Round Bead Necklaces

I think every one has seen the round glass beads that are available in Michael's and JoAnn stores. My mother has always liked them, but she has rather tiny wrists, so the bracelet that comes with several of the beads is far too big. I figured it wouldn't be hard to just make a necklace with the same beads.

I even used the ribbon the beads are displayed on for the necklace.

Supplies:

*Beads (as many as you like)
*Ribbon clamps (2)
*Jump rings (2)
*Small length of chain
*Ribbon
*Lobster clasp
*Needle nose pliers
*Flat nose pliers

*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. (This doesn't really apply for this necklace)

 *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 ribbon you will need to fit around your neck. (see *Tip 2*)

-Take one ribbon clamp and position it at the end of the ribbon.

-Take the flat nose pliers and secure the ribbon clamp into place.

- Take the open end of ribbon and slide on the beads (in the order determined in *Tip 1*)

-Take the other ribbon clamp and position it at the open end of ribbon.

-Take the flat nose pliers and secure the ribbon clamp into place.

-Take the needle nose pliers and open one jump ring. Slide the jump ring onto the open end of the ribbon clamp. Leave the jump ring open.

-Attach the lobster clasp to the open jump ring. Then close the jump ring with the needle nose pliers.

-Use the needle nose pliers to open another jump ring. Slide that jump ring onto the open end of the other ribbon clamp. Leave the jump ring open.

-Attach one end of the small length of chain to the open jump ring. Then close the jump ring with the needle nose pliers. (The other end of the chain will remain not attached to anything, as to allow for 'give room' incase you ignored *Tip 2*)

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

You can also do this same idea with just a length of chain instead of ribbon. I did both because Mom found several more she liked and wanted the necklace to seem fuller.

Round Ribbon

I had some extra strips of ribbon that I wanted to use up. I also have some leather straps that I didn't know what to do with. That was an easy thought to fix those issues!

I used E6000 to glue them down to the leather straps. Just have to leave them sit for a couple hours once you pressed them down. Its a great hold too.

Ribbon Weave Necklace

Supplies: *Big link chain (I picked dark silver)
*Medium link chain (matches big link chain)
*Length of ribbon (about a foot)
*Ribbon clamps (2)
*Lobster Claw Clasp
*2 large jump rings (to match chain)
*2 medium jump rings (to match chain)
*needle nose pliers
*Flat nose pliers
*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. Practice weaving the ribbon in the length of chain to determine the amount needed.

*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:

-Measure out the length of chain you will need to fit around your neck. (see *Tip 2* )  Use the needle nose pliers to open a link to shorten the chain to your length needed.

-Take a pair of needle nose pliers and open a jump ring. Slide the jump ring onto the end of the clasp, then on one end of the chain length you just made, close the jump ring.

- Take a pair of needle nose pliers and open another jump ring. Slide the jump ring onto the end of the other length of chain. Then close the jump ring.

- Create a length of large link chain that you can weave the ribbon inside.

- Take a ribbon clamp and clamp one end of the ribbon. Use the flat nose pliers.

-Take the other end of the ribbon and weave the ribbon in-between the links of the large link chain.

- Take the end that you just finished weaving and clamp it with the remaining ribbon clamp. Use the flat nose pliers.

- Use the needle nose pliers to open a medium jump ring and attach one end of the medium chain. Then slide on the ribbon clamp on and then one end of the large link chain.

- Use the needle nose pliers to open a medium jump ring and attach the other end of the medium chain. Then slide on the other ribbon clamp and finally the other end of the large link chain.

-Pick a side that you would like to tie the bow.

- Tie the know around the chain, not threw it. Then create the bow.

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


 

Christmas Wreath

 

This was last year's Christmas wicker wreath design. I reused the decorations in my window display this year and in the living room decorations.

I went with more traditional and natural decorations this year.

 It came out much better than I thought, so I was very thrilled. Plus the cats didn't try to kill it this year, so WOOHOO!

Need to figure out what to do for the "new year" look.....

Jewelry Storage

Since I have started making alot of my own jewelry I have no where to put it all. I have a jewelry stand that I use for my bracelets, stud earrings, rings, and pins. However I have been making several bracelets lately and they all don't fit any more. I thought a wood oval container that I thought would work for the bigger bracelets. At least this way the thin bracelets can still stay in my jewelry stand. And because I hate plain things I decided to dress it up with a little paper and of course some Mod Podge.

Much like how I made my newest magazine holder you will need to pick out a paper design you like. Take the top and flip it over to trace it out on the back of the paper. Once you have it cut out make sure it doesn't over lap in any spot. Coat the top with Mod Podge (I used the paper version) and place the paper down, making sure to smooth out the air bubbles. Let it dry for about 15 minutes before coating the top of the paper. I coated mine about three times.

