Mirror Jewelry Wall Hangers

If you are running out of places to store your jewelry, then check out this cute and oh so clever idea by Homey Oh My!

Project and Photo by
Homey Oh My!

These mirrors are all over the craft stores so they are easy to get. She also uses E6000 to glue on the components and, if you live in an apartment, you don't damage the walls because she uses Command Strips to hang up the mirrors. Oh My! Clever, indeed.

Really easy, really cute and functional too - so what's not to love.

Click HERE to make a few of your own.

Now go bead something.

Multi-Strand Necklace and Earring Set

Holy smokes - I am so in love with this design!

Multi-Strand Necklace and Earrings by
Fire Mountain Gems and Beads

But, what's not to love when you're working with corals and turquoise! Oh yeah - silver too. And, multi-strands. And, chain. And, a wild assortment of different types and sizes of beads.

Can I just say again that I am so in love with this design?

Although there is no actual tutorial for this design (by Esther Pollock - Jewelry Production Specialist in the Marketing Content Development Group for Fire Mountain), they do have a list of materials you need to create your own.

And, really, it's just simply stringing and some bead chain all wrapped together in a cone that is attached to a chain necklace. If you work with Viking Knit, this would be a great time to add one of a piece of that. If not, then you can use some chain - vintage or new.

Anyway, click HERE to see the list of materials you need.

Now go bead something.

Is the Best PCB Etchant in Your Kitchen?

If you are a metal worker, then you're probably familiar with Ferric Chloride, the solution used to etch patterns into copper. If you don't know a lot about etching, have been wanting to try it, but are a little intimidated by the use of FC, then you may want to check this out.

Did you know that the best PCB Etchant may be located right in your kitchen cabinet!

Homemade PCB Etchant and Photo
By Feynmaniac

That's right - vinegar, salt and hydrogen peroxide are all you need to create your own etchant solution - and, isn't that so less intimidating that Ferric Chloride?

I was formally trained to use Ferric Chloride to etch copper (even bronze) and ferric nitrate for sterling; but, I am really going to give this homemade recipe by Feynmaniac at Instructables a try.

You should too if you've been wanting to try your hand at this easy technique to get texture on your metal pieces.

Click HERE to get all the how tos.

Now go bead/etch something.

Bling Bracelet

Check out this video tutorial on how to create a  Bling Bracelet like this:

Bling Bangle
Photo Still (from youtube video) and Project by Gina's Gem Creations

It's made by Gina's Gem Creations and how often have I said I love video tutorials (okay - I'll answer that - alot!).

Click HERE to get the instructions. It is a full 40 minute video so be sure to set aside some time to check it out.

Now go bead something.

Cute Zipper Bracelet

I think if you like beads, you probably have your share of fabric and notions laying around. So, this would make a super-easy, perfect mother/daughter (even mother/son) project to tackle this summer.

A Zipper Bracelet (no sewing required) by Craftside.

Zipper Bracelet
Project and Photo by Craftside

With all the cute zipper styles and colors (think neon!) now available at any fabric or quilt store, the options are endless. Even if you don't happen to have an extra zipper laying around, why not search through some old things and recycle one? I can so see this in denim with pearls... and studs ... and flowers ... and.... you get the picture.

Since it's no sew, you'll be zipping your way through a whole bunch of them quickly (see what I did there?).

Any who, click HERE to get all the instructions.

Now go bead something.

Anthro Inspired Party Animal Necklace

Oh... my... gosh! I am so loving this Anthro inspired Party Animal Necklace by Bev at Flamingo Toes.

Party Animal Necklace
Photo and Project by Flamingo Toes

This is another one of Anthro inspired jewelry pieces created by Bev and while the real ones will set you back around $40.00, you can create this one for around $10.00.

All you need is a bit of trim, a few beads, a jump ring (or two), a chain or necklace of some type and, of course, a miniature animal figure (I've seen these at my local craft store for a buck or two).

Super easy to make with a lot of close-up pictures on the how tos.

Click HERE to make your own.

Now go bead something.

JUNE 2014 MEETING

June Meeting:
Saturday, June 21, 2014 at 10:00 am
Independent Bank Building
750 Bering Drive

First Floor Conference Room

Texas Star Earrings
Photo and Project by Royelle Giddings

Program - Texas Star Earrings:
HBS Member, Royelle Giddings, has been teaching for many years, so it is quite a treat to have her for this month's program (just in time for the 4th of July) - Texas Star Earrings.

Supplies to Bring:
-  Size 8, 11 or 15 (your choice) seed beads in red white and blue - of course!
-  Beading needle
-  Beading thread of your choice
-  Beading mat
-  Earring findings

Directions:
Driving South on 610 (towards Galleria), take the Woodway/Memorial Dr. exit and make a right on Woodway (away from Memorial Park). Take Woodway for about about 1 to 1.5 miles to Bering Dr. and make a left (Bering is the next light after Chimney Rock). Then drive about one half mile to 750 Bering Dr. (Independent Bank building) which is on your right. If you pass up Kelsey Seybold Clinic on Sugar Hill Road you just barely missed it. The conference room is located on the 1st floor.

Parking and Entering the Building:
Park in the 750 Bering parking garage located to the right of the Independent Bank building. Then go through the garage and enter the conference room through the glass doors at back of the building.

