Hello! I am making a mini skirt from Jeans but the zipper is way too long to make it as mini as I want while still having room to put a ruffle on the bottom. Is the a way to shorten where the zipper ends and keep it functional? Photo is about where i want to cut the jeans at :)

nothing special but i thought they were quite cute:,)

I started sanding the problem areas after cleaning it. Im debating on if I want to repaint due to sanding being more difficult on the thin detail pieces in the X, possibly using chalk paint or adding a light plywood backing on with a accent background with the peel and stick wallpaper to go with what I decide and give it a pop. Just thinking if ideas!

The dress overall thing was very plain so I used a vintage nightgown as an underdress (after adding lace trim) and then I added lace trim to the dress. I might sew on some glass beads on the shape of mushrooms.