tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80881830199628704042016-08-12T03:19:17.790-07:00DJA JewelsDJA Jewelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03284661879232571081noreply@blogger.comBlogger137125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8088183019962870404.post-10400770808070542712016-06-28T05:25:00.001-07:002016-06-28T05:25:47.632-07:00Vintage Doll Bed Up-Cycle<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sMv3oU5T-ZY/V3Jc2cwx2dI/AAAAAAAAE5Y/vkPgCMPFI8wH0MdXWGDzL2Pt2iXycdxBwCLcB/s1600/BEFORE%2B%2526%2BAFTER.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sMv3oU5T-ZY/V3Jc2cwx2dI/AAAAAAAAE5Y/vkPgCMPFI8wH0MdXWGDzL2Pt2iXycdxBwCLcB/s400/BEFORE%2B%2526%2BAFTER.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>A couple of months back I found my old doll bed in my parents attic. I remember this bunk style doll bed so clearly but had no idea it was still around.<br /><br />It brought back such memories of my childhood as I remembered it being an important place for all my dolls. This would be around 1960 or so.<br /><br />It was in decent shape except for the supporting slats. And other than being a bit dirty, it was otherwise intact. After debating whether to keep it as is or to up-cycle it, I decided it needed a new life. <br /><br />I chose a light blue chalk paint with a coat of dark wax for a distressed and aged look. Some would argue that it should be kept in it original condition, but just as I have changed since 1960, it needed change too.<br /><br />So here is how it went:<br /><br /><br /><br />First I put it in my garage, surveyed it and cleaned it. This is what it originally looked like:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--fhW5Z4uRaQ/V3JaLD29O8I/AAAAAAAAE4c/-w0_GzJlSGkPYrjfheTUDqfXC34NQn_YQCKgB/s1600/IMG_8378.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--fhW5Z4uRaQ/V3JaLD29O8I/AAAAAAAAE4c/-w0_GzJlSGkPYrjfheTUDqfXC34NQn_YQCKgB/s400/IMG_8378.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br />Here is a picture of the supporting slats for the bottom part of the bunk bed:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3UA9tGoYb-g/V3JaaZ62QMI/AAAAAAAAE4w/CI0X_42EcbYRqjGS8pBfXLxk0BUXGqmVwCKgB/s1600/IMG_8366.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3UA9tGoYb-g/V3JaaZ62QMI/AAAAAAAAE4w/CI0X_42EcbYRqjGS8pBfXLxk0BUXGqmVwCKgB/s400/IMG_8366.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Unfortunately, the slats for the top portion were broken - really beyond repair. So I carefully measured, then went to Lowes and had two pieces of wood cut to use as supports:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UqDrslJ_qug/V3Jah62DyrI/AAAAAAAAE4w/gR5JqG2iu98OtiMurS3QmQSCahy8sZ6xwCKgB/s1600/IMG_8374.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UqDrslJ_qug/V3Jah62DyrI/AAAAAAAAE4w/gR5JqG2iu98OtiMurS3QmQSCahy8sZ6xwCKgB/s400/IMG_8374.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />I selected a light blue chalk paint by Americana Decor called "Serene" which I found at Michaels. I also bought a clear and a dark wax. The clear wax is for protection and the dark is to give it a distressed and aged look - I used a flat brush for the blue paint and a round brush for the wax:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PzRgQ5U0U4g/V3JarLi1L1I/AAAAAAAAE48/5mse3BwYKeUW-9SbkhJOKisa7scVzTcSACKgB/s1600/IMG_8396.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="196" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PzRgQ5U0U4g/V3JarLi1L1I/AAAAAAAAE48/5mse3BwYKeUW-9SbkhJOKisa7scVzTcSACKgB/s400/IMG_8396.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br />After cleaning the bed with a damp soft cloth I applied two coats of the blue chalk paint:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CJmbrN5Sqdg/V3JbAvpxROI/AAAAAAAAE5Q/JIE9fg71lXgB7vzADsDxB16VcsOZzKsHQCKgB/s1600/IMG_8391.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CJmbrN5Sqdg/V3JbAvpxROI/AAAAAAAAE5Q/JIE9fg71lXgB7vzADsDxB16VcsOZzKsHQCKgB/s400/IMG_8391.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Then I applied a coat of the clear wax followed by a coat of the dark wax. Both the paint and the wax really dry fast, so I did not wait long between coats. I let the blue chalk paint and clear wax dry about 20 minutes between coats. After applying the dark wax I almost immediately rubbed it down with a soft cloth. This removes most of the dark color but leaves just a bit for that vintage aged look I was looking for. Here is what it now looked like:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e7dbw86DA3Y/V3JbFxV-65I/AAAAAAAAE5Q/t7x6-goKI5o3Dq0v9wE9z1YRomuWS6A8QCKgB/s1600/IMG_8409.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e7dbw86DA3Y/V3JbFxV-65I/AAAAAAAAE5Q/t7x6-goKI5o3Dq0v9wE9z1YRomuWS6A8QCKgB/s400/IMG_8409.