Another Handy Organization Tip

If you subscribe or collect printed jewelry magazines (or books), you will find this hint quite handy.

It can be difficult to find a particular project that you know you wanted to try to create when that magazine is several months or more old. So, here is way to keep those projects you want to take second look at easy to find.

Buy a package of these ready made tabs or as an alternate the small "flag" size sticky notes notes.

So, as you go through your magazine and find an interesting project, you write a few words (or the project's title) on the tab and attach it to the page. The tab will now stand out above the magazine and you have created a simple index tab filing system to help you locate that cool RAW bracelet you saw in a magazine several months ago.

Now go bead something.

Six Ways to Make a Button Necklace

I love buttons - especially old or vintage buttons - especially metal ones - especially pearl ones - oooh, I just love buttons. So, when I saw this set of projects using buttons, I just had to share because I want everyone to share some button love - vintage, antique or modern!

Six Ways to Make a Button Necklace
Photo by craftgossip.com

And, she shares not one, not two - but six different ways to create a button necklace from your very favorite buttons.

And, what better way to honor mom's, grandma's or even great grandma's button collection than to wear some and think about her every day?

Click HERE to get your pick of button necklaces to make.

Now go bead something.

Premo! Sunflower Necklace

Besides metals, glass and enamels, I have had another entirely almost secret crush on - polymer clay! I was hooked on polymer clay since I saw the work of Alvin Community College Jewelry Teacher and Artist Extraordinaire, Diane Falkenhagen (click on her name to check out her fabulous work) - some 15 years ago while at U of H with Val Link.

Scenes from the Great Drama of the Human Race
Art and Photo by Diane Falkenhagen

And, that fascination has continued through today. As a matter of fact, I've already taken two workshops with the also fabulous Laurie Mika whose work simply "talks" to me (like Diane's did that many years ago). Click on her name to check out all her fabulousness too!

Life's Moments
Photo and Art by Laurie Mika

Anyway, I continue to be amazed by the work that these two artists and so many more are creating using a simple bar of polymer clay. So, while not on the scale of Diane or Laurie, I found this cute Sunflower Necklace made of polymer clay and I though it was the perfect tutorial to get your feet wet with this fun, easy to use and inexpensive media that  has endless possibilities.

In simple, detailed steps you too can learn how to create a polymer clay cane using the Skinner Blend technique - so easy to do, yet it yields such spectacular results.

Premo! Sunflower Necklace by
Photo and Project by Polyform

So if you are itching for a sweet project that simply screams Spring! or you are a fan of these happy, little flowers, click HERE to get all the how tos to make your own.

Also, don't forget to click on Diane's and Laurie's links to their websites, you won't regret it.

Now go bead something.

P.S. Did you know there is a Houston Polymer Clay Guild in Houston. Click HERE to get more information about that organization.

7 Ways to Organize

I must have been a Professional Organizer in a previous life because I love to organize and when I see organizing ideas like these by Fire Mountain Gems and Beads it makes my heart skip a beat - a little.

7 Ways to Organize
Picture by Fire Mountain Gems and Beads

What I liked about this article is that it addresses seven organizational types. For example, if you like your stuff spread out all over the place, then you would probably like horizontal storage ideas. If you need everything to be hung up and strung, then you like vertical storage ideas.

What's also cool is that the article not only addresses the seven organizational types - it also gives ideas and suggestions to help keep you organized (by giving you examples of organizational solutions).

So, click HERE to get all the ideas to help you not only organize your bead stash, but keep you organized too. When you're organized then you have more time to bead and be creative.

Now go bead or organize something.

Birthday Bracelet

Birthday Bracelets
Project and Photo by Deborah Roberti

At the May meeting, HBS Vice President Patti Berg taught members how to create a right angle weave (aka RAW) bracelet.

So, if you are itching to practice that technique or to learn it, then check out this Birthday Bracelet pattern by Deborah Roberti.

Deborah uses seed beads, crystals and glass pearls to create this right angle beauty.

Click HERE to get all the detailed, step by step instructions.

Now go bead something.

Lashed Wrap Bracelet with Swarovski Elements

I love these bracelets and they are all over the place in different number of wraps, beads and I've even seen them using large focal beads as well. What I like about this version is the addition of chain and charms (dangles). And, almost everyone knows I'm a sucker for dangles.

Lashed Wrap Bracelet with Swarovski Elements
Picture and Project by Fire Mountain Gems and Beads

Whether or not you already know who to create one of these little beauties, you'll want to check out the how tos because there is a slightly different twist to it. If you don't know how to make one, there are plenty of close up pictures and detailed instructions to get you started.

Are you curious now? Well then, click HERE to get the instructions.

Now go bead something.

Floral Bracelet

Resin is so trendy right now and I bet you've been wanting to try it! So, look at this Floral Bracelet by Nataly Grin:

Floral Bracelet
Project and Photo  by Nataly Grin

She used some fern fronds to create her bracelet, but how cute would this be with some wildflowers or even - get this - flowers from a special bouquet (prom, wedding, shower); then, it would be a permanent reminder of that event.

Don't be fearful of resin either. It's a fun and easy to use material provided you read all the instructions that come with your brand of resin.

Click HERE to get all the how tos.

Now go bead something.