KLaK DIY: Tribal Inspired Hair Sticks

Here is a fun, inexpensive way to dress up a boring or drab hairstyle! A great DIY for mama or for a special, little girl in your life.

What you'll need...

• Bamboo skewers
• Paint
• Paint brush
• Glue
• Embroidery floss
• Leather scraps
• Scissors
• Tape
• Ruler

First, you'll need to trim down your skewer. Measure three inches from the flat end and use your scissors to cut off the excess. After you finish cutting the skewer you can apply one to two coats of paint. This not only will add color to the hair stick, but it will also help to seal the skewer and prevent any splintering. Allow skewers to dry.

Once paint has dried, choose the colors of embroidery floss you'd like to use and attach the ends of all colors to the flat end of the skewer with a small piece of tape. Choose your first color; while keeping the floss flush against the skewer, bring the floss about 3 inches down from the flat end and begin wrapping the floss around the skewer. Repeat with each additional color of floss, being sure to tuck in the loose strands of floss as you go. Once you reach the end, wrap with another small piece of tape and trim floss. ( It will look messy, but this will all be concealed by the end )

Next, cut your leather scraps into the shape above. Be sure to cut two pieces the same size for each hair stick you plan on making. Tape off your leather piece to create a stencil for stripes. Apply two coats of paint, peel off tape, and allow to dry.

When your leather pieces are dry, you will want to sandwich the skewer in the center of both leather pieces. It is best to use a strong holding glue. Once you have pressed both leather pieces together, with the skewer in between, clean up any excess glue that may seep out around the edges.

Your tribal inspired hair sticks are now completed!

Have fun with mixing and matching colors, add beads, and don't be afraid to experiment with other textiles, besides leather. If you happen to try this DIY, be sure to tag your pics on Instagram with #KLaKDIY

KLaKspiration

I found myself at the park today, swinging on the swings ( yes, by myself lol) and really just contemplating life and the extraordinary, and monumental risks that we SHOULD take. When I was younger, I would swing so high and never be afraid to jump off that swing because I was confident I would land on my feet. Possibly, because I had never experienced landing on my face. I had no fear! Life has tried to convince me (and you) that we should be afraid to swing the highest, out of fear that we will fall on our face and never recover. But, I am here to remind you that you should in fact swing higher and stronger than you ever have before, let go of the chains and reach for the sky and if indeed you fall on your face, it never hurts as much as you anticipate. Let go of your fear, let go of that gut feeling that's preventing you from taking a risk, it's only ever based off of the past. Ecclesiastes 11 teaches us that there is value in diligence... Get to work!!! Namaste ~ with love

KLaK DIY: Metallic Shoe

Do your children have an old pair of shoes that have seen their better days; or perhaps you are just looking for a fun, funky alternative to the shoes you find in the stores? Then this DIY should be helpful! I will show you how to transform an old dirty pair of shoes into something worth showing off!

What you'll need...

• Canvas shoes
• Tape
• Fabric paint of your choice
• Paintbrush and toothpicks
• Metal studs 

1. Wipe off any excess debris and dirt. I like using Mr. Clean Magic Erasers and baby wipes to clean the shoes and bring them back to almost looking new.

2. Use tape to mask off the areas of the shoe you do not want painted. Take your time and be careful with this step, so you end up with clean, crisp edges.

3. Paint your shoes. Apply enough layers for even coverage. After paint has dried, go back with a toothpick that has been dipped in paint to get into the small areas you weren't able to reach with your paintbrush.

4. Remove tape and touch up any areas you may have missed. If you are applying more than one color, repeat the above steps for the other sections of the shoe.

5. Determine where you would like to place your studs. Once you have your pattern laid out, push studs into the shoe until they are secure. It may be useful to use a pair of pliers for this step to push the studs completely through. The prongs of the studs should not exceed the thickness of the shoe, so you shouldn't have to worry about any prongs poking through to the inside.

Your shoes are now complete!!

If you try this DIY, be sure to tag your pics on Instagram with #KLaKDIY

The options are pretty much limitless, when it comes to designing your own shoes. Have fun with it and get creative!

* Uh-duh Disclaimer: Obviously, if these are for little children, who have the tendency to stick pretty much anything in their mouths, you may want to refrain from using the studs.

Etsy Store is Open!!!

Just wanted to announce our Etsy store is officially open! You can now purchase our designs at www.etsy.com/shop/klakdesigns!! (or click on our mini shop to the right!)

We will continue to add new pieces weekly, so please check back often! Also, be sure to follow us on Instagram @klak_designs to stay informed of new designs, sales, discounts, and some behind the scenes action!

If you are looking for specific styles and/or sizes, feel free to ask! Leave us a comment here on our blog, Instagram, and of course you can always shoot us an e-mail klak.designs@gmail.com We love feedback from our customers and strive to deliver what you desire!

Re-purposing with a Purpose

KLaK Designs is a clothing line specializing in re-purposing used materials to create unique, high quality clothing with an artistic flare. With the fashion industry having a large impact on the environment, we wanted to find a way to lessen the impact while still offering consumers high quality, stylish clothing. We hope to encourage consumers to purchase less "throw-away clothing" and invest in pieces they can wear for multiple seasons.

Samples of KLaK Designs

 Currently, we offer children's clothing with the intent of expanding to men's wear and women's wear, as we progress. Our goal is to offer everything from accessories, apparel, and shoes. KLaK Designs strives to create pieces full of detail and quality handwork, allowing our customers to individually express themselves with each unique piece they wear.

Close-up of details

Not only are we concerned with the environment, but we are also compassionate about giving back and helping those less fortunate. At least 20% of all proceeds will be donated to charity. We plan to interact with our customers for suggestions on charities to which we can contribute. So, when purchasing pieces from KLaK Designs, feel confident in knowing you are helping the environment, helping those less fortunate, and helping maintain your individual style! Our motto: Keeping the environment as fresh as your style! Feel free to contact KLaK Designs with any inquiries at klak.designs@gmail.com.