Elevate Your Style: 3 EASY DIY Upcycled Accessories

Are you looking to add a personal touch to your wardrobe? In today's fast-paced fashion world, everyone wants to stand out. Creating your own accessories is a fantastic way to express your individuality. DIY accessories allow you to showcase your creativity while recycling old pieces into something fresh and trendy. In this post, you will discover three exciting projects to help you personalize your style, along with helpful tips for incorporating these handmade treasures into your everyday outfits.

Project 1: DIY Upcycled Accessories: Statement Earrings

I combined 2 old pairs of earrings I was no longer wearing to create this fun statement pair!

Materials Needed:

• Old jewelry (broken necklaces, earrings, etc.)

• Earring hooks or studs (if needed)

• Jump rings (if needed)

• Pliers

• Hot glue gun or E-6000 (much stronger bond but takes 24 hours to cure)

• OPTIONAL: Decorative elements (beads, feathers, etc.)

  
  

Making stunning statement earrings from old jewelry is easier than you think! Here’s how to upcycle your old accessories and create a bold pair of earrings:

1. Gather Your Materials: Begin by collecting old jewelry pieces you no longer wear. Look for broken necklaces, unused earrings, or any embellishments that catch your eye.

   
   

2. Plan Your Design: Lay out your pieces and think about the design you want. For example, you might combine vibrant colors like turquoise and pink to create a lively look that complements a casual outfit.

   
   

3. Assemble the Earrings: Use pliers to detach ornate pieces from the jewelry any chains or hooks that won't be utilized. Once the layout is determined, clean any items that need cleaning then attach the decorative elements with glue. Rough up surfaces that will be glued to one another with a nail file. Next, glue with E-6000 at bring together the various components.

   
   

4. Let It Dry: Allow the E-6000, which provides a permanent connection, to sit unbothered for 24 hours. Clip all elements together with a rubber band or place under a book to aide in the adhesive connection.

   
   

5. Hook or Stud?: Once dry, if using hooks you will probably need a jump ring to be the connector between the new earring and the hook. Just twist the jump ring open at the slit and slide on the hook and the earring then twist the jump ring closed until its flush. If this is a pair of studs, use E-6000 to attach the stud pins to the back of the earrings.

   
   

6. Rock Your New Earrings: Wear your eye-catching creations out and prepare for compliments!

   
   

   Here's a video of my process:

   
   
   
   
   
   

Project 2: Fabric Wrapped Bangle Bracelets

Fabric Wrapped Rope Bracelets photo credit: ThriftnistaInTheCity.com

Materials Needed:

• Fabric scraps (if you don't have fabric, old t-shirts, scarves, etc. will do)

• Scissors

• Ruler

• Hot glue and fabric glue

• Rope (approximately 1 foot per 4 bangles)

  
  

Fabric bracelets are soft, colorful, and easy to make! If you want to carry a piece of your favorite old t-shirt or scarf, here’s how to create your own:

1. Choose Your Fabric: Search through your fabric scraps and pick colors or patterns you love. A bright floral fabric can bring a summery feel, while darker tones work well in the fall. I'm a big fan of African prints and love it as a way to pay homage to my culture.

   
   

2. Cut Your Strips: Using a ruler, cut your fabric into bias strips by cutting on the diagonal. This will give you the most stretchy and pliable grain of the fabric. Aim for about 1 wide. The length doesn't matter because you will be able to add the next strip as each strip runs out.

3. Measure your Hand: Although the bangles will sit at your wrist, you want to be sure that you can take them on and off so measure your circumference of your hand at its widest point which is right at your thumb joint. Cut your rope at this length.

4. Secure the rope: Hot glue the ends of your rope together to form rings for each bangle. Allow to dry for 10 mins.

   
   

5. Apply Adhesive: Cover the wrong side of the first fabric strip with a moderate coat of the fabric glue, not too heavy, just enough to coat it. Starting at any point on the ring, wrap the fabric over the rope, overlapping itself each time by 1/4" until the fabric runs out. Start the next strip by over lapping the last by 1/4" and continue until you reach the beginning of the rope again, overlapping the first fabric a bit then cut away the excess.

