Shrinky Dink Jewelry

This past weekend, I attended the Great American Scrapbook Convention in Arlington, TX. I was slightly disappointed at the reduced number of vendors from the last time I went. I also didn't find as many good deals as in years past.

One new discovery to me was Darcie's. I purchased some acrylic charm pieces that I hope to use soon to make jewelry. They had a free make and take that I completed, using their printable shrinky dink paper.

When I got home, I added the beads and a vintage chain for a funky necklace. They sell the paper and image CDs so you can have an entire collection of little charms and ornaments.

Beach Bracelet

Now that the spring holidays are over, I am anticipating warm summer days. Although I don't think I'll get to the beach until June, I made a bracelet to wear when I'm there.

I used a Vintaj chain for the base and added various pearls and shell beads until it was overflowing. The large shell is a vintage charm I purchased in a lot of old jewelry pieces at a garage sale a few years back. I finally had the perfect project to use it on. I love the cream and brown color scheme. I think I need a new outfit to match :)
 

Wired Bracelets

After making some sparkly holiday jewelry, I had beads leftover and wanted to add to my growing collection. I've also been wanting to try wire-wrapping, so I gathered my beads and two sizes of copper wire.

This one was my first attempt. It looks a little wonkier here than in real life.

Then I tried a more elaborate design with glass flower beads. I love the turquoise and copper combination.

Junkin Jewelry for Junk Bonanza

All this TX heat has me longing for nicer fall weather. I was in the mood for some jewelry making, so I looked through my stash to see what I had. I started pulling out pieces that are definitely suited for fall. I made this bracelet that I'm planning to wear to Junk Bonanza in September, the first of my planned autumn junk excursions.

Is it a sickness to make jewelry for junkin trips? I guess I've been bitten by the junkin bug and this is just one of the side effects.

 I took a bezel from a do-it-yourself bracelet and placed a piece of old text in it. Then I coated it with a couple layers of Glossy Accents. I used pieces from several collections that I've been hoarding, including Vintaj, Industrial Chic, and a few vintage pieces. The result is a mixed up assortment of charms that makes me happy.

 

Bead Swap

I participated in My So Called Junky Life's bead swap. I was partnered with Heather from The Speckled Egg. Coincidentally, Heather was my partner last year in the bead swap. We had to send each other 30 beads and a focal piece, and put them in a decorated/altered box.

Here is the box I sent to Heather:

And the beads:

This is the adorable box I received from Heather, and the bracelet I made out of her beads:

I love everything that Heather sent!

Mother's Day Jewelry

Now that we're done with Easter, we have to get ready for Mother's Day. We're also getting busy with birthdays.

For my mom, I made a sterling bird's nest necklace that has each of our birthstones as the "eggs" in the nest. I added a little pearl to the top for my niece's birthstone (the only grandchild).

I wrapped the nest in an old book page and tucked it inside a glassine bag that I decorated with a tag. The background is a leftover piece of a watercolor painting I did. I added scraps of paper and ribbon and a Crafty Secrets image.

I also made a pair of earrings using some of my Vintaj stash. If you'd like to purchase these, send me an email. I like them too much to list them on etsy, but you might be able to convince me to let them go :)

I used Vintaj solid brass findings and filigree piece, then added vintage pearl beads, flower cabochons, and czech glass beads.

Spring Is in the Air

I did a little Spring Art Swap with a couple of friends. Since they both received their packages, I can share the projects I made.

I decorated a little trinket box using spring colored papers, trims, flowers, and findings. I inserted a pretty vintage image in the box lid's window, and also decorated the inside of the box. This is Diana's box.

I made a ribbon bookmark for each and a custom jewelry piece. For Diana, I made a pair of sterling and glass bead earrings that are just right for spring.



I decorated Julie's box in a similar way.

I tucked a pretty soldered pendant inside (since her ears aren't pierced).

And, it's reversible. I added an antique glass button to the top. Now I want one! I'll have to get busy and make some more.



Making Jewelry

I have been in the mood to make some jewelry lately. I have a few pieces that I've made as gifts, so I'll have to share those later. Here is a necklace that I made for myself.

I used vintage beads and a lot of beautiful glass beads. The charms are all old religious medals that I found in a box when shopping in MN. What a great find!