Mother's Day bracelet gifts of personality.

I'm a little behind on doing my posts, so this particular topic will seem a bit past due. :P

I have some lovely friends that I work with and several of them happen to be lovely mothers too. Since Mother's Day was coming up and I wanted to do something for each of them, I thought of my jewelry.

Each girl had their own design, as they each have their own style!

This was for Janus. She is a bit more traditional to me, and more down to earth. I thought it was a good design to not be too girly, but still have a nice feel.

This was for Mendy who is a big fan of yellow and flowers. Thought it would be bright and lively, as she is both those things.

Tanya is a bit mellow (not by much), but very girly. I wanted to express both those ideas. Also she has a big love of purple, which I think fits her more mellow nature.

Jess is a very earthy themed lady. She likes vibrant colors and traditional looks. Great combo!

Each girl was very happy with their gifts. I just wanted to give a little bit of each back to them. Their personalities are so different, but mix so well together. I love it!

Key Ring Gem Necklace

Key ring gem necklace

Supplies:
*diamond gems in deep blue
*diamond gems in light blue
*diamond gems in light purple
*clear, or white, seed beads
*Key ring pendant
*bead wire (.18mm in white silver)
*Lobster claw
*jump ring (1) (white silver)
*clamp beads (3) #1 (white silver)
*half inch of small link chain (white silver)
*needle nose pliers
*clamp pliers
*wire cutters
*Measuring tape

*Tip 1- Plan It Out* As with all jewelry designs I laid out the design on my bead board before I started doing anything. Had to try out different style gem stones to see which one matched best, as I did not buy any of the beads at the same time. This also includes making sure the clasp and clamp beads match the color pallet.

*Tip 2- Measure* Always measure for each project to make sure the lengths that fit best are correct. This is important when making items for other people. Once you have done them enough times you will know the required lengths and can skip this step.

Steps:

- Measure out the length of bead wire you will need to fit around your neck comfortably and then give yourself about 2 inches to loop back through at the ends. Use wire cutters to cut correct length.

-Take a pair of need nose pliers and open a jump ring. Slide the jump ring onto the end of the lobster clasp and close the jump ring.

*Tip 3- Tight Loops* Try and keep the loop as tight as possible to keep from having a big gap. This can be done by holding one end of the bead wire with a needle nose pliers and then taking the other end of the wire and pulling it tighter. Keeping it tight keeps the wire from rubbing. This is also why using a jump ring to attach to the clasp is important, as the wire attached to the jump ring is not going to move around much if its pulled tight.

 - Take a clamp and thread it on the bead wire; then slide the bead wire through the jump ring attached to the clasp. Loop the bead wire back through the clamp bead and then use the clamp pliers to clamp the bead in place. This should allow for a loop to hold the one end in place. (see *Tip 3*)

-Thread on the gems in the order of the design you picked ahead of time (see *Tip 1* ).

-Once you get to the middle of the length you determined (see *Tip 1*) slide the pendant on and continue with the pattern.

-Continue this until you have the length you determined earlier. (see *Tip 2* )

*Suggestion 1* Doing one clamp bead at the end to make sure everything stays tight and then another to create the loop is NOT required. You can choose to use only one clamp bead, just be sure to keep the beads together tightly enough to not end up with large gaps when you wear it. I do it for both ease and strength. Beginners can do this until they get better at re-threading the closure clamp.

*Tip 4 - Consider Material and Purpose* You must always be aware of the type of give and strength your supplies have or you could end up with breaks, scrapping, and no flexibility. The heavier the wire the less bend and flexibility it has. String the beads too tightly together and some will rub together and break. String them too tightly and the beads will bunch and not bend well around your wrist. Some times you need to allow for "give room" with bracelets in order to get the bracelet to wrap.

-Once you have finished your design for the length, slide on a clamp and use the clamp pliers to secure it in place. (see *Suggestion 1* and *Tip 4* ) (set aside for a second)

- Use your needle nose pliers to create a half inch length of chain.