   Repeat for each bangle.

   
   

6. Wear Your Bracelets: Stack multiple bracelets for a fun layered look or wear a single one for a subtle accent.

   
   
   
   

Project 3: Personalized Brooch with Found-Objects

Unique brooch with personalized charms

Materials Needed:

• Chain necklaces (store-bought or repurposed)

• Charms (beads, pendants, or small found objects like keys and puzzle pieces)

• Jump rings

• Pliers

• Oversized gold-tone safety pin (here's one with pearls!)

  
  

Personalizing your brooch with charms adds a unique touch. Here’s how to do it:

1. Select Your Chain: Start with a simple chain necklace. You may already have one you love or purchase a new one for this project. Layer more as desired.

   
   

2. Adjust for Length: If needed, adjust the chain length for your desired fit by using your pliers to remove any of the chain as needed.

   
   

3. Collect Your Charms: Look for charms that reflect your personality. These could be anything from sports-themed beads to small photos or meaningful trinkets. For example, using a tiny toy or a key that has a special place in your heart or a charm in the shape of your favorite flower can make the brooch even more special.

   
   

4. Secure the Chains: Twist open your jump rings with the pliers and slide 1 jump ring through a link in your first chain then twist the jump ring back closed. Open the pin and slide the jump ring onto the pin allowing the chain to dangle. Twist open the next jump ring and slide it in another link in the chain a few inches away and then twist that jump ring closed and slide it onto the open pin. With your next chain, twist open 2 jump rings and slide them through links in the chain but before closing the jump rings, first attach them to the open pin so that they are layered on top of the first chain. Do this until you have as many chains as you'd link. Be sure to twist every jump ring back FLUSH to close or they will fall off.

   
   

5. Add the Charms: Using jump rings and pliers, attach each charm to the chain. If the object already has a hole in it like a key would, just twist open the jump ring and slide the object onto the ring then loop the jump ring onto your chain before twisting it back shut. If the object does NOT have a hole, like a puzzle piece wouldn't, use an awl or hole puncher to create a whole just big enough to slide your jump ring through. Experiment with different arrangements, ensuring that the final look is visually appealing. Close the pin.

   PRO-TIP: If you don't want your chains to glide back and forth of the pin, put a drop of

   E-6000 between the jump rings and the pin and allow to dry.

   
   

6. Show Off Your Creation: Pair your personalized brooch with a simple outfit, allowing it to stand out.

   
   

Unleash Your Creativity in Community

DIY accessories are an dope way to showcase your individuality while supporting sustainable fashion through upcycling. And if you'd like to complete more fashion projects like this within a community of like-minded, stylish creatives join us at ECO-FASHION LAB--an online community for people who love to make what they wear!

Tips for Incorporating Handmade Accessories into Your Everyday Looks

Now that you've created your custom accessories, how do you blend them seamlessly into your daily style? Here are some tips:

1. Mix and Match:

Be bold and layer your handmade creations with your store-bought favorites. Combining different styles can lead to visually striking results.

2. Keep It Balanced:

If you wear a bold piece like statement earrings or a chunky necklace, consider pairing it with more subtle clothing. This approach helps your accessories take center stage.

3. Express Yourself:

Handmade accessories offer a fantastic way to demonstrate your personal style. Whether you prefer bohemian, classy, or eclectic looks, let your creativity shine when putting outfits together.

4. Seasonal Adjustments:

As the seasons change, adjust your accessories accordingly. Bright colors and floral patterns are great for spring, while rich, deep tones suit fall perfectly. Your handmade pieces can transform your look seasonally.

5. Wear with Confidence:

Each homemade accessory reflects your personality and creativity. Wear them proudly, as confidence in your style is key to truly elevating your look! With these projects and tips at hand, you are well on your way to making a personalized wardrobe that truly reflects who you are.