Hello Holiday Lovers,

As part of our Holiday Season, we are creating DIY Holiday Gift Idea videos for your gift inspirations. Last week I took you on a tour in our NYC’s 5,000 sq ft showroom. This week Carlos and I show you how to apply an iron-on appliqué. A great gift for anyone on the holidays!

Click here for a list of materials 

Tune in next week for a look that will have you chained to our website!

Happy Holidays, Blerona

By Roseann

The thought of having to design Holiday decorations was a bit scary for me, I have to admit.  I wanted to design a décor that is not the same old boring red and green you see year after year, yet it should some how be traditional.  I was perplexed, so I began to rummage through decorations of the past.  I found a box of traditional Christmas bulbs used for decorating trees and garland and began playing with some of my favorite trims.  The trims I found work best include; all sorts of fringe from glass to leather, sequins, pleated ribbons, and cording.  The results are well, interesting.   I think the looks are funky and fun and with our Black Friday Sale on November 27th at www.MJTRM.com, I hope they inspire you to try something different.

By Roseann

I was very thrilled when M&J recently began carrying feather patches.  We have been having a lot of fun with them creating all types of accessories that fit right in with this season’s hot trend.  So, you can only imagine my excitement when I discovered the new much larger version, a 20” x 15” feather mat (style #43361-Brown/Green Iris) available by calling 1-800-9-mjtrim.  I thought this would look great on a throw pillow, and since I am currently looking to change the look of my apartment this came in just the nick of time.  Throw pillows make a great accent in any room.  By mixing colors and textures you can liven up the place and create a new ambiance with out the expense of purchasing new furniture or the timely chore of painting.

While today is a day of celebration for Cinco de Mayo, it also marks the 12^th year since the old M&J Trimming showroom in NYC caught on fire.  In 1997, M&J Trimming’s showroom was less than 1,000 square foot yet was still a favorite destination for designers and all crafters alike. 

Dreams did not end with the fire on May 5, 1997.  Instead, M&J Trimming built a newer and larger showroom.  This brought great hope for designers in the area, especially with the fashion district only a few feet away from the showroom. 

Twelve years later and M&J Trimming continues to stand strong and offer designers a wide variety of fabric trimmings from around the globe.  This popular destination has also become a favorite to celebrities who often stop by like Beyonce Knowles, Lady Ga Ga, Andre 2000, TI,  Sex and the City celebrity, Sarah Jessica Parker, Cynthia Nixon, Popular Project Runway host, Heidi Klum, Christian Siriano and more. 

By Roseann

Today embellishing is seen everywhere, from necklines to ankles.  It’s a great way to add color and a little flash to an everyday piece.  I was really inspired by John Hardy’s new bamboo and sterling silver cuffs.  Since I am not an expert jewelry crafter, I figured a leather cuff would be a great way to get the look.

 Materials:

• ½ yard of leather. Style #41165-2 Amber (1-800-9MJ-TRIM)
• Rectangular sew on jewels. Style #39982-Antique Brass (1-800-9MJ-TRIM)
• Square sew on jewels.  Style #39983-Antique Brass (1-800-9MJ-TRIM)
• Square leather sew on jewels. Style# 41332 Gold/Silver
• Oval glass beads.  Style# 38711 White/Antique Brass

 Please note that M&J Trimming offers a wide selection of sew on jewels and beads. So explore our selection and be creative.

 You will also need:

• Gem Tac glue
• 2 18mm snaps  (1-800-9MJ-TRIM)
• Thread
• Leather needle

 Instructions: 

1. Measure wrist
2. Cut Leather 2″ longer than wrist measurement.
3. Create your design
4. Using Gem Tac lightly glue down your design to the leather.  Be sure to measure and center.  I like to wait about 4 hours to allow the glue to set.  Once you feel that your jewels are adequately attached you may sew the jewels on to the leather.  I like to glue the jewels down first, I think it makes this step easier.  If you’re comfortable with sewing them without glue feel free.
5. Measure in 1″ from sides.  Center snaps in center of 1″ edge. Sew them down in a vertical position from one another.  The female piece should be sewn on the outside of the cuff and the male piece on the inside.  This will make the cuff easiest to get on and off.
6. Wear, enjoy!

M&J’s Headband Workshop

April 19th, 2009

9:30am -12:00pm

Cost: $20

Location:  M&J Trimming

Call 1-800-9-MJTRIM to sign-up

Join us on April 19th for a headband workshop.  Bring friends and family while we teach you the tips and tricks to creating some the season’s most fashionable headbands.  Seats are limited.  Please call 1-800-9-MJTRIM to sign-up or for more information. 

