Intro to Bum Rolls

I know it sounds totally silly, but bum rolls are the best. I do not profess to know the whole history and such of them, but they are basically used to give your skirt some oomph.

For example, here is my behind without a bum roll.

And here it is with a bum roll.

It's like an old-school booty-pop.

For any sort of costume or skirt that requires a bit of scaffolding around the mid-section, they are the way to go. No need to make a complicated bustle skirt when you can tuck a bum roll under a pleated or gathered skirt for much the same effect, and much less hassle.

Even if you have the skill, time, and energy to make a full bustle skirt, a bum roll will still give it that extra pop that the style demands.

Best part is, they are crazy easy to make.

You will need:

• a few yards or scrap fabric (or 2-3 old t-shirts)
• scissors
• a needle and thread
• ribbon or string

You can make these a few different sizes and such, but the method remains the same. The one I am wearing wraps from the front of my hips around, with only a small section missing in the front, across my stomach. I wear it under Renaissance-style costumes. You can also make these so they just sit directly above your bottom, to go for a more Victorian look. They can be as large or small as you want.

Step one: Measure how long you want your bum roll to be.

Step two: Fold 2/3 (or 2 of your t-shirts) to this length.

Step three: Fold the remaining 1/3 so it is about 4 inches shorter. Place it on top of the longer fabric, in the center.

Step four: Roll all of your fabric together, as tight as you can, and pin in place.

Step five: Hand sew along this line, with doubled thread for strength. **It does not matter if your stitches are pretty, no one will see them.**

Step six: Sew a length of ribbon onto each end, long enough that you can tie the roll just below your waist.

Step seven: Wear and enjoy!

Hex Nut Jewellery

A dear friend taught me how to do these bracelets when I was looking for more crafty things I could do for guys, and I just adore them! They are super quick, inexpensive, and customizable.

You need:

• About 4.5 ft of cord. (I used ribbon in this example, but it doesn't hold the neat angle look as well as something like parachute cord or leather)
• Scissors
• 20 hex nuts (I used 1/4" size, from the Home Depot. Bag of 25 for like $1.50)
• Tape or a clip to hold the string in place as you braid

Step 1: Cut one 18" piece of cord and one 36" piece. (If this is for someone with an especially large wrist, go bigger. Too much is always better than too little). Fold the 36" piece in half, add the 18" piece, and tie a knot in the end. Tape to your work surface.

Step 2: Braid cord for about an inch.

Step 3: Start adding hex nuts. Add one to the side you are about to brain into the middle, keeping the nut to the outside of the bracelet. I promise it's harder for me to explain than for you to actually do! Keep adding nuts this way until you are out.

Step 4: Braid the last inch or so and tie off, making sure to leave 2-3 inches in loose cord.

Step 5: Tie tiny knots in the ends of each remaining loose cord.

Step 6: Use these loose cords and the loop at the top to tie your bracelet onto your wrist.

Once you try it a time or two, these take all of five minutes to make, but add a nifty posh-grunge look to an outfit. I like to use them for steampunk outfits, as they are an easy way to get the industrial feel. I think this look would be great as the chain for a pocket watch or something along those lines. Next time, I might experiment with painting the nuts different colors.

As always, thanks for reading, and happy crafting! If there is a certain project or genre of craft you would like to see, please comment and let me know!

Fascinators!

Everyone loves a posh little fascinator. Since the WillKate wedding, they have been a huge fashion trend. And they are super easy, fun, and versatile! So here's a quick how-to, to get you started.

You will need:

• Felt or fabric (a small scrap will do)
• A stiffening agent (I've used spray starch, iron-on interfacing, etc)
• A Needle and Thread (or glue)
• A barrette or hair comb
• Decorations (check out my instructions on how to make fancy feather decorations and some options if you want a veil.)

1. Cut your fabric into a small oval. If using interfacing, cut that to match, a half inch smaller than your fabric, and iron in the center.

2. Cut a slit to the center point of the fabric, where you want the back to be.

3. Overlap the edges of the slit about an inch (more for a stronger curve, less for a more subtle one). Sew the overlap in place.

4. If using spray starch, spray your hat now and let it dry. If using interfacing, wrap the edges of your fabric around the interfacing and sew or glue in place.

5. Attach your decorations over the sewn seam, covering it from view if possible. I sewed mine on, but hot glue or even superglue is also an option if you are not handy with a needle. (I went crazy and put on a veil and a bow and some sparkly bits and feathers)

6. Sew your barrette or comb onto the bottom of the hat.

7. Wear at a jaunty angle and bask in the glow of all the compliments you get!