How to Upcycle Leather Scraps Into Statement Fringe Earrings

The average crafty lady knows this scenario all too well: You set out to make a few projects, you buy the supplies, you make said projects, and then you’re left with remnants of more materials than you started with. While we certainly love our supplies to (many) pieces, there’s still nothing better than a good stash-buster DIY. These beaded fringe earrings fall right under that category, and they’re easy enough so that you can make a few pairs in an afternoon. Not only do they combine the triangle and fringe trends, but they’re lightweight, fun and total head-turners!

Materials:

  • faux leather
  • 1 ¼” eye pins
  • seed beads
  • acrylic paint / liquid gilding
  • strong craft glue
  • ¼” washi tape

Tools:

– cutting mat

– ruler

– rotary cutter

– 3-in-1 jewelry pliers

– dauber

Instructions:

1. Cut two strips of faux leather measuring 4 ½” x ¾” each.

2. Place one strip on the cutting mat. Line up the ruler so that the bottom of the faux leather hits an inch mark.

3. With the rotary cutter, create a slit starting 3 inches above that mark.

4. Using the cutting mat as a guide, move the ruler over ¼” to the left and cut another slit.

5. After two cuts, each ¼” apart, you’ll have a 3-strand faux leather fringe.

6. Place three horizontal strips of washi tape above the fringe.

7. Apply acrylic paint/liquid gilding with the dauber.

8. Once dry, peel off the washi tape.

9. To paint perfectly parallel lines on the second piece of faux leather, place it next to the first and then add the washi tape. Apply acrylic paint/liquid gilding as you did in Step 8.

10. For one earring, you’ll need three eye pins. Add seed beads to each eye pin, leaving ¼”.

11. Using the pliers, create a loop at the end of each one.

12. Connect the three eye pines.

13. Once the paint/gilding is dry, glue the middle beaded eye pin to the back of the faux leather piece. Make sure it’s about ½” from the top.

14. Fold the top of the faux leather over the beaded eye pin. Let it dry for several hours.

15. Connect the ends of the beaded eye pins to an earring hook. One completed earring: check!

16. Repeat Steps 11-16 with the second painted piece of faux leather to finish up your new pair of earrings.

  1. Using a rotary cutter on the leather will give you a cleaner cut then you would get using another tool. But do make sure you’re using a self-healing cutting mat.

  2. Be sure the paint is completely dry before pulling off the washi tape. That way, those lines will be super straight and exact.

  3. The awesome thing about these earrings is that they’re extremely easy to customize. For a completely different version, try using small beads other than the seed kind – whatever you have stashed away! You can also use faux leather in different colors, or even alternate between paint colors for an eye-popping medley of stripes.

How do you use up extra materials? Tell us about your projects in the comments below!

(Styled photos by Haruka Sakaguchi of The Denizen Co.)

Before you toss those food scraps on the compost pile (or in the trash bin), take a peek at all of the clever ways that they can be repurposed. From peels to cores, poultry to produce and everything in between, these 14 awesome upcycled food recipes help you make the most out of your groceries and make your meals feelbrand new. It's a smart move that's just as good for the Earth as it is for your wallet. Oh yeah, and they taste great too!

Upcycled Food Recipes To Make In 2024

Bacon Fat: The crisp slices may be the real star, but the bacon fat is nothing to just discard. (Plus, tossing it down the drain or in the trash can't be good for your home's plumbing or the environment, right?). It adds a subtle smokiness to this yummy bacon jam, but you can also use it as a popcorn topping!. (via Brit + Co)

Citrus Peels: Turn your favorite peels into marmalade with this easy recipe. Spread it on toast for breakfast or use it in a dessert — it's just that versatile. (via Brit + Co)

Pumpkin Seeds: We can hardly keep track of all the ways pumpkin seeds and guts can be repurposed. Stirring them into puppy chow is a great option for those who enjoy theirs a little sweeter. (via Brit + Co)

Apple Peels: You'll love sipping on homemade apple peel bourbonas a spicy, warming alternative to the usual flavored vodka and “fiery" store-bought selections. The sweet, autumnal notes mean it's just as good enjoyed neat or in a hot toddy. (via Food52)