 - Grab your wire again. Take another clamp bead and thread it on first, followed by the half inch long chain you just created. Then thread the wire back through the clamp. Now tighten the wire until you have a small loop. Be sure that the chain link stays in the loop you create. Use the clamp pliers to close the clamp when you have the loop the size you want. (see *Tip 3* )

-Take a wire cutters and clip off the extra wire as close as possible to the last clamp bead. (If you didn't use two clamp beads you can do this next part.) If the wire is bend-able enough and the bead holes are big enough you can thread the extra wire back through the beads instead of cutting it.

-That will finish off the necklace.

Purple Lace

Supplies:

*Lobster Claw Clasp
*2 large jump rings (to match chain)
*needle nose pliers
*Lace covered chain set (Purchased from Michaels)
*Measuring tape

*Tip 1- Plan It Out* As with all jewelry designs I laid out the design on my bead board before I started doing anything. Had to try out different style gem stones to see which one matched best, as I did not buy any of the beads at the same time. This also includes making sure the clasp and clamp beads match the color pallet.

*Tip 2- Measure* Always measure for each project to make sure the lengths that fit best are correct. This is important when making items for other people. Once you have done them enough times you will know the required lengths and can skip this step.

*Tip 3 - Consider Material and Purpose* You must always be aware of the type of give and strength your supplies have or you could end up with breaks, scrapping, and no flexibility. Use large items if you think the smaller version will not allow for flexibility. (i.e. large jump rings over small/medium ones)

 Steps:


-Take a pair of needle nose pliers and open a jump ring. Slide the jump ring onto the end of the lobster claw clasp. Then slide both ends of the chain. Close the jump ring.

- Take a pair of needle nose pliers and open another jump ring. Slide the jump ring onto the ends of the other side. Then close the jump ring. This is what the lobster clasp will connect to.

  -At this point everything should be connected and you have a finished bracelet.

Very simple project, as it was pretty much put together for you. I like finding these random items in the sale section, or clearance spots.

Gems and Pearls in Purple

This is a very simple project and just a nice bracelet to wear whenever. Nothing fancy or special, but still cute!

Supplies:

*Strand of Pearls and Gems
*bead wire (.18mm in silver)
*Bubble clasp
*jump rings (2)
*clamp beads (3) #1
*needle nose pliers
*clamp pliers
*wire cutters
*Measuring tape

*Tip 1- Plan It Out* As with all jewelry designs I laid out the design on my bead board before I started doing anything. Had to try out different style gem stones to see which one matched best, as I did not buy any of the beads at the same time. This also includes making sure the clasp and clamp beads match the color pallet.

*Tip 2- Measure* Always measure for each project to make sure the lengths that fit best are correct. This is important when making items for other people. Once you have done them enough times you will know the required lengths and can skip this step.

Steps:

- Measure out the length of bead wire you will need to fit around your wrist and then give yourself about 2 inches to loop back through at the ends. Use wire cutters to cut correct length.

-Take a pair of need nose pliers and open a jump ring. Slide the jump ring onto the end of the clasp and close the jump ring.

- Take a clamp and thread it on the bead wire; then slide the bead wire through the jump ring attached to the clasp. Loop the bead wire back through the clamp bead and then use the clamp pliers to clamp it the bead in place. This should allow for a loop to hold the one end in place.

*Tip 3- Tight Loops* Try and keep the loop as tight as possible to keep from having a big gap. This can be done by holding one end of the bead wire with a needle nose pliers and then taking the other end of the wire and pulling it tighter. Keeping it tight keeps the wire from rubbing. This is also why using a jump ring to attach to the clasp is important, as the wire attached to the jump ring is not going to move around much if its pulled tight.

-Thread on the beads and gems in the order of the design you picked ahead of time (see *Tip 1* ). (Or just restring the pattern that was on the strand when you bought it.)

-Continue this until you have the length you determined earlier. (see *Tip 2* )

-Once you have finished your design for the length, slide on a clamp and use the clamp pliers to secure it in place. (see *Suggestion 1* and *Tip 4* )

*Suggestion 1* Doing one clamp bead at the end to make sure everything stays tight and then another to create the loop is NOT required. You can choose to use only one clamp bead, just be sure to keep the beads together tightly enough to not end up with large gaps when you wear it. I do it for both ease and strength. Beginners can do this until they get better at re-threading the closure clamp.

