Where to Buy Large, Chunky Beads

I love the fun necklaces with big chunky beads.  I hit my local craft stores trying to find large beads to make a few necklaces of my own.  Our town only has two craft stores.  I didn't find much.  The beads either looked cheap- perfect for a four year old playing dress up- or they didn't have the colors I needed.  I had a "duh" moment and looked for beads at etsy under the supply category.

I found these pretty glass "pearl" beads and purchased them for two different necklaces.  I purchased two different shades of gray and some cream beads and crystals.  I tried to find beads that were at least 14mm.  My local craft store carries the smaller sizes.

For my match everything, all cream colored necklace I purchased a few large glass crystals to add texture and sparkle.  They were a nice addition.  I personally prefer cream pearls to white- but that is just me.

I found some yellow beads here... for some reason a large, pretty yellow bead is nearly impossible to find.  These are 20mm- very nice size!

I did find out that making a necklace with tons of beads can get expensive (my gray pearl necklace-yikes)! You can probably buy one already made for less money.  But if you are trying to match a specific outfit or need some craft therapy go for it.

September 1 we went back onto our modified Dave Ramsey budget so there is less shopping and more saving going on at our house now   ;0)

Making Easy Filigree Earrings

Ever get in the mood for a new accessory?  I was on Tuesday.  Here is what I came up with.

Directions:

Buy some cute jewelry findings from Hobby Lobby on clearance or print yourself a 40% off coupon.

Attach a jump ring and an earring clasp through one of the loops on the outer edge of the filigree pattern.

Wear

Don't try to take pictures of yourself wearing them- you'll get lots of fuzzy, hairline, blurry, craziness ;o)

Photo Jewelry: Making a necklace

I love being a grandma!  Every grandma needs to be able to show off their loved ones pictures.  I've seen a million necklaces like this- here is my version- so easy!  I purchased the inexpensive jewelry pieces at candy tiles2,  baubles of fun  and happy supplies. 

Place the cabochon over your picture and trace around it.  Cut it out as carefully as possible.  If you have a circle punch that is the correct size I'd definitely use one!

Put a thin layer of mod podge on the flat side of your glass cabochon.  Press your picture firmly in place making sure that there are no air bubbles.  Allow to dry (check once or twice to make sure no air bubbles have mysteriously appeared).

Use E6000 and place just a dab of glue on your metal base and a dab on the back of your picture.  Let sit for a few moments and then press together.  If you have any excess glue just wipe it away.  Let glue set up firmly for 24 hours and it should be good to go!

More Earrings

Well, the earring making class is done- we had a very small group- but that was ok by me!   Here are the two pairs I whipped up between helping the others-

I'm loving bright turquoise blues and corals (not pictured) this spring-and it really feels like spring today with weather in the low 80's.  What colors sound good to you?

Make a Vintage Style Rose Ring

I just came home from Michaels where they had these cool porcelain looking roses.  They are called Boutique Fleur made by Recollections, $4.99  and were near the scrapbook stuff at my local store.

I purchased a pack and stuck one onto a ring base from Hobby Lobby (the metal shoppe brand)- $1.50- use a strong jewelry glue like E6000.

and ta-dah- instant ring!  I LOVE fast projects!

F.Y.I.  The adorable fabric in the photographs is from the Anthropologie apron my daughter gave me for my birthday- so cute!...  and the rose embellishments also come in bright neon colors.

Crafty Daughter

At four this morning my 11 year old woke me up to help her make a bracelet and a hair flower for her teacher that is getting married this weekend.  It was my fault for putting it off until the last minute and she did have my permission to get up early- but 4 AM?!  Yikes!

The flower was made we just had to attach a clip to the back.  Then she picked out beads and made a bracelet and I added a simple silver chain with a birdie charm.  So little one had a thoughtful gift for her teacher- as my daughter says, " 'cause making a gift is better."

Sorry for not taking a picture of the jewelry before it was wrapped- but I was a bit groggy this morning.

Ruche Necklaces

I love almost all of the jewelry at Ruche (inexpensive- necklaces start at $12).  Since I just gave them a plug and a link I'm going to swipe a few of their photos:

I did send them an email to see if they object to photo "sharing".... 

If you'd like to personalize your jewelry by making your own  individual fashion statement- read on.....yes, not only do I offer you inspiration- but sources- you gotta have a good deal on the bits and baubles!  Check out diyparadise on etsy.  They have cute & cheap charms, cabochons, and settings.  I can't vouch for their service but I do have an order in....

Wouldn't it be fun to order a bunch of stuff and have a jewelry making night with a few girlfriends???  Each necklace would only be a dollar or two....

Making Charming Charms for your Jewelry

Yes, I do love alliteration. Here are a few more charms that I made on my Monday jewelry making kick...

(and blogger is driving me nuts- pictures won't move, cursor won't move- icky yuck!

       

The above charms were made using jewelry blanks, buttons, sculpey (rose), scrapbook paper and dimensional glaze. 

   

I found the above brass hook at Hobby Lobby- I love it because you can turn anything into a charm by just gluing it onto the back...

Some of the charms I made by printing a picture onto vellum, cutting it out and decoupaging the picture onto a ceramic disc (that I bought at a yard sale).  I wanted to try Mod Podge dimensional glaze but our store didn't have it- so I just used what I had in the craft box.

 After decoupaging the picture onto the ceramic disc I glued the disc onto a button and then glued one of those cool brass hooks onto the back and it ended up looking like a vintage charm.... kinda fun.

