Arte Es Vida


Twisted Copper Wire Necklace
January 21, 2007, 11:27 pm
Filed under: Beading, Wire Work

The tool posted last week? Was designed to create this necklace which requires alot of braiding and twisting of wire so you first wrap the three pieces of wire around the nails to hold them in place. The beads are from Lille, France. Not that my life is so exotic that I’ve been to Lille.  Luckily, my brother travels a great deal and brought them back for me. The necklace closes in the back with a copper toggle clasp and is now available on etsy!



Rubber Stamped Jewelry By Sharilyn Miller
December 22, 2006, 12:31 am
Filed under: Beading, Book Reviews, Metal Work, Mixed Media, Rubber Stamping, Wire Work

Sharilyn Miller is the well-known founding editor of Somerset Studio, Bella Armoire, and Art Doll Quarterly…three magazines on my must-buy list every time they are published! She has published two other books, Stamp Art and Stamp Artist’s Project Book: 85 Projects to Make and Decorate (which includes some of Gloria Page’s work), both of which I have read, enjoyed, and found to be incredibly creative and useful. So being a worshipper at the altar of Sharilyn, you can just imagine how excited I was when she published “Rubber Stamped Jewelry” devoted solely to what creations jewelry artists can make with stamps!

One of the best things about reading her books, is she never makes assumptions about her readers level of skill. So whether you are brand new to jewelry making, or have been making jewelry longer than I have been alive, you will find this book to be a great addition to your library.

The book includes greatly detailed sections on wire work (including beautiful S-Links and S-Clasps), working with rubber stamps, working with polymer clay (including creating beads, molds, and antiquing), fiber arts embellishments (including knotting, braiding, and embellishing), shrink plastic embellishments, and other embellishments (foam, copper sheeting, glass, and paper eyelets). Some of these techniques were brand new to me so I found this an excellent resource guide!

I have always been a big fan of “creative use of materials”. I love taking odd bits and pieces and turning them in to something beautiful. Many of the projects in this book accomplish this task. One of my favorite projects was the use of tiny 5 sided sales tags. With little holes punched in, and gorgeous stamps and embellishments they made gorgeous jewelry! She also creates amazing projects utilizing vinyl tubing from the home improvement store, glass marbles, and dominoes.

I think my favorite project in the book was “Copper Sunrise”, which used rubber stamps to emboss copper sheeting, and a butane torch to create fabulous colors on the copper. (If you haven’t yet discovered the goodness of a butane torch, they are hugely fun to play with, and only cost about ten dollars for a small one at your local Home Depot.)

Some of the projects require specially ground glass and soldering skills, but the directions are walking you through what to purchase for these projects, where to purchase them, and how to use them correctly. If these techniques are as new to you as they are to me, then !you will find this attention to detail very helpful!

To find out more about the author, see more of her jewelry designs and her workshop teaching schedule, check out her homepage, here.



Valentine’s Day Projects
December 21, 2006, 11:49 pm
Filed under: Beading, Clay Jewelry, Holiday Projects, Kid Friendly Projects, Wire Work


Thanksgiving Projects
December 21, 2006, 11:48 pm
Filed under: Beading, Clay Jewelry, Holiday Projects, Kid Friendly Projects, Wire Work

Thanksgiving Jewelry Making Projects

Tom Turkey Pin

Cute lapel pin project made with wood cut-outs!

Thanksgiving Earrings

Fun beadwork project…complete with fabulous beaded “feathers”!

Pilgrim Hat Pony Bead Pattern

A great project for small fingers using satin cord and pony beads.

Thanksgiving Perler Bead Patterns

Two nice perler patterns…a thanksgiving turkey and a gorgeous cornocopia.

Turkey Pin

Easy felt lapel pin project.

Turkey Bead Safety Pin

A nice beaded safety pin jewelry project.

Cornocopia Beaded Safety Pin

A colorful cornocopia pattern.

Incognito Turkey

I love this little guy! He would make a great little pendent!

Sassy Scarecrow Pendent

An easy polymer clay molding project.

Pumpkin Seed Beads

The pumpkin seeds get salted and roasted in my house, but if they last longer in yours, you can make this fun necklace out of them!

Autumn Leaf Brooch

Mexican pottery clay and water colors duplicates the look of fired pottery for this cool pin!

Holiday Harvest

A lovely indian corn beadwork pattern!



