The heat Sunday allowed for one more project before work today...

Project 13: Another Pearl Bracelet

This idea is a take on an idea that my sister, Jaclyn, pinned on pinterest.  I had to change some of the materials for cost reasons.  I also it up a little differently then the pin suggests.  I hope that you like what I made.  When you get the the Things I Learned section, you will see there are some other changes I would make next time too.

Materials:

• Pearl Beads
• Lace
• Cord of some type (Or a leather cord if you want to spend the money)
• Needle and Thread
• Safety Pin
• Scissors

Steps:

• Start with two lengths of cord the same size.
• Select the number of beads that you with to use.
• Thread the needle with a color that matched the cord.
• Pull the needle through one side of the cord and add a bead.
• Pull the tread through the other piece of cord.  
• Go back through the cord into the bead and then out the cord again.  
• Repeat these steps until all of the beads are attached between the 2 pieces of cord.
• Take the lace and attach the safety pin to one end.
• Weave the lace through the beads.
• Tie knots in the ends of the bracelet to secure everything
• Tie the two ends together when you want to wear it :)

Things I Learned:

• A thimble is used to push the needle through a thicker fabric or cord without hurting your finger. (Note to self: Get a thimble)
• I cut the place and the ends so that it was not the length of the black cord at the end.  I don't think I will do that next time and I will leave the lace longer.
• You can not force a needle through a bead some make sure you get it in the hole...
• Try to prevent the lace from twisting because it is harder to get it out then in

I really liked how this one turned out.  The original design called for the lace to be wrapped around the cord but I like it better this way.  The pearl behind the lace looks cool when you look at it close up.  Next time I will leave the strings a little longer as well.  All in all I think it was a success.  You should give it a try.

Craft on my friends... 

The heat continued so I continued Crafting

Project 12: Bead and Ribbon Bracelet

By now you have probably learned that I spend a lot of time on pinterest.  There are lots of good ideas on there so it is not like I am wasting too much time.  Without it this blog would not have have the projects that are up here.  This one happens to be another find from my pinterest surfing.  I really liked it the first time I saw it and finally got a chance to give it a shot.

Materials:

• More Ribbon... again I used a 5/8 inch one
• Pearl beads
• Thread or string of some sort
• Needle
• Scissors 

Steps:

• So I don't actually cut the ribbon of the spools until I am done so I know what length to make it in the end...
• Pull out the number of beads that you want to use.  I used 20 on this one.  The size of the bead will make a difference.
• I used a black thread on this project but any line or twine will work.  You just do not want to see it.
• To start make a small fold in the ribbon and pull the needle and thread through.  
• Add the first bead.
• Pull the ribbon around to make to cover the back side of the bead and make another small fold.
• Pull the needle and thread through again.
• Pull the thread tight so that the ribbon is around the bead. 
• Repeat these steps until you get to the end.
• Tie small knots in the end to help keep the beads and folds secure. 

Things I Learned:

• Needles are sharp and hurt when they stick you so be careful.
• Pulling the beads in a small dish makes them easier to grab.  It also prevents them from rolling away on a flat surface.
• I don't really have a good technique for you when it comes to folding the ribbon and holding the bead it is just about getting in a groove.

This took more time then I originally thought that it would.  It took me some time to get into a rhythm of getting the ribbon right and the pearl on.  Once it was done though I really like how it came out.  Give it a try and let me know if you come across a technique that makes it go a little quicker and easier.

Craft on my friends...

When it is 106 outside there is no reason to go out there...

Project 11: Industrial Necklace

So summer has hit the south hard this past weekend.  When it feels like it is 115 outside there is really no reason to leave inside.  Now I prefer winter to summer so I was not happy about the prospect of triple digit temps but this did allow for some much missed craft time.  Here is the first of my 3 projects this weekend... a necklace made of industrial materials (sort of).

Materials:

• Satin Ribbon of any color
• Various sized washers (though little metal rings you get at the hardware stores)
• Safety Pins
• Scissors for cutting the ribbon

Steps:

• Travel to your local hardware store for washers.  Finding them in Home Depot was the hardest part of this project.
• Pick the size and quantity on the washers you would like. (See things I learned below for notes). I used various sizes on this necklace.
• Pick out a ribbon that you would like to use with this project.  I used a 5/8in black satin one. (I still have not measured any length of ribbon yet, one day)
• String on the washers like we did for the pop top bracelets
• I set the design out and started at one end and then strung them all together.  
• Take the end of the ribbon and attach the safety pin.  This will make it easier to get the ribbon through the holes.
• To start pull the ribbon through the hole of the first one.
• Lay the second washer over that so that the holes over lap.  Pull the ribbon though the 2 over lapped holes.
• Then pull the ribbon up through the hole of the second washer.  Repeat theses steps as you add more washers.  See the post on the pop top bracelets more detail.
• When you are done decide how long you want the ribbon and the ends to be and cut.  
• Tie the necklace together with a bow and you are done :)

Things I learned:

• On first inspections washers seem to weigh next to nothing... when you string a bunch together not so much.  Keep that in mind when you make a design plan.
• It is easier to get ribbons through washers with larger holes...
• There are codes that are imprinted on the washers, make sure they all face the back (oops).

There are a few other ideas for some projects with these industrial pieces.  It will be a little bit before I do another one though.  When the guy in Home Depot asked me what project I was doing with washer and I told him crafting he looked at me like I was nuts.  He clearly needs to follow my blog to understand better.  More ideas to come. 

Craft on my Friends...