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Now it was ready to move inside the house. And here is what it looks like painted and with the new supporting boards:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h9hfoK8PRUU/V3JbMA7ORpI/AAAAAAAAE5U/nmELMRs94zQQUOTpeTVCZFZlGZFvoK_kwCKgB/s1600/IMG_8413%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="310" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h9hfoK8PRUU/V3JbMA7ORpI/AAAAAAAAE5U/nmELMRs94zQQUOTpeTVCZFZlGZFvoK_kwCKgB/s400/IMG_8413%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />I really did not like the look and feel of the raw unpainted wood. So I bought some large pieces of white foam board in the school and office supplies section at Walmart. Then I just cut two pieces to fit over the raw boards. I did not photograph this part but here is a picture of what I'm talking about with white foam board:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fkrG5gdgVnE/V3JkyTwveLI/AAAAAAAAE5o/VLB9ch1ML3EH-SVthHz3b2b5l0W0dx3TwCLcB/s1600/images-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="293" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fkrG5gdgVnE/V3JkyTwveLI/AAAAAAAAE5o/VLB9ch1ML3EH-SVthHz3b2b5l0W0dx3TwCLcB/s400/images-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Now it just needed mattresses and pillows which I found on Etsy. The seller is Bonita Abernathy at <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/NaNaBeezGifts?ref=l2-shopheader-name" target="_blank"><b>NaNaBeezGifts</b></a>. Bonita is excellent - she makes doll and pet bedding as well as wedding favors. Here is the bed with new mattresses and pillows.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2_nJrZSzurA/V3JbW9tuuRI/AAAAAAAAE5U/KoWuOksqAt0VBwyevAt-DEQ0JHesHFXAwCKgB/s1600/IMG_8770.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="302" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2_nJrZSzurA/V3JbW9tuuRI/AAAAAAAAE5U/KoWuOksqAt0VBwyevAt-DEQ0JHesHFXAwCKgB/s400/IMG_8770.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />The two Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls were mine - I had other dolls that I wish I could find but alas they were not in my parents' attic. But at least I found these two little friends.<br /><br />Now it just needed some coverlets and pillow cases. Bonita had told me she could make some custom bedding, so I had her make these pretty reversible coverlets, pillow cases for the pillows and some small decorative pillows. They turned out beautiful as you can see below!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bKG_qys2OIo/V3JbaxXgFbI/AAAAAAAAE5U/Ak-WSiRbnzgZxnbZYjq4A4h08IelTLfpwCKgB/s1600/IMG_9283.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="482" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bKG_qys2OIo/V3JbaxXgFbI/AAAAAAAAE5U/Ak-WSiRbnzgZxnbZYjq4A4h08IelTLfpwCKgB/s640/IMG_9283.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Now all I need is a grand daughter to enjoy this doll bed. Although I don't have any grandchildren yet, I hope to have them one day!DJA Jewelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03284661879232571081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8088183019962870404.post-51159566453393245992016-03-13T06:19:00.001-07:002016-03-16T04:35:49.400-07:00Vintage Hot Pink Beaded Lanyard<div dir="ltr">My newest Etsy listing. Vintage Hot Pink Beaded Lanyard: <br />https://www.etsy.com/listing/285625935/vintage-pink-glass-beaded-lanyard</div><div dir="ltr"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KO-xsY-CSBI/VulEyoD7VpI/AAAAAAAAEU4/LRSb8oszGmgjo0o7Ks9oYUKHKw1uSbR-g/s1600/bec45b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KO-xsY-CSBI/VulEyoD7VpI/AAAAAAAAEU4/LRSb8oszGmgjo0o7Ks9oYUKHKw1uSbR-g/s400/bec45b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div dir="ltr"><br /></div>DJA Jewelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03284661879232571081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8088183019962870404.post-64339706378005419962016-02-24T06:13:00.000-08:002016-03-05T04:31:42.095-08:00Tutorial: DIY Infinity Jewelry Links<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TLKLPQVDxtI/Vs24-d1l04I/AAAAAAAAEQc/vxA0mK1IAzY/s1600/IMG_7736crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TLKLPQVDxtI/Vs24-d1l04I/AAAAAAAAEQc/vxA0mK1IAzY/s200/IMG_7736crop.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>In this tutorial, I'm going to show how to make infinity S-links to use in your jewelry designs. First, let me give you the link to a tutorial that I used to first learn how to make these components: <a href="http://www.lisayangjewelry.com/2014/01/free-tutorial-wire-infinity-link-chain.html?m=1" target="_blank">Lisa Yang's Jewelry Blog</a>.