 

How to make a Jute and chain necklace

Well, we survived and enjoyed Christmas with all nine kids, two son-in-laws, one grandbaby and one almost-maybe-he'll-propose-to-our-daughter-soon-friend.  Actually, the two married kids live close so they went home at bedtime- but we had a fun and festive holiday.  I have boxed Christmas stuff lined up in the hallway and a few more things to pack up before all the holiday stuff can be put back into the attic- but instead I'm making necklaces- I know you're shocked-Ha!-

To make the necklace you'll need some fairly thin jute, brass chain, large brass jump rings, a variety of charms and a small crochet hook- 2.55 mm

Determine how long you want your necklace. I highly recommend wearing it on top of your clothes or you'll end up with a very scratched up, itchy, red neck- and none of us wants to be a redneck -not attractive.

Using the jute, crochet a simple chain stitch about six inches long- make sure both ends are tied off well. Using large jump rings attach chain to each end- since this will be long you don't need clasps, etc. You can just pull the necklace on over your head.

Gently tug down on the necklace to determine where the bottom center will be and attach your heaviest charm- then randomly attach more charms using a large jump ring (large goes through the thick jute so much easier then the little dinky ones) or sew on each charm with a few stitches- using a thread that matches the jute.... or use dark brown thread because you spent all day making charms and you are sick of this project and then realize how bad it looks and photoshop the evidence out of your picture..... and do it right later.

Wear and enjoy.

Here are some close ups of charms I made using buttons, scrapbook stuff, sculpey and bits from Hobby Lobby, Michaels and yard sales:

Have fun!!

Necklace in Blue

I guess I'm on a jewelry kick.  This little number is to match a blue dress I had made.  Yes, in my previous discouragement at several failed sewing attempts I hired a seamstress to make me a dress.  I found the pattern and a cute blue floral material and she did all the hard stuff.  This talented seamstress is reasonably priced and my new dress is now my FAVORITE, (and totally comfy too)!

This piece has some genuine vintage beads from an old broken necklace mixed together with some new stuff.  It was really quick to make.  Just purchase a chain with clasp already on in the jewelry section of Hobby Lobby. Then remove the bottom half of your necklace (I used my needle nosed pliers to pry open the links).  Use beading thread to string your beads adding a jump ring to each end and attach it back to the original necklace chain. 

This piece from jcrew was my inspiration.

Last night we took advantage of the great prices on strawberries and had a strawberry spinach and almond salad.  I didn't like the seeds in the dressing- so, I strained them out before pouring the dressing onto the salad..  Then it was a yummy summer meal.

Speaking of summer, we are scheduled for some unusually HOT weather this weekend.  Yesterday, I stocked up on some interesting looking library books. I intend to read them next to a fan with a cool drink handy.

Necklace and Earrings in Purple

Last night we had a quick visit with our friend whose daughter just passed away.  He bore such a strong testimony of prayer- noting how his family is being strengthened through this difficult time.  He also witnessed that families are meant to be together for eternity and that we can look forward to the fulfillment of that promise.  They are such an amazing family.

In other news:  I decided to try my hand at making a multi-strand necklace.  I know the necklace would look better if I was wearing it- so you could see how it hangs and all- but really, don't you start to feel weird posting pictures of your chest?! - With so many made over t-shirts, blouses, necklaces, etc. it's starting to feel freaky.

 Anyhow, making the necklace was easier then I thought it would be- you just use a bunch of jump rings to connect everything.  I added that tiny touch of green to match my purple and green skirt.  And I made the necklace slightly asymmetrical like those found at J Crew and Anthropologie.  Do you like to make jewelry?

Bling: Pearl and Chiffon Necklace

My daughter wanted a pearl and fabric necklace.  Her husband and I strung the "pearls".  I added a little flower- just sewed it in place- see this post for flower making directions- isn't it cute?!.  (um, don't look at the top of the necklace where  I messed up on the knots and have a bit of exposed thread- it's not perfect- but I still think it's quite pretty)!

The chiffon fabric from this shop doesn't fray and it is only about $1.50 a yard and they ship FAST!!

Copy Cat Earrings

Fossil has some adorable playful earrings for $24.



I decided to raid my beads and jewelry findings stash and came up with a copy for free (less than $2 per pair if you need to buy the stuff).

Where do you get your inspiration?

Another Necklace

I picked up this cute family circle charm in the scrapbook section of my craft store, added a few beads and it's ready to wear. What types of jewelry do you like?

Kid's Art Necklace

I'm sure you have seen the cute necklaces that are made with scrabble tiles. Well, this is a slightly different version using your child's art (my talented niece Regan drew the above pendant). Have your child draw you a picture. Then scan it into your computer and reduce it's size and crop as needed.


Next use those precut wooden pieces that are three dollars a bag in the wood section of your local craft store. You can get any shape, circles, squares, etc. Paint the piece of wood with the color of your choice.


Then cut your picture to fit the wooden shape.


Mod Podge the picture to the wood.



Let that dry completely. Then add dimensional glaze. I've heard many people say that they LOVE diamond glaze, but I didn't have that so I used my scrap booking glaze. After that dries for 24 hours use a tiny drill bit, also in the wood section of your craft store, and just gently twist the bit with your hands to drill a tiny hole. Put a jump ring through that tiny hole and your art work pendant is complete.

To make a necklace add the art work pendant and one or two charms to a pretty chain and you're ready to wrap it up for mom or grandma!

4/20/10   I've added a two more posts about similar ideas  making charms and keychains here and here.