It’s been a long very chilly Chicago winter, and I guess it isn’t over yet…

Though I’ve tried my best to keep stay occupied indoors there just isn’t a replacement for day out in the sunshine. So in the spirit of “spring cleaning” it suddenly dawned on me that it was time to give my studio a re-organization! While sorting through the heaps of fabric and drawers and bins of trims, paint and random bits of costume jewelry I realized that my collection of odds and ends, though neatly labeled and tucked away was threatening to consume me. So I made a resolution not to purchase any unnecessary items until I have used at least half of what I have already collected.

My obsession unfortunately is not limited to just handbags, it’s jewelry, and shoes and headbands, wrist cuffs…who am I kidding? it’s all of it and clothes! So here is a peek into some fun DIY Fashionjenn Accessories I’ve been working on:

Layered Pinky Necklace

This necklace was made with several pieces of chain I had left over from handbags and a vintage rhinestone bracelet. The charms were made using some scraps of the heavy duty coated nylon that I use to line my handbags. (I discovered that it makes a wonderful base for beads and crystals, it’s smooth against the skin and the edges don’t fray!) I added some black tulle and a few sequins and pink plastic gems.

Sculpted Black Rosette Collar

Lavish Peacock Neck Plate

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Beaded collars are one of my absolute favorite accessories, they can make even a plain white t-shirt look stunning. And when paired with that simple black cocktail dress stuffed away in the back of your closet it’s a wonderful way to get a whole new look with a simple piece of jewelry.

The sculpted black collar was made using the black coated nylon, it’s lightweight and very comfortable to wear and is embellished with sculpted rosettes, black sew-on gems and lots and lots sequins.

The peacock neck plate is covered with feathers,tulle, gems, beads and sequins. It’s also very lightweight and looks so lucious with a simple strapless dress or low v-neck tee.

Gem & Snakeskin Necklace

This piece was made from a leftover scrap of snakeskin printed leather, I was drawn to the shape of the scrap and added a vintage rhinestone bracelet that was missing part of it’s clasp, a few sew on gems in a pewter color and a few other bits to add some sparkle. The connecting pieces are a vintage necklace and some left over chain which adds just a little extra element of interest.

I’m not even a quarter of the way through my pile of leftovers…but hey, it’s a start!