*Tip 4 - Consider Material and Purpose* You must always be aware of the type of give and strength your supplies have or you could end up with breaks, scrapping, and no flexibility. The heavier the wire the less bend and flexibility it has. String the beads too tightly together and some will rub together and break. String them too tightly and the beads will bunch and not bend well around your wrist. Some times you need to allow for "give room" with bracelets in order to get the bracelet to wrap.

-Take another clamp bead and thread it on first, then slide on the other jump ring, then thread the wire back through the clamp. Now tighten the wire until you have a small loop. Be sure that the jump ring stays in the loop you create. Use the clamp pliers to close the clamp when you have the loop the size you want. (see *Tip 3* )

-Take a wire cutters and clip off the extra wire as close as possible to the last clamp bead. If the wire is bend-able enough and the bead holes are big enough you can thread the extra wire back through the beads instead of cutting it.

-Take a needle nose pliers and open the jump ring on the end you just finished and slide on the other end of the clasp (Or length of chain if you want to use that instead. This will allow for different tightness around the wrist. This can be very helpful if you didn't follow *Tip 2* and its not long enough to go all the way around the wrist.) and close the jump ring with the needle nose pliers.

That will finish off the bracelet.


***The tube listed in the supplies can be found at Hobby Lobby, Michaels, and Jo-Anns in several different color shades. The tubes can come in the same color if you don't want different shades or mixtures. ***

Chain Tower

In June of 2012 I went on vacation to Wisconsin. I went for a family reunion on my Dad's side of the family.
In preparation for the trip I wanted to make some jewelry that would match my outfits. Most of the jewelry I had already made would go with my outfits. I had picked up some more summer colors and I wanted longer necklaces for those outfits.

One has tones of purple and the other has tones of blue and green. They were the first projects I used my chain tower with and it was very helpful. I would highly recommend getting one. It keeps the chain in the same direction so the gems don't face different directions.

Pretty in Pink

Supplies:*Pale pink rocks
*Shimmer pink rock
*Pale purple beads
*bead wire (.24mm in silver)
*Bubble clasp
*jump rings (2)
*clamp beads (3) #2
*needle nose pliers
*clamp pliers
*wire cutters
*Measuring tape

*Tip 1- Plan It Out* As with all jewelry designs I laid out the design on my bead board before I started doing anything. Had to try out different style gem stones to see which one matched best, as I did not buy any of the beads at the same time. This also includes making sure the clasp and clamp beads match the color pallet.  (I planned this out on the string itself in order to see what design would get the right length.)

*Tip 2- Measure* Always measure for each project to make sure the lengths that fit best are correct. This is important when making items for other people. Once you have done them enough times you will know the required lengths and can skip this step.

Steps:

- Measure out the length of bead wire you will need to fit around your wrist and then give yourself about 2 inches to loop back through at the ends. Use wire cutters to cut correct length.

-Take a pair of need nose pliers and open a jump ring. Slide the jump ring onto the end of the clasp and close the jump ring.

- Take a clamp and thread it on the bead wire; then slide the bead wire through the jump ring attached to the clasp. Loop the bead wire back through the clamp bead and then use the clamp pliers to clamp it the bead in place. This should allow for a loop to hold the one end in place.

*Tip 3- Tight Loops* Try and keep the loop as tight as possible to keep from having a big gap. This can be done by holding one end of the bead wire with a needle nose pliers and then taking the other end of the wire and pulling it tighter. Keeping it tight keeps the wire from rubbing. This is also why using a jump ring to attach to the clasp is important, as the wire attached to the jump ring is not going to move around much if its pulled tight.

-Thread on the beads and gems in the order of the design you picked ahead of time (see *Tip 1* )

-Continue this until you have the length you determined earlier. (see *Tip 2* )

*Suggestion 1* Doing one clamp bead at the end to make sure everything stays tight and then another to create the loop is NOT required. You can choose to use only one clamp bead, just be sure to keep the beads together tightly enough to not end up with large gaps when you wear it. I do it for both ease and strength. Beginners can do this until they get better at re-threading the closure clamp.

