Earrings

Before the bracelets, I hadn't been making very much jewelry. I was actually so discouraged that I considered giving all of my beading supplies to my sister. I made myself hold onto them, though, knowing I would be glad to have them someday. Of course once I started the bracelets, I was happy to have held onto them. This morning, I was in a pinch, and it was so nice to be able to go to my supplies and walk away with a new pair of earrings!

 One of the bracelets I made was of shiny black pearls, and I love it! It goes beautifully with my new dress- not to mention, I love pearls! However, as I was getting ready for church this morning, I realized that I didn't have any earrings that would match. Since I am relying heavily on earrings and bracelets to feel dolled up these days, I knew that simply would not do!

I thought that they came out very pretty! I may play with them a bit in the future, but they were absolutely perfect today!

The Jewelry Project

Ever since my divorce, I have found it impossible to wear rings, uncomfortable to wear jewelry in general. For me, this has been a bit of a struggle! My fingers feel naked! I can wear earrings, and even the occasional necklace, but rings just feel wrong on my fingers.What options does that leave?

I needed a bracelet.

I realized that I don't have many bracelets, and the ones I do have are pretty old and tarnished. So, I set out on the search for the perfect bracelet.

Easier said than done, especially since I didn't exactly know what the perfect bracelet would be! I tried many times to make my own bracelet at home, but none of them seemed right. So, I patiently held out hope that someday soon the perfect bracelet would find me!

I was at Walmart- of all places- browsing through jewelry, not holding out hope for anything, when I stumbled across these pretty beaded bracelets with silver tags. Each tag had a different word on it, "Faith", "Love", "Peace" "Family", and "Courage". They were very pretty, and I liked the idea, but none of them seemed quite right. Either I didn't like the tag, or I didn't like the color of the beads. But for some reason, I simply couldn't walk away. Right as I was getting ready to give up, I flipped one of the tags over and realized that there was writing on both sides.  I flipped over each tag, curious to see what they said. They were nice, but none of them were quite right. Until I came to the last one. "Courage". Underneath it read "to know yourself". This was not at all what I expected! But it was perfect.

When I started this "project", I didn't actually realize that it was going to be a "project", so I didn't take pictures of the bracelet before I did some construction on it.  My plan was to remove the beaded part of the bracelet, which was attached by metal rings, and string up a new set of beads. As I was going through my beads, I realized that I couldn't decide what beads to choose! Then it hit me. Why choose one?

These are the beads from the original bracelet. I removed the metal rings and attached lobster claw closures to each end. 

Once I got started, I realized that the possibilities were endless!  I made so many that I had to go back to the store to get more clasps! I also have a few charms that I can link on also. The little crown is my favorite!

 Each strand of beads are strung on plastic stretchy cord so that I can slip them on and off easily.

Because the message is meant more for me, I tend to wear the beads facing up, though I don't fret too much about how it sits.



I love that I can have a message of encouragement with me everywhere I go, and I can change it to fit my needs for the day! I had no idea when I saw this bracelet that it would turn into something more!

This is my favorite jewelry project ever! And the best part of it is, it can be ongoing! I know that there are more bracelets to come!

Beautiful Necklace

Recently,  I was sent a pattern for a crochet necklace with a request to make one. When I saw the site, I was excited. I have stumbled across this blog before and they do beautiful work. To have the opportunity to re-create a piece of their work was an exciting prospect! I only hoped I could do it justice.

The people over at Crochetology.net are amazing. This pattern was a lot of fun to work with. I was very pleased with the final results.

 White crochet thread with white pearls.

 Teal crochet thread with teal pearls.

 Soft teal sparkly crochet thread with white pearls, necklace and matching bracelet set.

 Fun flower clasps were used on each necklace to add weight to hold them in place.

I loved the way these turned out and had so much fun making them. I think that they would make gorgeous headbands by replacing the clasp with a small bit of elastic. So many possibilities. What do you think?

 

Baby and Mommy gifts

Did you know that March is National Craft Month? One good thing about crafting of any kind, it's a good form of procrastination! My husband and I just found out that he got a new job and we have to be ready to move in less than a week. Still, I find myself looking for ways to put off packing. Actually, I'm really sad that I don't actually have time to focus on crafts right now, but am glad I've found time to fit in a few last minute gifts.

