Vintage Pearls

Supplies:

*Vintage pendant
*Pearl connectors (6)
*Aged gold chain
*Aged circle gold chain
*Tear drop pearls (2)
*Aged gold head pins (2)
*Needle nose pliers
*Wire cutters
*Round nose pliers
*Lobster clasp and toggle
*Jump rings  (14)

*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, clamp beads, jump rings, and so on 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

- 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. Set aside for now.

- Take a pair of need nose pliers and open a jump ring. Slide the jump ring onto the end of the toggle and close the jump ring. Set aside for now.

- Using your over-all length for this necklace determine the individual lengths of chain you wish to have in between each pearl connector. The 1st, 2nd and 3rd sections should all be the same length. The 4th will be longer as it will hold the pearl pendant.

- Use the needle nose pliers to open one chain link to create each seperate length of chain. You may discard the open chain link. Repeat this for each section of chain you want between each connector. (Be sure to watch the pre-measured lengths for these sections.)

- Use the needle nose pliers to open the jump ring attached to the lobster clasp. On the opposite side of the lobster clasp slide on the length of chain that is for the one side of the top most section of the necklace. Then close the jump ring with the needle nose pliers.

- Use the needle nose pliers to open the jump ring attached to the toogle. On the opposite side of the toggle slide on the length of chain that is for the other side of the top most setion of the necklace. Then close the jump ring with the needle nose pliers.

- Using the needle nose pliers open another jump ring. Attach the end of one side of the chain just used to one side of the jump ring. On the other side of the jump ring attach one end of the pearl connector. Close the jump ring with the needle nose pliers.

This is what you should have on the toggle side.

- Using the needle nose pliers open another jump ring. Take the chain that has the lobster clasp on one end and attach the other end to one side of the jump ring. On the other side of the jump ring attach one end of the pearl connector. Close the jump ring with the needle nose pliers.

This is what you should have on the lobster side so far.

- Use the needle nose pliers to open another jump ring. Connect one side of the jump ring to the other side of the pearl connector. Take the chain desinated for the 2nd section and slide it on the other side of the jump ring. Close the jump ring.

- Do the same step for the other side of the necklace.

-Use the needle nose pliers to open another jump ring. Connect one side of the jump ring to the 2nd section of chain still loose. Slide the other side of the jump ring to a new pearl connector.

- Do the same step for the other side of the necklace.

This is the first and section section completed.

- Use the needle nose pliers to open another jump ring. Connect one side of the jump ring to the other side of the pearl connector. Take the chain desinated for the 3rd section and slide it on the other side of the jump ring. Close the jump ring.

- Do the same step for the other side of the necklace.

-Use the needle nose pliers to open another jump ring. Connect one side of the jump ring to the 3rd section of chain still loose. Slide the other side of the jump ring to a new pearl connector.

- Do the same step for the other side of the necklace.

what you should have on both sides by now.

- Use the needle nose pliers to open another jump ring. Connect one side of the jump ring to the pearl connector. Slide the other side of the jump ring onto one side of the 4th chain section. On that same side of the jump ring connect one side of the circle gold chain. Use the needle nose pliers to close the jump ring.

- Thread the pearl pendant onto the 4th section of chain.

- Use the needle nose pliers to open another jump ring. Connect one side of the jump ring to the pearl connector from the 3rd section. The other side of the jump ring should have the other side of the circle gold chain and the other end of the 4th chain section. Close the jump ring.

- Take one head pin and slide on the tear drop pearl. Use the needle nose pliers to bend at 90 degrees at top of pearl. Use round nose pliers to create a eye pin loop. (leave eye pin loop open just a little.)

- Use the needle nose pliers to slide the eye pin loop onto the second circle loop in the circle gold chain. Use the needle nose pliers to close the loop.

- Repeat the last two steps one more time, and attach on 2nd circle loop of other side of circle gold chain.

This should complete your necklace.

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!

Face Lift

I have few magazine holders that are separated into interests; such as scrap booking, jewelry, knitting, and so on. I needed another one because I needed to make one just for jewelry magazines. (got too many to share a holder with another interest) I hunted in Office Depot, Target, and Walmart but I wasn't able to find one in the same (or slightly close) color as the other ones. I found a clearance one at Office Depot and figured I could just give it a face lift... so to speak.

While wondering around in Michaels you should make it a point to check out the section they always have for $2 to $1 items. I found a package of scrap booking paper that I thought would work well for this project and they were for only a $1. (Score!) I already had the Mod Podge, so I picked up a spray bottle of clear coat protector. (which goes with Mod Podge)

I cut up a soda box container and used that to work on. The scrap booking paper was a little too big, so I choose to cut them up into randomly sized pieces. I thought this gave it a more vintage collage look. I pinked a solid color for the back of the mag holder. I brushed on MP first and then put the piece of paper down. I went over the paper again with more MP to better seal it down. I placed the pieces in random directions all over the mag holder. (just not inside) Once I felt the MP had dried I took it outside and sprayed it with clear coat sealer. I did that three times; letting it dry for a full day between sprays. (This allows for better coating)

It turned out just how I wanted and its still looking great.

