Keepsake Crafts - Sharing the Love of Creativity

Crystal & Filigree Necklace Video Tutorial

May 312014

These bib style necklaces are popular now and this one goes together quickly. And there are so many design possibilities! The metal components can be anything you like: flower connectors, wire rings, stamped metal bits. Of course the beads can be any color or type you like.

Enjoy the video and happy creating!

Materials:

chain for necklace in length of your choice (18-24 inches is good)
3 head pins
7 eye pins
lobster clasp
jump rings
10 8x6mm crystal beads
9 15x17mm filigree components

Tools:

chain nose pliers
round nose pliers
wire cutters
ruler

Arrange your filigree components and crystal beads into rows that will be long dangles.
For the beads that will be at the bottom of a dangle, make bead dangles by sliding each onto a head pin and trim wire coming out of bead to 3/8 inch. Grasp wire with round nose pliers and twist to make a simple loop. Straighten loop so it is centered above bead.
To make bead links slide each remaining crystal onto an eye pin and trim wire coming out of bead to 3/8 inch. Grasp wire with round nose pliers and twist to make a simple loop. Straighten loop so it is centered above bead.
Connect bead links and dangles to filigree components by twisting loops to the side to open. Slide on filigree and close loop securely. Repeat to make all long dangles.
Use jump rings to connect center dangle to center link of necklace chain. You may have to use two jump rings in order for the flat filigree components to lie properly on the necklace.
Connect all remaining dangles to necklace chain on either side of center dangle.
Use a jump ring to attach lobster clasp to one end of necklace chain. Attach a jump ring to other end of chain if necessary.

WOYWW – One Zentagle A Day

May 272014

Happy Wednesday again, everyone! I hope all of you who had the day off for Memorial Day on Monday had a wonderful day and took a little time to remember and give thanks for those who gave all for us.

We had a lovely, quiet day at home. I spent the afternoon planting flowers and the evening sewing.

My new overlocker (serger for those of you who asked) arrived and I’ve been having fun. So far I’ve whipped up the pink denim skirt and a white knit top. Turns out the white knit fabric was a leeeetle bit too thin for comfort, so I’ll need to line it before showing it to the world. And of course I can’t show the skirt without a top, now can I? 😉

Hidden under the left side of the sketchbook is a reversible knit top I’m working on. Why is it reversible? Well, that’s a story for another day.

Also on the desk today is another new thing I’ve been trying, Zentangles. You could call them “doodle art.” I’ve never been much of a drawer, my strengths lie in color and composition, but one thing I learned in art school is that with enough practice anybody can draw. There have been occasions when I’ve wanted to doodle, but always ran out of ideas for designs.

These are kind of fun. You learn a few new patterns every day and they’re actually quite relaxing to do (hence the “Zen” part.)

This is the perfect kind of project to have for those moments you find yourself waiting around and wishing you had a little something to occupy yourself. So, I plan on picking up a small sketchbook that I can keep in my purse.

In case this sounds like something you’d like to try, here’s a link to the book, there are lots of others out there, but so far I’ve been quite happy with this course.

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Btw, a few of the reviewers griped about all the supplies listed that you might need. But I’ve found all I need is a sketchbook, a Pigma Micron pen and a mechanical pencil. I also made myself 3.5-inch and 1-inch square templates out of index cards.

Wondering why I posted a photo of my workspace? Believe it or not, there are those out there who are interested! We meet up every Wednesday over at Julia’s for What’s on Your Workdesk Wednesday. Many have been inspired, gotten new ideas and even started new friendships and hobbies as a result. Check it out if you have a little time. 🙂

Happy doodling, sewing & creating!

Ombre Kumihimo Bracelet – Waxed Linen Twine Blog Hop

May 242014

Back in April Diana over at the the Suburban Girl Studio blog decided to host a waxed linen twine blog hop. Since some of my first jewelry videos were done using waxed linen twine, I thought it would be fun to participate.

She recommended we incorporate an art bead, so I pulled out a few green & gold lampwork beads I’d made a while back. Then I started digging through my bead stash.

