Jewelry Making for the Impatient

This post will probably be amusing to real-life experienced jewelry makers. But as a busy college student, I just don't have the time (or the patience) to sit down a research/read about the how-tos of jewelry making. I'd rather just make it up myself, as I go along.

P.S. One of my BFFs, Amanda, totally came up with this one on her own - and I thought it was such a great idea. A necklace from the mall is about 20 bucks, but this version is only about $5 or $6 (if you have some of the tools to start with).

Difficulty Level: Medium


Materials:

- A starting tool kit for jewelry making (I got mine from the craft store for $12ish)


- Chain

- Findings and Clasps

- Beads

(All of the above are found in the jewelry/beading section of the craft store).


Directions:

1. Start with your chain. How long do you want it? When you know, cut it to the desired length with what I call the "Cutter" 2. Take a finding. Take the "Bender"




and bend on side of the finding while holding the other side of the finding firmly (with the "Holder").

3.Slip this finding onto the last chain-link on your chain. While it's open, slip a clap onto the finding.


4. Bend the finding back into place. Add findings to the other end-side of the chain. Add more findings if necessary.
5. Many beads and charms come already assembled in a chic cluster - like the one my friend Amanda purchased. After your chain is all set, just slip the charm onto the chain.

What would have been $20 plus now can be done for under $10.

Allison's Arrow Bracelet

Another Hemp/Embroidery Thread Bracelet Design...
My roommate Allison showed me this one - fun!


Difficulty Level: Medium


Materials:

- Hemp or Embroidery Thread - 3 colors
- Scissors
- Tape

Directions:

1.Separate six threads out of three colors (so two threads of each color).


2.Place three on each side and tie top of strings together.

3.Make sure the colors are symmetrical! For example, white, orange, pink, opposite pink, orange, and white.

4.Start with one side – take white string and make a “four” over the orange thread and then pull up through the whole it creates. Pull Taught. Knot again.




5.Do the same thing over the pink thread. Knot Twice.

6.Repeat on the other cluster of three strings.

7.Tie the two white strings together, in exactly the same knot as you tied on the other strings, making a V pattern.



8.Start the pattern again. This time, the outside should be the orange string.

9.Tie onto wrist, and you’re set.

Iphone Case

I was so excited when I got my Iphone this summer - but simultaneously petrified that I would drop it/lose it.



If I do, it's back to TO-GO phones for me. Ugh.

Therefore, I decided it would be a good idea to get a Iphone case. Too bad they're like 45 bucks! Yeah right. I'll just make one instead.

Difficulty Level: Medium

Materials

- Small-ish piece of fabric. (From Wal-Mart craft bin. 79 cents.
- Sewing Needle
- Scissors
- Ribbon
- Hot Glue Gun(per usual)
- Embroidery Thread


Directions

1. Fold piece of fabric in half two times to make it thicker for Iphone protection!

2. Wrap piece of fabric around your phone to make sure it fits!

3. Hand-sew the sides to connect the edges of the fabric, as well as the bottom of case.

4. Spread hot glue onto the backside of a ribbon.

5. Quickly place the ribbon onto the fabric and wrap it around - make sure it's straight!

6. Tie a bow, and glue down the ends (for a fray-free ribbon end, burn the end of the ribbon with a lighter for 1/2 seconds.

Antique Button Frame

This is one of my absolutely favorite crafts - and super easy to do! Since I'm slightly obsessed with frames and pictures, and therefore obsessed with making frames this is one of my many, and arguably, the best. The button frame is super chic with the mix-and-match type of antique buttons. It's a perfect frame to set on a bedside table or give as a gift.

Difficulty Level: Medium

Materials:
- 1 Wooden Frame
- Buttons - Glue Gun
- Acrylic Paint/Paintbrushes
- Plyers
(Thanks for the typo correction, Malinda!)






The wooden frame can be found at your local craft store (Michael's, etc). for $1! Buttons are in the sewing aisle - they have tons of different packets. Choose whatever suits your taste and style (though the antique packets are chic in my opinion.) These packets consist of all the buttons you'll need for the project (about 100 per packet, you'll only need 60ish) and are approximately $5.

Directions
1. Paint the frame a fun chic color. My choices include purple or cream!

2. Pick out the buttons you want to use. Vary them in color, size, shape,texture for
extra chic-ness.

3. Take plyers and use your strength to rip the holey part off the back of the buttons. You can do it! You want the backside of the button to be flat so that you can glue it on to the frame later.

4. After the paint on the frame is dry, heat up your glue gun (I have a cute mini-sized one) and artistically pile and glue the buttons on the wooden frame in layers.


Beautiful!