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There's obviously some artistic talent on display here but painting is one of the great ways to customize denim. You don't have to be picasso produce a colorful, abstract pattern and don't forget, there are stencils you can consider using too. Find your inner Frida Kahlo or Jackson Pollack.

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Even just customizing one leg makes these more eyecatching than plain cut offs.

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Just cut the legs off a pair of jeans and sew on lots of handkerchief points in various fabrics for a dramatic effect.

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Lots of pretty ribbons transforms a plain denim vest.

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This is actually from Apostolic Clothing but it shows what can be achieved with a contrast panel and a ruffle hem.

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Pay $34 or be inspired to copy the design and make your own.

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Just some strategically placed cut outs make a difference. Skilled seamstresses might consider filing the spaces with contrasting materials or colored fine mesh.

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Get your boho on by recycling lots of your old clothes into a patchwork skirt. Make it your own with your signature colors or specially picked edging.

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American? Shout it proud!

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This is from lovemyskirt.com but it provides great inspiration for your own project.

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Skirts made from jeans don't have to be complicated as this example shows.

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Copy this with bits of denim from any old clothes you no longer want/need/wear.

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This shows that you can use the legs of jeans to create the gores of a skirt.

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Slot a brightly colored panel into a pair of unpicked jeans and add a statement motif.

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This costs $96 on Etsy but why not try to make it yourself?

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Add some lace for a feminine touch.

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Another variation on how to use patches of denim to great effect.

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This example shows how to customize denim with different techniques on each leg.

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Sometimes, a little says a lot. Just dress up a pocket!

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This is a fabulous resource that gives you tons of ways to customize the fit of your jeans.

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What a difference a little insert of broderie anglais can make.

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This time, the legs are trimmed with broderie anglaise rather than it just being a small insert.

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If the artistic creation of #1 was out of your league, why not just go for words instead? Subject - whatever you like!

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If you need some inspiration on how to customize denim shorts, here's where to go!

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How to do your own bleach job.

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Yes there is a denim jacket in there somewhere! Boring? not!

I hope you're inspired by these tutorials or suggestions/examples of ways to customize denim and give something a try. What do you do with your old denim items? Customize or throw away?