<br /><br />Lisa's blog post is excellent and shows how to make a pretty Infinity Love Bracelet. Her bracelet is made up entirely of infinity links and jump rings. But these little guys also come in handy to link beads, chain and other components. I use them in earrings, bracelets, necklaces, stickpins, etc.<br /><br /><b>Here are the tools and supplies you need:</b><br /><ul><li>18 gauge wire of your choosing</li><li>Round nose pliers</li><li>Wire cutters</li><li>Jewelry file and steel wool</li><li>Ruler</li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NGCYXgwum8Q/VszmU_DNp9I/AAAAAAAAEPc/epM3i9_rFo8/s1600/IMG_7711.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NGCYXgwum8Q/VszmU_DNp9I/AAAAAAAAEPc/epM3i9_rFo8/s320/IMG_7711.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>I also like to hammer the links - for this you need:</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><ul><li>Chasing hammer</li><li>Jeweler's steel block and sandbag</li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--4rYMloGesw/VszmdpQHRTI/AAAAAAAAEPc/5eplKKYjtxU/s1600/IMG_7726.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--4rYMloGesw/VszmdpQHRTI/AAAAAAAAEPc/5eplKKYjtxU/s320/IMG_7726.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><b>Okay, so here's how you do it:</b><br /><br /><b>Cut your wire into one inch pieces. </b>Make sure both ends are flush cut so there are no sharp edges. I like to make several at a time. Here I am using a combination of gold and silver colored artistic wire. You can use any type of craft wire. You can also use sterling silver or gold filled wire - but it really needs to be 18 gauge no matter what type of wire. That just seems to be the right weight and thickness for these links.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zUhV0A9s2ck/VszmQa3SIlI/AAAAAAAAEPU/_I0fAI_2tdc/s1600/IMG_7703.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zUhV0A9s2ck/VszmQa3SIlI/AAAAAAAAEPU/_I0fAI_2tdc/s320/IMG_7703.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Next use your jewelry file to smooth the ends.</b> Make sure to slide the ends in the same direction instead of going back and forth. Going in the same direction keeps the edges smoother. After filing the ends, jab the ends back and forth through your steel wool - this further smooths them.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e-RAoEDghSU/VszmSQo-flI/AAAAAAAAEPU/ZITC-Gn5ppY/s1600/IMG_7712.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e-RAoEDghSU/VszmSQo-flI/AAAAAAAAEPU/ZITC-Gn5ppY/s320/IMG_7712.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x3_O91TY3B4/VszmWGOPI5I/AAAAAAAAEPc/21513mGgYmc/s1600/IMG_7713.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="197" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x3_O91TY3B4/VszmWGOPI5I/AAAAAAAAEPc/21513mGgYmc/s320/IMG_7713.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Now it is time to make your loops.</b> Make a small loop at one end of your wire using your round nose pliers like so:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T-8rjSzxKyM/VszmXrLpPSI/AAAAAAAAEPc/yxkrITsXRa4/s1600/IMG_7716.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T-8rjSzxKyM/VszmXrLpPSI/AAAAAAAAEPc/yxkrITsXRa4/s320/IMG_7716.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yvQIiCq4tII/VszmX4y8bSI/AAAAAAAAEPc/eRhz-VZnil8/s1600/IMG_7717.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yvQIiCq4tII/VszmX4y8bSI/AAAAAAAAEPc/eRhz-VZnil8/s320/IMG_7717.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Then make another loop on the other end going in the opposite direction:</b></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eEBYpvZnie8/VszmZ_w2KhI/AAAAAAAAEPc/f2fZPoDkrSU/s1600/IMG_7718.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="196" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eEBYpvZnie8/VszmZ_w2KhI/AAAAAAAAEPc/f2fZPoDkrSU/s320/IMG_7718.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>This is what your loop will look like - it might be a bit crooked but we will fix that in a moment.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NpRJpPC8abY/Vszma-6hmcI/AAAAAAAAEPc/BH_EnZjZkVE/s1600/IMG_7720.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NpRJpPC8abY/Vszma-6hmcI/AAAAAAAAEPc/BH_EnZjZkVE/s320/IMG_7720.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Use some nylon jaw pliers to straighten and correct any defects.</b> Sorry I did not show them pictured in the introductory pictures but here you can see how I used them below:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m8EdYeFqttk/Vszmbt-sBGI/AAAAAAAAEPc/akXx3rdZwwI/s1600/IMG_7722.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="219" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m8EdYeFqttk/Vszmbt-sBGI/AAAAAAAAEPc/akXx3rdZwwI/s320/IMG_7722.