A friend of mine had a baby a few weeks ago. When I asked her what she wanted, all she would allow me to do for her was a very simple pair of baby booties. Honestly, she had no idea what she was doing to me, asking for "simple". There are so many cute ideas out there, simple was the last thing I wanted to do. Still, out of respect for her, I finally went to my baby bootie pattern that I used to use when I made booties for the Church's' Humanitarian program. When all was said and done, in my humble opinion, these simple baby booties are darn cute!

Still, I decided to be sneaky. Since she would only let me make booties for her new baby boy, I decided to make a "mommy gift". I chose two things that she had admired in the past. First, my most favorite crochet Mary Jane slippers. This picture doesn't do them justice. They are adorable and OH so comfy!

I added some tiny crochet flower details.

Second, this pearl ring that I have been receiving loads of compliments on lately. A few weeks ago at church, a woman stopped me in the hall to tell me how much she liked it. When i admit that I had made it, she studied it up close and had me walk through the steps of how I'd done it. Hopefully, my friend will like it just as much. And since I won't be in the ward anymore, she'll be the only one to have one like it!

I Heart Valentine's Day!

Typically, I get really annoyed at the way stores start displaying Valentine's Day before Christmas is even over. This year, however, my mind turned to hearts pretty early in January. Here are some sweet heart Valentine's Day (or any day) hair clips.

The headband turned out so pretty, it made me wish, once again, that I didn't look so ridiculous in them!

What's Valentine's Day without jewelery? I may have to make the rose ring in every color I have, it turned out so sweet.

With luck, this is only the beginning...

Broomstick Lace

If you think that crochet is crochet and nothing more, let me tell you, there are so many techniques and styles out there! I am realizing more than ever that I have so much to learn!

Recently I came across a tutorial for Broomstick lace in a Crochet Today magazine. I didn't pay too much attention to it and decided right then and there that it wasn't something I wanted to try. It looked too hard and I couldn't think of any reason to learn.

So, imagine my surprise when I was sent a pattern for this Broomstick Lace Bracelet. Pretty, yes? The person who sent the pattern thought so and wanted me to make one for her. Oh boy. What was I to do? Could I possibly learn this difficult technique?

I could, and I did.... once I realized that her tutorial was for left-handed crochet and I am right-handed. Trust me, it makes a difference! Even with a good tutorial, this is a challenging technique, very touchy and easy to mess up. So, I can't help but be proud of my first attempt.I wish that I could have found the yarn that she used for her bracelets. It is smoother and allows you to see the beautiful details of the stitch. I made this one for myself as practice and it is so soft, easy, and fun to wear.

If you are wondering why it is called "Broomstick Lace", it is so named due to the fact that you actually crochet around a broomstick handle. I have yet to try it around a broomstick handle, and actually created this bracelet using a Crayola marker. Someday, I will have to break out the broom!

Cutest Snowman ever!!

Somewhere online, I don't even know where, I saw a tutorial for snowman earrings. I didn't click on it, or anything, it was pretty self-explanatory, but I knew that I had to try it.

I had several pearls leftover from my crochet angel bells. I gathered them up with my jewelry tools, some head pins, a toothpick, paint, and some crochet thread.

In what seemed like no time at all, I had the cutest snowmen for necklaces!
The earrings were cute, but I really liked the idea of the necklace instead. Besides, this way I could also make one for my mom, who I knew would love it as much as I did.
I had no idea these would be such a hit! My sister saw my mom wearing her necklace and went home and made some for herself and her daughter, adding little hats. Then, on Sunday, the little girls in the primary class that my mom subbed all said that they were going to go home and make some also! This is such a simple and fun project. It will bring lasting joy for years to come.

Pretty Pearl Ring

I went to Hobby Lobby last week with a list of various items I needed for all of the many, MANY projects I am currently in the middle of. What I didn't need was one more thing. But, when I saw these pearly flower beads, I just had to have them.

I don't know why, but I have had a thing for pearls lately. Add that to the fact that the smaller flower is reminiscent of a snowflake, and I just fell in love. I knew right away what I wanted to do with them.After walking by this little package of flowers for days now, even with the dozens of items on my "To Do" list, I just couldn't take it anymore. I sat down with my needle and elastic thread and made this unusual ring. It's different from the rings I've been making, but maybe that's part of its' appeal. I didn't like how it sat on the metal bands that I have, but I like this pearl band so much better.
And, apparently, I'm not the only one. When my sister saw this on my finger Thanksgiving day, she immediately asked for one. With one slight change.
This black pearl adds just the right touch!