*Tip 4 - Consider Material and Purpose* You must always be aware of the type of give and strength your supplies have or you could end up with breaks, scrapping, and no flexibility. The heavier the wire the less bend and flexibility it has. String the beads too tightly together and some will rub together and break. String them too tightly and the beads will bunch and not bend well around your wrist. Some times you need to allow for "give room" with bracelets in order to get the bracelet to wrap. This can also mean you should use seed beads to give flex room in between certain types of stones, gems, rocks, and so on. (This will be important for these type of rocks.)

-Once you have finished your design for the length, slide on a clamp and use the clamp pliers to secure it in place. (see *Suggestion 1* and *Tip 4* ) (I almost always do this step just to secure my design and tightness of the beads.)

-Take another clamp bead and thread it on first, then slide on the other jump ring, then thread the wire back through the clamp. Now tighten the wire until you have a small loop. Be sure that the jump ring stays in the loop you create. Use the clamp pliers to close the clamp when you have the loop the size you want. (see *Tip 3* )

-Take a wire cutters and clip off the extra wire as close as possible to the last clamp bead. If the wire is bend-able enough and the bead holes are big enough you can thread the extra wire back through the beads instead of cutting it.

-Take a needle nose pliers and open the jump ring on the end you just finished and slide on the other end of the clasp (Or length of chain if you want to use that instead. This will allow for different tightness around the wrist. This can be very helpful if you didn't follow *Tip 2* and its not long enough to go all the way around the wrist.) and close the jump ring with the needle nose pliers.

That will finish off the bracelet.

This went to my friend Sarah as well.

Rock out Purple!

Supplies:

*Purple Twist rocks
*bright purple beads
*bead wire (.24mm in silver)
*Bubble clasp
*jump rings (2)
*clamp beads (3) #2
*needle nose pliers
*clamp pliers
*wire cutters
*Measuring tape

*Tip 1- Plan It Out* As with all jewelry designs I laid out the design on my bead board before I started doing anything. Had to try out different style gem stones to see which one matched best, as I did not buy any of the beads at the same time. This also includes making sure the clasp and clamp beads match the color pallet.

*Tip 2- Measure* Always measure for each project to make sure the lengths that fit best are correct. This is important when making items for other people. Once you have done them enough times you will know the required lengths and can skip this step.

Steps:

- Measure out the length of bead wire you will need to fit around your wrist and then give yourself about 2 inches to loop back through at the ends. Use wire cutters to cut correct length.

-Take a pair of need nose pliers and open a jump ring. Slide the jump ring onto the end of the clasp and close the jump ring.

- Take a clamp and thread it on the bead wire; then slide the bead wire through the jump ring attached to the clasp. Loop the bead wire back through the clamp bead and then use the clamp pliers to clamp it the bead in place. This should allow for a loop to hold the one end in place.

*Tip 3- Tight Loops* Try and keep the loop as tight as possible to keep from having a big gap. This can be done by holding one end of the bead wire with a needle nose pliers and then taking the other end of the wire and pulling it tighter. Keeping it tight keeps the wire from rubbing. This is also why using a jump ring to attach to the clasp is important, as the wire attached to the jump ring is not going to move around much if its pulled tight.

-Thread on the beads and gems in the order of the design you picked ahead of time (see *Tip 1* )

-Continue this until you have the length you determined earlier. (see *Tip 2* )

*Suggestion 1* Doing one clamp bead at the end to make sure everything stays tight and then another to create the loop is NOT required. You can choose to use only one clamp bead, just be sure to keep the beads together tightly enough to not end up with large gaps when you wear it. I do it for both ease and strength. Beginners can do this until they get better at re-threading the closure clamp.

