Do-it-yourself fashion is an affordable way to create your own
unique pieces. It can also be a great way to mimic designs of high-end
designers like Burberry and Louis Vuitton. Instead of buying a bank-breaking
handbag or sweater, you can create one with a few simple tools.
DIY style can also be a fun way to update older clothing and
create something completely new. Old T-shirts can easily be made into chic tank tops and torn jeans can be styled into trendy cut-off shorts.
If you ever need help making your items, there are plenty of
blogs and videos that show step-by-step instructions. However, it can be just
as fun to learn on your own too.
There are even people who have turned their DIY ideas into a
business. Christie Kelly, a jewelry maker, is one of these people. Kelly played
with clay and beads as a young girl and, though she never had intentions of becoming
a jewelry maker, this eventually led to a brand called Ruby Girl Design.
After having two sons, Kelly chose to stay home and decided that she
needed a hobby. One of her girlfriends taught her how to make a simple bracelet
and from then on, Kelly couldn’t get jewelry off her mind.
“I found myself constantly thinking about jewelry design,”
Kelly says. As she began creating and then wearing her pieces, many people
would ask her to make something for them.
Kelly’s jewelry basically marketed itself. Before she knew it,
her pieces were in several boutiques and stores.
“Soon I was officially in business,” Kelly says. Her life
became a lot busier and managing jewelry making and two young sons became a lot
to handle. Kelly moved her business solely online. Items from Ruby Girl Design can be
purchased on Etsy, a site that houses many DIY designs.
Kelly’s jewelry is doing very well online and most of the hype still
comes by word-of-mouth. She is constantly getting inspiration from the people
wearing her pieces. “The people drive the process,” Kelly adds.
Much of Kelly’s jewelry features her hand-stamped words and
names. The items can be personalized to feature names of family members and
inspirational sayings.
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| A few of Kelly's creations as presented on Etsy. She makes everything from necklaces to earrings to bracelets. (Photo/Christie Kelly) |
The next step for Kelly is to have her own website, but, for now, she is content with selling her products through Etsy and creating jewelry
for those around her. “I love the feeling I get when I see and hear how people
love their pieces,” Kelly says.
Kelly is one of many who have turned their DIY skills into a
business. The age-old saying holds true; a little creativity can go a long way.
Looking for more
fashionable DIY ideas? Check out these blogs.
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