Infinity Scarf with a flower

In Texas we need to gear up for all kinds of weather. I made this infinity scarf for 70 degree weather. I have used cotton knit fabric so I don’t need to do anything to the edges. I just left them all raw, that cut my project time by half. I used that time to make a flower to go with the scarf. I made this flower from an old white T shirt. I glued a polymer clay bead in the center.

11 blue crystal set jewelry

Making a gift instead of just buying one adds tremendous value to the gift. I made this silver and blue crystal set as a birthday gift for my friend’s 11 year old daughter.  As you can see, the set perfectly matches her dress. To represent the 11 years, I added 11 blue crystals to her necklace and 11 to her bracelet. I made a pair of ear wire since her ears were not pierced.

Skeleton Scarf for Halloween!

Scarf weather is here! Walk into any clothing or accessories store and the first thing that catches your eye will be a scarf. Or maybe it’s just me, since I am obsessed with scarves and scarf jewelry. 

Not finding one that I really liked, I decided to make one for myself, befitting the Halloween season. Take a look at my handiwork.

Pearl & Crystal Charm Bracelet Tutorial

I am sure you’ll agree that no jewelry collection can be complete without matching bracelets. Bracelets can be loud or subtle, depending on your attire and occasion. There are tons of bracelets out there for you to choose from. But wouldn't it be nice if you could make your own? 

In case you are wondering, making your own bracelet is not as hard as one might think. Read on to learn how you can make your very own bracelets. For a very small one time investment in special tools, you can have a lifelong hobby of jewelry making.

 I have chosen a bracelet that is simple to make, yet elegant to wear! Just follow these easy step-by step instructions to make your Pearl & Crystal Charm Bracelet

Introduction:

As the name indicates, there are two major components to this bracelet design. We have to make a set of pearl charms and another set of crystal charms. The number of charms will depend on your wrist measurement and your taste preference. The other major items required are 22 gauge wire, basic chain and a clasp. I have used my wrist size for this tutorial. 

Beads and chains you need for this project:
8mm Crystal Pearls - 12
6mm Bicones - 22
4mm Bicones - 12
Crystal Rondelles - 11
Lobster Clasp - 1
Jump Ring - 1
Gauge gold filled soft wire  - approx. 50 inches
Circle Link Chain  – 7”

Tools:

Wire cutters or wire nippers

Chain nose pliers 
Flat nose pliers 
Round nose pliers 
Needle nose pliers
How to determine your bracelet size:

First, measure your wrist. My wrist measures 5.8”. The finished bracelet will be 6.8” to 7” long when I include the jump ring and lobster clasp.

Now, if your bracelet is meant to be a surprise gift for someone use the measurement chart here.

Step 1: Cut the chain

Now that you have determined your bracelet size, we will cut 6” of chain length. Keep the chain aside; we will not need it until after we finish all the charms.

Our design has two different types of drop charms hanging from the chain – the pearl charms and the crystal charms.

Step 2: Making the pearl drop charms

We have 12 pearl drop charms for the 7” bracelet. Add more charms for longer bracelets.

Cut 22 Gauge gold filled soft wire 2 inch long - we need 12 pieces.

Take one piece of wire use the tip of the round nose pliers to grasp the end of the wire and curve the wire by using a rolling motion to fold it over a single round prong. Be sure to start rolling from the end of the wire. This will give you a good round loop.

Insert one 4mm bicone into the wire keep it right next to the round loop you made. Then insert one 8mm Crystal Pearl then insert another 4mm bicone.

Bend the rest of the wire to form a right angle right above the 4mm bicone, (make sure beads are sitting tight there is no gap in between beads) Grasp the wire with your round nose pliers. Where you position the charm on the pliers will determine the length of the wrap. Make sure you have ¼” space wire left after the last bead and bend the wire back to 90 degree angle.

  

Rotate the pliers to position one prong on top and form a loop.

  

Now we are going to attach this pearl drop charm in to the second circle of the chain. (We are going to use the first circle to hook the Lobster clasp and close the bracelet)

 Hook the charm loop on to the second circle of the chain, using the pliers or your fingers wrap the wire around and down the stem. Continue as far down as you would like then, trim the extra wire.    Use needle nose pliers smooth in the tail of the wire.

We are done with one pearl drop charm! Repeat the above steps and connect the remaining 11 charms to your bracelet circles of the chain.

Step 3: Making the crystal drop charms

We have 11 crystal drop charms for the 7” bracelet. Add more charms for longer bracelets.
Cut 22 Gauge gold filled soft wire 2 inch long - we need 11 pieces.

