5 a Week: Lace and Ribbon Jewelry

This post may contain affiliate links, please check out my disclosures page for more info.  Thanks!

It’s Sunday, and time for week 6 of this year’s edition of…

…The Five a Week Pledge.

If you haven’t been around here, it’s where you pledge to do five things each week of your choice (see here for more info).  I pledged to make five small crafts each week.  Feel free to grab a button and join me.  If you already have, post a comment or a link to share what you accomplished.

This week’s craft:

Jewelry!

I made five pieces of jewelry with lace and ribbon.  And this time they are sized for people instead of dolls (see 5 a Week: Jewelry for Dolls).  I made three easy necklaces and 2 bracelets.

The main reason I wanted to make the necklaces was to try out these ribbon clamps.  I bought them on impulse ages ago and had never used them (see The Biggest Craft Haul Ever).  In fact this was the first time I used anything like these.

First I just used them with some thin lace and clasps to make these simple chokers.  I may add pearls or a charm later, but they are cute like this.

I also tried something a little less simple, wider lace with ribbon layered on top.  The clamps aren’t too difficult to use, but they came out a little crooked since it was my first time.  And I wasn’t sure if I tightened them enough, so I used a little super glue just in case.

While I was at it, I decided to make some lace and ribbon bracelets to match.

Instead of the clamps and clasps, I stitched a hook and loop on each one.  It’s similar to some other pieces I made last year (see 5 a Week: Chocolate and Cream). 

The necklaces came out well I think.  And maybe after practicing some more with the clamps I will make a tutorial, or two.  Wouldn’t that be fun?  :)

Give it a try:

• Bead Landing Clasp Ribbon Clamp
• Offray 3/8"x21' Grosgrain Solid Ribbon
• Dritz Hooks &Eyes Size 3

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5 a Week: Jewelry for Dolls

 

It’s Sunday, and time for week 1 of this year’s edition of…

 

…The Five a Week Pledge.

If you haven’t been around here, it’s where you pledge to do five things each week of your choice (see here for more info).  I pledged to make five small crafts each week.  Feel free to grab a button and join me.  If you already have, post a comment or a link to share what you accomplished.

This week’s craft:

Doll Sized Jewelry

Most of the projects from last year were doll items because I had just gotten my ball jointed doll (see Catching Up: A New Friend) and because small things like doll clothes, etc. are perfect for this challenge.  I thought since I got another doll (see Two of a Kind Doll Dresses), that I should continue this idea so she can have plenty of things too.

That being said, this jewelry wasn’t actually made for the new doll.  I made one bracelet for her but the rest is for the older doll, Hikaru (See my doll blog for her reaction to the jewelry). 

It’s been a year since I got her so it’s technically her “birthday”.  Actually it was her birthday last month, I got her toward the end of May and in my head I thought it was June.  Anyway, jewelry is a perfect present for a doll right?

First up is the bracelets, as modeled by my new ball jointed doll, Usagi.  The two on the left are simply faux pearls on elastic, I added a bow to the one on the right because I made it for Usagi. 

They are made with larger pearls than the ones for the necklaces because the elastic was too thick to use for the small pearls.  No problem, there’s nothing wrong with having a chunkier bracelet.

Now the first necklace was made with the smaller pearls strung together with an ordinary clasp at the back.  Simple as can be but very cute.  I bought these pearls ages ago at Joann Fabric and Crafts intending to eventually make doll necklaces (see The Biggest Craft Haul Ever).

I didn’t want the second necklace the same way as the first and I had plenty of the thin ribbon, so I tried this idea I found for making bracelets with beads and ribbon.  I’m afraid I can’t remember where I saw it, but I thought at the time that it was super cute an looked easy to do.  It took a bit of time even at doll size, but it was easy enough and the result is very cute.

And since ribbon is used, no need for a clasp.  I actually don’t like clasps and usually avoid them when I can.  I kind of want to make another one of these necklaces for myself now.

Now I have pretty necklaces and bracelets for my dolls, and good ideas for myself.  Now what’s in store for next week.

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5 a Week: Crystal Pearl Bracelets

 

It’s Sunday, so it’s time for week 11 of…

 

…The Five a Week Pledge.

 

If you haven’t been around here, it’s where you pledge to do five things each week of your choice (see the first week for more info).  I pledged to make five small crafts each week.  Feel free to grab a button and join me.  If you already have, post a comment or a link to share what you accomplished.

