Rain Gutter Guard earring holder

April 10, 2012 By 20 Comments

I have a huge obsession with earrings right now! I just got 12 new pairs of Hoop- La earrings  about a week ago and it was getting pretty apparent that I needed a new organizing system for all of my jewelry! I was spilling out of my jewelry box and it was next to impossible to find anything! Time for a new system!

Off to Lowe’s I went! ENTER: Rain Gutter Guard

This 3′ plastic Rain Gutter Guard was a whopping $2.17 and the perfect solution to my earring dilemma!

I hung it on my closet wall with 3M Command hooks! I was tempted to spray paint it a fun color but becasue so many of my earrings are brightly colored I thought the white back ground would better display them. I still might paint it, you know me! Color is king over here in the BCD house!

Home sweet home for all my Hoop-La earrings!

Each pair fit perfectly in a hole and are on display making it easy to see what I have! No more sifting threw a pile of earrings or searching for the other match in a pair!  Super simple and super cheap!

Head over to Lowe’s today and get organized!

You can buy Hoop-La earring here on Etsy or come pick some up in person at the Queen Bee Market April 20-21st here in Utah at Thanksgiving Point!

Filed Under: accessories, Becca's posts, organization
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Thread and Rhinestone bangle bracelets by “Miss lovie”

March 30, 2012 By 2 Comments
Today I’m showing you Tutorial #1 of the mixed media bracelets I made for SYTYC: the bangle. It’s really super easy and I think you’ll love it! Be sure to check back tomorrow for the braided one!
First you have to find some super cheap bangles. Since you’ll be covering them up it doesn’t matter what they look like. A place like Walmart would be a good place to look. Mine came from Forever 21 and were $2 something for 3 bangles and were a good width. The width should be at least an inch wide or more.
Materials Needed:
4 different, but coordinating, colors of chenille embroidery thread, 48-60 in. long (depending on the width of your bangle and how much you overlap as you wrap)
1 metallic embroidery thread 70-80 inches long
bangles-1 inch thick or more
rhinestone chain
hot glue
Mod Podge
(All measurements are approximate. I usually eyeball. And often I have to fix it because I don’t properly measure. The measurements above may be overshot a little, but you can always trim the thread as needed)
I separated the colors and put them together again so the different colors were made into one large mixed thread. This is optional, but I think it looks really cool.
First you want to cut 2 sets of about 70-80 inches of embroidery thread from each color (depending on how much you overlap as you wrap). Then you are going to separate the threads into 2 strands each. Each thread comes with 6 threads twisted together so you’ll separate it into 3 sets with 2 strands in each set. Once you do that to both sets from the same color you’ll have 6 sets with 2 strands in each set. Do that with the rest of the colors and you’ll have 24 sets with 2 strands in each set.
(please email me if you have questions. I know that’s confusing!!)
I don’t know if my way is the right way to separate embroidery thread, but I always hold one end of the thread between my knees and pull the threads apart slowly. This keeps it from tangling so much. If it tangles, let it untwist some and be patient. If you pull too hard, it will knot.
After your thread is ready you want to put the threads together by alternating colors. On every thread you add, run your thumb and index finger along the entire length of the joined threads to keep them together to reduce tangles and knots.
When you’re done adding all the thread it should look like this. See how the colors are all mixed together? 
 Cut each end for a clean edge to work with. 
 Put a dab of hot glue on the inside of the bangle and press the ends of the thread into it. Try not to burn
yourfingers like I always do.
 Then start wrapping your thread around. You want to keep your thread flat and spread out. You can overlap the thread in some parts, but be sure it stays even and isn’t thicker in some spots than others. You will probably have to continually run your thumb and index finger down the thread to untangle any knots that pop up.
 Keep going until the bangle is completely wrapped. You want the ends to finish on the inside of your bangle.
If they don’t, trim them so that the do.
 I used Mod Podge to glue the threads down. I painted on some Mod Podge to the bracelet, pressed the threads down, put some more Mod Podge on top and held my thumb on top for a little bit. Let dry for a couple minutes until you’re sure it will stick. You can use a tiny dab of hot glue instead if you want, but it won’t look as smooth as the Mod Podge. I tried both ways. The hot glue sets quicker, but if you’re not careful with how you put it on, it doesn’t look awesome.
 When it’s dry, you’ll glue the rhinestone chain to the middle of the bangle. Put tiny dots of hot glue under each rhinestone. This will not hold it on there super tight, but it’ll hold it enough until you wrap it with the metallic embroidery thread.
 Trim the rest of the chain off when you meet the beginning of the chain. Glue down carefully.
 Glue down the end of metallic embroidery thread. I did find that hot glue worked best on the metallic thread. Place a dot of hot glue down. Let cool for a few seconds then press the thread on top with your thumb. It’ll be warm but should not burn you. Pull finger off gently.
Then start wrapping the metallic embroidery thread around. On this bracelet I used 3 strands (pulled apart from the 6 strands it comes with) and on the yellow orange one I made like this I used 2. Just experiment and see how wide you want the metallic part to be. You’ll need about 70-80 inches of metallic thread. 
Wrap it on top of each connector piece between rhinestones at an angle. Be careful not to push on the rhinestones too much or they will become unglued.
 When you get back to where you started, start wrapping the opposite way. While wrapping, try to make Xs on either side of the rhinestones like the picture above. When you reach the end use the hot glue method to glue the ends down. And done!!
As you can see, the wrapped metallic thread is not super perfect, but it still looks cool, I think!
Here it is with the three strands of metallic.
And here it is with only two strands.
So pretty.
Stacked bracelets are supposed to be SO in right now. :)
Linking to all the parties you see on my sidebar!
Thanks for reading.
And if you make one I’d LOVE to see it. Post it to my Flickr pool or just email me!