Imagine my surprise when after piling every possibility onto my workspace I discovered I had an ombre blend of colors!

The next decision was how to put them all together. Kumihimo seemed like a good way to keep all the beads close enough to enhance the gradient effect.

(Don’t know what kumihimo is? This link will bring you to a post with some links explaining the kumihimo braiding process.)

I used brown & black waxed linen twine to do the kumihimo braiding. Btw, I wouldn’t recommend going any larger than 12mm beads with kumihimo, as those dark green crystals just barely fit through the hole in my braiding disk.

Then, it seemed to be calling for some funky metal. I’d made a bunch of copper “Little Orbits” from Cindy Wimmer’s book, The Missing Link.

After trying all sorts of configurations with the long tail ends of linen twine, I finally just strung them over all eight strands of twine. Sorta like those sections full of jump rings you see.

I love all the different textures AND the color kind of continues the gradient.

It only took a few minutes to make matching toggle clasp components, and those were just square knotted onto the twine. (That’s the lovely thing about the wax in waxed linen, those knots will never, ever slip.)

A few leftover beads were tied onto the tail ends, and that was that.

Oh, and I ended up not using the original lampwork beads that got it all started, funny how that happens quite often.

Here are all the other bloggers participating in this challenge. Happy blog hopping and happy creating!

WOYWW- Serger Sewing Projects

May 202014

Hello Wednesday, all! Today finds me excitedly awaiting the arrival of my new serger. My wonderful hubby bought me my first serger 22 years ago, but a part broke a while back and it hasn’t been the same since. I decided to go for the Brother 1034D. It’s due to arrive later this week, yay.

While I wait I’m prepping all the projects to be serged. Clockwise from the upper left are the pink denim skirt (I decided to go with the lighter pink side), an animal print skirt I’m going to recut to make a shorter version, three rib knits to make a top, black to make a copy of my favorite nightie – which is currently nearly in rags, white knit to make a copy of a purchased top, Cindy Wimmer’s awesome book, The Missing Link: From Basic to Beautiful Wirework Jewelry, my beloved MP3 player on which I listen to audio books, a few beads for an upcoming bracelet, and finally, a cool ethnic looking fabric for a skort.

That lot should be enough to keep me busy for a few days, eh?

Once I get all the tops done, I promise to take pics with the pants (trousers for you UK folks!) and do some pattern reviewing.

If you’d like to see what’s on the workdesks of other creative folks from all over the world, be sure to check out our weekly blog party over at Julia’s.

In the meantime, happy creating!

Crystal Dangles & Roses Bracelet Video Tutorial

May 192014

Here’s a bracelet to match the Hammered Paddle Headpin Earrings from a couple weeks ago.

The spring colors in this bracelet make me happy!

If you need practice making wire wrapped loops, this project is for you. 🙂

The concept is fairly simple: make wire wrapped connectors of largish (10mm or so) beads, connect them with jump rings and hang several wire wrapped smaller crystals (4mm) on each jump ring.

I needed a little more length and so added five pairs of jump rings to one end, thus making it longer and adjustable. There were four stray crystals left on the table (couldn’t have that) so I add three to the end of the chain and one next to the clasp.

For details on how to do the wire wrapping, check out the video. Happy creating!

You can watch the Crystal Dangles & Roses Bracelet Video Tutorial over at YouTube.

Materials:

6-8 10mm ceramic beads
15-24 4mm Swarovski crystal bicone beads
15-24 head pins
3mm silver plated beads (optional)
6mm silver plated jump rings
silver plated lobster clasp
20 gauge silver filled wire

Tools:

round nose pliers
chain nose pliers
wire cutters

Directions:

Use 20 gauge wire to make wrapped loops on each end of 10mm ceramic beads. Wrap enough beads to make the desired length of bracelet less one inch.

Slide each 4mm Swarovski crystal onto a head pin and make a wrapped loop. (If desired add a 3mm silver plated bead first.) Make enough of these for three to go between each ceramic bead. Wrap extras if you’d like some near the clasp or at the end of the chain.

