Loopy Earrings

Loopy Earrings by Beadstudio
Photo by Favecrafts.com

I am so digging the hippy chic/boho look of these Loopy Earrings by Beadstudio. The colors - not so much; but, hey that's why we make our own jewelry to give it a twist and make it our own.

I plan on making these in turquoise and coral or - in honor of Spring - bright flower colors! I may even use flower and leaf beads instead.

And, if you don't like working with jump rings, this project uses ready made loopy chain.

Click HERE to get the instructions.

Now go bead something.

Sparky Barbie Boot Earrings

Sparkly Barbie Boot Earrings
Photo and Project by Savannah Starr

Okay, at first glance, you're probably thinking "what the heck is she thinking with this project?" but, really - Barbie Boots!! No boots? This same technique will work with any small, earring size doll shoe or make a pendant with a larger size.

So go raid your daughter or granddaughter's toy box and give it a try.

'Nuff said, just click HERE to get the directions and a link to a video tutorial.

Now go bead something

Some Great Tips to Prevent Tarnish From Ever Happening

I don't know about you, but I hate it when I pull out a a nice sterling silver piece to wear and it is completely tarnished. Naturally, I have no cleaner, so out comes an old toothbrush and some toothpaste to try to scrub it clean. And, it always happens just as I am about to leave.

Preventing tarnish is far less work
than cleaning it.
Photo by Rena Klingenberg

Well, Rena Klingenberg has 7 handy little tips for preventing tarnish from ever forming on your jewelry. I am all for a little prevention if it means I don't ever (or almost never) have to clean my jewelry again. And, if you are in the business of selling, this can save you a lot of time and aggravation.

She lists simple solutions from using bags to bag up your jewelry to protecting it from oxidation to begin with by using silver tarnish cloths and she even gives a simple homemade solution to clean up your tarnished items using kitchen items.

Click HERE to check it out.

Now go bead something.

Sparkle Flower Earrings

Try this new "twist" on an age old technique, French Beaded Flowers, and make a pair of earrings or a pendant).

Sparkle Flower Earrings
Photo by Favecrafts.com
Project by Meredith Roddy for Beadalon

If you've never tried your hand at French Beaded Flowers, it might be a good idea to familiarize yourself with the technique before giving this project a shot; but, really, it's a fun and easy technique. Just Google French Beaded Flowers Tutorial or search for it on YouTube and you'll be beading the French way in no time at all.

Viva le perles!

Make some blooms of your own. Click HERE to get the instructions.

Now go bead something.

Twig Bracelets by Simply Bold

Twig Bracelets
Photo and Project by Kristina at Simply Bold

At first glance, you would think these bracelets were made out of wire - well, at least I did; but, wait...no, not wire at all!

Would you believe real twigs? Yep, the real stuff that's been hot glued and then painted gold.

Four simple things are all you need - twigs, hot glue, spray paint (she used gold, but I could so see these in copper and bronze) and scissors.

I would make a bunch and wear them altogether; but, check them out when they are stacked with other bracelets.

Twig Bracelets
Photo and Project by Kristina at Simply Bold

Oh yeah - check out the twig rings too.

Click HERE to get all the how tos.

Now go bead something.

April 2013 Meeting

April 2014 Program
Spiral Rope Bracelet by Holly Matherly

Seven Acres Jewish Senior Care Center
6200 North Braeswood, Houston, TX 77074
Saturday, April 19, 2014
10:00 am to 12:00 pm
Program: Spiral Rope Bracelet/Necklace
               with Holly Matherly

Programs are free for HBS members and first time attendees. Thereafter, $10.00 per program until you join.

Dangling Decoupage Earrings

Don't get me wrong, I love to use resin in my projects, but sometimes mixing up a batch of the stuff for just one or two projects doesn't seem worth my time. So, when I can create a project like this with some ready made material, I am all over it.

Check out these Dangling Decoupage Earrings created by Debbie Saenz for Mod Podge.

Dangling Decoupage Earrings
Project by Debbie Saenz for Mod Podge
Picture at favecrafts.com

Super easy and super fast to create and they don't involve using a bezel, but some wooden circles you can get at any craft store along with some scrap pieces of paper. And, as I already mentioned, no need to mix up a messy batch of resin with this ready made product.

Go make you a couple of pairs. Click HERE to get all the how tos.

Now go bead something.