Leftover Bones: Whip up a batch of brodo or this delicious creamy chicken, mushroom and green chile soup the next time you roast a chicken and pick it clean. (via Kitchen Sanctuary)

Chard Stems: Yeah, we can pickle chard stems for a sour afternoon pick-me-up. Not feeling something so puckery? Toss them on the grill instead. (via Bon Appétit)

Broccoli Stalks: Use the florets in your next stir fry, then transform the stalks into tasty baked fries like these broccoli stem fries. Dip 'em in chimichurri tahini for the ultimate snack. (via What's Cooking Good Looking)

Carrot Tops: If you buy fresh carrots with their tops, don't let them lop them off at the register. Instead, transform the fronds into a lovely pesto for roasted carrot soup. (via Cravings in Amsterdam)

Potato Peels: Crispy potato skins get an apeeling makeover when roasted, especially when sprinkled with cheese and scallions. (via The Kitchn)

Fennel Fronds: A pinch of fennel frond salt adds a subtle anise flavor anywhere it's sprinkled. (via Chew Town)

Apple Cores: Simmer apple cores and peels with a little sugar in a big pot of water to make an easy, no-waste apple juice. (via Inspiration Kitchen)

Papaya Seeds: You'll enjoy the interesting peppery taste papaya seeds lend this sweet and spicy watermelon blueberry salsa. Consider this the ultimate addition to the Memorial Day picnic. (via The Healthy Foodie)

Kale Stems: Kale stems are pretty tough to chew, but blending them in your next post-workout smoothie takes care of that issue, no sweat. Plus, when whirled with strawberries and banana, you'll hardly even know they're there. (via The Roasted Root)

Almond Pulp: If you make your own homemadealmond milk, it probably pains you a bit to just toss all the pulp you get after straining. Happily, it can be used to make grain-free cinnamon and peanut butter almond pulp crackers/cereal and more. (via The Edible Perspective)

What are some of your favorite hacks for turning trash into treasure, edible or not? Share your earth-friendly ideas (about upcycled food and more) with us on Twitter and follow us on Pinterest for more food inspo!

This post has been updated.

College and high school graduations are just around the corner, and you may be wondering what to get your favorite Gen Z grads. Luckily for you, we compiled a list of 15 fabulous graduation gifts for every price range that are guaranteed to put a smile on your graduate’s face!

Set of 4 Meal Prep Containers

Who doesn’t love pretty Tupperware? Whether your 2024 grad is a gym rat or a library lover, they will definitely find a good use for these air-tight, leak-proof containers.

Benevolence LA New Beginnings Scented Soy Candle

Send them off with this sweet-scented candle that celebrates their achievements, as well as the next steps ahead of them!

A Hundred Other Girlsby Iman Hariri-Kia

This book is like a modern day Devil Wears Prada, and would make the perfect gift for any grad going into journalism, media, or PR — especially if they’re moving to a big city.

Stanley Quencher H2.0

Hydration is key for anyone, especially a new college student that's running between classes, club meetings, and friend hangs! This tumbler will also keep their liquids cold overnight so they don't have to go down the dorm hall in the middle of the night for a fresh refill.

Dagne Dover Mila Repreve® Recycled Polyester Large Toiletry Organizer Bag

If you're sending off a high school grad to communal dorms, they'll definitely benefit from having a compact toiletry bag like this one. This style is particularly nice since it's made from recycled polyester that resists water and debris.

2024 Daily Planner

Using a planner is such an underrated way to stay organized, whether it's prepping for college coursework or adulting stuff like work events, grocery shopping, and plans with friends. This all-in-one daily planner will help your grad keep their ducks in a row with fields for all of life's details.

Honeywell Mini Cool Mist Humidifier

This humidifier, made especially for small rooms and personal spaces (ahem, dorm rooms!) helps maintain humidity levels between 40-60%, which can help relieve congestion and keep the throat and nasal passages hydrated to prevent sickness. This is crucial for soon-to-be college students who may hang around a lot of different people.​

Fresh Sends Flower Bouquet

Flowers are a staple for any major life event, especially a graduation! Fresh Sends is perfect for sending beautiful bouquets for those who live far away, since they ship directly to the recipient's door.

