How time flies! It's Ornament Thursday!
Wow, the month of June totally got away from me. Between Grand Cities, vacation, and an exciting family announcement (congrats to my wonderful daughter Bree and her fabulous finace, Nick!!!), I've just lost track of time.
Not to be defeated however, here are a couple of fun and easy projects that fit right into the Ornament Thursday theme: Independence...just in time for the US July 4 holiday!
And of course, the other OT Gals are right on top of things, with a great variety of Independent projects that are fun and fabulous! Check them all out:
Strands of Beads Melissa sees stars this month while considering the meaning of independence
Look for RED HOT themed projects in July!!!!
Labels: beads, beginning jewelry making, bracelet, crafts, earrings, free instructions, Ornament Thursday, Swarovski, wire working
More Anklet Fun!
I'm on a roll with anklets this weekend - two new designs to show and tell!
Super Easy Chain and Bead Anklet (30 minute project)For this anklet, I've used some pre-made rolo chain, 20g sterling silver wire, and 6mm round peridot beads. Length is approximately 9".
Cut four lengths of chain 2" long.
Make three eye pins using the beads and wire.
Construct your anklet by attaching the eye pins to the chain.
Add a small lobster clasp and a dangle. Done!
Shining Silver AnkletFull step by step photos will be posted on Beading Help Web, but I'll walk you through the instructions...you can put this together in less than an hour, and it will go with everything all summer long!
Materials (shown for approximately 9 1/2" anklet)
18 g 5/32" jump rings (36)
20 g 7/64" jump rings (71)
4mm sterling silver round beads with large hole (7) (Rings N Things #24-990-04)
Sterling silver flat lobster clasp (1)
This bracelet is an easy 2 in 1 chain, based on Japanese style chainmaille. A small round bead is added to the chain every five rings.
1. Open all 5/32" jump rings and close all 7/32" jump rings, using Beading Help Web's Opening and Closing Jump Rings instructions.
2. Pick up an open jump ring, and thread two closed rings on it. Close the open ring. I like to twist a piece of scrap wire (or even an old bread tie!) to the first large jump ring now…it helps me to keep track of the end of the chain, and to hold on to it.
3. Pick up an open jump ring, thread it through the closed rings you added in Step 2. Add two small closed rings to the large ring before closing it. Repeat until you have four large rings in the chain.
4. You'll be adding a bead to the fifth large ring in this pattern. The hole in the beads should be large enough to accommodate the jump ring wire and the curve of the ring (the Rings N Things product in the materials list worked perfectly for me with the 18g rings). Thread the bead on a large ring, thread the ring through the last closed small rings, and add two closed small rings. Close the large jump ring. Notice that your bead hangs to one side of the chain – this is the "bottom" of the chain. As you continue to add links to the chain, be sure your beads are on the same side of the chain, or it won't hang right when you wear it!
5. Repeat Steps 3 and 4 until you have used all jump rings and beads. You will have one additional large ring and one additional small ring at the end of the chain.
6. Remove the scrap wire or bread tie from the first ring if you added them in Step 2. Add the lobster clasp to the first large ring, with the hook of the clasp on the top side of the chain. The clasp will attach through the last small ring on the opposite end of the chain.
Labels: anklets, beads, chainmaille, free instructions, peridot, sterling silver
Getting Started with Beading
You've just innocently wandered into the bead aisle of Michael's or Hobby Lobby or a local bead store. You remember a pretty bracelet you admired on the wrist of a friend the other day, and that she said she'd made it. You think "That might be fun...I could probably make one too!"
Welcome to the world of beading and jewelry making...if you catch the bug, you will likely be hooked for life! But looking at the aisles of products to buy can be a little intimidating...what do I need? What's optional? What's a crimp bead and when do I use one?
Over the next few days, I'll point you in the right direction to get started...and then you are well on your way to making professional-looking jewelry in your own style, favorite colors, and latest trends!
Labels: beaded jewelry, beads, beginning jewelry making, free instructions