Samhain Style
December 21, 2006, 11:38 pm
Filed under: Beading, Clay Jewelry, Holiday Projects, Wire Work

Moon Earrings

This triangular brick stitch pattern works up into a pretty moon and star earring pattern.

Pentacle Power Jewelry

Work up this cool pentacle beadwork pattern to make a choker, a bracelet, or even earrings!

Pentagon Choker

This pretty choker is a great wire jig project!

Triple Moon Necklace

Another neat Wig-Jig University project…check out the pretty purple moons!

Star Power Earrings

Pretty five point star earrings!

Half Moon Earrings

Pretty half moons made with a wire jig super peg.

Triple Spiral Pin

Honor the Maiden, Mother, and Crone with this triple spiral wire pin.



Halloween and Day Of The Dead Projects
December 21, 2006, 11:37 pm
Filed under: Beading, Clay Jewelry, Holiday Projects, Kid Friendly Projects, Wire Work

<big></b>Beadwork Projects </big></b>

  

<a href=”http://jewelrymaking.about.com/library/weekly/aa101203.htm”>Mix and Match Halloween Earrings </a>

 

Use Halloween themed lampwork beads to make some cool, interchangeable earring designs!

 

<a href=”http://beadwork.about.com/library/weekly/aa090798.htm”> Halloween Patterns </a>

 

Lots of great patterns, including witches, pumpkins, jack-o-lanturns, and mummies!

 

<a href=”http://beadwork.about.com/library/weekly/aa083198.htm”> More Halloween Patterns </a>

 

More neat patterns, including a fabulous skull!

  

<a href=”http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art5762.asp”>BellaOnline Halloween Beading Patterns</a>

 

Cool bats and devils!

  

<a href=”http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art5386.asp”>Bella Online Halloween Beading Pattern and Links </a>

 

Another cool bat pattern plus links to some other great beading projects for Halloween!

  

<a href=”http://beadwork.about.com/library/weekly/aa092297.htm”>Mini Witch Doll </a>

 

This little 3D witch would make a fabulous jewelry component!

  

<big></b>Wire Work Projects</big></b>

  

<a href=”http://www.wigjig.com/jewelry-tools/WJU/holiday/halloween/index.html”> Halloween Necklace</a>

 

Cool orange and black wire jig project!

  

<a href=”http://www.wigjig.com/jewelry-tools/WJU/jewelry/jewelrybyG/pumpkin/index.html”>Wire Work Pumpkins</a>

 

Cool wire pumpkins with lots of potential jewelry applications!

  

<a href=”http://jewelrymaking.about.com/library/weekly/aa101199.htm”>Spooky Spider</a>

 

Use beads and wire to make this cool wearable spider!

  

<big><b>Polymer Clay Projects </big></b>

  

<a href=”http://www.sculpey.com/Projects/projects_eyeball_necklace.htm

“>I’ve Got My Eye On You! Necklace </a>

 

Very cool glow in the dark eyeball necklace made from polymer clay!

 

<a href=”http://www.sculpey.com/Projects/projects_ghost_necklace.htm”>Ghost Toasty Necklace </a>

 

Another cool glow in the dark polymer clay project!

  

<a href=”http://www.sculpey.com/Projects/projects_PumpkinBeads.htm”>Jack O’Lantern Pumpkin Beads </a>

 

Make cool necklaces and earrings with your own poly clay Jacks!

  

<a href=”http://www.sculpey.com/Projects/projects_witchface_cane.htm”>Witch Face Cane </a>

 

Make a traditional Halloween witch…complete with hair and hat.

  

<a href=”http://jewelrymaking.about.com/library/weekly/aa092400.htm”>PC Pumpkin Beads</a>

 

Cool little 3D pumpkin beads with lots of different jewelry making possibilities!

  

<a href=”http://jewelrymaking.about.com/library/weekly/aa092600.htm”>Pumpkin Vine Necklace</a>

 

Make little pumpkin beads out of polymer clay and string them into a cute necklace!

  

<a href=”http://jewelrymaking.about.com/library/weekly/aa091900.htm”>Pumpkin Earrings</a>

 

Simple little pumpkin earring project.

  

<a href=”http://www.enterpriseart.com/freeprojects/index5/index5_files/halloween_jewelry.htm”>Halloween Jewelry Set</a>

 

Lots of ideas for polymer clay Halloween jewelry sets…matching earrings and necklaces!

