Cutting Shrink Film with a Cricut Die Cutting Machine Who here remembers Shrinky-Dinks from their childhood? (Raises hand) Well, Shrink film has come a long way since then and it’s just as fun now as it was then…. and as an adult/ mixed media artist, sometimes it’s SUPER handy as a creative medium. Case in point- I wanted to make some New Jersey charms to make for a present I was working on for our new AFS daughter (she joined […]
Jewelry Tutorial: Making a Resin Pride Pin
Let’s show our pride by constructing a rainbow pin- we’ll even make the bezel. Of course, you can use this technique to create any kind of sparkly pin you like. You’ll need just a few supplies: (Here’s what I used as well as some handy Amazon affiliate links. Remember, these links don’t add ANY cost to you, but I get a few pennies back so I can keep creating new projects for you!) Amazing Casting Resin: http://amzn.to/2rn6JKS Sculpey Bezel Mold: […]
Pressed Flower Pendants for Mother’s Day Jewelry!
I love handmade gifts and jewelry, and I love flowers, too! So why not put them together and make a vintage-themed pendant that features pressed flowers that you can wear? Right on! Disclosure: GreetingsofGrace.com sponsored this video for YouTube and supplied the flowers for the project. Some links below are affiliate links. For this project, you’ll need: Bookplates that have FOUR SIDES- new or recycled 2 part epoxy resin pressed flowers (you can use your own or use some from […]
BOOK REVIEW: Foxy Epoxy by Kristal Wick
I was send a copy of “Foxy Epoxy: 44 Great Epoxy Clay Projects with Serious Bling” by Kristal Wick, to review. To properly review the book, I was sent some Swarovski Ceralun Epoxy Clay too. You can see the review for the clay, here. This is an advanced jewelry making book, focusing on the use of epoxy clay for various designs. Many of the jewelry making techniques are not basic, requiring existing jewelry making skills. The book is publish by Lark […]
PRODUCT REVIEW: Swarovski’s Ceralun Epoxy Clay
I received a sampling of Swarovski’s Ceralun Epoxy Clay to test out. I don’t make a lot of things with clay, since I normally manage to ruin it during baking. However, this clay is self-hardening! Got to love that! This particular clay was formulated to use with the Swarovski chatons, when making jewelry. The chatons have a cone bottom and faceted top. Though it was made for the chatons, you can use it with various small objects. I tested it […]
Review: Clover Bead Loom Kit
Not too long ago I wrote a Review of the Clover Bead Loom and in it I said that I’d always admired beadwork but that I was intimidated because of the intricate designs. If I had known how relatively easy weaving on a loom could be I would have checked it out sooner. But then, the Clover Bead Loom Kits make it easy to get started with bead weaving. Here is what the kits include – instructions along with […]
No-Loom Inverted Fishtail Bracelet
Do you love those rubber-band bracelets? (Or have a younger person in your life who does?) Well, this post is for YOU! You don’t even need a loom for this bracelet- just a broken plastic fork and a crochet hook. It’s so easy, I made you this little video: Try it out! You’ll get HOOKED! (See what I did there? ) Oh, and by the way, you might want to see how I made the Fishtail Bracelet HERE- no […]
Jacquard Pearl Ex – New Colors
Jacquard Pearl Ex pigment powders are extremely versatile supplies for any artist or crafter. They now come in over 30 colors. I’ll be testing some of the brand new Chromatic Colors: Citrine, Emerald, Magenta, Sapphire Blue, Scarlet and Dark Brown. This collection is a really gorgeous intense set of jewel tones with a deep lovely brown. Here’s a description from Jacquard’s website: “Pearl Ex Powdered Pigments are our most versatile product! Jacquard Pearl Ex is a safe, pearlescent, non-toxic, inert […]
Fun with Metal Foil Tape
One of the best thins about the crafting/artin community is that I’m constantly getting inspired by other blogs. One of my favorites is BalzerDesigns.com– Julie is an amazing mixed-media artist and I’ve been lucky enough to appear on her show “Scrapbook Soup” the past few years. Last week, she shared a canvas that she did as part of a Ranger Challenge with Distress Paints. She followed THAT up with tutorial using foam and metal foil tape that got my gears […]
Faux-Dichroic Glass Pendants (Recycle Craft)
Today I have a fun recycle craft for you- Faux Dichroic Glass Pendants. I love the look of fused glass but don’t have the time, tools or inclination! So I came up with this great way to reuse beach glass (or tumbled glass shards) and….wait for it….basket cellophane! Before I get to the tute, let me show you how they look worked up into finished jewelry. wp_ad_camp_4] It’s pretty simple. Here’s what you need: Disclosure: some of the links […]
GreatGatsby-Inspired Necklace Featuring Martha Stewart Crafts Jewelry Components