 

This week’s craft:

Bracelets!

I got plenty of jewelry making supplies and tools this week (see The Biggest Haul Ever) and was itching to use them.  I used some of the pink and white faux pearls from the last batch of bracelets I made (see Five a Week: Bracelets), but this time I added clear crystal-y beads for all but the last bracelet. 

The last one was just a way to use up some extra beads.  I just took the last few beads I had in those sizes, arranged them in a way I thought looked good, then added some more faux pearls until it was long enough for a bracelet.

Now for a small request, I’m having a hard time deciding what sort of project to do for this coming week.  Any ideas? Please leave a comment with any suggestions, links to tutorials are more than welcome too.  And look forward to next week.

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5 a Week: Lace Wrist Cuffs

It’s Sunday, so it’s time for week 6 of…

 

…The Five a Week Pledge.

 

If you haven’t been around here, it’s where you pledge to do five things each week of your choice (see the first week for more info).  I pledged to make five small crafts each week.  Feel free to grab a button and join me.  If you already have, post a comment or a link to share what you accomplished.

 

This week’s craft:

Wrist Cuffs.

Such a pretty accessory, easy too.  All you have to do is cut strips of different laces, layer them together as you like, gather them some how with elastic, then sew the ends together like a bracelet.  Then you can add ribbon, beads, and/or charms to decorate.

For the first pair of cuffs I used two different white eyelet laces and I embellished them with cute bows made from pink grosgrain ribbon.  I actually got the ribbon from Bookman’s.  I’m not sure if they will match anything in my wardrobe though.  I mean I do have a lot of pink stuff, but not necessary this shade of pink.  Of course that could be a good excuse to make some more pink clothing.

The second pair of cuffs uses the same lace but with thin white satin ribbon bows instead of the pink.  Makes them more versatile.  I can wear them with everything, at least with everything that you can wear eyelet lace with without looking odd.

The third pair is just like the second pair of cuffs except I stitched the elastic directly to the cuffs instead of threading it through a channel.  It makes it look pretty good worn but kind of wonky when you put it down.  That why it looks strange in the first picture.

The last two pairs were both made with a creamy off-white eyelet lace and a matching colored polyester lace and elastic sewn directly to the lace.  I had originally intended to layer the laces in a way to cover most of the polyester lace since it looks really cheap.  That idea went out the window, but it’s for the best.  Sometimes the best way to disguise something is to leave it out in plain sight.  I really like the way this came out, even if it does remind me of a garter.

The only difference between these two pairs of cuffs is this one uses brown ribbon for the bows.  I love this ribbon, it reminds me of chocolate.  In face I frequently use it to wrap chocolate gifts.  I think it looks great with the cream color of the laces.  Makes me want to make more accessories using the two together.  Maybe that will be good for next week.  Look forward to it!

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Five a Week: Bracelets

It occurred to me that lately I haven’t been making things as much as I would like.  I’ve done a few larger projects over the space of a few months, but it’s nice to have some nice smaller one to work on throughout the week. 

So I came up with something, the Five a Week Pledge.  My goal is to make five small small crafts each week.  My original thought was seven, but I think five is a more manageable number.  The first part of the plan is to work on them all week and then post how I did each Sunday.  Now here’s the second part, I want others to join me.  All you have to do is pick something you want/need to do more frequently and pledge to do it at least five times each week.  You can grab Five a Week button if you wish, it does make it more fun.  Then just come back here each week to share what you accomplished.

And since it’s Sunday, here’s my first batch of crafts.

Bracelets.

For the first week I wanted to do something simple to ease myself in a little.  I had a bunch of faux pearl beads and stretch cord, so I started playing with them.  I love the look of pearls, they are just so pretty and can be worn in so many ways.  I can’t decide whether to keep them all for myself or list them in my shop.  And that’s more news.  I’m reopening my zibbet shop soon or actually a new, improved shop.  I’ll make a proper announcement as soon as it is open.  Look forward to it.  :)

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Pants Recon Challenge Round 3

Round 3 of The Great Pants Recon Challenge is finally here.  I’ve been using that word a lot lately, finally.  That’s what happens when you take too long to post things.

Anyway, this time I was strangely inspired by the hems of the pants to whip up something pretty.  Namely…

…flower corsages!

Nothing like something flowery to wear on your wrist.  To make them, I just cut off the hems of the pants and cut each into two strips.  I gathered them on one side and stitched the ends together.  With some fabric circles for the centers and some remnants of lace they made perfect flowers.  For the straps, I just cut pieces from what was left of the pants drawstring and threaded elastic through them before attaching.