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Now your link should look like this:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--huYks7jZyc/VszmZ1rmOeI/AAAAAAAAEPc/IRy6tcb2peE/s1600/IMG_7719.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--huYks7jZyc/VszmZ1rmOeI/AAAAAAAAEPc/IRy6tcb2peE/s320/IMG_7719.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div><b>Next I like to hammer the links to flatten and more importantly harden them.</b> Use the larger part of your chasing hammer to do this:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5D9fELgtSu0/VszmgJrjWOI/AAAAAAAAEPc/hGNUGDd-Dyg/s1600/IMG_7729.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="209" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5D9fELgtSu0/VszmgJrjWOI/AAAAAAAAEPc/hGNUGDd-Dyg/s320/IMG_7729.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vvcOFcMS_Fs/VszmgC7PGFI/AAAAAAAAEPc/7SjVAGYtOS0/s1600/IMG_7730.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="206" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vvcOFcMS_Fs/VszmgC7PGFI/AAAAAAAAEPc/7SjVAGYtOS0/s320/IMG_7730.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Here are a bunch of silver, gold and copper links after I hammered them:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vgko4P-iSio/VszmgHC4BVI/AAAAAAAAEPc/6LVhH5dj_KM/s1600/IMG_7736.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vgko4P-iSio/VszmgHC4BVI/AAAAAAAAEPc/6LVhH5dj_KM/s320/IMG_7736.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Now you are ready to use your infinity links in whatever project your imagination comes up with. Here's a pair of earrings and a bracelet I made using them:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-keSdbfNL5Ws/Vszx3O41kEI/AAAAAAAAEP4/klwMDK8jpSA/s1600/e-715collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-keSdbfNL5Ws/Vszx3O41kEI/AAAAAAAAEP4/klwMDK8jpSA/s640/e-715collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pink Vintage Beaded Earrings</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S6fi2VaC4Tw/VszzJZMY_fI/AAAAAAAAEQE/qqHqNAVJ0rw/s1600/IMG_7487.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="392" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S6fi2VaC4Tw/VszzJZMY_fI/AAAAAAAAEQE/qqHqNAVJ0rw/s640/IMG_7487.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two-Tone Gold & Silver Glass Beaded Bracelet</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cEufUFGLWv0/VtrRWB2COQI/AAAAAAAAERs/5otJv1n_ijM/s1600/b-718a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cEufUFGLWv0/VtrRWB2COQI/AAAAAAAAERs/5otJv1n_ijM/s640/b-718a.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Copper & Aluminum Infinity Bracelet</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><div>What might you use these pretty infinity links for? I would love to see whatever designs you come up with. Send them to me and I'll be sure to post them.</div><div><br /></div><div>Till next time!</div><div>Irene</div><div><br /></div><div><i>Be sure to follow me on <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/djajewels/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/DJAjewels/?ref=hl" target="_blank">Facebook</a> too!</i></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /></div>DJA Jewelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03284661879232571081noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8088183019962870404.post-40983230577321153572016-01-23T08:32:00.000-08:002016-01-23T08:32:39.225-08:00Repurposed Vintage Earrings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In my last post, I showed some of my mother's vintage costume jewelry that I have been sorting through and photographing. In this post, I will show a few more pieces and walk through the repurposing process of one of the pairs of earrings.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9_shwPi53S4/VqOn_qEMHGI/AAAAAAAAELg/4jjn9HNslqw/s1600/collage2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9_shwPi53S4/VqOn_qEMHGI/AAAAAAAAELg/4jjn9HNslqw/s400/collage2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>The picture above shows a summarization of the repurposing process I used for my earrings. I'll go through details of the process in a bit, but first let me show some collage photos of a few of the treasures I came across and photographed from my Mom's collection.<br /><br />Many of these pieces are in really great shape! The first one is a collection of faux pearl and white beaded necklaces:<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dC2vmY6CqOI/VqOg2JI-d0I/AAAAAAAAEJg/pPaOgt0z1b8/s1600/white%2Bjewelry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dC2vmY6CqOI/VqOg2JI-d0I/AAAAAAAAEJg/pPaOgt0z1b8/s640/white%2Bjewelry.jpg" width="292" /></a></div><br /><br />This second collage is a collection of pink beaded designs - also mostly in really nice shape. My mother's favorite color was pink and she had a good quantity of pink jewelry - not all of it is pictured here but here are a few:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8SSSeQ7ceCs/VqOg4_ex4QI/AAAAAAAAEJo/5Leu4HcSo4M/s1600/pink%2Bjewelry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8SSSeQ7ceCs/VqOg4_ex4QI/AAAAAAAAEJo/5Leu4HcSo4M/s640/pink%2Bjewelry.jpg" width="347" /></a></div><br />I'm not sure yet which of the above pieces I might decide to repurpose. Some of them are so pretty, I might just leave "as is."