*Tip 4 - Consider Material and Purpose* You must always be aware of the type of give and strength your supplies have or you could end up with breaks, scrapping, and no flexibility. The heavier the wire the less bend and flexibility it has. String the beads too tightly together and some will rub together and break. String them too tightly and the beads will bunch and not bend well around your wrist. Some times you need to allow for "give room" with bracelets in order to get the bracelet to wrap. This can also mean you should use seed beads to give flex room in between certain types of stones, gems, rocks, and so on.  (This will be important for these type of rocks.)

-Once you have finished your design for the length, slide on a clamp and use the clamp pliers to secure it in place. (see *Suggestion 1* and *Tip 4* ) (I almost always do this step just to secure my design and tightness of the beads.)

-Take another clamp bead and thread it on first, then slide on the other jump ring, then thread the wire back through the clamp. Now tighten the wire until you have a small loop. Be sure that the jump ring stays in the loop you create. Use the clamp pliers to close the clamp when you have the loop the size you want. (see *Tip 3* )

-Take a wire cutters and clip off the extra wire as close as possible to the last clamp bead. If the wire is bend-able enough and the bead holes are big enough you can thread the extra wire back through the beads instead of cutting it.

-Take a needle nose pliers and open the jump ring on the end you just finished and slide on the other end of the clasp (Or length of chain if you want to use that instead. This will allow for different tightness around the wrist. This can be very helpful if you didn't follow *Tip 2* and its not long enough to go all the way around the wrist.) and close the jump ring with the needle nose pliers.

That will finish off the bracelet.

This went to my friend Sarah, as she like more chunky type jewelry.

Purple classic

I spent last weekend cleaning and organzing a few things and I noticed that I still had some left over purple pearls from the bracelet I made my friend earlier. I liked how the bracelet came out, so I wanted to do another one, but give it a different look at the same time. I wanted some thing more timeless and classy.

Supplies:
*purple pearls (in various sizes)
*bead wire (.45mm)
*lobster clasp (I used a figure 8 clip closure)
*jump rings
*one head pin
*clamp beads
*diamond jump rings
*needle nose pliers
*clamp pliers
*round nose pliers
*wire cutters

*tip 1* As with all jewerly designs I make I planned out the design before I started doing anything. I wanted to use the purple pearls and not just one size, so like before I used both the big and medium sized pearls. I will be putting diamond jump rings in between each pearl to create a more classy look.

*tip 2* Always measure for each project to make sure the lengths are correct. Once you have done them enough times you will know the required lengths and can skip this step.

- Measure out the length of bead wire you will need to fit around your wrist and then give yourself about 2 inches to loop back through at the end.

- Take a clamp and thread it on the bead wire; then take one end of the lobster clip and loop the bead wire through it and the clamp. This should allow for a loop to hold the one end in place.
-Use the clamp pliers to clamp everything in place.

-Thread the pearls and diamond jump rings on in the order of the design you picked ahead of time (see *tip 1* )
-Continue this until you have the length you determined earlier. (see *tip 2* )

-Once you have finished your design for the length slide on a clamp and use the clamp pliers to secure it in place.

*suggestion 1* I like to do one clamp bead at the end to make sure everything stays tight and then another to create the loop, this is NOT required. You can choose to use only one clamp bead, just be sure to keep the beads tight or you will end up with gaps when you wear it.

-Take another clamp bead and thread it on first, then slide on the other end of the lobster clip (normally its just a jump ring), then thread the wire back through the clamp you did first and tighten the wire until you have a small loop.
-Use the clamp pliers to close the clamp.

-Take a wire cutters and clip off the extra wire as close as possible to the clast clamp bead.

That will finish off the bracelet.

I wanted to add a dangler pearl for a little extra appeal.

-Take a head pin and put on a pearl.

-Use a  round nose pliers to round of the other end of the head pin to create an loop.

-Attach the loop to one end of the bracelet's loop. (In my case I used a figure 8 clip for a closure piece on the bracelet, so I attached my dangle pearl to one end of the 8 clip.)

Finished product looks darn good if I do say so. I wore it the other day to an interview. It came out much nicer than I thought. I especially like the medium and large pearls together. At first I thought that would make it look wierd, but I like it.

What do you think? Let me know. I love feed back.

Hope you try it out and show me your own finished products!