Geometric Bead Necklace Tutorial: Yea or Nay?

I've really been enjoying making these painted bead necklaces.  This is my latest, but also may be my favorite.  With this necklace, I used geometric wooden beads to add a bright impact to my necklace.

You can find my tutorial on how to paint these wooden beads on my Hubpages.  For the geometric beads, I painted each bead in a different color, with two sides painted in a darker shade and two sides painted in a lighter shade.  When I wear this necklace, these beads turn and show different shades of color as I move.

Though I love this necklace, my husband isn't a fan.  He seems "geometrically opposed" to it. 

Crayon Covered Gift Jars: Great for Teacher Appreciation Gifts, Party Favors or Table Decor

Just posted a fun and easy tutorial for these colorful crayon covered gift jars on my Hubpages.  This recycled/repurposed jar project makes great gifts for:

•  a teacher appreciation present
• favors for a child's birthday or baby shower
• art activity for a children's party or family celebration
• table decorations for a family picnic, baby shower, or school funraiser
• or a colorful gift for anyone you choose!

These jars can be filled with so many things: flowers, candy, plants, school or art supplies.  I made a few of these for a friend's "girls get-together/art party".  They were a big hit and I really loved how they came out.  For more photos and complete directions, visit my blog. 

New Obsession: Cupcake-Style Embroidered Pincushion Tutorial

Not sure what is happening to me, but I've developed a bit of an obsession with little vintage-styled handmade pincushions.  I have a Pinterest board just loaded with them.  After seeing all those charming pincushions, I couldn't help but create my own and post the tutorial.

My tutorial makes a cupcake-styled pincushion.  I'm not great at sewing, so I used buttons to decorate my needle holder, then just  added a little bit of embroidery to make it special.  I topped off my pincushion with a lace doily and vintage button, but you could also use a coordinating piece of fabric or more buttons, beads, or trim.

Find all the directions for this tutorial on my Hubpages! 

DIY Spring Necklaces

I'm really enjoying making these hand painted bead necklaces.  I've taken repurposed beads and painted them in a mix of colors using Q-tips to apply the paint.  I love this green and yellow necklace that I made last week to wear with a new blouse.

I put a step-by-step tutorial up on my Hubpages.

This is my latest creation.  I painted some wooden beads to look like silver, and added some turquoise accents.  I've been wearing this with a lot of outfits and loving it :)  Check out the tutorial here.

April is National Public Library Month - Celebrate by Making Some Watercolor Bookmarks!!

I love visiting my local library.  And in celebration of National Public Library month, Spring, and all good things - I decided to make some colorful watercolor bookmarks to use in my favorite books!

These bookmarks are surprisingly easy to make and decorate using a few fun watercolor techniques.  I used a mixture of crayons, sequin, salt, and yarn to make the lovelies you see above.  For the full details and directions, visit my tutorial on Hubpages!

Paper, Beads, & Clay: New Craft Tutorials

It's been a while since I've posted, but I've kept busy with some new craft projects:

I rearranged our mantle display for Spring and needed to add some height and some color.  I came up with this blooming branch with paper flowers and leaves.  It's just the right pop of color for the space.  I've added the tutorial on my Hubpages!

Of course, my Spring wardrobe also needs a pop of color :)  This hand painted bead necklace is easy to do using Q-tips as a paint tool, and some wooden beads, memory wire, and chain.  You can find the directions here.

And I pulled out my polymer clay and some stamps to make this sweet "love letter" charm.  This charm can be used as a pendant for a necklace, an accessory for a bracelet, or as a key chain.  This charm would make a great gift for Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, an anniversary, or for a special friend.  Using stamps, you can personalize your "letter" with any saying you want.  Instructions for both the charm and the key chain are on my blog.

Hope you are having a crafty Spring!

Favorites: New Handpainted Beads Statement Necklace Tutorial

This time of year, I'm always itching for new jewelry, and Valentine's Day seemed like the perfect occasion to make myself a new necklace.

Taking a bunch of old beads I had, a couple of acrylic paint colors, and some jewelry wire and a chain, I made this cute and colorful beaded necklace.  This project is easier than you might think, and there are many ways to design a fun necklace using these multi-colored beads.

All the directions and more photos are on my Hubpages.  Check it out and tell me what you think :)