The Beast Mini Blender

This super-effective, high-power portable blender is the perfect size for a dorm room or small apartment, plus it's very aesthetically-pleasing even if it's just sitting on the shelf. It comes equipped with a screw-on lid and straw, too, so your grad can take it on walks and in the car.

Béis The Sport Backpack

Perfect for grads on the go, this bag can hold their water bottle, phone, wallet and so much more when they're trekking across campus.

Loop Quiet Equinox Earplugs

These design-forward earplugs are multipurpose – they block out extra noise for study sessions and sleep time, or even loud parties and concerts! Your grad will appreciate that they come with an easy-to-carry case for keeping them on-hand in unforeseen, noisy situations.

Crush Your Goals Inner Truth Affirmations Deck

For an extra dose of motivation, this 40-count deck of cards will keep them going when times get tough!

Keurig K-Mini Single-Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker

Coffee will ​always ​be a part of any new grad's life. Keep 'em caffeinated with this convenient coffee maker that's compatible with K-Cups for everyday ease.

Hoka Clifton 9 Sneakers

Hokas are undoubtedly the cool girl of running shoes, and they will definitely make your grad hit the pavement smiling, no matter if they're stepping foot on their college campus for the first time or making big moves in a new city.

Great Jones The Starting Lineup

This trio of cookware is such a stylish way to give your recipient's post-grad kitchen an upgrade. All three pieces are oven-safe and dishwasher-friendly to make cleanup a breeze.

Find all of the greatest gifts with Brit + Co!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.

Have you been looking for those perfect, staple diamond earrings? Or perhaps a fun, statement necklace? Maybe even a diamond band for an upcoming wedding? Well then I have the best news for you: Mejuri has 15% off all of their diamonds this week! Yeah, you read that correctly.

We've got you covered with anything you could need whether it be pearl diamond huggies, a simple diamond necklace, or an everyday gold diamond ring. These diamonds will only be on sale for a couple more days you better click "checkout" ASAP!

Shop Mejuri's Diamond Jewelry Here!

Pave Diamond Gold Ring

This diamond gold ring is listed at number one because it is oh-so-stunning! Made up of 14k solid gold and 181 single cut diamonds, this piece is sure to be a timeless investment you keep for years to come. It was originally $848, but it's now on sale for $721! That's over a hundred dollars off! You'll definitely want to grab this deal while you can.

Mini Baguette Diamond Necklace

This beautiful single baguette diamond necklace is sure to be a stunner! It's made of solid gold and a natural diamond. It says on their website, "14k gold will not oxidize or discolor, so you can wear your jewelry every day." Longlasting and on sale; we love the sound of that!

Lab Grown Diamond Tennis Bracelet

This lab grown diamond tennis bracelet comes in both gold and silver so you have the option of either for a different look. It's definitely an investment but if you were looking for an authentic diamond tennis bracelet to last you forever then this is it! And it's 15% off with a discount of $300 off its original price.

Pave Diamond Croissant Ring

Can you say, "oui oui yes please"? This croissant ring is french perfection! This dome ring is the perfect accent to your ring collection and would look phenomenal with a thin ring stack to go with it.

Large Pave Diamond Round Necklace

Diamond encrusted necklace anyone? It's a stunning piece perfect for everyday. I love jewelry you don't have to worry about turning if you leave it on in the shower and this is one of those pieces made of 14k gold! Available in gold and silver.

Boyfriend Bold Bar Bracelet

I adore this bar bracelet with its chunky chain links. I think it would look great paired with a bracelet stack of other mixed metals. This one is also $70 off right now at only $424 — originally $498.

Zodiac Charm Necklace

Want something that commemorates your zodiac while also happening to be the perfect, quirky statement necklace? This necklace has diamonds and is made of solid gold so it won't wear or show any signs of discoloration.

Lab Grown Diamond Stud 0.5

A much needed diamond stud will stay in your jewelry box forever! These lab grown diamond studs are an everyday piece and worth the investment. These hardly ever go on sale so take the discount now!

