Fabric Paper Glue: DIY Rhinestone + Leather Belt

Wander and Hunt provided me with some of the supplies used in this post.

Yesterday, I rounded up some of my favorite midi skirts, which I have conjectured will be my summer-time uniform this year. I like to wear them a little high with a shirt tucked-in. Sometimes, this combo calls for a cute little belt to jazz things up a bit. I also have what one might call a boyish figure, so it doesn't hurt that a belt also accentuates the waist line. Wander and Hunt offered up some of their lovely supplies for a project, and somehow, I immediately knew that I wanted to slap some rhinestones on a belt for something glitzy but still understated. Read on for the how-to and lots more pics.

Materials:
1.5" wide black leather strap
hole punch
2 gold button studs
craft or utility knife
oval rhinestones in red, pink, black, and light amber
E600 glue
tweezers
toothpick or skewer

After you've measured out a strip of leather appropriate for your waist measurements, punch two holes about 3/4" apart on one end, and screw on 2 button studs.

On the opposite end, punch two or more holes (depending on how adjustable you want your belt to be) just smaller than the button stud spaced about 3/4" apart. Use a utility or craft knife to cut a small slit on one side of each of the holes. This method allows the stud to slip on but not off when you're wearing the belt.

To apply the rhinestones, hold a rhinestone in one hand using a set of tweezers. With the other hand, use a skewer or toothpick to apply a small amount of glue on the back.

Beginning with the middle cluster and working your way out, use this method to affix the rhinestones to the belt in the diamond shape shown. I applied four clusters about 1" apart. You may want to adjust the number of clusters or spacing depending on your waist.

I am seriously loving this belt. I have a feeling I'm going to make myself some more variations of it. Could you see yourself wearing something like this with casual summer outfits?