Summer Accessories

Summer is finally here! It’s been a pretty chilly and wet spring in much of the country, so here’s hoping for a warm and sunny summer for all of us!

With summer’s arrival, we can pull out all of those warm-weather accessories — beach towels, brightly colored cocktail glasses and the all important beach bag! Beach bags are like the wrapping on a Christmas present. You finally get to your location of relaxation and open this magic bag that has everything you need for a great day — drinks, suntan lotion, shades, a towel and a good book. And … aaaahhhhhh … relaxation.

OK, ladies … this scenario is all well and good, but we need some style in this story. So, let’s add some pizzazz to those ordinary beach accessories. Here are some ideas to incorporate your favorite hobby into your favorite summer accessories.

Beach Towel

No one wants to lie down on a beaded towel, but a beaded trim along either end would add a fabulous touch to the drabbest towel.

Find a solid-color beach towel or something with a simple design. Coordinate with a beaded trim found online or at a local craft store. Sew trim along each end, making sure to sew the ends of the trim under. Use a sturdy thread to make sure your “fab” towel lasts through all the washes.

Having trouble keeping your beach blanket down in the wind? Paint or hot-fix crystals onto smooth rocks or tiles from the home-improvement store to match your towel and use them as paperweights.

Water Bottles

I am definitely a mom who wants matching reusable water bottles for her family. But how would we tell them apart?

Create water-bottle “bracelets” with alphabet beads and stretch cord. Use accent beads in each person’s favorite color (or towel color) to fill in the remaining space. You can also make key-ring charms to attach to the water bottle’s stainless steel carabiner.

Beach Bag

This project is perfect for ultimate personalization! Using fabric paint, fun trims, ribbon and/or hot-fix crystals, you can make a simple canvas bag yours!

You can use photo fabric sheets to print your favorite photo, apply it to your bag and accent it with beads and trim. Colorful acrylic beads make fun dangles for the handles.

Sunglasses

Make your shades bling in the summer sun! Purchase an inexpensive pair of sunglasses with, preferably, plastic sides.

Apply jewelry or gem adhesive to the sides of your shades, one side at a time, of course, and attach seed beads and small metal charms. You can also decoupage your shades with magazine cutouts. Be sure to finish with a thick coat of glue or Mod Podge to keep the cutouts firmly in place.