Diamond Eternity Band

Looking for a wedding band for an upcoming ceremony? Or perhaps looking for a beautiful diamond gift for yourself? This eternity band is beautiful and classic, with diamonds encircling the band and coming in gold or silver. It's the perfect piece to pair with your engagement ring, or even a stack of other rings.

Pave Diamond Soft Charlotte Ring

This might be one of the coolest pieces we have on this lift. The Soft Charlotte Pave ring has single cut diamonds encrusting the shape periodically. It's so interesting and almost vintage-inspired. Adorable!

Linked Diamond Necklace

I love this necklace as a classic twist on a simple stud necklace. I love the intertwining rings and think this would look so cute with a tennis necklace stack. Definitely a classic and listed at $424 off on $498!

Toi et Moi Diamond Ring

Ranking number 1 on my own personal wishlist, I think this discount toi et moi ring is TOO cute! It's got a chunky, funky feel that gives your outfit a little more flair — the perfect statement piece in your jewelry collection.

Pave Diamond Pearl Huggies

If you're looking for something classy and cute, then we have the perfect pearl huggies for you! These are only $326 and made of 14k gold with stunning pearls and natural diamonds. Grab your best little black dress and some heels, and you'll be tres chic!

Sign up for our newsletter for the latest trends!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Lead image via Mejuri.

I have such a love/hate relationship with haircuts. While I love the feeling of a fresh look as much as the next girl, I hate having to spend $100+ for a simple cut and blow dry session. During my recent trim, I talked with my hairdresser, Jack Rehak of Jack’s Hair Design in Hinsdale, Illinois, about ways to keep a haircut looking new and best practices for keeping hair healthy. Here's what he had to say!

Here's How Often You Should Cut Your Hair, According To Professionals

Photo by cottonbro studio/PEXELS

I’ll admit it — it had been eight months since my last haircut. My hair had lost its shape, my layers were nowhere to be found, and my ends were begging for mercy. Life got busy over the last few months and I was neglecting my haircare like never before.

My hairdresser could immediately see that I was beyond due for a cut and said I needed to get more taken off than I was hoping. I was definitely disappointed — I'd been working on growing out my hair for a while now, and it just felt like my hard work had completely gone to waste. He explained that getting consistent haircuts is the key to growing out healthy and strong hair, rather than letting it grow and grow until it eventually breaks. So let's dig into the top three things you can do to avoid this scenario!

1. Just Get The Dang Haircut

Photo by RDNE Stock project/PEXELS

Also avoiding a haircut like I was? You might want to schedule one at your nearest salon. Like my stylist said, when you wait too long between trims like I did, you risk your hair becoming heavy, dull, and lifeless. When the hair is dry or even dead, it’s nearly impossible for it to hold a curl or style, essentially collapsing on you and taking on more and more heat damage all the while. I know the pain of spending time on a blowout only for it to fall minutes later — it’s the worst.

According to Jack, getting a haircut every 10-12 weeks is the best time frame or your ends will pay the price. Between blow-drying, curling, straightening, sun, and weather, our ends get dry and start to break without the proper care. Getting consistent haircuts allows hair to bounce back, shine, and perform the way we want in a healthy way.

2. Leave-In Conditioners Are Your Friend

Photo by cottonbro studio/PEXELS

His top piece of advice to keep your hair looking and feeling hydrated between trims? Invest in conditioning treatments. Jack swears by the Olaplex conditioning system, specifically the No 3 Hair Perfector. Made with patented OLAPLEX Bond Building Technology™, this conditioning treatment repairs and prevents damage in as little as three minutes. No 3 promises to reduce breakage and visibly strengthen hair, so it’s the perfect assistance to keep ends fresh between cuts. Another conditioning treatments I’ve used and loved for years is the Moroccanoil Intense Hydrating Mask, which is designed to restore moisture, elasticity, and shine to dry hair.

