All the materials, laid out on my table.

This really is an inexpensive craft. I should HOPE that you own needle-nosed pliers, chalk is usually laying around somewhere, and the studs are pretty cheap. The only thing that ups the cost is the item itself, and you can always refashion something from your closet or a thrift store. Have at it! This was a gift for my friend Naomi who is the cutest little thing you ever did see. She loves all things punk rock so I decided to have a little fun with her wardrobe staple: a black zip-up hooded sweatshirt.

Using the chalk, sketch out the design you want on your garment. Chalk is awesome because it will magically disappear (i.e. get dusted off and into the fibers to the point that you don't notice it anymore) by the time you're finished.

The design sketched out on the sweatshirt.

Okay, now set the studs. I didn't take any pictures of this step because it's pretty self-explanatory. When I bought the studs (they're Bedazzler brand) I said to myself, "Self? We don't need no stinking Bedazzler! We can set these with our own two hands!" While this is true, it's a brutal process. It's not that it's difficult, per se, just tedious. You poke the four prongs through the garment and then fold them down in the back. The prongs are just strong enough that doing it with your nails will split them. I got into a groove with the pliers after a while but it still takes ages. My pointer finger was sore by the time I was done (from holding up the studs and occasionally getting pinched). Be warned.

I hate to be anti-climactic but that's all there is. Sketch out your design, apply some studs. It's EASY. It does take a while so budget a good hunk of your afternoon to this project. Do something nice for your fingers when you're done.

The finished product. It almost looks like it came this way!

Total time spent: approximately two hours
US Dollars spent: approximately 3 + garment (18 in this case)