By Roseann

Earlier this month Chanel presented the Fall 2009 collection at Paris Fashion week. Lagerfeld stayed true to many design elements that are so classically Chanel, while adding his own soft touch. The Chanel runway exhibited an array of ruffled collars, sweet pleats, and cuff treatments. The embellished cuff really stood out to me, and I realized that this would be easy to incorporate this look into my own closet using an old shrunken jacket.

To get the look you will need:

• 1 to 2 yards of pleated lace (36194), this depends on the measurement around your sleeve, take this measurement and multiply by 4. To order please call 1-800-9MJTRIM
• 1 yard of pleated lace (2387) Use the measurement around the sleeve and multiply by 2. To order please call 1-800-9MJTRIM
• 1 yard of cotton grosgrain   Just a note that I used grosgrain to complement the material of my jacket (corduroy). M&J Trimming carries many different types of ribbon and other trims that may be used.

Instructions:

1. Begin by choosing a jacket to embellish.
2. Then take the measurement around the sleeve. I took the measurement 5 inches from the bottom of the cuff. I like the look of it when the actual cuff of the jacket is exposed.
3. Cut two pieces of the longer lace the length of the sleeve measurement. Cut 4 pieces of the shorter lace, and two pieces of grosgrain adding one inch to the measurement.
4. Next mark the cuff at desired measurement chosen. Again I used a 5 inch measurement.
5. At your markings begin to pin the longer lace down, followed by the shorter style. These two pieces may be stitched one on top of the other using a sewing machine if you prefer.
6. Hand stitch the laces to the jacket sleeve. If your sleeve is wide enough a machine may also be used.
7. Pin the another piece of the shorter lace around the cuff with the binding pointing down and the ruffle of the lace pointed towards the shoulder.
8. Hand stitch the lace to the jacket.
9. Take one side of the grosgrain ribbon and fold over ½ inch and tack down. Pin the ribbon over top of the lace to hide all bindings. Start with the raw cut end at the sleeve seam, then around the back to the front so that the finished end lays over the unfinished end and is pointing toward the back of the sleeve.
10. Hand stitch the ribbon to the sleeve at each edge of the ribbon.
11. Wear, enjoy.

Sale Sale Sale

For today and tomrrow only, take 15% off our selection of Swarovski Crystal Beads.  Create stunning accessories or embellish your garments with these dazzling crystal beads.

Swarovski Rhinestone Workshop

There’s still some time left to sign up for this weekend’s Swarovski Rhinestone Application Workshop.  The workshop is held at M&J Trimming’s NYC retail store on Sixth Avenue.  Come and join the fun as our guest speaker from Swarovski teaches you how to apply hot-fix rhinestones onto 10 different types of fabrics.  This event also includes some goodies to take home.  So come and join us this Sunday the 29th  from 9-12.  Admission is only $30.  Call 1-800-9-MJTRIM to register.  Hurry because seats are limited. 

By Dara

It looks like spring is finally here.  That means it is time to bring out your dresses and start looking fashionably sassy.   However, I know that in this economy, we can’t spend as much money on shopping as we use to.  So here is a little fashion tip for this week. 

 This season, you will see a lot of silk satin ribbon belts.  For most designer dresses, simply by adding a ribbon belt means they can also add up the dollar sign on the price tag.  So why waste the extra cash when you can do it yourself. 

 You can do a single wrap of satin ribbon along a dress you already have hanging in your closet.  However, this season you will see more of the double wraps; which typically takes about 3 yards of silk satin ribbon.  Wrap the ribbon around your waist twice and end it with a bow in the front left or right side.  Then “Ta Da”!  You’re all set for trendy day. 

This morning, M&J Trimming was featured on the Today Show with Bobbie Thomas.  As the guru of fashionable DIY, Bobbie showed us how to do some easy Spring trends with decorative suede and leather fringe.  You’ll definitely see more fringes this season. 

Click here to read the article or click on the images below to watch the segment. 

Featured Ultra Suede Fringe on NBC Today Show

By Dara

Like fashion, weddings also have yearly trends.  It seems like a majority of brides have moved on from the “brown and pink” theme to something more sparkly and free.  You’re probably wondering what I’m talking about. 

Lately, there have been more demands from Brides to embellish headpieces, gowns, and bouquets with Swarovski rhinestones, Swarovski beads and feathers; especially ostrich feathers. 