Last week I shared a video of the new Martha Stewart Jewelry line available exclusively at Michael’s Craft Stores- so much goodness! Beads, chain, tools, findings epoxy clay, rhinestones, jewelry glaze, jewelry enamel- even mold-making putty! Literally there was so much goodness I haven’t even had time to do all of the reviews. But I promised the nice folks at Blueprint Social and Plaid that I would make something lovely with the new line- so here we are! I was […]
Recycle Craft: Faux Lampwork Paper Beads
Ok- Time for a show of hands- who here is a paper hoarder?? Don’t worry- you are among friends. No judgment here. I find that not only that sometimes to I have a hard time cutting into my favorite sheets of paper, but sometimes when I do, I can’t even toss the little baby scraps. I just love them and want to own them all!! But I’d drown in scraps if I didn’t find some ways of using them up….and […]
Book Review: 101+ Things to do with Glitter by Momtaz Begum-Hossain
Sometimes glitter gets a bad reputation. Often referred to as “the herpes of the craft world,” once you let glitter into your life, it likes to stay forever. But who says that’s a bad thing? Glitter is bright, bold, funky, and easy to use, and Momtaz Begum-Hossain’s 101+ Things to do with Glitter offers a melange of projects, ideas, and tips that will make any reader a glitter expert by the last page. I bet there’s even a project in […]
Ruffles and Sparkles Bracelet Tutorial {with Video}
Earlier this week I shared my review of Artistic Wire Mesh and I got pretty excited making a Ruffle and Sparkles bracelt- so today I’m sharing the tutorial with you! You’ll need some basic supplies: Now for the How-To Video: Which do you like better: the sweet red delicate version or the chunky/edgy black and blue?? I have my favorite, but I’m not telling! If you need supplies for this project, please consider purchasing supplies with our Amazon Affiliate […]
How-To: Quilled Hearts Jewelry
It’s that time of year again- when we all wear our hearts on our sleeve…or ears….or hands…. or lapel! Time to make and wear some really cut Valentine’s Day jewelry…this year, I’m integrating one of my favorite paper crafts: QUILLING! Never fear, friends! It’s easy and Mod Podge Dimensional Magic Silver Glitter Formula makes it durable and SPARKLY! You’ll need: Quilling strips, quilling tool, and (optional) sizing tool. I’m using a set from 3 Birds Designs Estate Collection. Bottle caps, […]
How-To: Beaded Napkin Rings for your Thanksgiving Table
This post originally appeared on CraftsUnleashed while I was a design team member there. But now it’s time for you to have the crafty goodness here! All supplies were from ConsumerCrafts.com. I just realized that I don’t have ANY napkin rings for my Thanksgiving Dinner table- so I got out some supplies that I had on hand, and I’m whipping these up in a jiffy. Bonus- you can give them to the gals as bracelets to wear after the meal […]
How-To: Minecraft Images in Perler Beads
I kid about my children being my “junior assistants.” But lately, my 11-year-old son has taken on a crafting identity all his own. I really wanted to share his creations- and process- with you. “D” really enjoys playing a game called MineCraft and has been playing for the last 6 months or so. Minecraft is a game about placing blocks to build anything you can imagine. At night monsters come out, make sure to build a shelter before that happens. Part […]
Mixed Media Necklace- SLK Industrial Chic Blog Hop
I love a good craft challenge or blog hop- every now and then I need a creative kick in the pants, you know? So today I’m participating in the Industrial Chic Blog Hop and can’t wait to show you what I made! But first, here’s a bit about SLK Industrial Chic: Industrial Chic is a Michaels® Exclusive by Susan Lenart Kazmer™. A variety of ready-made elements combine to make these unique industrial pieces inspired by urban chic designs. Industrial Chic™ […]
Happy Independence Day & Patriotic Locket
To my fellow Americans, Happy Independence Day! We’ve got three different holiday events planned, and every year I try to wear something homemeade. This year, I literally pulled together a “Patriotic Locket” from things I had in my studio. The only item you need to purchase- or find a similar item- is the locket. I got mine from Consumer Crafts- it’s the Tonal Duet brand and is under $5.00. But like I said, you can find other options easily. I […]
How-To: Make Earrings from Crafter’s Clay
I’ve been a jewelry maker for about 15 years. It’s funny, because almost everything that crosses my desk is fair game to become a piece of jewelry. Martha Stewart Crafts Crafter’s Clay is no exception. I molded some leaves, and they just spoke to me- so I turned them into earrings. They are pretty easy to make, but you do need a day in advance to mold the leaves and let them dry thoroughly. You’ll need the following products and […]