Photobucket

For more great ideas from Allie, please visit “Miss Lovie”

Filed Under: accessories, Contirbutors, Jewelry
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10 min. Pearl Earrings by “Miss Lovie”

March 5, 2012 By 5 Comments
Let’s make some timeless and classic pearl dangly earrings!
Wouldn’t these be great for a Mother’s Day gift?
This post was originally seen on Luxe Boulevard.
I’m just reposting in case you missed it!
These earrings are so quick and easy. Even if you’ve never made jewelry in your life. Seriously.
First gather your materials. If you don’t have any on hand, all these supplies can be found at any craft supplies store. Check for sales and always use coupons!
You’ll need all those tools except the crimp tool.

Get 2 10 mm pearls and 4 8 mm pearls. (I usually just use glass pearls.)

You’ll need 4 eye pins, 2 head pins, and 2 ear wires.

And here we go.

Here are the detailed instructions to make a simple loop that I copied from my Huge Flower and Bow Necklace Tutorial in this post here.



After your simple loop is made,

Make another simple loop above that pearl and connect another eye pin. Slide the last 8mm pearl on and make another loop above it.

Now you’re done!

Here’s just a few tips.

When you make the loops above the pearl, be sure to make them as close to the pearl as possible. If you look at the one on the left, it is not very close to the pearl. I just cut that one off and re-did it (so it might be good to have some back-up head pins and eye pins available.) This makes it look much cleaner and more professional.

Also, when you are making the loops, be sure to create the loops so that they are going in the same direction.

DONE!
While it seems like a lot of steps, it really is so easy and shouldn’t take much longer than 10 minutes!
Happy jewelry-making!

For more great inspiration be sure to visit Allie over on “Miss Lovie!”
Filed Under: accessories, Contirbutors, Jewelry
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Thread & Rhinestone Bracelet by “Miss Lovie”

February 3, 2012 By Leave a Comment

 Yesterday I showed you how to make the Thread and Rhinestone Bangle so today I’m going to show you how to make the Braided version! This is the second bracelet I made for my audition on SYTYC This bracelet is a little more difficult to make than the bangle maybe, but you can still do it!! I seriously love these bracelets. They are so fun and pretty.
Materials Needed
Four different, but coordinating colors, of chenille embroidery thread, about 2 1/2 times the length of the diameter of your wrist (depending on how loose you want the bracelet) I used about 24 in. and it was a little long, but it can always be trimmed.
Rhinestone chain (I bought mine when it was 40% off and I had a coupon at Hancock’s Fabric), 8-12 in.
Gold chain and antiqued bronze chain, 8-12 in.
Large and small jump rings
2 solid (not like jump rings) connecting rings
2 crimp connectors (see larger picture below)
and gold wire (22-24 gauge)
eye pin and large pearl or bead (not pictured)
You’ll also need all tools above minus the crimp tool.
(All measurements are approximate. I usually eyeball. And often I have to fix it because I don’t properly measure. The measurements above may be overshot a little, but you can always trim the thread as needed)
Ok first you’ll do the same technique to get the colors all mixed together like in Thread and Rhinestone Bangle Tutorial. This is optional, but I think it looks really cool.
First you want to cut about 24 inches of embroidery thread from each color. Then you are going to separate the threads into 2 strands each. Each thread comes with 6 threads twisted together so you’ll separate it into 3 sets with 2 strands in each set. Once you do that to both sets from the same color you’ll have 6 sets with 2 strands in each set. Do that with the rest of the colors and you’ll have 24 sets with 2 strands in each set.
(please email me if you have questions. I know that’s confusing!!)
I don’t know if my way is the right way to separate embroidery thread, but I always hold one end of the thread between my knees and pull the threads apart slowly. This keeps it from tangling so much. If it tangles, let it untwist some and be patient. If you pull too hard, it will knot.
After your thread is ready you want to put the threads together by alternating colors. On every thread you add, run your thumb and index finger along the entire length of the joined threads to keep them together to reduce tangles and knots.
When you’re done adding all the thread it should look like this. See how the colors are all mixed together?
 Cut each end for a clean edge to work with.
Slide the embroidery thread through one of the solid connecting rings so that there is an equal amount on each side. These will make up two parts of your braid.
To make the third part of your braid you’re going to put all chains (rhinestone, gold, and antiqued bronze) on a large jump ring. Before doing that you have to create a connector from the rhinestone.
Here is the crimp connector. As the picture above shows, the flat parts that stick up are going to be folded down between the rhinestones to hold it in place. The loop will be under the rhinestone and it will help you connect the rhinestone chain to the large jump ring.
Fold one end down first using your (patience) and bent nose pliers.