Open a jump ring and slide on loops of two ceramic bead units and three wrapped crystals. Close jump ring securely.

Repeat to connect all ceramic beads together with crystal on jump rings in between. Use a jump ring to add lobster clasp to one end (and crystal, if you like) and several jump rings to the other end.

WOYWW – Sewing Pants & Drapes

May 132014

Happy What’s on Your Workdesk Wednesday again, everyone! If you’re a regular desker, welcome back. If you’ve no idea what I’m talking about, go check out our fun weekly blog hop of creative desks from all over the world, courtesy of Julia.

Today’s desk shows I’ve been, once again, sewing up a storm. I mentioned a few weeks back that I’d ordered 11 yards of fabric with which to make six pairs of pants. Four are now done, two pairs of long pants and two crop pants, one of each in black and khaki. (Photos and a pattern review coming soon.)

In the upper right is the pattern and the green fabric is the sample we settled on for a very large project, 11 sets of drapes for my church’s fellowship hall. One hundred ten yards of fabric will be arriving here soon. That’ll keep me just a little bit busy. 🙂

Also on the desk are the remaining two pants fabrics, the white which will be crop pants and the pink, which I’m thinking of making into a skirt, rather than the pants.

The big decision here is whether to use the hot pink side or the lighter pink side. Your thoughts or opinions are welcome! I tend to stick with neutrals for bottoms, like blue jeans, black, khaki or white, so am feeling a little apprehensive about either pink.

Several of you asked to see the completed memory quilt. Here it is, no thing of beauty except to those to whom the memories belong. To them it’s quite precious and I think the young man is going to enjoy it. His sister and mom especially loved the photos, and the fact that I’d stitched the little Pooh backpack on in a way that items can be tucked into it.

Sorry about the distortion in the photo. I couldn’t get far enough away from it to photograph it straight on, so it was quite key-stoned and I had to straighten it in Photoshop.

So that’s what’s happening in my crafty world lately. Whatever you are doing, may you find a bit of time to be creative!

Need A Last Minute Gift for Mom? Craftsy Flash Sale

May 102014

Just thought I’d mention that Craftsy is having a birthday flash sale this weekend.

Select online classes at up to 50% off until May 11th at 11:59pm MT, including a favorite that I’ve mentioned several times, Wire-Wrapped Stones Crystals and Clusters.

If jewelry making isn’t your thing, they also have classes in knitting, crocheting, sewing, quilting, cake decorating, photography, fine art and more.

If you haven’t tried Craftsy yet and want to know what they’re all about, try some of their free mini classes. You’ll love ’em!

I hope you all have a wonderful Mother’s Day. Happy creating. 🙂

(This post contains affiliate links which means, I will be compensated if you purchase after clicking these links.)

Hammered Paddle Headpin Earrings Video Tutorial

May 092014

Wouldn’t it be nice to be able to have jewelry findings in any size shape, color and finish you want, and not be limited by what you can find at the store?

These earrings feature a very simple technique to make your own headpins. All you need is some wire and a hammer.

Like I said, this is a very basic technique. Although I didn’t do it for these earrings, I could have made my own ear wires as well. I learned how in the Craftsy class Make Your Own Wirework Findings.

We also learned how to make cool twisted jump rings, a wide variety of toggle clasps and lots of other fun stuff.

Check it out, if you want to go beyond the basics.

Or, just make a start by trying these paddled headpins. 🙂 If you like, continue on to the matching Crystal Dangles & Roses bracelet . Whatever you do, happy creating!

You can watch the Hammered Paddle Headpin Earrings Video Tutorial over at YouTube.

