Easy DIY Projects

Aloha! Lily O Lei here. Its been a while and I missed you. I have two easy DIY projects that are fun and functional.

The first of the easy DIY projects is how to make a simple body harness. I have made a few simple body harnesses out of colored elastic for costumes and wanted to share. Body harnesses are a great way to enhance your act and of course your body. I like to use the same type of elastic that you can make the tangle free hair ties out of. I find great options on Etsy and usually order 3-5 yards. I also just found a great velvet stretch option with a little ruffle that is super cute and looks really fancy. I like to use ribbon or elastic with a stretch since I am making a simple harness with no adjustable hooks or straps. I prefer to hand sew but you can use a sewing machine or fabric glue if you prefer.

What you will need:

• Measuring tape
• Needle & thread (or sewing machine)
• 3-5 yards of elastic
• Scissors
• Sewing pins
• Optional – appliques, rhinestones

To start- draw out your design or you can drape on your dress mold.

Double check your measurements by first measuring your body (ie, waist, thighs, arms) Keeping in mind the elastic will stretch so it doesn’t have to be exact (which works better for me and means it is harder to mess up 🙂)

I like to start with the first strap just under my boobs going all the way around my torso. Add a pin to hold in place.

From there you can decide how the top will look. You can add straps over both shoulders, or a “V” shape around your neck. Keep pining the elastic were you want it.

Next, I will measure my waist, pin that to size & length.

From here I like to make a garter style harness, with the leg straps hitting right below my booty. Always a good idea to enhance the derriere . Extra bonus is you can attached a pair of stockings if you wanted. I measure around the thickest part of my upper thigh to make the garters.

I then attach them to the waist belt, boom garter belt.

You can attach the top harness to the garter harness by cutting shorter strips around the waist or just a few, its up to you.

Have fun and be creative, you can always make changes and adjustments.
Once you have your body harness laid out and pinned together, time to put it together. Using a needle and thread, sewing machine or even fabric glue, attach the elastic together. A few stitches or a bit of glue is all it takes. As you complete the sections remove the pins.

And Voila !!

A custom hand made body harness. You can add appliques, rhinestones, whatever yo want make the statement that you want. It’s Burlesque, do what you want! Sparkle and Shine Lovelies, cant wait to see what you create.

BONUS DIY: Cabaret & Cocktail Cocktail Tray

Do you have extra flyers and posters from past shows stuffed in drawer not seeing the light of day? Do you like to serve cocktails to your guests and look fancy? Here’s the second of the easy DIY projects just for you!!

Find a cocktail tray, grab some glue and pull out those flyers/posters. You can make a collage with multiple flyers, stickers, posters or just add your favorite poster to the bottom of the tray. Add 2 to 3 layers of clear drying glue with a paint brush to add a water protective layer and BOOM.

All done.