Take one piece of wire use the tip of the round nose pliers to grasp the end of the wire and curve the wire by using a rolling motion to fold it over a single round prong. Be sure to start rolling from the end of the wire. This will give you a good round loop.

 Insert one 6mm bicone in to the wire keep it right next to the round loop you made. Then insert one crystal rondelle then insert another 6mm bicone.

Bend the rest of the wire to form a right angle right above the 4mm bicone, (make sure beads are sitting tight there is no gap in between beads) Grasp the wire with your round nose pliers. Where you position the charm on the pliers will determine the length of the wrap. Make sure you have ¼” space wire left after the last bead and bend the wire back to 90 degree angle.

  Rotate the pliers to position one prong on top and form a loop.

Now we are going to attach this crystal drop charm in to the second link that connects the circles of the chain.

Hook the charm loop on to the second link of the chain, using the pliers or your fingers wrap the wire around and down the stem. Continue as far down as you would like then, trim the extra wire. Use needle nose pliers smooth in the tail of the wire.

We are done with one set of crystal drop and pearl charms! Repeat the above steps and connect the rest 10 crystal charms to your bracelet to each link between the circles to complete the bracelet.

 

Step 4: Connecting the Lobster Clasp

Hold the jump ring with a chain nose plier on the left hand and a flat nose plier on the right hand the ring opening should be facing up.

Gently push one end away from you and the other toward you and open the jump ring.

(Whatever you do, never pull apart a jump ring in a left-right motion as this will distort the shape of the ring.)

Then insert your lobster clasp in and also the bracelet’s last circle in and close the jump ring using the same way you opened it.

The completed bracelet measures 7”. That’s it! It’s all done and ready to wear!

How to determine your bracelet size

If you are making a bracelet as a surprise gift for someone then follow the measurement chart below 

   Adult bracelet sizes can range from:

                                                                                           
Petite       7"
Small       7.25"
Medium   7.5"
Large       7.75" to 8"
X Large    8" to 8.5"

Children's Bracelet sizes can range from:

3     years    5.5"
4-5  years    5.75"
   6-7  years     6"
   8-9  years     6.25"
   10-11 years   6.5"

Pink Clay Bead Set

I am sure you’ll all agree that there is supreme satisfaction in creating something from scratch.

Ever since I began dabbling in bead work, I have made a variety of beads by mixing polymer clay of all colors.

I decided to make beads to match the color of the design on my dress. It was quite a challenge but, as you can see, I did it! I used five different shades of pink to achieve the perfect colored beads.  

Guess where I first wore the necklace and ear rings you see in the photo? To the bead show of course!

Red square glass bead set

I made this set for one of my painting class students. She is 7 years old.

I used red celestial crystal glass square beads. The faceting reflects lively highlights and colors. I used silver small round bead spacers and hooks. I Added a butterfly pendant to make it interesting for that age. 

Jewelry out of Lace !

This is an awesome lace set.

Lace is such a romantic and feminine thing to use in jewelry. So if you have never considered the idea, here are some awesome tutorials to inspire.

Ear ring

 

      Cut a piece of lace and trim it to your desired shape.

      The lace I have used is very thin so I soaked the cut lace in Elmer glue and let it dry. Then I ironed it to even itout.

      I used a thick sewing needle to put a small hole at the top of the lace trim.

      Use an ear ring hook of your choice silver, gold, bronze etc.

      Put your ear ring hook through the hole and fix it.

We are moving on to the necklace.

 

       I cut 2 single flowers for the sides and one twin flower for the pendant.

       Follow the second step as above.

       Mark two dots across the center on top and bottom on two single flowers and punch hole. On the twin flower I got two holes next to each other on the petals. You can have it the same way or leave one petal in the middle and have yours on the sides ( this will bring the pendant a little up )

      Add a jump ring on all the holes

      Cut 2 short piece (mine was 1.5 inch) chain to connect the pendant to the side flowers

      Cut 2 long piece for the back ( mine was 8 inch you decide this length based on how long you want your necklace to hang from your neck)

       Add the chain pieces to the jump rings and connect them into a necklace.

 

Now we are at the final product the bracelet.

Measure your wrist reduce an inch and cut your lace ( my wrist size was 6” I cut my lace 5” long)

      Follow the second step as in the ear ring.

      Cut the 2 end pieces for the bracelet I used leather (you can use ribbon or felt) I cut the leather 1” wide, 2” long (that is the width of my bracelet).

       Fold the 1’’ wide piece in the middle and insert the bracelet lace in between and sew on a sewing machine. ( you can hand sew also)

       Punch a hole in the center and add a jump ring

       Add a closure of your choice to the jump ring.