Materials:

2 12mm ceramic beads
4 4mm Swarovski crystal bicone beads
4 3mm silver plated round beads
2 silver plated ear wires
8 inches 20 gauge silver filled wire

Tools:

bench block
chasing hammer (round faced)
file
flush cut wire cutters
round nose pliers
chain nose pliers

Instructions:

Leaving wire on the spool,use flush cut wire cutters to make a straight cut across the end of the wire.
Lay last 1/4-inch of wire over bench block and tap lightly with chasing hammer. Continue tapping until wire has spread out into a paddled shape of desired size. Use a file to refine the shape if necessary.
Cut wire 4-inches from end of paddle. Repeat to make a matching paddle for other earring.
Onto each headpin string a 3mm silver bead, 4mm Swarovski crystal bicone, 12mm ceramic bead, 4mm Swarovski crystal bicone and a 3mm silver bead.
Make a wrapped loop with remaining wire of each headpin: Use chain nose pliers to grasp wire just at point where it exits last bead. Bend wire at 90° angle. Grasp bend with round nose pliers and wrap wire around pliers as far as possible to start to make a loop. Reposition pliers to finish loop. Close loop and hold with chain nose pliers. Use another pair of chain nose to wrap remaining wire around wire below 90° bend. Use wire cutters to trim excess wire and use chain nose pliers to tuck in end.
Use chain nose pliers to open loops of ear wires and insert a wrapped loop into each. Close ear wire loops securely.

WOYWW – Polymer Clay Bangle Bracelets & Flower Ring

May 062014

Hello again, Wednesday! Today is the day many of us gather over at Julia’s and share a peek of what we’re working on. Take a look see if you have a few minutes, it’s always interesting and rather fun. 🙂

Here’s my workdesk today. I’ve been busy working through two polymer clay projects from Donna Kato’s CraftArtEdu.

On the left is my scrap clay bin, gonna need a bigger one soon. On the right is my big, honkin’ Fire Mountain Gems catalog (nearly 1300 pages!) I love poking through this big book of goodies, it reminds me of the Sears wishbook. (Ok, am I dating myself? How many of you remember the Sears wishbook?)

I finished the Evangelina Ring. It was a fun project, but the directions were a bit lacking. I managed to figure it out from the photos, though.

This is the class project photo. I changed it up by making my flower petals from a blended cane and also added texture to the petals and the flower centers.

As you can see, this is a highly impractical, but extremely fun ring to wear. 🙂

The other class I took was Donna Kato’s Everyday Bangles with Dangles. I wanted to take this class because, although I kept hearing from other polymer clay artists about the strength and flexibility of poly clay, I wasn’t convinced it could be used to make something durable, like a bangle bracelet. Now I am!

The three bracelets on top of each other are from Donna’s class, the one on the upper left is me taking the concept and heading off in my own direction.

Now I have to go off and finish a certain HUGE memory quilt. Photos to follow soon.

Happy creating!

WOYWW – Claying & Beading, Wire Weaving & Sewing

Apr 292014

Happy Wednesday, everyone! If you’re wondering why I’m sharing a photo of my busy/messy workdesk, well, it’s What’s On Your Workdesk Wednesday, the day many of us share a peek into our creative worlds and what we’re up to. Join us over at Julia’s if you want, it’s always interesting and frequently inspirational.

On my workdesk today is quite a jumble because, as the post title indicates, I’m working on many different things.

The sewing bit isn’t pictured, but my order of 11 yards of fabric arrived from Fabric.com today so I need to get started on those six pairs of pants. And I’m nearly done with the memory quilt, photos to come soon on that.

Towards the right side is my set up to begin working on the Evangelina Ring, a class from CraftArtEdu.

It’s a rather fascinating, funky thing, made of polymer clay and woven wire, two of my favorite media combined, so I’m looking forward to trying it.

In the upper left is a pile of ingredients for a sample for a class I’ll be teaching at Joann’s this summer. I’ll NOT be using neon pink beads, though, but a tropical feeling combo of blue & green. I thought it was a rather interesting concept to use links of chain as spacers, though.

The rest of the stuff is from my local A.C. Moore which is going out of business. While I’m sad about that, I was happy to get the drill punch for $6 instead of its usual $18. 🙂

Oh, and a few weeks ago one of you gals recommended Diana Galbaldon’s Outlander. Wow, what a great story. That’s what’s on the mp3 player in the lower right, and I’m dying to get back to it. So I’ll leave you to your own projects and desk hopping.

Happy creating!

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