Drilling Through Sea Glass

Here's a handy tutorial that shows you how to drill through those lovely pieces of sea glass that some people seem to find when walking on the beach. I never find anything like that. I just usually find pieces of dead jellyfish or dried up pieces of seaweed... you get the picture.

But, I digress.

Learning to drill through sea glass or any type of glass or rock for that matter is not for the faint of heart. It involves power tools (a drill - preferably a drill press), but so what! Drills are now available in all sizes, types, brands, power, prices and, yeah, even colors. 

Picture and Project by summerlane for
Instructables.com

The creator of this tutorial even used the most easiest of drill to use - a Dremel - for this project. 

The only thing to the tutorial that I would add is to place a thin piece of wood (like a piece of 1"x 4") or, even better, a piece of dense rubber (I've even seen old flip flop bottoms used) between the sea glass and the plate to not only help cushion the impact of the drill bit, but to also protect the plate. And, although a "dentist's drill bit" is okay, I would invest a little bit of money in a diamond coated bit if I was going to be drilling a lot of  pieces. But, no matter, this tutorial is a good place to start. And, remember practice, practice, practice before starting your masterpiece.

I really like the idea of creating a wearable piece out of a memento you picked up on a special trip. And, they make lovely gifts too.

Click HERE to get the instructions.

Now go bead something.

Word Bracelets

Sometimes, we are all crunched for time, so here is a super easy 10 minute bracelet project using a one word bead and some hemp or embroidery floss (or anything else you have handy) from Happy Hour Projects.

Project and Photo by
www.happyhourprojects.com

She used hemp (don't you just love the colors) and word beads she found at a craft store and voila - a bracelet in probably less than 10 minutes. No special skills needed - all you have to know is how to tie a knot. No word bead, no problem, I think any type of large bead or focal will work and it makes a great anklet too.

Click HERE to get the instructions.

Now go bead something.

Woven Yarn Bracelet

I'm not a big bracelet person, but I do love bangles and the more the better or the larger the better. So, check out this tutorial for a yarn woven bracelet using a couple of basic metal bangles, a bit of yarn and wire, glue and a pair of scissors. 

Woven Yarn Bracelets by Emily for
instructables.com

The technique involves some easy weaving that she demonstrates on the site so with a little practice, you should be able to make these in no time.

Click HERE to get the instructions.

Now go bead something.

Polymer Clay "Stone" Necklace

Polymer Clay Stones Necklace by Maria at
mashiacrafts.com

What a fun necklace this is and so simple to make! So, if you haven't sunk your hands into polymer clay, at least once, this is the project to help you get started.

All you need are a couple of colors of polymer clay, some jump rings and a chain or neck wire and you are set. There is no complicated color mixing - really, so easy you can teach your kids to create them too. And, although you can use any color clay you want, I really love Maria's color choices because they are so cool and beachy.

Click HERE to get the instructions from Maria at Mashia Crafts.

By the way, did you know Houston has a fabulous polymer clay guild that meets right after Houston Bead Society? Well, it does - click HERE to go to the Houston Polymer Clay Guild site to learn more about what they do and all the wonderful projects they create.

Now go bead something.

Rhinestone Friendship Bracelet

I never went to summer camp as a child, but some of my friends did. Regardless, I don't need summer camp memories to help me like this sweet little Rhinestone Friendship Bracelet by the blogger at Love & Rosen. And, my love of fibers is no secret to anyone so for me, this bracelet is a winning combination of fibers and bling.

Photo and Project by Love & Rosen

The thing about this project is that it can be very sophisticated or hippy chic depending on the fibers that you use. I would love to see this bracelet using black floss or even with tans and turquoises with a string of turquoise color beads to wear with my favorite white shirt.

Regardless of what colors you decide to use, it's bound to be a hit. Click HERE to get the instructions.

Now go bead something.

Super Easy Bead Soup Bangle

Who among us does not have our own bead soup? In case you don't know what bead soup is - it's usually just a mixture of leftover beads from various projects. Actually, some beaders have several soups going in various colorways; but - me - nope, it's all in one big container.

So, what to do with this bead soup? Make a bracelet of course. Like... this one, for example.

Super Stylish Bead Soup Bangle
By: Eva for Crafts Unleashed
As seen in favecrafts.com

Eva for Crafts Unleashed created this beauty from bead soup beads, a pre-made wire cuff and 24 gauge wire. 

Don't have your own bead soup (really???), no problem, get thee to a bead store and create your own.

Click HERE to get the instructions.

Now go bead something.

Aimee Ray's "Sweet and Simple Jewelry" - Book Review

Do you want to create enchanting and very pretty, fresh, chic styles of jewelry while expanding your knowledge to include techniques like needlework, resin and the use of filigree? Then Aimee Ray’s book, Sweet & Simple Jewelry is just the inspiration and direction you need.

Image by Lark Books

While probably not for an advanced jewelry maker, Sweet & Simple Jewelry is a nice option for an artist moving into making jewelry from another craft or even for a beginning jewelry maker. The book features 32 projects by 17 designers and utilizes different products like felt, fabric, embroidery floss, buttons, filigree shapes, wool roving, polymer clay, air drying clay, epoxy clay and shrink plastic. It even shows you how to create your own molds using two part molding putty. Whether it’s rings, pendants, bracelets, earrings or even hair accessories you are sure to find a pretty and easy to make project in this book.

Sweet & Simple Jewelry includes templates and some basic techniques on wire wrapping, the use of resin and even a nice short tutorial on embroidery techniques just to mention a few.

Regardless, all of the designs are very sweet and sure to give you the inspiration you need to try some of the different techniques. My favorite – the Dandelion Wish Necklace on page 118 – is something I am definitely going to try.

The book is published by Lark Books and will be available in the HBS library starting next month.

Now go bead something.