My friend Vivian and I got super crafty the other day. She taught me how to make photo transfers, a cool way to collage. Here are the steps for you to DIY your own creations!

What you’ll need: Paper, some old magazines, Matte Medium (any kind, we used Mod Podge), a cheap brush, scissors, markers, a glue stick, and something to smooth out the magazines with (a bone folder or a popsicle stick).

1. Cut out the photos that you want to use for your collage. Decide which ones you are going to do the photo transfer with, and which ones you will glue overtop.

2. Take the photo that you want to transfer, and apply the Matte Medium with the brush on the side that you want (It will turn out as a mirrored image). Smooth out the brush strokes with your finger to make them disappear.

3. Place the side with the Matte Medium down onto the paper, and smooth it out with the bone folder or popsicle stick.

4. Let it dry for a few minutes, then peel it off all in one direction. It may take a few tries to get it right, and some magazines work better than others, so do a few test runs!

5. Let the photo transfer dry, and then glue images and draw on top. Get creative!-alyson

Inspired by my all time favorite Disney character, Minnie Mouse, I gave my red Authentics a much needed makeover. They’ve been through a lot, so it was the least I could do. This Spring, it’s all about the polka dots. They’re cute, feminine, and fun to mix with other patterns… if you can’t tell, I’m rather obsessed. 

Here’s what you need for this simple DIY: a pair of Authentics, white paint (you can use acrylic, gauche, or fabric paint), a paint brush, a pencil, water bottle cap, and 4 yards of lace ribbon.

• You were probably wondering why you would need a bottle cap since it’s a bit random, but it will actually come in handy as you trace circles on the shoe.
• Once you’re done tracing circles, use the paint to fill them in. 
• Depending on the thickness of your paint, you may want to add a second coat.
• Let dry for a few hours.
• After they are completely dry, lace your ribbon through the eyelets.
• Tie them in a pretty bow, and you’re good to go.

Got a cute DIY idea with your Vans? Instagram your project with the hashtag #VansDIY  -brittany

Ran into Carla at an art show this past weekend, and couldn’t help but notice not only her cute cropped top, but her AMAAAZING Classic Sk8-Hi’s. Hm…I may have to do a DIY on a pair of these. -brittany

                                          DIY: Flower Headband

It’s not a secret that flower headbands are a trend right now.  They were spotted everywhere at Coachella, and are the new accessory for models and celebrities.  I decided to put my own spin on it and make a DIY for you guys- they’re so simple and only take about 10 minutes to make.  Create your own so you can wear them to all of your spring and summer festivals! -alyson

This weekend, I sort of went on a stud binge. Downtown LA has THE best deals when it comes to studs, so of course I couldn’t help but get myself a hundred…or a thousand. [If you don’t live in LA, try these] Thus I embarked on giving my classic black slip-ons a little bit of a makeover. This DIY project is rather easy, and it’s something you can certainly do at home. Studs have been trending hard these past 2 years, so whether you’re a total rebel or just a girly girl dabbling with the edgier side of fashion, you can be sure you’ll gain several compliments on your new studded out Vans.

Here’s what you’ll need: A pair of your favorite Vans, scissors, a pencil, your choice of studs, and your music packed phone or MP3 player… because this project is one that may take awhile.

• Once you have all the necessities together for your studding session, time to get started by using your pencil to mark where you’re looking to place each stud.

• After you’ve decided on each studs placement, go ahead and stick those suckers into your shoes. Depending on your Vans, you may have some difficulty piercing the shoe with the studs…that’s where your scissors come into play. Gently pierce tiny holes into the shoe. Be careful you don’t stab yourself, though. I had to learn the hard way. If you have an exacto knife that can work as well. 

• Now you’ll notice that at the end of your stud, there’s about 4 spikes that bend easily, which secure the stud into the fabric. You’re going to want to take the end of your pencil, and press down firmly on each one so that it bends inward.  

• 4 hours and 50 songs later, you’ve got yourself a sick pair of shoes that no one else has! 

If you are digging this DIY project, post up your shoes on Tumblr, and hash-tag it #VANSDIY. Let’s see what you’ve got! -brittany

We are adding a new blog contributor this week! Meet Brittany Wood from LA, she will be joining Alyson and Amanda writing for this blog. Learn more about all the girls on our ‘about’ page, or browse by author in the left side menu. Look out for Brittany’s first post later today, she’s got a cool DIY coming your way. 

Vans Surf’s Leila Hurst and I got together to chat about her recent contests and make this DIY video to show you how to make your own board bags. If you don’t surf, don’t worry! We gave you a few other options too. -amanda 

                 

I’ve been feeling very crafty lately, so here’s a DIY I made, embracing the ear cuff trend. Super simple and super cute.  Get creative and Create Your Mark! -alyson

Loving this cute & simple DIY chain headpiece tutorial from Jennifer, more details and finished photos can be found on her blog ArtInOurBlood. Also check out her cute outfits under her lookbook tab. -amanda

Yesterday we spent the afternoon up to our elbows in Rit Dye, while dyeing 200 pairs of boardshorts for our store windows. I couldn’t resist tossing a pair of Sk8-Hi’s into the buckets too. You’ll be able to buy some items like the boardshorts, that come solid white with packs of dye soon. -amanda