While I was waiting for that to dry I started measuring the sides of the oval container. I measured it so that I could make sure I cut out the perfect strip.

Coat the sides with Mod Podge and apply the paper slowly to make sure it lays flat and doesn't apply crocked. (That was the hardest part... making sure it was on straight.) Use the roller to remove any air bubbles and press it down. I used two strips of paper to cover the sides. I had them over lap at the point on the container that it was nailed together.

I coated the sides about 3 times as well. While that was drying I went back to the cover and painted the rim the same pale blue in the paper's design.

After the paint had dried and all my coats had been applied to every thing else I applied a strip of Mod Podge to the rim and pressed down my ribbon. The ribbon wasn't exactly the same width, but that's why I painted it the same color as the ribbon and the paper. This way it would blend together. After I had pressed down the ribbon I did another coat over the ribbon to make sure it stayed in place. I coated that only twice.

Once every thing was done I sprayed it with Mod Podge acrylic gloss sealer. That helps protect it from needing to be re-coated and peeling off.

Now I have a bracelet jewelry box. I also put a few cedar balls inside to keep it fresh and keep out bugs just encase.

Keeping the page with style

I saw a project idea sheet at a Michael's craft store for some vintage looking bookmarks.

Since I'm a huge book lover this seemed like an easy and practical project for me. Plus I LOVE cameos. I went a little more creative with them I think and possibly a little over board with how many I did. Its such an easy project and you can get really creative with them.

I made a point to put something on each end of the ribbon. That way it has some weight on both ends.

 I used several different ribbon colors to coordinate with the pendants. I also used two different types of velvet ribbons. I used velvet because it stays stiffer then regular ribbon and it doesn't slip right out of the book.

I made one for my friend Sarah and one for my Mom. Sarah is very much into skulls and dark colors, so it was a good mix. Mom's is more mellow, but with a color she loves. They both have been using them, so that makes me feel really good.

Ever since I decorated my bedroom in a very Victorian, vintage, french theme I have had a love of fleur-de-lis and very vintage looks. I did a they with that in mind. Also fleur-de-lis remind me of royalty from the medieval times, so there are a few with that theme in mind.

In the middle of making several of these bookmarks I realized that I could use these as birthday or Christmas gifts. I made a couple that I think I will give to my cousins, as they enjoy reading as much as me.

These are also a great way to use up some extra supplies you might have that you aren't entirely sure what to do with. I did that with a couple. Even made one to use during Christmas time.

I even got to try out making a flower petal pendant. It turned out pretty well.

In the process of making several of these bookmarks our cat Grace wanted to help and then that need turned to a need to be loved. This lead to her rubbing on my hands and pushing things a side until she could get spread out completely on my work desk.

Once she was satisfied that I had petted her enough to her content she allowed me to finish my projects. Granted it didn't stop her from trying to attach several of the bookmarks.

It could be possible that I'm one of the only people who do this... but I read several books at one time. I have a book at work; which I am using the flower petal bookmark with. There is a book I read before going to bed and I am using the light purple fleur-de-lis bookmark. I also have a book that I read just whenever I get bored doing something else, which is the book pictured above.

Reading helps to relax me. It informs me and allows me to be apart of another world. I would highly suggest reading to anyone. Reading is good for you and strengthens your mind. These bookmarks are a lovely and easy project to give a little extra personality to your chosen book.

The steps for this project can vary given the supplies you pick, and I'll explain both ways.

First: store purcased ribbons

Some stores (example: Michaels, Hobby Lobby) that sell ribbon strips that come with the ribbon clamps already on both ends.
If you use these type of ribbon, buy as many as you need color wise.
Jump rings to match the tone of the ribbon clamps.
Pendants you want to use.
Any pearls/gems you want to use.
Head pins to match same tone as jump rings.
Needle nose pliers
Wire cutters
Round nose pliers

Take your needle nose pliers to open the jump ring.
Slide the open jump ring into the hook at the end of the ribbon clamp at the end of the ribbon.
Then slide the pendant onto the other end of the open jump ring.
Use the needle nose pliers to close the jump ring.
This will be all you need for this end of the ribbon. (See picture)
(unless you would like to add more, then simply reopen the jump ring)

If you would like to add another pendant to the other end, simply follow the same directions for the other side. Be sure to pay attention to the direction the pendant on each end faces, or one might face the wrong way.
If you want to add a pearl/gem on the other end follow these steps.
Take a head pin and slide the pearl/gem on.
Use the round nose pliers to round out the end.
Cut the remaining head pin with the wire cutter.
*If you created a large enough loop at the end of the head pin you may connect the pearl/gem straigh to the end of the ribbon clamp instead of using the jump ring. (see picture)
Use the needle nose pliers to open a jump ring.
Slide the open jump ring onto the other end of the ribbon at the hook on the clamp.
Slide the rounded end of the head pin onto the open jump ring.
Use the needle nose pliers to close the jump ring.

