crafty and creative. Thank you to Martha Stewart Crafts for providing a plethora of amazing supplies to get my creative juices flowing. After gathering a few inspiration ideas together, I am really happy I decided on this Halloween themed sun jar.

Materials: - Glass Jar (here) - Solar Panel Lamp (here) - Can of Frosting Spray - e6000 adhesive - Martha Stewart Crafts: Holiday II Adhesive StencilsMetallic Opaque Glass Paint in Black NickelBristle BrushesStencil Tape

Steps: 1. Apply the adhesive stencil onto the outside of the glass.  Use several different stencils to create a dynamic look. 2. Using a brush, paint on top of the stencil.  Be sure not to paint beyond the outer edge of the stencil and if using the same stencil multiple times, be sure wipe off any excess paint on the stencil before placing it onto a new position.  Do not add too much paint.  Add a light coat, then add a 2nd if necessary. 3. Carefully peel off the adhesive stentils (while the paint is still dry). 4. Cover the outside of the jar using paper tape. 5. Spray the inside of glass jar with frosting spray evenly (one continuous spray to prevent uneven look). 6. Remove the top of the solar panel lamp.  Add a bit of e6000 to each side of the solar panel base, but to not add any glue to the actual solar panel. 7. Place of the inside lid of the jar.  Let dry for at least 1 hour. 8. To give it a orange glow,  I cut a square large enough to cover the light bulb area of the solar panel lamp from a plastic Reese's candy bag and taped it in place.

DIY Supply Guide: LA

On my personal blog SwellMayde, one of the most asked questions is about where to buy supplies.  Having lived in LA most of my life, and gone to school in the heart of the LA fashion district, I compiled a list of my go-to spots for supplies.  Hope you all find it pretty handy! :)

I separated the list by areas in Los Angeles, since the stores are a bit spread apart. Note: I have only gone to their actual store locations, and have not personally purchased from their websites.  Please stay tuned for a list of online sites that I buy materials from. :)

LA Fashion District:

Fabrics: 1. Michael Levine (here) 920 Maple Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90015 Phone: 213-622-6259 Mon - Sat 9:00am - 5:30pm Sun 11:00am - 4:00pm You can find every type of fabric here at great prices.  Beautiful finds go fast. Snatch your favorite fabrics when you first eye them, because chances are they might not be there the next time go. They also carry sewing supplies and a wonderful array of trim.

2. Michael Levine Home (here) 919 Maple Ave. Los Angeles, CA. 90015 Phone: 213-689-1363 Mon - Sat: 9 am - 5:30pm Sun: 11am - 4 pm This is a great place for upholstery and outdoor fabrics, with good prices as well.  I often stop here for my vinyl and pleather.

Trim/ Jewelry Supplies: 1. Button & Trim Expo 828 Maple Ave Los Angeles, CA 90014 Phone: (213) 622-2323 Mon - Thu, Sun: 9 am - 6 pm Fri: 9 am - 4 pm I love stopping by here for trim inspiration or when I'm on the hunt for something very specific.  Fringe, lace, sequin, and beaded trim galore!

2. X Trims & Leathers (here) 811 S Maple Ave Los Angeles, CA 90014 Phone: (213) 622-8585 Mon - Sat:  9 am - 5 pm Sun: 10 am - 5 pm Awesome place for hardware, especially for accessories, such as leather bags.

3.  Athenian Fashions (here) 820 S Maple St #5 Los Angeles, CA 90014 Phone: (213) 623-1289 They have an awesome selection of jewelry supplies from beads to chains to studs.  A little pricier than other spots, but the quality is great.

4. Bead Factory (here) 810 S. Maple Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90014 Phone: (213) 624-2121 Mon - Fri 9am-4pm Sat 8am-1pm Sun closed This place can get pretty crowded, and once you check out their awesome selection of beads and chains and unbeatable prices, you will see why.

5. Beads & More (here) 800 Maple Ave Ste A Los Angeles, CA 90014 Phone: (213) 955-9000 An amazing selection of beads and jewerly materials. Slightly on the pricier side, but I have on more than one occasion found very unique beads and studs that I could not find anywhere else.

West Hollywood / Beverly Hills: 1. International Silks & Woolens (here) 8347 Beverly Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90048 Phone: (323) 653-6453 Mon - Sat 9am - 6pm Sun - 11am - 5pm Beautiful array of fabrics, especially silks and wool, a little on the pricier side.  I love sifting through their vintage fabric section.

2. Mood Fabrics (here) 6151 W Pico Ave Los Angeles, CA 90035 Phone: (323) 653-6663 Mon- Fri 9:30am - 6:30pm Sat 10am - 5pm Sun closed They have an amazing selection of fabrics.  This was my go to spot for beautiful knit jerseys and cotton shirtings.  They even receive remnant fabric from great designers like Marc Jacobs and Helmut Lang. They also have a great variety of leather.

3. Pearl Art (here) 1250 La Cienega Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90035 Phone: (310) 854-4900 Mon-Sat 9:30am - 8:30pm Sun 11am - 6pm After Mood, I would come here for all my art school needs, from paint to drawing psncils, and they offered a student discount.

Culver City: 1. Graphaids (here) 3030 La Cienega Blvd Culver City, CA 90232 Phone: (310) 204-1212 Mon-Fri 8am - 5:30pm Sat 10am - 4pm Each time other art supply stores in LA would be sold out of a certain something I was looking for, this store seemed to always have it in stock.