Then fold the remaining flat part on top of the other.
The back of the rhinestone chain should now look like this with the loop behind the rhinestone.
Use your  bent nose pliers to pull up the loop a little so it’s useable and place a small jump ring onto the loop. This step just makes the rhinestone chain a little easier to work with so it will lay flat like it’s supposed to. (step not pictured)
Then slide the two chains and the small jump ring connected to the rhinestone chain onto the large jump ring and close the jump ring around the large connecting ring between the two embroidery threads. The chain cluster will act as the third part of the braid.
Now you’re ready to braid!
Braid as you normally would being super careful the settings on the rhinestones don’t snag the embroidery thread. Make sure the braid is tight enough that it won’t fall apart! Try to fit the thread in between the rhinestones when you cross over the chain cluster so you see as many rhinestones as possible and to help keep the braid tight.
When you have your braid done to the desired length, push all the embroidery thread to one side and run the thread through your fingers to get it nice and even and looking like a cohesive piece.
Slide your cohesive embroidery thread through the other solid connecting ring and see where you need to cut the chain so that they’ll lay be tight enough and not have any slack in them. Cut them with your wire cutters
Add a crimp connector to the rhinestone chain again as described above, then add all chains to your second large jump ring and close the jump ring around the solid connecting ring.
Loop your embroidery thread around the solid connecting ring and pull tight. Use the wire to wrap around it once and twist the end around itself once. Do this very close to the solid connecting ring so you can work your way down.
Here you can see the wire wrapped around itself once.

In between each wrap use your pliers (doesn’t matter which one but I usually find I have more control with my bent nose pliers) to clamp the wire down flat. Be sure the wire is tight around the thread.

A couple of wire wraps away from being finished, cut the excess thread off (not pictured) and continue wrapping the wire (and crimping it down) to enclose the loose thread ends. When you’re done, clip the wire with the wire cutters so that the wire is in the middle of the bracelet and bend the wire in towards the bracelet with the bent nose pliers. The arrow above is pointing to the bent wire.
Tuck the bent wire into the thread and up under the wire as shown above. I purposely made my braided part a little shorter so I could add that fun goldish pearl to the clasp.

You could even wrap wire around the other side in the same manner and it would look pretty cool, too. I might do that next time.

To make the clasp like this, simply take the eye pin and slide the pearl onto it and create a simple loop above the pearl. See pictures below to make a simple loop.
Open the loop to connect it to one side of the bracelet.
 Connect the clasp to the other solid connecting ring with a large jump ring and use the other simple loop on the pearl to clasp the bracelet together.
All finished!!
And no, that bracelet is not made of hair like someone on Pinterest obviously thought at first.
See their comments here. I literally laughed out loud when I read those. Yikes. If I ever make anything out of hair you have my permission to call me seriously crazy and I’d hope you wouldn’t read my blog ever again. HA!
I’m really loving them. I wore one to school today. :)

Hope you enjoyed the tutorial! If you missed it, be sure to go check out the Thread and Rhinestone Bangle Tutorial that matches this one!

Photobucket

For more great ideas from Allie be sure to visit “Miss Lovie!”

Filed Under: accessories, Contirbutors, gift ideas, Jewelry
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Felt Necklaces

January 3, 2012 By 7 Comments

One last felt project. Ok! You caught me! Probably not my last project but the last one I have to share for a while. Felt Works sells darling felt balls that vary in size and color and are perfect for creating fun fast necklaces!

I used a long piece of embroidery thread to allow length enough to tie it on with a double bow! You can also add finishing jewelry clasps if you also have those supplies but simply tieing it off works great too!

I bought my Felt Works balls at Hobby Lobby in the embroidery and yarn section. Looks like they are also sold online at JoAnns  and Amazon!