For keepsake reasons, using feathers in replacements of fresh flower bouquets isn’t a bad idea.  Designers typically shape the feathers into flowers and wrap them with Swarovski trims and silk ribbons.  This process takes much more time than putting together fresh flowers. It also cost just about the same as an elegantly designed fresh flower bouquet. 

 Register by calling 1-800-9-MJTRIM ext 300

Are you going to be in NYC on the 29th of March?  Do you like rhinestones?  Then you’ll probably want to join us at our retail store for a Rhinestone Application workshop.  Our guest speaker from Swarovski will teach you how to apply hot-fix rhinestones onto ten different types of fabrics. 

Come join us for a fun time and great supplies in your goody bag.  Hurry because space is limited. 

Looking for an easy way to jazz up that little black dress in your closet?  A simple belt with an exquisite buckle makes a great addition to a fashion classic.  Stick to a black belt, you do not want to draw too much attention to the waist. 

To get the look you will need

• 1 rhinestone buckle #40970
• 1 yard of 36mm silk ribbon #02336
• needle and thread
• scissors
• and your iron and ironing board

 Instructions:

1. Measure your waist.  This belt has no adjustment so don’t cheat or you will be holding your tummy in all evening.
2. Add one inch to this measurement and cut ribbon at this length.
3. Create ½” pleat at the top of the ribbon and press.  Ideally you want the lines to create an up right V, this is a much more youthful look.
4. Thread your ribbon through the back of your buckle, stop at 1″ and fold over.
5. Hand stitch the tab you’ve just created down to the ribbon as close the bar as possible.
6. Trim off excess, if you own pinking sheers these are ideal to use.  If not a straight cut is fine.
7. Enjoy!

By Dara

Hi everyone.  It has been a while since I last post an update on here.  There’s a lot going on at M&J Trimming right now.  If you have read Milton’s blog, then you probably already know that M&J has been pretty busy with the headband workshop held on Sundays.  We’re also going to be hosting a rhinestone workshop on the 29^th.  It’s going to be fun because we have some guests from Swarovski teaching everyone different ways to apply rhinestones. 

Speaking of rhinestones, today I made a rhinestone buckle bracelet.  Headbands are currently in trend right now and the next big thing is creating your own bracelet.  You can see my “DIY bracelet” in the image above.  It only took me two minutes to make this stunning piece.

 Materials: 

• 12 inches of 2.5mm suede flat cord
• 3 – Small rhinestone buckles with two insert loops holes on the back
• & Two minutes of your time!  =)

 Instructions:

1. Simply loop the cord through the front of one side of the buckle and then out through the other side.
2. Repeat the step above and adjust the buckle into the desired position.
3. After that, you’re all done and ready to tie the bracelet on your wrist and go out in style!

By Dara

Are you planning your special day and will be in NYC on April 1^st?  If you are, then you’re in luck.  On April 1^st of 2009, New York Weddings magazine will be hosting their annual Wedding Showcase.  It’ll be held at the Metropolitan Pavilion from 5 – 8pm.  If you haven’t bought your tickets yet, then this is a good time to do so.  Tickets are $35 for one and $50 for two. 

 At the show, you’ll be able to meet some of NYC’s top vendors including M&J Trimming.  There will be plenty of cake tasting, make-up sessions, great goody bags and more.  

 New York Weddings Showcase

Metropolitan Pavilion

125 West 18^th Street

New York, NY

 5 – 8pm

 Click here to purchase tickets.

Special Promotion

Free 8 Compartment Rhinestone Organizer

with every Swarovski Rhinestone Purchase on www.MJTRIM.com

There’s a limited availability, so hurry while supplies last.

By Milton

Ladies, it’s that time again.  This Sunday, M&J Trimming will be hosting another headband workshop.  You’ll be able to learn how to create some dazzling DIY headbands like the one I made here.  Call 1-800-9-MJTRIM to register. 

For this headband, I used a large plastic headband that I got from a local discount store.  With a 2″ wide satin ribbon, I simply covered the headband using unique stitch glue.  After that dried, I glued a beaded appliqué onto the side.  Then Tada!  It’s really that simple. 

By Dara & Lauren

Earlier today we heard the news about Filene Basement’s annual bridal gown special.  Some of you may have seen this on television a few times.  In NYC, brides started lining up outside of Filene Basement as early as 4am.  The store open up at 8am for brides, mother of the bride and bridesmaids to shop for discount dresses.  Gowns started at $250 and the highest price was $699 for a gown that originally cost $5,000.  The store was jam packed with brides trying on dresses and trying to get a hold of as many gowns as possible.  It was madness.  Some brides walked away with as many as five gowns. 

