This DIY is an user request, we thought we’d take up the challenge. It was a pain in the ass trying to source the proper leather in Singapore so we had to end up ordering online. I’m pretty sure our readers overseas have better leather sources than us.

You will need:

• Leather: preferably lambskin or kid leather cause it’s softer. You really need the malleability of the softer leathers in this DIY.
• Chalk: or something you can use to mark on the back of the leather.
• Scissors: something that you can use to cut leather properly.
• Black craft wire: which is used to finish off the edges of the bracelet and hold the leather together.
• Black jump rings: Also can be used to perform tasks as above.

Mark a length of “vine” on the leather. After trial and error, we found the ideal width to be about 0.3-0.4cm, the thicker the “vine” the more unrefined it looks. We had to end up trimming it down several times. If you can manage a longer length, you could make a necklace instead.

Start marking the thorns along the length of the vine. Again, we found the thorns to be more refined if it was thinner, the ones pictured were far too thick and close together to give an ideal look that is close to the Ann Demeulemeester ones.

Rinse, repeat. You will need 2 of these vines. Cut them out and prepare for the next step.

Use the black craft wire (or black jump rings) to attach the two vines together. Make sure that the “right” side are both facing out. Begin to twist them in opposite directions (one in clockwise and one in anti- clockwise) as you would with a rope braid.

You will end up with the leather pieces looking like this. Once you’ve reached the end, secure it with the craft wire as you would with the other end.

And there you have it!

We have also decided to take it a little further and did something a little more challenging because we are masochistic like that with the same method of wrapping and twisting.

If you would like to try this out, you will need extra materials like a thin metallic hairband and also a thinner and more malleable craft wire (possibly more leather as well). We’re so in love with ours we decided to wear it out the next day. Pictures of it coming up real soon!!

(All photos taken using my new Fujifilm X100)

Feel free to comment if you have any questions!

And as a last end note:

We would like to remind ALL readers that as much as we love bringing you DIY posts, it has been disturbing to see other people copying and pasting our DIY photos on their own blog with full instructions and everything. We know you’ve enjoyed the post and would like to feature it on your blog as well but we would appreciate if you just used the first photo and then post a link to us. We do know that there are some who have linked to us but with all the photos and instructions on your own blog, there really is no sense in clicking on the link to us anymore if you think about it. Thank you for reading and we hope that with the decrease in this matter, we would be spurred to make more DIY posts.

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I love how chunky the chains are on this necklace. Anything daintier would make it too girly. This is definitely a statement necklace for the bold dressers!

My favourite piece has got to be this set of stackable rings! I have always wanted studded rings from nOir, they are so understated on their own, but add them together and they add a punch! I would expect hot pink jewellery to look tacky, but these aren’t in the least.

Other pieces include keyfobs in delightful shades of gold and pink. I could really see Nicki Minaj rocking all of these pieces!!

Available on Karmaloop

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I bought something which looked like the YSL arty ring, which I wanted to try on before deciding if I should blow a larger amount on a ring. I don’t think I’m quite suited for it? Maybe I should wear it out more often to let it grow on me first.

The other ring is a horizontal cross knuckle ring, which I had the Forever 21 version in silver.

The rings are from snefter on etsy.com. Do note I am not endorsing them, merely stating where they are from.

I’m still awaiting a ring from another store, I hope it arrives when I’m home.

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They’re still pretty decent unless you subject them to scrutiny and they’ll fit right into my extensive collection of pyramid stud accessories.

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Thoughts anyone?

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I love how belts can just jazz up an outfit or even alter and emphasize the silhouette of the body. Usually I like to go for the thick ones that emphasizes the waist. Obi belts paired with wrap tops are also an easy way to add an oriental touch to your outfits.

Clockwise from top left: Vionnet, H&M, A.F.Vandevorst, Ann Demeulemeester, Phi, Alexander McQueen, Ann Demeulemeester, Ann Demeulemeester, Fleet Ilya

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1) Abigail A. Percy Jewellery

I simply adore jewellery that is organic looking and inspired by nature. Pieces like these are bold enough for people to take notice, but subtle enough to compliment most outfits without taking the focus away from it. Accessories like this suits a wide variety of styles, and you can wear it both casually, as well as a statement piece in a formal outfit. The earrings would be a perfect fall accessory with loosely tied hair and a light scarf. It is classic and very wearable, hence earning the top spot in my list of top 5 etsy shops!

2) Moon Raven Designs

I’ll be perfectly honest here. The only reason why this is second on my list of top 5 etsy accessory shops is because it is slightly less wearable on a daily basis. Other than that, this is my personal number 1 on  etsy!

I’ve never seen any designs quite like these. They are a mix of macabre and beauty. I love how delicate and fragile these designs seem, even if they are made to resemble chameleon skulls and severed bird’s feet. These are pieces that are not obtrusive on their own, but will take your breath away upon closer inspection. These accessories will never go out of fashion and I certainly view them as being investments. The prices are actually very reasonable as well, surprisingly! If I were to get these (which will most likely happen) I will wear them with everything.

3)  BloodMilk

“Supernatural designs for the surrealist darlings”. Their shop description just about sums it up perfectly.

Look at how the sparrow claws are replicated down to every little wrinkle in the skin. On first glance, I thought the double rings were made to look like interlocking ulna and radius bones. It’s only upon closer inspection that I realized that they were in fact hummingbird skulls! I simply love how exquisite these pieces look. If I can afford to buy every single item in this store, I certainly would.

4) Anne Ardent McDonald

By now, you should realize that I have a penchant for accessories inspired by nature and human anatomy. At first glance, I wasn’t very impressed by the selection of jewellery in this store, but if there’s one trick you must learn when surfing etsy, it is to keep your eyes open. The perfect accessories could be hiding in the least likely of stores!

It’s amazing how many designs can revolve around the basic theme of the human anatomy. These unique pieces definitely earned their place in my list of top 5 etsy accessories shops!

5) Paradise Findings

I had such hard time looking for steampunk accessories until I’ve stumbled upon Etsy. Once again, these items are actually very reasonably priced for the amount of work that has obviously gone into it! With these, you can bet that you won’t be seeing anyone wearing the same accessory any time soon.

What are your favourite shops on etsy? What do you like to buy there?

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If an article of clothing is a) black, b) draped, c) accessorized with chains, you can bet your last penny that we’ll be all over it like slobbering idiots. I’ve long given up trying to be less predictable.

What amazes me if that lately, I’ve been seeing more and more tops coming with chains attached. Whichever genius thought of that should receive nothing less than an award and a standing ovation. Ye gads, no more clumsy necklaces caught in my hair! No more pressure aches from wearing necklaces like it’s mardi gras! It’s the little things that matter.

That, and the fact that I have seriously broken necklaces trying to rip it out of my hair.

• Hairband: Forever 21
• Top: Forever 21
• Accessories: Furrmuse, assorted

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hm-divided-exclusive-fall-09-collection-1

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