 

<a href=”http://www.velocity.net/~cam/pumpkin/jack.html”>Jack O’Lantern Cane</a>

 

Very cool “Happy Jack” cane project!

  

<big></b>Kid Friendly Projects</big></b>

 

<a href=”http://www.kidsdomain.com/craft/candycorn.html”>Candy Corn Pin</a>

 

A cool candy corn project made out of craft foam or construction paper.

  

<a href=”http://familycrafts.about.com/cs/ghostcrafts/a/blfcghostn.htm”>Ghost Necklace</a>

 

Turn a plastic film container into a cute ghost necklace!

  

<a href=http://www.kidsdomain.com/craft/hairstuff1.html”">Hair Fun With Barrettes</a>

 

Make your own Halloween themed barrettes.

  

<a href=”http://www.kidsdomain.com/craft/hairstuff2.html”>Hair Fun With Scrunchies</a>

 

Alter premade scrunchies with a Halloween theme!

  

<a href=”http://www.kidsdomain.com/craft/creepy.html”>Creepy Crawly Spider Bracelets </a>

 

A cool construction paper project!

  

<a href=”http://www.azcentral.com/home/crafty/1010craftyideas10.html”>Monster Marble Jewelry </a>

 

Use halloween stickers and flat backed marbles to make these cool baubles!

  

<a href=”http://familycrafts.about.com/cs/beadedsafetypins/l/blspboo1.htm”>Boo Safety Pin Pattern</a>

 

Spell “Boo” in safety pin jewelry.

  

<a href=”http://familycrafts.about.com/cs/beadedsafetypins/l/blspinccorn.htm”>Candy Corn Safety Pin Pattern </a>

 

A safety pin jewelry project with a cute candy corn.

  

<a href=”http://familycrafts.about.com/cs/beadedsafetypins/l/blsptombstone1.htm”>Tombstone Safety Pin Pattern</a>

 

“Rest In Peace” with this safety pin jewelry project.

  

<a href=http://familycrafts.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?site=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kckpl.lib.ks.us%2Fys%2FCRAFTS%2Fcandipin.htm”">Candy The Corn Pin</a>

 

 A cute fun foam project.

  

<a href=”http://www.kathyross.com/hallproj.html”>Hair Pin Ghost Necklace</a>

  

A very creative use of a hairpin and an adorable necklace!

  

<a href=”http://www.kidsturncentral.com/holidays/crafts/hcraftr.htm

“>Ghost Necklaces </a>

 

Make cool ghost pendents out of regular craft glue!

  

<a href=”http://www.craftown.com/halloween/craft37.htm

“>Halloween Pins </a>

 

Easy project using mini brooms, ribbon, and candy corn.

  

<a href=http://www.musiccorner.co.uk/Bead_Work.html”">Pumpkin Seed Beads</a>

 

Save those seeds when you carve your pumpkin to make this cool jewelry!

  

<big></b>Day Of The Dead Projects </big></b>

  

<a href=”http://www.norajean.biz/Day-of-Dead-Grp.htm”>Dia De Los Muertos Skull Cane </a>

 

Very cool polymer clay cane with lots of cool application possibilities!

  

<a href=”http://www.azcentral.com/home/crafty/1024craftyideas24.html”>Dia De Las Muertas Pins</a>

 

A cool polymer clay pin from my favorite crafty chica, Kathy Murillo!

  

<a href=”http://jewelrymaking.about.com/library/blskull.htm”>Skull Bead Earrings</a>

 

Used carve bone skull beads to make create these simple earrings!

  

<a href=”http://beadwork.about.com/library/weekly/aa053199.htm”>Sacred Heart Beadwork Pattern</a>

 This beadwork pattern is based on the traditional sacred heart milagro…gorgeous!



Fourth Of July Projects
December 21, 2006, 11:29 pm
Filed under: Beading, Clay Jewelry, Holiday Projects, Kid Friendly Projects, Wire Work


Foot Jewelry
December 21, 2006, 11:25 pm
Filed under: Beading, Metal Work, Non-Traditional Jewelry, Wire Work

Barefoot Sandal Projects

Easy Barefoot Sandals

Easy barefoot sandles made with elastic cording, hairpipe beads, and pony beads.

Tug-A-Bead Barefoot Sandal

A two-needle weave beadwork barefoot sandle with diagrams but no pictures.

Ruby’s Barefoot Sandals

Made with seed and bugle beads.

Carribbean Foot Jewelry

An easy foot jewelry project with beads and beading elastic.