Here’s the finished results.  The top three are corsages, the bottom one I made into a matching broach by attaching a pin to the back.

Now up to three finished projects with one pair of pants.

• Flower corsages
• Pin cushion
• Drawstring bag

And here’s what’s left of the pants.

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Finally Finished on the Fleece

As the title says, I finally finished my November project list.  In December.  A week late. 
Well, a few things kind of popped up.  Very important life altering things, but I can’t talk about it. 

Anyway, the idea of making little fleece bows popped in my head while doing some cutting.  What better thing to do with small scraps of fleece?  All you really need are three rectangle pieces and something to stick the finished bow to like a clip or something.  I wanted to stick these bows to hair elastics, but for some reason I couldn’t find any.  I’m sure I had a ton somewhere.  I just used strips of elastic, they are actually more secure this way.

The next one is an idea I have been toying with for like a year.  Little cat-shaped purses.  I made them in two colors/patterns and two of each.  In the picture it shows the front and back view of each.  On the front of each one is a little bitty heart made from a scrap of the back pattern.  Think of it as the kitty’s nose.  I would have put eyes too, but I thought it might look to cluttered.  How is it, are they fine the way they are or do they look weird without eyes?

Next is sunglasses cases.  I found a piece of fleece with this interesting red pattern and thought it would be perfect for a case of some kind.  Just a simple pouch shape, slanted at the opening with a fabric cord loop attached, not too hard to make.  I decided to make a second matching one with white fleece.  It would have been black, but I seem to be lacking in that color.  Oh well, it still looks good.

And the last project is these cuffs.  They are pretty easy to make.  I just cut the fleece in the strips and braided them.  Then I sewed the ends together, of course that was the hard part.  Sewing the ends without making them look messy or ugly.  I think I did a good job on that part, but just in case I added little bows to hide any goofs.
Here’s the updated list:

• Hair accessories
• Tiny teddies
• Tiny birds
• Bags
• Tiny sweaters
• Tiny hats
• Yoyo’s
• Cases
• Key chains
• Cuffs

Ten down and out.  It’s funny.  Usually in December I start working on my big old Christmas list of gifts and decorations and stuff.  This year, thanks to all the stuff I made for this list and the Christmas stuff I made last summer, I have no need to make anything for December.  My crafting is done for the year.  Nothing left but to enjoy the month and maybe get a leg up for next year. 

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Halloween Bling

Halloween is here at last.  Time for tricks and treats.  For treats this year, I made these bracelets to give out in addition to the usual candy.  They are stretchy bracelets made from wide black lace.  I had some foam scraps leftover from last year’s bracelets (see Trick or Treat?), so I made little jack o’ lanterns and glued them on.  Hopefully the kids well like them as much as last year.  If not, we still have tons of candy.
Here’s the updated list:

• Pins
• Altered top
• Rose headband
• Doll
• Bracelets
• White dress
• Gift

Seven down and out.  Just in time too.

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A Pile of…

I had intended to put this up about two days ago, but things didn’t quite go as planned.

So one day when I was supposed to be focusing on something else, I thought of a nifty way of making lace cuff bracelets.  One I hadn’t done before that would allow me to use this one lace I have that needs to be used up.  It looks pretty cute right?  Although is kind of look like a garter, it is sort of made the same way too.  Anyway, you may be wondering why I could possibly be two days late making this little bitty thing.

Here’s why, I made a lot of them.  The idea I came up with was a way to easily make a bunch of these bracelets at once.  There were some tricky spots, but I managed to make about 40 bracelets in a few days.  Mind you this was while doing other things as well, life doesn’t hold still for bracelet making.  Anyway, I now have a pile of cute lace bracelets and possibly more to come since they are fun to make.  I just need to find ways to get rid of them.  There’s the usual ways; giving away, sticking them in my shoppe, etc.  I think I have another idea for one or two of them, but it needs some planning. 
Here’s the updated list:

• Sunflower skirt
• Present
• Video
• Little t-shirt redo
• Pincushions
• Pants redo
• Bear pants
• Hair accessories
• Red skirt
• Wristbands

Ten down and out.  Now to plan what’s up next.

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Trick-or-Treat?

I had intended to post this yesterday, but they were some technical problems.  The good thing is that it was definitely not my fault.

