By Eleah

Fabric covered storage help keep your little odds and ends in order while simultaneously adding a splash of color to your space.  It’s a pretty quick and inexpensive project to undergo.  The supplies are minimal and the usefulness factor is high. 

 NOTE: The decorating method described below is merely a suggestion that happens to mimic the common design of storage boxes seen in home décor magazines.  Remember, you can also use buttons, rhinestones, Appliqués, fringe and tassels to decorate your box.  This can also be a fun project to do with a kid to help encourage putting away toys although I would suggest doing the fabric wrapping of the box yourself if your child is under the age of 12.

Supplies:

• ½ yard of medium weight opaque non-stretchy fabric in a color of your choice
• 2 yards of ¼ inch grosgrain ribbon in a color that compliments your fabric or ties into the boxes designated setting
• 1 yard of 2-¼ inch grosgrain ribbon for the inside of the box
• Scissors
• Fabric Glue
• 1 old shoebox

Making the box:

1. Lay the main compartment of the shoebox on your fabric and estimate how much you will need to wrap the entire outside of the box, adding an extra inch and a half to fold into the inside of the box.  Cut a square/rectangle from your fabric that will accomplish this.
2. Repeat with the lid of the shoebox, except measure the depth of your shoebox lid to determine how much overhang you will need to pull and glue down the fabric.
3. Lay the shoebox in the middle of the first piece of cut fabric and begin to fold into the center of the box.  Put down a strip of fabric glue on the inside rim of the box and seal down the first edge.  Go around the box wrapping in snuggly.  With the excess fabric, fold in a similar fashion as you would if you were making your bed… Consult 1950’s housewife if you don’t know how to do this. You want this to be pretty flawless or your box will look messy.  Make sure to apply glue in areas needed to hold fabric in place.
4. Repeat steps with shoebox lid.
5. Now you should have a wrapped shoebox that sort of resembles one of those TV show presents that doesn’t require actual tearing of the wrapping paper.
6. Wrap your ¼ inch ribbon around the lid of the box applying fabric glue to the ribbon as you go.  You only need a thin spread otherwise the glue will push out from behind the ribbon and look messy.
7. With the remaining ¼ inch ribbon, glue down along the raw edge of the fabric on the inside of the shoebox lid for a more professional finish
8. Repeat on the shoebox/raw fabric edge with your 2-¼ inch ribbon
9. Use any access ribbon to make bows or extra lines on the outside of your box.  This is especially useful if you are making multiple boxes and want to be able to differentiate them from one another

By Dara

Bills, bills and more bills!  They just seem to keep coming, one right after the other.  Sometimes organizing them or just simply remembering where you placed them can get difficult. 

 For example, I have a habit of opening them after I get home and throwing them on whichever table or draw is closes to me.  I guess it’s not the best habit when I have to pay the bills on time.

I finally came to the conclusion that I need some help.  So for this week’s project, I’ve decided to make a mail holder.  I wanted to buy one from the store, but it’s a lot more fun to make it myself.  Plus the one’s at the store are so dull.  

 Materials:

• White on white poster foam core board (Two posters glued together with a thin layer of foam in between the posters)

Above:  Poster foam core board

• Box cutter
• Sobo glue (Crafts glue)
• 2 ¼” of 5mm black velvet ribbon
• Bullion crest
• Square pyramid nailheads
• Velcro
• A can of Krylon’s indoor/outdoor gloss spray paint (You can get this a local hardware store)

Steps:

mail_box_sizes1 <— Here’s a pdf of the measures for the mail holder that you can print and trace.

1. Measure and trace two 2″ x 8″ on the poster foam board.  This will be for the side of the mail holder.
2. Measure and trace 4.5″ x 10″ on the poster foam board.  This will be for the back of the mail holder.
3. Measure and trace 4.5″ x 6″ on the poster foam board.  This will be for the front of the mail holder.
4. Using a box cutter carefully cut the pieces off the poster foam board.
5. Using sobo glue, glue the edge of the 2″ x 8″ onto the edge of the 10″ piece.  Repeat this on the other side as well.
6. Then glue the 6″ edge onto both of the 2″ x 8″ piece.
7. Let it dry for about five minutes.
8. Then after it dries, the mail holder should be sitting up right.  Place it on top of the rest of the foam board and trace the bottom.  This will be the support for you mail holder.
9. Using a box cutter, cut of the piece, and then glue it onto the bottom of the mail holder.
10. Now you can spray paint the mail holder any color you like.  Remember not to put too much paint because it will dissolve the foam.
11. Let it dry for about 10 to 15 minutes.
12. After it dries, you can now decorate it using the velvet ribbon to hide the edges.  Use glue to add this on. 
13. You can then also use glue to add on the bullion crest.
14. Finally, add some nailheads to the top of the mail holder.
15. Leave it dry for about 15 minutes and then add the velcro on the back so you can add it onto your wall. 
16.  Now your mail holder is all done and ready for work.  Enjoy!