Gift of Blue

Friday was one of my days off and I took the time to drop off the 3 bead bracelet I made for my friend Sarah. I mostly wanted to be sure it would fit her wrist. It fit perfectly, thankfully! While I was chatting with her my other friend Jennifer, who works with Sarah, came outside and I showed her the bracelet. Later in the day I felt bad that I had not made something for Jennifer, as she is my best friend. Plus we have been having a hard time making our schedules work out, so we haven't spent much time together.  SO... I did a bit of shopping and got a rough idea in my head of a project.

After work Saturday I sat down and planned out a neckless that I had in mind for Jenn. My original plan didn't work out entirely well, so I changed it up, but only a little. I found this great center piece, so I wanted to show case it. I changed the beads attached to it and added a few of my own. I wanted it to be bright, summery, classy enough for her to wear to work but not too classy that she couldn't just wear it whenever. My original idea was to string some smalled beads that matched the stones flanking the center piece, but the clamp beads rubbed alot so I decided against that idea. Instead I used cream medium pearls linked together with eye pins. I think the colors worked out pretty well.

This is the center piece and the main focus. I wanted everything to filter out from this piece.

I used two smokey blue stones to flank the center ring to draw more attention. 

I found these fire cooled gems in a light turquise that matched with the beads I had originally wanted to use in a solid string. I was going to match it against the turquise gems on one side for visual interest. The connector piece allowed for two strands and one on the other side and had a little detail to it that I thought fit with the center pieces detailing.

Since the strand of beads didn't work out as planned (I had it all finished, but when I tried it on the clamp beads rubbed more than I wanted, so I threw that idea out.) I decided to just mimicke the eye pin connected gems but with pearls for a more vintage look.

I have gotten MUCH better at makeing eye pin loops now, so this was a snap to do. I only screwed up once, but it was just too big a loop. Yay the practicing really worked! (I also picked up a "close edge clip pliers" to do smoother, closer cuts.)

I think the finished product looks pretty good. I really like the one sided detail look on necklesses.

I was rather proud that I got it done in one night and in about an hour and a half. (mostly because my first idea didn't work out as aspected) Jenn and I went to breakfast and hung out... and ironically I left the neckless sitting on my desk. I showed her pictures though and she loves it. I'm going to try and drop it off at her work on Wednesday since its my next day off.

What do you all think of my one sided neckless? Let me know!

As always if you have any projects of your own, please feel free to share!

Vintage Pendant

A few months ago my Mother found this vintage pendant and she asked me if I could make i up for her. She found it at a yard sale for .10 cents. Its in great condition, so it didn't need much 'clean up' work. I took her to a store downtown and made her pick out some beads and gems that she liked. When we got home I had her sit down and make out a design for it. She set out a  rough design and I tweeked it a little, but for the most part, I kept it the same. This was the start up design and what I went off.

As I said this was just a rough design. I would suggest doing this for all your projects. Makes it easier to see the over all picture. Plus you can get a general feel for what items you might run out of, that is if you try and make it to reflect the correct lengths. I always measure first, design, and then start my project and continue to measure through out to be sure I don't go over or be short.

I used:
10 eye pins
12 light green gems
40 brown luster beads
1 vintage pendant
4 jump rings
1 set of claw clasps
about 10 inches of brushed gold chain- fine

I put jump rings on each side of the pendant and closed them.
I them did each eyepin set of beeds and gems. I did 4 sets of 3 brown luster beads, 1 green gem, and 3 more brown luster beads. Then 2 sets of 1 green gem, 2 brown luster beads, and 1 green gem.
Here is a version of one:

At either side of the pendant I added two sets of brushed gold leave covers and then a green gem inbetween. I thought this added a little more nature feel to it and dressed it up. This was NOT part of the original idea, but it fits well.

After I finished with the eyepin sets I cut up pieces of chain that was even for each section inbetween the eyepins. I just counted each ring and then opened the last count to attach to an eyepin in the order I wanted.

This was my finished product. A nice vintage pendant for my Mom.

Since it was so easy to make and I still had some beads and gems left I made a pair of dange earings to go with. I took the idea of the brushed gold leaves from either side of the pendant I added and made two more. I cut two lengths of he fine brushed gold chain and attached a brown lusted bead to the end of each. I had some light gold triangle gems that I thought would go well, but Mom didn't want on the neckless, and I added two to each chain midway between the leaved gem and the bead at the bottom.

Mom loved the earings, so it was a good idea. Plus I hate being left with only one or two of a certain gem/bead. Just easier to use them all if its possible.

This project was easy and very vintage, so totally up my alley. Plus it made my Mom happy, so totally worth it.