Westwood: 1. F&S Fabrics (here) 10629 West Pico Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90064 Phone: (310) 475-1637 Mon-Sat 9:30am - 6pm Sun 12pm - 5pm Wide array of amazing fabric selection, but slightly on the pricier side.  Also, they have beautiful trim such as laces, ribbons, and an eclectic mix of buttons.

2. Bead Source 10606 W Pico Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90064 Phone: (310) 841-2636 When I can't make it all the way downtown, this is my go to spot for all things jewelry from beads to tools.

North Hollywood: 1. Tandy Leather Factory (here) 6436 Bellingham Ave San Fernando Valley, CA 91606 Phone: (818) 763-1264 Mon-Fri 9am - 6pm Sat 9am - 4pm Sunday: Closed A bit of a drive away from LA, but I love this place. They carry everything leather related from tools to dyes and the staff is very knowledgeable.  They also offer classes to learn more about leather and leather crafting.

DIY: Chain Link Bracelet

I have been really inspired by chain bracelets lately.  Here is the first of 2 chain bracelet DIY's. When I saw this beautiful Marc Jacobs bracelet (here), I instantly knew what my next DIY would be. I love the gold chain against the elastic band. It feels chic, yet casual. Here's how to make your very own. Pretty easy peasy! Full tutorial after the break...

Materials: - elastic rope (here) - chain (similar here) - clamp (bought from Athenian Fashions) - pliers - sewing thread - e6000 adhesive

Steps: 1. Cut the 2 length of elastic rope (about 5 1/4" to 6" depending on your wrist size). Then, cut 1 piece of chain about 2" long. 2. Fold one cut elastic rope and fold in half. Loop through one end of the chain. 3. Take the two ends of the elastic and put through the loop. 4. Pull the two ends of the elastic tightly. Repeat steps 2 through 4 for the other elastic rope. 5. Hold all 4 ends of the elastic rope, add a dab of e6000, then wrap tightly with sewing thread. This will keep all the ends in place. 6. Add a small dab of e6000 onto the inside of clamp. 7. Place the clamp onto the wrapped ends. Tightly squeeze each side of the clamp using the pliers to secure the ends of the elastic rope.

DIY: Distressed Denim

I have been a denim lover practically my whole life. As a child, I lived in my Jordache and Guess jeans, and as I've grown older I've come to appreciate denim in a whole new light. It really has become my favorite canvas and I love that with different treatments and techniques, it can become something very new and fresh.

Materials: - denim jeans - sandpaper - utility knife - tweezers - cardboard

Steps: 1. Rub sandpaper several times over the area you would like to add distressing to. 2. Cut straight horizontal slits into the denim about 1/2" apart to the front side of the denim in areas where you rubbed sandpaper on. (Tip: Add a piece of cardboard inside the pant leg of where you are cutting to prevent cutting through to the backside of the jean). Once you have a layout that you like, throw the denim into the washing machine using cold water. Then, fully dry in the dryer. 3. Once it is out of the dryer, you can make the distressing look a little more natural. Using the tweezers, in areas where you cut slits, pull the indigo fibers, leaving the white horizontal fibers.

DIY: Triangle Bead Bracelet

I recently fell in love with this amazing triangle bead bracelet from Free People. Here's how to make your very own:

Materials:
- large bugle beads (here)
- triangle beads (here)
- smaller beads
- string
- thin rope
Steps:
1. Cut 2 pieces of the thin rope about 15 inches long. String both pieces through a triangle bead, leaving about 5.5 inches. Knot at both ends of the triangle bead. Loop one piece of rope through the left hole of the bugle bead, then loop the other piece of the string through the right hole of the opening. Pull all the way through.
2. Repeat for 4 bugle beads. String each rope through a triangle bead.
3. Loop through 6 bugle beads (like step 1). Then, string each rope through a triangle bead.
4. Loop through 4 bugle beads (like step 1). Knot, string both ropes through a triangle bead, then knot again.
5. Place on your wrist to check sizing of the bracelet. Then, add 2 knots, like photo, to create adjustability.  After leaving about 1 inch excess of rope, I added a single bead to each end as a design detail (this is optional). Cut off extra rope length.

DIY Patterned Notebook

I have been pretty obsessed with stationery and notebooks lately, which led me to create this DIY for Unique SF and the Summer Show in Santa Monica.  I wanted to share the easy to follow steps for everyone, especially if you couldn't make it out to one of the events.  Have fun playing with color and patterns!

Materials: - 8 1/2" x 11" Patterned Paper (here) - Colored/Patterned Tape (here and here) - Baker's Twine (here) - Hole Puncher 1/8" or 3/16" (here) - Glue Stick (or Spray Adhesive) - Scissors - 8 1/2" x 11 Copy Paper and Cardstock - Rubber Stamp (optional) (similar here)

Steps: 1. Apply gluestick all over the cardstock.  You can also use spray adhesive (be sure to wear a dust mask over your mouth and nose and be a in well ventilated area). 2. Place your patterned paper on the glued cardstock (pattern side up). 3. I used about 8 pieces of copy paper per notebook.  Fold the copy paper and the patterned cardstock in half. For a clean, sharp crease, fold a couple pieces of paper at a time. 4. Add tape to the center of the folded patterned cardstock, as a fun detail.  Cut off excess. 5. Hole punch the folded copy paper and patterned cardstock on the crease, at the top and bottom edge.  Be sure to punch the holes at the same distance each time.  The holes must align. 6. Cut a piece of baker's twine to about 16".  From the inside of the notebook, string one end of the twine through bottom holes.  Then, string the other end of the twine through the top holes. 7. Tie a knot and bow on the outside of the notebook. 8. (Optional) Apply a stamp for a finishing touch!  And you're done! :)