Quick DIY: Studded Leather Portfolio

My stash of these cone studs seems to be bottomless. I keep dreaming up project after project and I always seem to have leftovers once I'm done. I picked up this leather portfolio at Goodwill for $2 but wasn't quite sold on it. I loved the size and the texture but it needed a little something else. Naturally, I went to my usual go-to: studs.


Studding leather seemed like a daunting and painful ordeal but it went quite smoothly. I would pierce the studs row by row from one end to about halfway, turn the bag inside out, then bend all the clamps down. Less annoying repetitive motions that are usually associated with studding. Quick and easy and I'm really happy with how it turned out. Totally transformed the bag me thinks!!

Quick DIY!

I had some leftovers from the DIY studded vest I made almost a year ago, so I decided to put them on my vintage military jacket. I almost didn't buy this jacket when I found it at Goodwill for only $6 but decided to buy it just in case. It sat in my basement for months and finally decided to break it out this fall. Winnipeg doesn't usually get much of an autumn so I was thrilled when I got to wear this jacket for longer than just a week. The weather is still pretty good considering it's November, so here's hoping I'll get a few more weeks with this guy... Especially since it's now freshly studded! I'm also thrilled to announce I've really caught onto a quicker technique to studding. This took about the duration of 1 Golden Girls episode and a 1/2 episode of The Nanny.

Bloody Fingers

There is a story behind my newest DIY. While shopping in Vancouver, Stefanie forgot one of her bags in one of the trashy barstar stores we were in, so we went back in to search for it. After we had found it we found another trashy store we hadn't been in so we checked it out just for fun. Total ~*~destiny~*~ because I found these boots which were exactly what I was looking for. (and for $20 too!!) I wanted leather-looking boots that were thin so they would be easier to stud. Last time I tried studded leather I got about 4 in and wanted to die. This time it was a lot easier, but my fingers still feel like they're bleeding on the inside. Suffer for fashion though, right? Take a look! I hope it was worth all the blood, sweat and tears.



The only downside is they have ZERO grip on the bottom. My friend Lana was telling me she took a pair of shoes into a shoemaker to get industrial grip put on the bottom. Might be worth it to get a little more wear out of these. I can just picture myself sliding around on the show covered ice that Winnipeg's ground turns into in the winter months. Not a good look.

Oh, and I hope everyone had a great Christmas!

inVESTment piece

I caught the studding bug once again! Some of you might remember the cone studs I used on my backpack, which I still had quite a few of after that project. I then came across this photo...
...and knew what I had to do with them! Grabbed a denim jacket for $10 at the thirft store today and went to work. I originally ordered a bag of 500, and I was kind of surprised how quickly I went through them. I have about 15 left at the end, I guess I turned out pretty lucky. It took be a few hours here and there today but generally I can't believe it took so little time.



It originally was a jacket, but I didn't like the way the sleeves fit so I ripped them right off. Go to Studs & Spikes and order some to make your own! It really is satisfying working hard and having your project work out how you wanted it to (lets not talk about the failed projects.. there are many of those X_X)
Until next time, LOVE YOU MOTHER FUCKERZ

Watch out!

Ordered these 1 inch studs from Studs & Spikes and wasn't sure what to do with them, but my lovely friend Hillary of Dear Dukes sent me THIS PICTURE from The Sartorialist and I thought I would put my own spin on it. I think they look pretty fucking badass. Still need to beat someone up while wearing them to show how serious I am.

~back 2 skewl~

I did a joint order from Studs & Spikes with a few friends (one being the talented Kylie of Nice and Shiny, can't wait to see what she does with her 1 inch spikes :P). Shipping was a little extreme but I ordered last Thursday and I got my box of goodies on Monday. Can't beat that! I ordered a shit load of studs so I'll probably end up studding half of my wardrobe, but here is my first project.Loved these little cone studs and originally planned on putting them on the bottom of the bag a la Park & Cube but decided to go on the front flap.

My fingertips feel like they're bleeding but that's okay. Suffer for fashion, right? Also please ignore the logo on the front pocket. I was too lazy to seam rip it out when I bought it so I colored over it with a sharpie. Never got around to seam ripping it... I should probably do that...

Next two projects? THIS & THIS. On my way to Value Village now to look for a white shirt & denim jacket. My other DIY studded project is too amazing to share, but it'll be done by next weekend.

shoes news

Yuck I don't blog enough... here is some crap I've bought lately

A mere 12 days since blogging about wanting red ankle cowboy boots, I found some! Unfortunately I had to SQUEEEZEEEEE my feet into these to take the photo, so it doesn't look like I'll be keeping them for myself. :( I just had to buy them for someone else who would appreciate their beauty (Katina?)

These shoes are a bit tight too, but manageable. Suffer for fashion, right? I just loved the super pointy toes.
Both shoes were $5.99 at Value Village

Next is this sweater that I picked up at a church rummage sale for $1. I had to cut the shoulder pads out but I think it's pretty cool! I thought it was even cooler when I saw...

I've found a few Braemar by Jeremy Scott items before and I never really knew if it was the real Jeremy Scott or what. Anyone know the store behind this?

And lastly...

WHAT?! As seen on TV? I've never seen this shit before but it is clearly a knock off Bedazzler, and you know what? I'm okay with that! I've come across a few things like this in thrift stores before but I was amazed when I opened it and found...

...most of the original studs! They only come in packs of 15 so I don't know how much damage I'll be able to do with these guys but I'll definitely post any outcomes.

See ya! Oh and I guess you guys should follow me on twitter now? I don't know...