”Shoewels” Foot Jewelry

Bead and wire work project.

Toe Rings

Invisible Toe Ring

Clear stretch cord and simple beads.

Fabricated Toe Ring

A very cool toe ring made out of copper plate.

Wrap Toe Ring

Very easy wire work project!

Embellished Shoes

How T0 Make Spirit Flip Flops

Use fabric or bias tape to make cute coordinating flip flops!

How To Make One Of A Kind Flip Flops

A great project for plastic or “jelly” flip flops. Embellish with crystals and faux gems!

Seashell Sandles

Call it beach camoflauge! Decorate your flip flops with just some little shells and some industrial strength craft glue!

Beaded Tennies

Don’t let your flip flops have all the fun…you can bead your canvas tennies too!



Father’s Day Project List

Dad-Friendly Jewelry Making Projects!

Leather Cuff Bracelet

A beginner’s leather working project that easily lends itself to a masculine design

Woven Leather Bracelet

Want to avoid leather working? This project just involved braiding leather cording.

Leather Wrap Watch

This looks like a watch band that even MY husband couldn’t break!

Lucky Dice Cufflinks

Whether you use dice or other trinkets, this is a great idea for a personalized dad’s day present!

Unisex Stytle Beaded Choker

This Lark’s Head Knot choker is decidedly masculine with leather and wooden beads.

Lady Bug Tie Tack

An easy polymer clay project even for little hands!

Men’s Bracelet

A beadwork double zigzag pattern perfect for hip dads!

Jewelry Making Gift Ideas For Dad

Lots of ideas including chains, key fobs, money clips, and tie slides

Father’s Day Tie Tacks

Another kid friendly polymer clay tie tack project!

Variations On The Self Linking Copper Wire Bracelet

Sean Russ’s masculine version of a classic design!

The Self Linking Copper Wire Bracelet

The original article. A simple, elegant project.

How To Tie Slip Knots

A nice finishing technique for masculine corded necklaces!

I Love Dad Beaded Safety Pin

Show your appreciation for Dad by wearing this safety pin project!



Autumn Project List
December 21, 2006, 10:04 pm
Filed under: Beading, Clay Jewelry, Holiday Projects, Kid Friendly Projects, Wire Work

Beading Projects

Garland of Fall Leaves Necklace

A modified apache leaf stitch necklace by Emily Hackbarth.

Fall Colors Necklace

Amber and topaz beads mixed with green leaf beads for a fall foilage look!

Holiday Harvest

Very cool 3D Indian corn beadwork designed by Emily Hackbarth.

Harvest Shimmer Necklace

Pretty garnet and jet glass project.

Wire Projects

Copper Leaf Tutorial

Gorgeous fall leaves made from copper wire!

Autumn Leaves Necklace

A victorian-style wirework project. The leaves are created on fine beading wire then strung onto a beaded necklace.

Wire Work Pumpkins

Groovy wire pumpkins with lots of cool jewelry application possibilities!

Autumn Splendor Set

Wirework necklace and matching earrings. Cool wire and bead leaves and gorgeous fall colors!

Triple Spiral Beaded Pin With Fall Leaf Swag

Pretty magenta and silver wire with matching silver lined beads and magenta glass leaf swag!

Clay Projects

Polymer Clay Autumn Leaves by Darla Sargeant

These polymer clay leaves are so gorgeous they could pass for stained glass!

Autumn Leaves Bracelet by Tamila Darling

Use the leaves from the project above to make a fabulous art-deco style bracelet!

Autumn Leaf Canes

A slice and bake autumn leaf cane with lots of jewelry application possibilities!

Autumn Leaves in Polymer Clay

Another cool autumn leaf project that you can use for all sorts of jewelry designs.

Sassy Scarecrow Pendent

Cute little polymer clay scarecrow to string on a necklace.

PC Pumpkin Beads

Groovy little 3D poly clay pumpkin beads!

Pumpkin Vine Necklace

Use the pumpkin beads from the above project to make a cool necklace!

Kid Friendly Projects

Scarecrow Pin

A scarecrow face pen made out of a wooden half-egg!

Maple Leaf Pin

A cool little maple leaf pin made from construction paper.

Pumpkin Seed Beads

Save your seeds when you carve your pumpkin to make this cool necklace!

Pumpkin Pin

Make your own craft clay or use play-doh to create these kid friendly pumpkin pins!