Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Chanel Inspired Belt Tutorial

Kylie Minogue, I want your Chanel belt.  Somehow I doubt you're going to give it to me so I'm going to make my own version.

Yes, the pregnancy has gotten to my brain and I now think I'm witty :P

Left:  Kylie Minogue in Chanel Pearl & Chain Belt
Right:  My DIY version

I don't know why my mannequin looks crooked after I told her repeatedly to stand up straight.  Ok, seriously, I need to lay off the sugar and just calm down.  Breathe...

See tutorial after the jump!



What You'll Need:
  • A black belt of some sort - ideally not the typical kind where you have a large buckle and the end slides through (the added end portion may make it look clunky since you'll be adding 3 attention-getting embellishments)
  • Loose pearls preferably in cream (around 10 mm looks nice)
  • Chain (can be purchased by the yard in craft departments or in bulk at stores like Michaels)
  • 2 jump rings
  • 4 crimp beads
  • Pearl stringing material - you can use silk or something like Beadalon
  • Basic jewelry pliers

1.  Model your belt (or put it on your trusty mannequin) and determine where you want your embellishments to fall.  I decided to attach at the center buckle and then about the 3/4 mark of the belt.  If you use an open-weave belt (like I did) you won't need to do anything special.  If you are using a leather strap belt, use a leather hole puncher (like this one) to make 1 or 2 small holes for your dangle attachments.

2.  Make your measurements depending on how much dangle you want.  Start with the shortest strand and then add about 2-2.5" to each subsequent strand.  You can prototype with some ribbon at the lengths you want to make sure the dangling looks appropriate.  My dangles (to accommodate the belly bump) were 16.5", 19", and 21.5".

3.  String 2 strands of pearls - the 1st for your shortest dangle and the 2nd for your longest dangle and create small loops at each end of your strands using a crimp bead.  (See detailed instructions here)

4.  Cut your length of chain to match your middle dangle.

5.  Attach all 3 dangles (in order) to your jump ring and add to your belt in the pre-determined spots from Step 1.



And you're done!


I also want to make a chain version of a similarly styled Chanel belt but I'll save that for another day :) 

12 comments:

  1. I just adore you and your witty brain now. lol. You are so creative! I'm totally inspired now. :)

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  2. Really cute DIY! Definitely adds a nice touch to the leather belt. :)

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  3. This is adorable!! Looks almost identical :)

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  4. Hehehe, you should always eat loads of sugar before writing a blog post :) I enjoyed seeing this side of you, and as always, admiring your creativeness. Perhaps a modeling picture for us post-pregnancy? :)

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  5. Another great DIY SPG :) You're so cute LOL!

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  6. she looks gorgeous...and this is an amazing DIY!!!! thanks :)

    thelibertybelleblog.blogspot.com

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  7. What a fun project! I love that Chanel belt but your version is even better. Can't wait for the chain version ;0

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  8. Great project!

    That would look great for the curent LBD petite fashion challenge! :)

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  9. Aww, Vicky - thank you for thinking I'm "witty" and not crazy LOL :D

    Hi Jen - thanks so much! A very easy thing to replicate :)

    Laura - Thank you!!

    Cee - LOL - I was definitely in a different place when writing this vs. other posts :D Yes, will definitely model post-pregnancy. At the moment, it looks a bit out of proportion!

    Elaine - Thank you! You are so sweet!

    Leigh - Thanks for stopping by and commenting! I'm glad you like it :)

    Elle - Aww thank you! I'm going to work on the chain version this weekend :)

    Aubrey - Thank you!!

    Michelle - Thank you! I would but it looks a tad "off" at the moment LOL :D

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  10. I am LOVING this witty SPG!!! Keep going please! LOL

    And this belt idea...I wonder if I can pull it off! Love love it and your easy step by step makes someone as un-talented as myself want to attempt it :)

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  11. Annie - LOL! I think it only happens once in a blue moon but next time I won't hold back :D You are not un-talented!! You just recently did that tutorial, remember silly?

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