3. Switch Up Your Shampoos

Photo by Karolina Grabowska/PEXELS

Switching shampoos frequently is a pretty hot tip that I honestly hadn't thought of. Our hair gets used to the same products and grows tired of them, resulting in lackluster locks. Jack’s advice is to switch brands after finishing every bottle of shampoo to bring life back to your hair. Have two brands that you’re loyal to? Even switching back and forth between them after every bottle should make a big difference in your hair. I’m a huge fan of the R+Co Dallas Biotin Thickening Shampoo, which makes my hair look thick and full, as well as the Moroccanoil Hydrating Shampoo, which is so hydrating and gives so much shine.

Photo by cottonbro studio/PEXELS

In the end, navigating your back-and-forth relationship with haircuts often feels like a rollercoaster ride between wanting that fresh look and cringing at the receipt. Luckily, by using conditioning treatments and switching up your products,, you can keep your locks healthy, shiny, and full of life between trims. But take a newly learned lesson out of my book: don't let your ends pay the price for procrastination and just book the haircut.

If you need some more hair inspo and advice, be sure to sign up for our weekly email newsletter!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Header image via Nataliya Vaitkevich/PEXELS

With Mother's Day around the corner, it's time to celebrate moms of all kinds, and step moms deserve some special recognition, too! If you're grappling with finding the perfect gift that expresses your love and gratitude for your step mom, these 20 gifts are the way to go. This curated list of thoughtful step mom gifts for Mother's Day will get you going on a gifting kick and make any step mom's heart swell with joy and appreciation. 💓

Rinna Beauty Larger Than Life Lip Plumping Oil

The glossiness of this lip oil alone will feel like a total gift! One swipe using the soft, sizable wand delivers a sheer tint of color, all while encouraging plumpness and moisture with its peptide formulation.

The Larger Than Life Lip Plumping Oil from Rinna Beauty comes in 5 other shades for $24 on Amazon.

Anthropologie Faye Planter

For the step mom with an undeniable green thumb, this decorative purple planter from Anthropologie makes repotting process super fun! Dotted in adorable outdoor creature and plant motifs, the pot is not only practical, but looks good, too. It measures about 8 inches in diameter to fit a variety of small house plants.

The Faye Planter is currently on sale for $31 (was $44) for a limited time.

Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Cotton Checkered Throw

She's gonna want to live in this cozy throw blanket 24/7. It's crafted from a blend of Barefoot Dreams' CozyChic material and a light cotton for added breathability. The light, neutral checkered pattern makes it the perfect match for any space!

This stylish throw, made to last a lifetime, goes for $148 from Barefoot Dreams.

DedCool Room & Linen Spray

Think of this spray as an instant refresh for any bedroom, bathroom, or living room, supplying a saturated scent of bergamot, vanilla, and amber. It's also compatible to spritz on sheets, blankets, and pillows to create a soothing atmosphere every time your step mom comes home!

The DedCool Room & Linen Spray comes in two other scents for $40.

Compartés Mother's Day Chocolate Flowers 20-Piece Truffle Gift Box

When all your other gift ideas fail, there's nothing wrong with chocolate! This truffle box is perfectly elevated to give as a standalone gift – it's impressively decorated and seamlessly packaged for a memorable Mother's Day treat. Some of the spring-inspired flavors included are: raspberry rose, lavender, poppy seed, and passionfruit.

The Mother's Day Chocolate Flowers gift box is $60 and comes with 20 gourmet truffles.

Fig.1 Ceramide Moisturizer

This moisturizer delivers 24-hour hydration with a dense formula of peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalane, and glycerin. It has a lightweight yet creamy feel, perfect for slathering on under SPF and makeup. Your step mom's skin will absolutely soak this clinically-proven cream up, and she'll be feeling like a new woman every single time she puts it on!

The Fig.1 Ceramide Moisturizer goes for $32 and is also refillable once it's fully used up.

Little Secret Round Sunglasses

Keep her lookin' so cool with a pair of trendy sunnies! This timeless style from Free People channels the 90's and makes for chic everyday eyewear with any outfit.

The Little Secret Round Sunglasses are shoppable in 5 other colors for $30.

The Pioneer Woman 3-Piece Floral Check Ceramic Lidded Bowl Set

Your step mom's serving, baking, and cooking projects just got such a stylish upgrade! This trio of checkered ceramic bowls designed by The Pioneer Woman make every dish look stunning, plus each one comes equipped with a decorative wooden lid for convenient storage.