Ribbon and Crochet Jewelry Set

I actually made this set about a month ago, but due to so much camera trouble, I haven't been able to get a decent picture.

It is such a fun necklace, easy to wear. The crochet beads are stuffed with cotton and strung on sheer white ribbon. It is light, comfortable and matches anything! I am hoping to pick up more ribbon and different styles of beads this week. There are just so many possibilities. So pretty! I love it!

Flower Cuff Bracelet

I am not typically one to wear bracelets. I have always had skinny wrists and most bracelets just sit on them funny. More than anything, however, most of them you can't put on without help.

That's why I love these crochet cuff style bracelets.

I know I have posted some like this before, but I have updated them with the addition of a button rather than the elastic I had previously used. I was worried that they would still be difficult to put on, but they aren't at all. Because of the button they actually fit better. The fact that they are crocheted means that they are soft and stretchy. They look great with a casual outfit or something dressier.

Flower Jewelry

The star jewelry I made for the 4th of July went over so well, I decided to do something for everyday wear. This bracelet and ring turned out very pretty and recieved many compliments.

4th of July Crochet Jewelry Set

Monday morning I decided that I needed something patriotic to wear for the 4th of July. Having just made tons of stars for my wreath and garland, I decided to continue the pattern. I started with a star bracelet and continued with a ring and a barrette for my niece to wear in her hair.

I sewed a piece of elastic to the inside of the bracelet so that I can just slip it on. This is so much easier than the button or clasp approach, and the elastic is "invisible", hidden underneath two stars.

They were a huge hit! Everyone loved them. I have so many directions I want to take this. Now to find the time!!

Jewelry

This morning, I woke up with this necklace design in my head. I changed it a bit from what I was thinking, but I am really pleased with the results, especially since it took less than 2 hours!

I love that even with the big links, it is still really dainty and delicate. My favorite part is the top beaded chain. It came out so pretty, I may have to make another necklace based solely on that design.

Rings and Headbands

I know that several women are going to be selling hair accessories and jewelry at the upcoming yard/craft sale. However, I am hoping that my spin on things might be a little different than what anyone else has to offer. I started out just playing around with some ideas, but I am so pleased with the results. I wish I didn't feel so silly in headbands, they look so great on other people. It's probably good though, or I'd want to keep these all to myself!!

I have this thing for the "antique" look. I have colored thread that I could have used, but was so pleased with the look of these , I decided to go with it. I love the butterfly (only partly because it's my own pattern) and all the pearls.

A while back, I stumbled across a tutorial for "Ric Rac Rose Rings". Being a lover of all things ric rac, I had to try one. I was so impressed with the results, that my mind went crazy, and I decided to try some ribbon rose rings, as well.
I have been wearing the ric rac ring everywhere lately, just to test drive it (okay, that was just an excuse to keep one for myself!), and I love it. It's very sturdy, especially for how large it is.

After doing all those headbands, I couldn't pass up doing a ring, as well. I partly hope it doesn't sell....

This one either, it's my favorite.

It's so shiny!

After making three dresses and 6 easter baskets in the past two weeks, I needed a break from the crochet hook. So, I sat down last night and threw this necklace together. It's not perfect, but I'm pleased with the outcome and look forward to wearing it.

What's a new necklace without earrings, anyway?

Owl Pendant

I don't know where I got it into my head that I wanted an owl pendant. I have spent a year looking for just the right one, but they were all too gaudy or gold or big.... Then today, out of the random, I see this sweet little owl looking at me. He's about an inch tall and came 2 in a pack for $1.47 at Hobby Lobby (my new favorite place, by the way)! Although I don't spend much time making jewelry, my sister gave me some awesome tools and beads for Christmas and I have been waiting for the right opportunity. Although I actually started another necklace two weeks ago, it's going to be a slow process with a lot of detail, so I decided to throw this one together right away. Now, please understand, I was working with beads and things that I had on hand and I don't have much experience. It could have come out better, and the earrings are just temporary until I can find/ make some others to go with the necklace, which I made completely from scratch, by the way. Head pins are challenge to work with at first, but fun!