DIY

by Erica I suppose we can call this week’s tutorial somewhat of a refresher course on how to master the perfect sliding knot. But the real reason why I had to recreate this familiar DIY with you is to share a little thing I recently discovered called a crimp end, that’s especially made for rhinestone chain. It’s a nifty finding that attaches to the ends, allowing you to finally put some use to all those few leftover inches of sparkle. Pay close attention and I’ll show you how to add to your growing and ever changing stack!   You’ll need:         a few inches of 2.5mm rhinestone chain         a pair of brass crimp ends         10-12 inches of 0.8mm chinese knotting cord         wire clippers         flat nose pliers         scissors         lighter Start by cutting the rhinestone chain to any length. Place the last link of the chain into the cr...

By Erica Karl Lagerfeld turned up the ol’ pearl game about 100 notches with ginormous pearl necklaces, bracelets and rings for Chanel‘s spring collection. Costumey, over-the-top and DIYable . . . I was sold. Next came the painstakingly long search for the largest pearls I could find and in my hunt for pearls, came the inspiration to make rings inspired by Russian designer Maria Stern‘s super chic double pearl rings. It’s a pearl party and everyone is invited! You’ll need (for the pearl choker):     2 30mm pearl beads     12 gauge gold wire choker     2 ball end headpins     2 bead caps     E6000     a toothpick     heavy duty wire cutters You’ll need (for the pearl rings):     10mm & 12mm half drilled Swarovski pearls     8mm & 6mm half drilled Swarovski pearls     ultra thin gold rings     super glue     wire cutters Use a pair of heavy duty wire clippers and ...

By Janet Crowther of (For the Makers) Contributor This St. Patrick's Day, skip the same old green T-shirt and make a real statement -- a statement necklace, actually. It's perfect for St. Patrick's Day (or any day) and only takes a few easy-to-find materials. Avoid a couple pinches this St. Patrick's Day by making this shamrock pattern necklace in the perfect shade of green. Master a few key techniques below and you'll be making statement jewelry in no time -- all the time! Materials: 20 headpins 13 (10x12mm) faceted glass teardrop beads round-nose pliers wire cutters 7 (16x12mm) faceted glass rectangle beads chain-nose pliers 20 small jump rings 2 large jump rings 21" curb chain cut into 5 sections: two sections of 2", two sections of 4.75", and one section of 7.5" lobster clasp Step 1: Start threading a headpin through each of the teardrop beads. Using round-nose pliers, create a loop at the top of each bead. Snip off any excess wire with wire ...

by Erica The Duchess of Cambridge might have helped ignite the loom band bracelet craze but credit must be given where credit is due. Kids and teens everywhere have been whipping up their version of the friendship bracelet for months now. Made from small, colorful rubber bands, these bracelets are meant to assembled on an inexpensive loom that serves as a base for various patterns. However, you can easily make a simple fishtail version, without the loom, with just two fingers. It is beyond easy. And addicting. I may be past my prime when it comes to trendy bracelets but I just love the bit of childish cheekiness they add to my otherwise serious jewelry collection. Thanks, Kate! You’ll need: assorted loom bands (also available here) plastic S clip (included in loom band orders) Start by separating your colors into small piles in the order you wish to use them. You can use as little as one color or as many as you want! Wrap the first band around your middle finger. Twist once and wrap ar...