M&J Trimming congratulates Pattycake & Crickett on their their commitment as life friends.  Not too long ago, puppies, Pattycake & Crickett along with their owner came strolling into M&J Trimming in search for the perfect fit for their commiitment ceremony.  As you can see we welcome all walks of life, the big, the small and cute furry puppies.  With the thousands of fabric trimming and garment embellishments in the showroom, their owner was able to find the perfect items to design their commitment outfits.  

You can watch a vedio clip of their ceremony and trip to M&J Trimming at Women’s Entertainment Tv also known as We TV. 

By Nicole Cohen

Is your home desperately in need of some high fashion glamour? Throw pillows are an easy way to punch up a room, and they can be changed at your whim. However, decorative throw pillows can be very expensive, especially if you buy more than one of them.

Now you can add that little extra something to your home at a minimal cost.

I began to notice many high end designer home stores carrying pillows adorned with many of the things sold at M&J Trimming. I improvised on the designs I saw in high end department stores and created this fun pillow for my home. This design works on any shape pillow and any color.

I made a 18 sq” silk pillow, using about 5 yards of brown 3/8” grosgrain ribbon.

The easiest pillow to sew is a simple square pillow.

Steps:

1. To make your pillow, cut two squares of fabric that are one half inch bigger than your finished pillow measurement on each side.
2. Take your grosgrain ribbon and lay it diagonally across the brighter side of one of the squares of fabric.  If you like this arrangement cut the ribbon and sew it on diagonally. Sew to the edge of the fabric, so that when you close the pillow, the ribbons will disappear into the seam. 
3. This is where the fun begins, begin to sew the strips of ribbon in as many random directions as you can. Alternate horizontal, vertical and different diagonal strips to achieve a random look.
4. When you are satisfied that the face of your pillow is striped to perfection, place the two squares so that they are on top of each other and so that the brighter side of one square faces the side with the ribbons. 
5. Sew around three sides of the fabric squares, using a half inch seam allowance. (A seam allowance is the measurement from the edge of the fabric to where you want the sewing machine to stitch the fabric.) On the fourth side of the squares, sew a third of the way in from each side. This leaves you with an open space in the middle of that side. Use that space to turn your pillow right side out.
6. At last, you are ready to finish your pillow. Stuff it firmly and then hand stitch the opening closed. Now, you can repeat the process to make a matching pillow.

You can also achieve the same look with less work by taking an existing pillow and using SoBo fabric glue to glue the strips of ribbon onto your pillow case. If you do choose to glue the ribbons on, be aware that the edges will not be as clean as the sewed in version.

Enjoy! 

The warm sun has finally arrived.  Therefore it’s time to box up those winter clothes and get ready for some summer fun.  This spring and summer expect to see more flowers on every corner.  Not only will you see those fresh roses and tulips on your neighbor’s garden, but expect to also see some fabric flower-pins on this season’s fashionable garments.  There’s no doubt that flower-pins are currently a popular must-have.  Whether you want to finish that runway piece you’re working on or simply want to embellish a garment you already have, you can now take advantage of M&J Trimming’s Flower-pin Sale!  Until June 17^th, take 10% off all purchase of flower-pins on our website at MJTRIM.com.  That includes the same flower Carrie used in her outfit in “Sex and the City” movie.  Happy shopping!

Take 10% OFF All Purchase of Flower-pins!

Sale Ends June 17th, 2008

 To help make your shopping experience even easier at MJTRIM.com, we decided to create a “New Products” category. Within this category, you’ll be able to easily find only the newest items we’ve recently added online. This category is located at the top left hand corner of the website, making it easily accessible.

Also, if you’re only curious about the new products within a certain category, then you can also click on that category and find the new product subcategory, which will display the new products within that category. For example, if you’re only interested in the new sequins on the website, then click on the sequins category. Within the sequins category, you’ll notice there is a “New Product” tab on the left side of the sequins page. When you click on this tab, you’ll be able to new only the new sequins that were added to the website.

Please check back frequently as M&J Trimming continues to make changes for a great shopping and site navigation experience.

If you’re a fan of “Sex and the City”, then you probably already heard the good news. “Sex and the City” movie is coming to a theatre near you this Friday on May 30^th. The movie premiered in London on May 12^th, and is premiring in New York City today, May 27^th. Many fans have begun lining up for the big event.

Fans have long waited for a glimpse at the girls’ fashionable wardrobe in the highly anticipated movie. Therefore, M&J Trimming has put every effort into satisfying all fans’ craving for the characters’ irresistible and inspirational style. This week, we’re giving you an early glimpse of what to expect when you head to the theatre next weekend.