This 3-piece bowl set goes for $33 at Walmart.

Sand + Fog Pistachio Dream Eau De Parfum Oil

This perfume oil can be used sparingly – meaning it'll last a long time – and delivers delicious notes of pistachio, vanilla, brown sugar, and cream to make step mom smell like a total treat. She won't want to go a day without putting some on!

This perfume is $13 at Marshall's.

Versed Total Package SPF 30 Body Lotion

This body lotion is really a 2-in-1 deal: hydrating and protective against the sun. It's packed with SPF 30 to give the skin a light shield against harmful UV rays, all while replenishing moisture with a delightfully-smelling mix of cupuaçu butter and grapeseed oil. It's not sticky or oily at all!

The Versed Total Package body lotion is $20 at Target.

Maeve Buckle Slide Sandals

These trendy slip-on sandals from Maeve are the epitome of cool girl style for summertime. Your step mom will be stepping out looking so good with these as a gift! The upper is made from durable leather, while the sole is a comfortable rubber material to withstand walking.

The Maeve Buckle Slide Sandals are shoppable in 4 other colors and are on sale for $104 (was $130) for a limited time.

Chamberlain Coffee Strawberry Matcha Latte Mix

Switch up her morning routine with this deliciously sweet matcha mix from Chamberlain Coffee! It's earthy, fruity, and made with oat milk for otherworldly creaminess. All it requires is some hot water, a good froth, and from there, your step mom can customize her sip with more milk or creamer.

This drink mix goes for $19 at Target.

L.L. Bean Open-Top Boat and Tote

This classic tote bag from L.L. Bean is the perfect vehicle for carrying work essentials, groceries, clothing, and more! It can be ordered in small, medium, large, or extra-large sizes, with the option for short or long straps.

This bag comes in 11 other colors. The small size is $30 and the extra-large is $45.

Ban.do Oven Mitt Pot Holder Set

For the step mom that loves all things colorful, this oven mitt + pot holder set will bring some joy into her kitchen set-up. Both are crafted from cotton with quilted stitching and feature small loops for easy hanging.

The duo is shoppable for $30 from Ban.do.

Auburn Home 3-Piece Glass Taper Candle Holders

These funky candle holders can go together as a set, or spread out around the house for a unique touch. Bundle them with some taper candles to complete the gift!

This colorful trio goes for $25 at Marshall's.

Verloop Raffia Phone Sling

Any on-the-go step mom will appreciate this convenient phone sling for its carrying capabilities, but it's also supremely stylish! The bright colorway is summertime's perfect match, so she can take it along for vacations and outdoor outings alike. The thin shoulder strap is adjustable in length so she can find the best fit for her needs.

The Verloop Raffia Phone Sling is shoppable in three other colors for $38.

Osea Bestsellers Bodycare Set

Gift sets are always a good bet if you're stuck on what to get your step mom for Mother's Day. This luxe 4-piece set from Osea comes complete with body butter, body oil, body balm, and body scrub (all inside a cute zip bag) so she can treat herself to a full-on spa day right at home!

The Osea Bestsellers Bodycare Set is $52 (a $78 value).

UrbanStems The Parade Bouquet

Flowers are welcome any time of year, but a gorgeous bouquet like this one is so fitting for Mother's Day. With UrbanStems, you can select a specific delivery date, and your step mom will receive a fresh grouping, ready to display at home!

The Parade Bouquet is $60, with the option to add a vase for $15+.

Material Kitchen The Cloud Pitcher

Whether it's used for a batched cocktail or a big serving of iced coffee, this stylish glass pitcher from Material Kitchen is a statement piece to be reckoned with. The glass is surprisingly light for transport, and it's dishwasher-safe for added convenience after the fact!

The Cloud Pitcher comes in three other colors for $95.

Ban.do Meal Planner

This meal planner pad is *the* way to keep track of what she'll make and when she's gonna eat it. It has three lines for each day of the week, plus a roomy list for ingredients she may be missing.

This meal planner is $15 from Ban.do and has 50 sheets.

Subscribe to our newsletter for more gift guides for Mother's Day and beyond!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Image via brands.