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.