At my house, we hate to give out candy to trick-or-treaters.  Or to be specific, we hate to give out just candy.  The problem with candy besides the rotting teeth thing is it doesn’t last very long after the holiday.  Plus, not all kids can eat all types of candy.  Some kids are allergic to milk as in milk chocolate and some can’t eat hard or chewy candies.  So in our treat bowl we usually try to add a mixture of goodies.  A typical selection includes some mixed candies, safety pops, holiday pencils, spider and skulls rings (from Dollar Tree), and some sort of homemade trinkets.



These are the homemade goodies for this year, Halloween bracelets.  I cut out themed shapes from foam sheets I got at a thrift store.  It took two shape cut outs for each bracelet.  The top one I punched holes in to make face parts or decorations.  The bottom one had slits cut to stick the elastic through before sewing the ends together.  The bottom layer was cut from a contrasting color because it shows through the holes, but I guess that’s kind of obvious from the photo.

Anyway, they came out looking so cute that I kind of am hoping that we don’t get too many trick-or-treaters this year.  Maybe just the few at home.



Speaking of which, I made cute little treating bags for my niece and nephew, assuming they will want to use them.  The third one is for me to use since they are so cute and then I've got a fourth one just in case.

In case it isn’t obvious for some of you, I got the fabric from my last trip to Goodwill (see Finally Remembered).  I guess I could have used a solid colored orange fabric but I thought the patterned fabric would be cuter.  You can still tell they are supposed to be pumpkins right?  The only other problem would be the size, are they too small for trick-or-treating?  I guess that’s what the backup one is for.

Here’s the updated list:

• Bags
• Bracelets
• Barrettes
• Doll pajamas
• Doll makeover
• Wristbands
• Red skirt
• Ears
• Costume
• Handkerchiefs

Two down, eight to go.  The next project should be up either tomorrow or Saturday.

One more thing, I posted this question on twitter and thought I should ask here too.  I’ve been wondering if I should sign up for a Flickr account.  Any thoughts?

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Bangles to Dangle

I have been meaning to post this for a while, just never got around to it.  This is a few of my favorite bracelet tutorials.  Such an easy accessory to pull off, and one can never own too many.  Especially when you make them yourself.

• Fabric Wrap Bracelets—Combine your favorite fabric scraps and metal bangle bracelets for these simple and sweet bracelets.
• Shower Curtain Ring Bracelets—Really cool looking bracelets made of shower curtain rings of all things.  Careful though, these involve cutting with a knife.  Cut the ring, not yourself.
• Shoelace Bracelets—Fun stretchy bracelets using those cute shoelaces you always see at dollar/discount stores or a set you have lying around.
• Popsicle Bracelets—This one amazes me, bracelets made by molding popsicle sticks. 
• Braided Hex Nut Bracelet—Nothing like raiding your toolbox or hardware store for craft supplies.  That’s what you need for this bracelet.  The result is a bracelet that really leaves an impression.
• Baseball Bracelet—Baseball fan or parent/sibling/etc. of a player/fan?  Show some support by donning a bracelet made from an old baseball.  It’s eco-friendly too.

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Charmed and Bowed Over

I had managed to collect a few charms, lockets and pendants from broken jewelry and didn’t know what to do with them.  One day I thought, “why not put a bunch together on one necklace?”, so I tried it.

I wanted a heart theme, so I used two heart shaped lockets to start, an upside down heart charm with a paw print, and a pendant for a set of friendship necklaces.  My sister has the other friendship one somewhere.  I filled in the gaps with some flower charms and a butterfly. 

I stitched them to some braided trim, added some clasps, and then added some faux pearls because it needed something.  Now I have a totally unique looking necklace that’s chock full of memories to boot.

I mentioned yesterday that there might be a bonus, and this is it.

To make the necklace and yesterday’s bracelet, I had to search through my box of scraps and embellishments to get some ideas.  I have tons of these pre-made ribbon bows I got a while back, and I have been trying to find ways to use them.  I found a scrap of brown bias trim that I thought looked kind of nice with the bows and maybe some faux pearls, and since I was already making jewelry I automatically made the connection between the bows and making a bracelet with them. 

Just stitched them on the trim, add clasps and faux pearls, and voila!  An unusual, yet pretty cuff.  I think it looks pretty interesting when I wear in backwards too, it looks sort of like ruffled lace.  Maybe I’ll try that too in the future.

