Inexpensive Accessories to Make - To Wear, to Gift or to Sell on Etsy

Making accessories from fabric scraps and found items can be fun and inexpensive. You do not need high cost tools or materials. All you need to do is look through your treasure box of odds and ends you thought were just too pretty to throw away but had no idea what to do with.

What treasures do you have stashed away?

If you're like most crafters, your treasure box would hold; scraps of beautiful fabric, gorgeous silky ribbon ends, snips of lace and buttons and beads. And, if you're like me, the earring that lost its mate, a pendant that lost its chain and the quirky charm that came from who-knows-where.

Now that you've got your supplies, just add needle and thread!

A favorite accessory is the flower brooch made from these scraps of fraying fabric. Add lace and ribbons and some sparkle in the form of beads and charms, secure to a pin back and you've got yourself a style statement. Give this as a gift and the recipient will remember you. Sell them in your Etsy store and your shop will sure to be a favorite.

Just follow these simple steps:

Cut strips of fabric. The width and length will determine the size of the finished product. I usually make my strips about 1/2 inch wide by 4 inches long.
Experiment with different sizes to get the right dimensions.
Lay out the strips, one strip next to the other, in a pleasing pattern, alternating colors and textures.
Determine where the center of the strip is along the length.
Using matching thread, make a running stitch down the center. Gather the stitch, pulling the strips into a pom pom. You may need to make more than one pom pom depending on how big and dense you want your flower to be.
Attach to a pin back. I recommend sewing in on for better security, but if your pin back has no holes, use a good epoxy to secure it in place.

Make your creation stand out

Just because you're using left over craft supplies, it doesn't mean that your brooch can not look elegant. One way I've found to be effective is to use monochromatic schemes when choosing the materials. Look for several shades of one color. One hot look are the naturals. Ecru, sage, tan and off-white are gorgeous together.

Add some embellishments like vintage buttons and charms. Lace and ribbons will give your piece great texture as will using several different types of fabric.

They do not have to be brooches

The finished piece can be attached to virtually anything. Sew it on to an elastic band and you've got a cute ponytail holder. Attach it to headbands. Clip it on to tote bags. Tie one on a wrapped present in place of a bow.

Just use your imagination and see if you can come up with other creative ideas.