 

Filed Under: accessories, Becca's posts, Jewelry
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Felt stack brooch

December 29, 2011 By 8 Comments

My felt obsession is taking over! I can’t get enough of great high quality wool felt! This fun brooch was created with thick wool felt, tulle and  a vintage sparkly earring turned embellishment!

Free handed cut felt circles, stacks of burnt tulle and the embellishment are hat glued and stacked! I also added pins on the back.  This was a gift for a sweet friend and I have to admit I was so tempted to keep it! LOVE this color combo!

Felt Works sells the sheets of felt and I bought mine at Hobby Lobby! Not a ton of color selections but the price is great! Grab a handful of some felt and get creating!

 

Filed Under: accessories, Becca's posts
8 Comments

Felt Works Felt Flowers

December 23, 2011 By 1 Comment

Ok, don’t laugh but I just discovered these darling felt premade flowers and I am in love! Even us crafty type need a shortcut once in awhile!

If you know my middle daughter you know she is obsessed with headbands and hair pretties so when I saw these I snagged all of them and when to work making her some new headbands!

I added some tulle or large netting to a few of them and hot glued them onto a metal headband. For a few bucks each I now have 4 new headbands to give to Blue for Christmas! Gotta love premade helpers right!

These flowers are so thick and well made! I am in love! I think they would be perfect for adorning hats, bags and making into broaches! Sometimes it’s more affordable to buy a premade item and ading your own little touch!

I purchased these flowers at Hobby Lobby and they ranged in price from $3.99-$4.99 a pack.

Filed Under: accessories, Becca's posts
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Pill box to the rescue!

November 22, 2011 By 7 Comments

So who’s traveling for Thanksgiving? If you raised your hand with enthusiasm have you started packing yet? Well here’s a quick tip for helping pack those earrings for your getaway!

I found this pill box at a new store near my home called Asian City. $1.99! SOLD! I knew it would make the perfect little earring and necklace organizer!

Necklaces and earrings all fit cozily inside each little compartment!

The perfect small little organizer that you can toss in your suitcase or purse! Happy travels!

Filed Under: accessories, Becca's posts
7 Comments

Mini Pie Tin Holiday Bunting

November 6, 2011 By 12 Comments

Tis the Season for  Buntings! All month I’ll be bringing you fun Christmas Bunting ideas and this first one is a one you will love becasue of it’s creative use of non traditional items! Meet the ” Mini Pie Tin Holiday Bunting!


To make this bunting you’ll need mini pie tins. I found my 5″ tins at Orson Gygi in Salt Lake for 15 cents each. You’ll also need mini and regular sized cupcake liners (also found at Orson Gygi) T’shirt fabric, ribbon and hot glue.

1.  Invert two large cupcake liners and hot glue them to the inside of your pie tin. Invert two small cupcake liners and glue them into the center of the pie tin.

2.  Create a ruffled piece of fabric by cutting a 1.5″ x 6″ strip of tshirt fabric. Do a running stitch and gather your fabric and tie off your stitch.

3. Glue your fabric ruffle into the very center of your tin!

4. Add decorative trim around the outer edge of each tin.

5. Cut two 2′ pieces of ribbon and glue then onto the upper half of each pie tin.

6. Tie the pieces of ribbon together. After you make one bow, tie two more mows to create a multiple looped bow. Add small hot glue dots in the knotted sections of the bow to keep it from coming untied.

And lastly you hang it and enjoy!

You’ll notice with many of my buntings that I use non tradition colors! I openly admit my love of blue so it’s made a cameo in all of the holiday decor here in teh Blue Cricket house!  So get ready for more bunitng love all month long!

And here’s a question… what non traditional items have incorporated into your crafting?

Filed Under: accessories, Buntings, Christmas, decor, repurposing
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Halloween Headbands

October 17, 2011 By 1 Comment

If any of you know my Blue you know she practically lives in headbands! this girls is the  “Fancy Nancy” of our home and she would do almost anything for a new headband! Halloween calls for a few new hair pretties and I was so happy to make her these! She designed them by the way…

1. We gathered her favorite things in Halloween hues to create this look. Magenta large net tulle, black and white curled gross grain curled ribbion for a gift, a headband and a magenta plastic spider.

2. I folded in half a section of tulle and cut it into a half circle approximately 10″ in diameter when opened into a full circle.

3. Using hot glue I gathered the tulle to create a tuffed netting over lay and glued it to the plastic headband.

4. Next I glued on the curled ribbon and the spider!

This second version was created the same way but we used black ribbon and orange spiders as the finishing touched! She’s been wearing them all week long! I bet she’d wear them all month! I better start thinking of a Thanksgiving look soon don’t ya think!

Filed Under: accessories, Becca's posts, Halloween, My Family
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