Second: Making your own ribbon lengths.

Instead of using the store bought versions of ribbon you can make your own. This is helpful if you want to make ones that are specific for a book size. You get to make the length you want instead of the store bought one which is already at a specific length. (also the store bought ribbons tend to have creases from being on/in the packaging and ribbon on spools will not)

Ribbon spools in the colors you want.
Ribbon clamps
Jump rings to match the tone of the ribbon clamps.
Pendants you want to use.
Any pearls/gems you want to use.
Head pins to match same tone as jump rings.
Needle nose pliers
Flat nose pliers
Wire cutters
Round nose pliers
Measure out the length of ribbon you want and cut.
Hold the ribbon in place with one hand and with the other use the flat nose pliers to clamp down the ribbon clamp. (Best to clamp the sides in a little before hand, then slide the ribbon into place. Continue to clamp the sides down first to hold it in place.)
Take your needle nose pliers to open the jump ring.
Slide the open jump ring into the hook at the end of the ribbon clamp at the end of the ribbon.
Then slide the pendant onto the other end of the open jump ring.
Use the needle nose pliers to close the jump ring.
This will be all you need for this end of the ribbon. (See picture above of the pendant)
(unless you would like to add more, then simply reopen the jump ring)

Repeat this step for other end of ribbon:
Hold the ribbon in place with one hand and with the other use the flat nose pliers to clamp down the ribbon clamp. (Best to clamp the sides in a little before hand, then slide the ribbon into place. Continue to clamp the sides down first to hold it in place.)

If you would like to add another pendant to the other end, simply follow the same directions for the other side. Be sure to pay attention to the direction the pendant on each end faces, or one might face the wrong way.
If you want to add a pearl/gem on the other end follow these steps.
Take a head pin and slide the pearl/gem on.
Use the round nose pliers to round out the end.
Cut the remaining head pin with the wire cutter.
*If you created a large enough loop at the end of the head pin you may connect the pearl/gem straigh to the end of the ribbon clamp instead of using the jump ring. (see picture above of the pearl)
Use the needle nose pliers to open a jump ring.
Slide the open jump ring onto the other end of the ribbon at the hook on the clamp.
Slide the rounded end of the head pin onto the open jump ring.
Use the needle nose pliers to close the jump ring.

I hope you create some of your own lovely ribbon bookmarks!

Talent Shared

This last Christmas my Father gave me a box full of stones, gems, pendants, and other random jewelry items. He got it at a yard sale. One of the pendants in the box was a painted rose gem stone. It was very well painted and in great detail.

I made a very simple necklace out of it, because I wanted the focus to be solely on the pendant.

I cut a length of ribbon and used two ribbon clamps to secure a lobster closure clip and a small length of chain to each end. It came out very pretty and I love it!

Wreath summer 2012

In a few entries I have posted pictures of changes I make to the wreath in my room. I first got it last summer, then changed it for fall and then Christmas, and just updated it for the summer. (I was being rather lazy and skipped doing it for spring.)

Since my mother wanted to do the room in a blue and white cottage look I have been trying to keep it that way ever since I moved into the room. Hence why I have done the summer version to match the room.

 The white roses are rather full, but I thought it felt very summery. The blue hydrangeas seem to fit well with the roses. They make them pop more.

 

Wicker Wonder

I'm not sure if I ever posted this.... if I have just bear with me.

I have a wicker wreath that I decorate some seasons. I like to have a friendly reminder within view. This wreath hangs in my room.

This was my Spring version:

This was the fall version:

 This is the Christmas version, which I have yet to change because I am not sure what to do yet:

I added a few things to it about a week before Christmas, because it seemed a bit boring.

Any suggestions on how to do it change it now? I don't feel like doing anything spring like because its seriously NOT spring like here. Just don't feel as though it should stay so Christmasy.

I did do a wreath for Mom that was on the front door. This has a more tradional feel to it. Mom is big on more standard looks. Mine was more "new age" as she would say.

There was another one that I did for outside, but my absent-mindedness was in full effect and I spaced it. I was not  very on top of things. Still trying to make my way out of that cloud. (Hence the post of Christmas wreaths!)