D.I.Y.
It's A Cinch!

By Clare Tattersall, staff writer

Buckle up your style with a belt you made yourself. Pulled tight to show your fantastic figure, or slung low on your hips for attitude. Whatever the reason, you've got style! So grab your scissors, fabric, thread, buttons, and beads and show the world that you're doing it your way.

The fun thing about belts is that the options are limitless! You can use whatever you want and the results will look fabulous. So free your imagination…here is just one suggestion that could get you thinking. Remember, with creativity, there are no rules, only your own personal style.

Be Resourceful

Look around you and see what you can turn into something that says volumes about you and your environment. And speaking of environment, this is a great chance to do a little recycling!

The Metrocard belt:

1. Collect Metrocards or transit cards.
2. Measure out then punch two holes on either end of each card.
3. Take six yards of cord and measure out 12 inches. Tie a knot here.
4. Starting at the left end of the first card, thread the cord through the top of the card, pass it along the back and out through the hole at the right end. Tie a knot here to stop the card from slipping around.
5. Repeat with each card, leaving a gap (one or two inches) between them. Keep adding cards until you have enough to fit around your hips. Tie a knot and then add another 12 inches that will hang down.
6. Repeat steps 3-5 with the second set of holes on the lower side of the card.
7. For final touches, add several 12-inch lengths of cord to give more swing and attitude.

Hints:

You can use anything to make a belt. Check out your local bead store or use a single strip of fabric. Decorate your belt with buttons, beads, or your Girl Scout badges. The possibilities are as limitless as your imagination.