Here’s the updated list:

• Pillow
• card bracelet
• charm necklace
• netbook sleeve
• doll swimsuit
• bum bag
• sleep mask
• picture frames
• dress

Three down, six to go.  I’ve been needing the next one really badly.

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Pick a Card

I think it was a few months ago, I found this tutorial for making a bracelet from old credit cards.  Of course, since it was so cool,  I saved it for later.

Here’s later. 

I used an old semester bus pass instead of a credit card, I have way more of them lying around than I do credit cards.  It was really easy, except for the little holes.  The instructions suggest using a drill, but I didn’t have one on hand so I just punched the holes with a hammer.  It was tough trying to get the hole in the right place, and I woke up my mom in the process.  This is not a good project choice for late night crafting. 

Still, the end result was terrific, and I think it is so cool how it still spells out “Semester Pass”.

Here you can see it on my wrist.  How does it look?

Here’s the updated list:

• Pillow
• card bracelet
• charm necklace
• netbook sleeve
• doll swimsuit
• bum bag
• sleep mask
• picture frames
• dress

Two down, seven to go.  I may add a little bonus in addition to the next project, I feel inspiration calling.

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Foiled

Several years back, I learned how to make chains using bubble gum wrappers, though I can’t remember where exactly.  I’ve always thought it would be interesting to do the same thing with aluminum foil.


I tried it to make this simple bracelet.  It’s super easy, just a little time consuming.  Had to carefully cut each foil piece and fold it and link it one at a time.  Took a good chunk of my evening.  Finished off with some jump rings and a clasp made with spiral notebook wire, it makes a great piece for casual wear and a good recycling project too.

I reused foil from sandwiches for lunch,  I find my sandwich doesn’t get squished so easily when wrapped in foil.  It would be cool to use other materials for this too, such as foil wrappers from chocolate for a more colorful version.

Here’s the updated list:

• baskets
• doll clothes
• foil bracelets
• swatch book
• embellished pins
• Video
• woven tote bag

Three down, four to go.  I’ve already finished the next one, it’s still drying.  I’ll post it tomorrow.

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Bows, Not Just for Gift Wrap

This post may contain affiliate links, please check out my disclosures page for more info.  Thanks!

Here is some jewelry I made with bias tape, as modeled by one of my nieces.  I had some packages of the stuff catching dust and had to do something with them.

First I made a bunch of little bows.  They’re made the same way as those packaged gift bows you see in stores.  Why buy them when you can easily make them out of anything. 

For the necklace and bracelet I just attached them to a longer piece of the bias and tied them on.

For the ring I glued one on an old plastic ring with gem glue.  I got the plastic ring years ago from one of those coin machines.  The fake jewel fell off, so a bow made an excellent substitute. 

I used gem glue to attach pin backs to make the two pins. 

So here’s the updated list:

• bottle cozy
• half apron
• hankies
• snowflake angels
• bias tape accessories
• mini baskets
• pouches
• bead headbands
• Wings
• scarf
• id tag holder

Two down, nine to go.  Next is the tag holder.

Give it a try:

• Aleene's Jewel-It Embellishing Glue
• 1-1/4" Steel Pin Back with Nickel Finish, 10pcs.
• Bead Landing™ Bar Pin, 3/4"
• Wrights Double Fold Bias Tape-1/4'' x 4yds

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Better than Bracelets, a Project List Update

Another project done from the list, waistband cuffs.  Technically I only made one from jeans, the other ones are from a plaid skirt and cameo print cargos, bet you can’t guess which. 
I used the skirt because I loved the cute buckle it had and the plaid was a nice touch.  I made the cameo one because it looks like something a guy might actually wear, although I’m not sure about it.  And the jean cuff is made with a cotton polka dot print I’ve had for far too long.  Ever found some fabric somewhere, be it a craft store or thrift store, and loved it to death yet you always put off actually using it.  Because you’re “saving” it for the perfect project that you may never find, so it just sits there gathering dust.  This was the case with the print and I just got sick of it so I used it.  I’m also planning on using it for one of the other projects, so look forward to it.
Now the updated list:

• Ribbon headbands
• Jean waistband cuffs
• Jewelry with crescent moons and stars
• Tote bag with umbrella appliqués
• Something square
• Watermelon shaped oven mitts, maybe with matching accessories
• Cell phone sleeping bag
• Change purse key chains
• Monster plush key chains
• Strawberry pins and magnets
• Painted binder clips
• bottle cap pins
• zipper charms
• butterflies

Four down, ten to go.

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