 Carrie’s Style            Samantha’s Style            Miranda’s Style            Charlotte’s Style

By Kristin

In these times, most brides opt for the Best Man and Maid of Honor to hold the actual rings.  The ring bearer is now just a part of the wedding that has simply become tradition.  Usually between the ages of 2-5, it can be a nephew, son, cousin, or friend.  Why not save a little cash and make one yourself that matches your wedding style.  It could be something simple with a little ribbon and button, or a more elaborate one incorporating fine laces and silk ribbons.

Materials:

• 23″ of 1.5″ side pleated ribbon in ivory [34298]
• 23″ of 3/8″ sheer ribbon with satin edge in ivory (32691)
• 23″ of 1 3/8″ imported metallic lace (27769)
• 7″x14″ of silk taffeta fabric in ivory
• Sewing Machine, straight pins, double sided tape, needle + thread to match the fabric and the lace
• Loose pillow Stuffing

 Steps:

1. Cut two 7″x7″ squares out of your fabric
2. Lay the side pleated ribbon along one of your squares so that the sheer pleated part is going towards the center and the edging lines up with the edge of your square. Pin down.
3. Machine stitch where you have pinned.
4. Cut one 7″ piece of sheer ribbon with satin edge and lay across your other square of fabric. Pin and give a quick machine or hand stitch on each edge to hold it in place.
5. Cut the rest of your satin edged ribbon in half and line one end of each of the two pieces up with the other sides of that same square of fabric.  Give a quick stitch to hold in place.  Leave the loose ends loose; they will be used later to tie the rings onto the pillow
6. With the same square that you just stitched the ribbon onto, create another square within it about an inch from the edge.  You can use double sided tape to temporarily hold the lace down.  Hand-stitch the lace using matching thread.  You will have to stitch along both edges of the lace so it is smooth to the fabric.
7. Lay the two squares of fabric together with the wrong sides facing out.  Pin along the edges with your straight pins.  Turn the square so that the side with the machine stitching from the pleated ribbon is facing up.  Use that seam as a guide and machine stitch the two pieces together, leaving about 2″ unstitched.
8. Turn pillow form inside out and stuff little bit by little bit.  You don’t want it to be overstuffed because that will create lumps and highlight any imperfections in your stitching.
9. Hand stitch the 2″ gap and you’re done!
10. Now all you have left to do is wait for him to propose to you.

M&J Trimming is proud to announce that we now have three new categories, Sew-on, Sequins and More.  Here at M&J Trimming we strive to make a memorable shopping experience for all customers.  Therefore, we have created these new categories in order to make your search easier for when you’re in need for these specific garment embellishments. 

 Within the “Sew-on” category, you’ll notice that we have recently added new items.  We have also separated the sew-on jewels into multiple subcategories.  Whether you’re in need of glass sew-on or shell sew-on, you’ll be sure to easy find what you are searching for. 

 Our other category is “Sequins”.  For years, sequins have been quite popular on various garments.  However, its’ popularity and demands have grown tremendously within the past couple of years.  For this reason, M&J Trimming had decided that sequins deserved its’ very own category.  You’ll be able to find items such as basic sequin trims to loose sequins and sequin-decorated appliqués. 

 Last, but not least, we have the “More” category.  The title of the category may seem a bit odd and the decision did not come easily.  After months of deliberation, we decided that this category would have items such as flower pins, chains, boas and more.  Within this category you’ll be able to find unique embellishments and accessories. 

 We hope that the new category will assist in making your search easier when you’re looking for these items.  We’ll keep you updated with more changes coming soon. 

By Dara

There are certain days when it seems as though the world is moving at the speed of light.  Therefore, sometimes it’s nice to just sit back, relax and enjoy some quite alone time.  For millions and myself, quality time lying in bed or on a comfortable couch with a good book sounds pretty nice, especially on a cold rainy day. 

 This week, I’ve decided to put together a nice bookmark.  I tend to lose my place so this will come in handy.  I used a thick colored stock paper.  Using scissors, I cut off 2″ x 7″.  Then with a hole-punch, I punched the top middle of the paper.  With some cute shell buttons, I was able to embellish my bookmark.  I also found a cute artwork and glued that onto the paper using gem-tac glue.  Keep it mind that the bookmark should be light.  That’s the main reason why I chose shell buttons for decoration.  I then tied a black tassel through the hole at the top of the bookmark.  To finish it off, I glued two ¼” grosgrain ribbons to the back.  My ribbons measured 1 yd long, but yours can be as long or as short as you like as long as it is longer than your book. Remember not to use too much glue when you make yours.  It’ll end up wrinkling the bookmark and make it too heavy.  When using the bookmark, you can tie a bow at the end of the ribbon.  Then tada!  You’re all ready for your relaxing day!