Today, I’m guest posting on the Graphics Fairy blog! Check out my popsicle bracelet tutorial there!
How to Make Popsicle Bracelets
September 25, 2014 By Leave a Comment
Geometric Jewelry Accessory Ideas
September 24, 2014 By Leave a Comment
Every month, as a Beadalon design team member, I get the opportunity to make two projects in a theme for their Pinterest boards. This month’s challenge was “Geometric Style.”
For this piece, I used Beadalon’s stamped hematite chain and Knot a Bead tool to create a section of knotted Swarovski Cubes on chunky #10 Griffin silk. It’s all connected really easily. If you can open and close a jump ring, you can make this necklace. Promise. One design trick I love to use is to drop a pendant down from a central piece of chain to create a “Y” like this. Everything connects in the back to one toggle clasp.
This piece is a whole nother’ story. It needs more chain. Period. I used all Beadalon chain in shiny silver for it. The stuff in the front is tiny bits from my scrap chain stash. No rhyme or reason. Just fun and fringy.
Take a peek at the Geometric trends Pinterest board from Beadalon here.
Both pendants are from Hobby Lobby in case you’re feeling inspired.
DIY Layering Locket Necklace
September 12, 2014 By Leave a Comment
There’s something magical about a locket. Maybe because you just never know what’s inside. I have a small stash of these sweet little printed lockets. Ok, let’s face it–what don’t I have a small stash of in terms of jewelry making supplies?! They’re perfect for quick necklaces like this one.
This locket dangles from sparkly Jesse James Beads chain. 
To get started, remove the split ring from the ends of chain.
Connect the ends together with a jump ring.
Connect the first jump ring to the locket with a second jump ring. 
Close up the ring. Almost finished!
Hold the necklace up around your neck to determine the length. Trim away excess and link the ends together with a jump ring.
Instant craftification, at your service.
Here’s a bike version I made with an added tassel charm. Just when you thought a bike locket couldn’t be more sweet, the tassel sends it over the edge of cuteness.
It’s so crisp and cool out today. I’m loving this Fall weather! We’ve been without internet and television for almost a week now. Yes, hubs has practically broken out in hives. Me, I’m embracing Pandora radio and hand stitching. Now, I’m here at my grandparent’s house using their WIFI. Gram just made a lunch of the most ooziest grilled cheese sandwich and a side salad. Delightful. Now I’m back on the front porch writing with the glow of the lamp nearby and listening to her washing dishes. Someone is outside mowing. I could take a nap it’s so peaceful. But, instead I’m going to post one more tutorial and call it a day! Our high school homecoming is tonight and my sis is coming down. I can’t wait to see her.
Sari Silk Wrapped Leather Bracelet
August 26, 2014 By 5 Comments
This is one of my go-to bracelets I made last fall. Hard to believe it’s been a year since I made it! It’s comfy, it’s big, and it’s got a touch of sparkle. I dress it up and dress it down. It’s simply a leather cuff wrapped in different sari silks and embellished with a concho.
Last night I got home from a week of travel. It occurred to me that I worked two weeks without a day off and today I find myself absolutely zonked. Let down. My guest appearance on Jewelry Television for Beadalon went great! Thanks to everyone that tuned in. Bead Fest in Philly was amazing! I loved it all and will fill you in more later. Today I faced the music on chores and taking as many naps as I wanted. Hubs moved all the furniture and tore the carpet out from the library and dining room while I was gone too. Needless to say there is much to be done on work and the ranch, but for now I am putting my feet up and that is all.
Beginner Jewelry Project
August 14, 2014 By 1 Comment
My husband got me an amazing new camera for my birthday. He even called Amy at Mod Podge Rocks to see what to get. How sweet is that? My birthday is in May and I only recently picked it up (I think the owl button bracelet was my first post with it). It’s big. It’s powerful. There are a lot of dials and buttons. It’s a Nikon d5200. I have NO idea how to use it. So, bear with me as I fumble through getting to know this mega machine.
See this picture? It looked great on the mini screen of the camera. Then, I pull it up and……..Oh. Hello, blurry pendant. But! I really loved the shot with the old brick and brick so I’m documenting it. Someday when I’m taking fabulously focused pictures, I’ll look back at my humble beginnings and say: Candice, you’ve come a long way baby.
Ha. My hubs just walked in and said, “that looks nice, honey.” Love is blind. I love that guy.
Better.
Much better (and a lucky shot).
Want to make this necklace?
You might think I strung all the seed beads onto head pins, but I didn’t. This is actually a very cute pendant from Plaid’s Sea Sparkle line.
I connected each end of the pendant to a piece of chain with a jump ring and finished the end with a little lobster clasp (also connected with jump rings. It took me about 5 minutes. Maybe.
This is an especially great project for beginner jewelry makers such as tweens or your friend that wants to make a piece of jewelry with you. All you need to know is how to open and close a jump ring and you can make the hole thing. Jump rings are simply round rings with an opening so you can connect all the components together. You can see opening a jump ring in this tutorial.
Keeping it simple today. I hope you have a good one!
*Sources
Sea Sparkle components at JoAnn Fabrics and Crafts.
Words To Live By
August 13, 2014 By 2 Comments
Have you ever read something and it just resonates with you? Right then. Right now. I found this pendant at just the right time because it’s exactly what I’ve been attempting to do. Create. Every. Day. Easier said than done even though I consider myself a full time self-employed artist.
I’m talking about making things purely because I want to make it. Lately, I’ve been sewing, making a ton of jewelry, trying new techniques, teaching an art camp, even making food from scratch (I say that food from raw ingredients counts as being creative and it’s my blog so whatever I say is the truth–wink.).
And you know what? I’ve felt myself to be happier than ever. I’ve said no to a few projects (always scary) and decluttered, both to create room for new. It’s working.
A couple days ago I read “you can’t expect new results if you don’t change what you’re doing.” It’s now a mantra of sorts or simply more words to live by.
I loved reading about your favorite crafts in the giveaway post. Thanks everyone for chiming in.
Now, I’d love to hear what words you live by.
*Sources:
Pendant and Charms from Hobby Lobby
DIY Bungee Cord Jewelry
August 12, 2014 By 2 Comments
Quick to make, I love these sparkly, playful statement bracelets. Layer em’ up! 
Here’s how to make them:
String your beads on a 20 g. wire and get a measurement. Add an approximate 3/4″ to this measurement to account for the wrapped loops on either end plus the loops hanging over on the end findings.
Subtract the above measurement from the desired bracelet size (i.e. 7.5″) and cut the bungee cord. I use a lighter to burn the ends to get rid of frays (do this outside so you don’t choke yourself out).
Attach the fold over end findings to the end of the cord (see the photo above) using chain nose pliers.
Connect the two ends with the wrapped bead link. Use this tutorial for making a wrapped bead link EXCEPT before wrapping up the loop connect it to the loop on the fold over end finding/cord.
Done and done!
*Sources:
Pepperell Braiding Co. for bungee cord
Beadalon 20g. Artistic Wire
Beads from JesseJamesBeads.com
Hi, I’m Candie. I design jewelry and crafts, author books, teach classes and host television programs. I thrive on simple ideas that anyone can achieve. I also love projects made from unexpected materials that stand the test of time. Join me as I lead a creative life! 