Many of the brides are stopping by M&J Trimming to sparkle up the rest of their dress with embellishments.  Now that they’ve got their dresses, it’s M&J’s turn to complete it with some stunning fabric trimming and custom designed veils.

To watch the video of what went on, click play.  On the bottom right of right of the video, you can click on the triangle and select HD to watch it in high def.

By Kristin

Maybe you’ve noticed lately that the trend for everyday fashion has been headbands.  If you are having a simple affair or something more elegant, having headbands for your Bridesmaids can be a great accessory.  I’m a huge fan of them for year round accessorizing; they go with everything and sometimes make my limp hair look full.  A headband would be great for your girls if they have long hair, curly hair, or even a short bob.  It’s a simple way to dress up the hair and coordinate the looks of all the girls.  This is the easiest project ever and would be wearable long after the wedding.

For mine I used a multi-stone beaded trim #25492 in Plum/Silver and a thin plastic headband.  Using the e6000 glue, run a line of glue about 4″ from the edge of the headband, place the trim on the glue and hold it for a few seconds.  Keep gluing small sections until you have reached the end.  Let it sit overnight so the glue totally sets, and wear!  You can also use many of the great rhinestone trims at M&J or use some of the wonderful ribbons.  You can even use this technique for a rhinestone Bridal headband.

 Materials:

• 7 yards of Metallic Tube Ribbon (36876-BCO) in white. 1-800-9MJTRIM
•  Brown Bugle Beads and Silver Seed Beads (15933-59148, 15931-18503).  1-800-9MJTRIM
• 2  ½” silver crimp tubes with loop, purchased at any craft store.
• 1 7×4mm lobster claw, purchased at any craft store.
• Invisible thread
• Size 12 needle, anything larger will not go through your beads.

Instructions:

1. Cut 10 25″ strips of metallic tube ribbon.
2. Knot one end of all the ribbon strips together, then separate ribbon into two groups of five.
3. I used cork board to pin the ribbon down, then in a braided fashion twist the two groups together to create a rope. Knot your loose ends together.
4. In the middle of your rope create a simple knot.  I created my knot a little loose and wide so that the twist is still apparent.
5. Pin the other side to the cork board so that you have created a u.
6. Once you have decided which part of the twist you want to follow begin beading.  I tied a knot at the end of my invisible thread. I then threaded my needle across the back of the rope and then once more leaving slack to pass my needle through to create another knot attached to the rope.
7. Pass the needle through the rope toward the front pass 1 bugle bead then 1 seed bead through your needle, now pass your needle towards the back.  Repeat.
8. Only bead the top of your braid. I beaded each side and then the knot individually.
9. Once you have completed beading unpin your rope.  With pliers attach a crimp tube around each knotted end.  Be sure to trim off any excess ribbon near the knot before attaching your crimp tube.
10. Attach the lobster claw to one of the crimp tubes.
11. Now go be the envy of all your friends!

By Dara

So it’s your wedding day and you’ve been on your feet for hours.  Let’s admit it, we girls enjoy looking beautiful and we’ll go almost any length for it; even if it may mean standing in high heels for more than five hours.  However, you have to keep in mind that this is your special day and you definitely don’t want to remember how much pain those heels caused you during one of your most important day. 

Here are some tips to solve that problem.  Once it’s time to get on that dance floor and have some fun, I suggest having a Bridal slipper.  You can get these slippers almost anywhere and just embellish them with some rhinestones or even rhinestone button shoe clips.  They can turn out beautiful and save your feet from torture by the end of the night. 

Also, your bridesmaids will love you if you get them some matching slippers also.  Set a small basket aside by the dance floor.  Decorate it with some ribbons and flowers.  Fill it up with embellished slippers for your bridesmaids.  Then it’s time to party the night way. 

Searching for some bridal lace and trimming?  Look no further and let us help.  M&J Trimming supplies many different types of bridal lace and trims both online and in the NYC retail store.  If there is something in particular that you are looking for and cannot find, you can call 1-800-9-MJTRIM.  M&J’s Customer Service Representatives are waiting to assist you.  We can photograph the lace that you may be searching for and e-mail it to you.  Let us help you plan your special day. 

Our next headband workshop will be on March 8th, 2009.  If you’re interested, please call 1-800-9-MJTRIM ext 377 to sign-up.  We look forward to seeing you there.

3 Day Sale!

Sale Ends February 27th

15% Off All

Ribbons, Cords, Lace & Chains!