Easy DIY embellishments take items from glum to glam

Here are some super-stylish do-it-yourself ideas that are painless to pull off: easy stick-on embellishments that give almost anything in your wardrobe or home a flair that’s beautifully, uniquely you.

Leaves of brass

Turn a low-intrigue lamp (you know, the one hiding in the corner of your family room) into the highlight of the room with custom 3-D details, using ceramics glue to attach a cascade of brass oak leaves to a moss-colored lamp base.

Tip: Before gluing, do a dry run with poster tack.

Sources: Brass stampings, from 55 cents each, metalliferous.com. Gorilla Super Glue Gel, $6.75, homedepot.com.

Stars above

The usual winter forecast: you in the same hat, every single day. Why not brighten up a basic cashmere beanie with vintage bullion appliqués (attached with fabric glue) and iron-on metal studs. Your hat and coat may be the only things people see you in for months, so this adds some personality.

Tip: To clean a bedazzled hat, dry cleaning is best.

Sources: Bullion ornaments, $3 each, tinseltrading.com. Iron-on studs, $4 for 12, Toho Shoji, 212-868-7465.

Refined vines

A plain mirror and dresser become an elegant matched set, thanks to botanical accents and chalk paint. A matte finish makes things look aged. Paint vines and furniture separately, and once both are dry, secure them using a caulk gun loaded with heavy-duty construction adhesive.

Tip: Before you paint, lay the mirror and drawers on the floor to map out vine placement.

Sources: Leaf appliqués, from $54 each, decoratorssupply.com. Chalk paint, in Paris Grey, $35 for 32 ounces, robynstorydesigns.com. Loctite PL200 Projects construction adhesive, $5, Wal-Mart.

Sitting pretty

Another reason to love removable throw-pillow covers: You can create any pattern imaginable with appliqués. For a high-traffic couch, use iron-ons. They’re backed with glue to prevent raised edges that can catch on things.

Tip: For extra insurance, add a couple of stitches where the pillows curve.

Sources: Clockwise, from top: Three-piece gold-embroidery plum flower cloth patches, $8.50 each, Lauren Trimming, 646-964-5734. Scrambled Eggs appliqués, $4 each, and embroidered star appliqués, 1  1/2 inch, $1.60 each, mjtrim.com. Layered flower appliqué, $9.50, Lauren Trimming. (Gray pillow) Simple leaf trim, $6 a yard, shinetrim.com. Trim, $25 a yard, Daytona Trimmings, 212-354-1713. Velvet pillow covers, from $30 each, potterybarn.com. Silk pillow covers, $39 each, westelm.com.

Knit wit

Transforming a cardigan from plain to oh-so-pretty is as easy as ironing or sewing on flowery fabric appliqués. For instance, adding two large beaded motifs only requires a few stitches for each leaf and petal, since sturdy mesh backing holds them together.

Tip: If you use two of the same embellishments, consider mixing things up: Sew one of the pair on upside down.

Sources: Beaded rhinestone appliqués, $39 each, mjtrim.com.

Bag of tricks

Who knew? Embroidered patches can even be ironed onto a plain leather clutch to make it pop. For a festive finishing touch, add a metallic tassel looped through the zipper pull.

Tip: If you’re worried about applying heat to a delicate or dyed bag, use leather glue instead.

Sources: Embroidered appliqués, from $5 each, shinetrim.com. Chainette tassel, $4 for four, mjtrim.com.

Happy feet

Here’s a brilliant, budget-friendly way to indulge a shoe fetish: Use leather glue to add chic details to new pairs — or older ones. Give suede pumps a vintage flourish by wrapping ornate florals around the sides and back. Or, jazz up loafers with strips of sequined flower trim between the toe seams.

Tip: Apply glue precisely with a toothpick to the edges of add-ons, so they don’t curl upward later.

Sources: Tulip appliqués, $4 each, shinetrim.com. Sequin flower trim,  5/8 inch, $10 a yard, mjtrim.com.

This story was originally published December 31, 2016 at 6:15 AM with the headline "Easy DIY embellishments take items from glum to glam."