<br /><br />But I came across these ear-bobs below and knew they needed repurposing ... they were in pretty bad shape:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LQb-YH45uC8/VqOg-uJ11ZI/AAAAAAAAEKE/PVLyZXJd7Ro/s1600/IMG_6948.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="258" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LQb-YH45uC8/VqOg-uJ11ZI/AAAAAAAAEKE/PVLyZXJd7Ro/s400/IMG_6948.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> The large center beads were already disconnected from the ear-bobs, and the clip-on backs were missing. As can be seen, there is also a good bit of corrosion and debris on the metal backings.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lxPAmzPS5n8/VqOg-lg-58I/AAAAAAAAEKA/7StmvdGOTMI/s1600/IMG_6950.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lxPAmzPS5n8/VqOg-lg-58I/AAAAAAAAEKA/7StmvdGOTMI/s1600/IMG_6950.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lxPAmzPS5n8/VqOg-lg-58I/AAAAAAAAEKA/7StmvdGOTMI/s400/IMG_6950.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">First thing was to disassemble the beads and components - the beads were held together on the brass backings with some very old and disintegrating wire. I just cut the wire with a pair of wire cutters and wound up with this collection of pieces:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xhqob6ljPwc/VqOg-w5dvkI/AAAAAAAAEKI/H3xR-jFJqCM/s1600/IMG_6952.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xhqob6ljPwc/VqOg-w5dvkI/AAAAAAAAEKI/H3xR-jFJqCM/s400/IMG_6952.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Next I cleaned the beads, the metal backings, and the gold colored bead caps. I first used warm soapy water and a toothbrush which helped some. Then I tried a technique I had read about using worcestershire sauce to soak and scrub. In the end, I couldn't get the metal backings totally clean but was able to restore the bead caps to a fairly good shine - although some of the gold plating was worn off:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j4iPVWV0QdM/VqOhAoIRkbI/AAAAAAAAEKQ/YDDMo_4sVMQ/s1600/IMG_6964.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j4iPVWV0QdM/VqOhAoIRkbI/AAAAAAAAEKQ/YDDMo_4sVMQ/s400/IMG_6964.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I decided for my design I would make a pair of dangle earrings out of some of the beads and bead caps. I used some gold plated wire to make a knotted headpin and added some wire-wrapping around the top bead. The earring wires are made of gold colored craft wire which I formed into a pair of french hook ear wires:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5fBOc4xBcdQ/VqOhGF5LdgI/AAAAAAAAEKw/pNOfMoZEwZw/s1600/IMG_6970.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5fBOc4xBcdQ/VqOhGF5LdgI/AAAAAAAAEKw/pNOfMoZEwZw/s400/IMG_6970.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DMZTg_a1CwM/VqOhHY8_yFI/AAAAAAAAELE/wIujyaieyJI/s1600/IMG_6974.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DMZTg_a1CwM/VqOhHY8_yFI/AAAAAAAAELE/wIujyaieyJI/s400/IMG_6974.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And voila! Something new from something old!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t8nt6Erz6xQ/VqOg6bKE1LI/AAAAAAAAEJw/3rXawWgcaFo/s1600/collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t8nt6Erz6xQ/VqOg6bKE1LI/AAAAAAAAEJw/3rXawWgcaFo/s640/collage.jpg" width="294" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>DJA Jewelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03284661879232571081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8088183019962870404.post-457979406891045622016-01-17T13:37:00.003-08:002016-01-17T13:37:46.454-08:00My Mother's Vintage Jewelry<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5G8dZDgnoPQ/Vpv_MslYQ1I/AAAAAAAAEGQ/mDrK9aehWSI/s1600/pearl%2BnecklaceC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5G8dZDgnoPQ/Vpv_MslYQ1I/AAAAAAAAEGQ/mDrK9aehWSI/s200/pearl%2BnecklaceC.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Two years ago I started going through my mother's vast collection of vintage costume jewelry. These beautiful treasures were passed on to me after her passing in 2013. I wrote about some of these pieces in a blog post two years ago - you can click <b><a href="http://djajewels.blogspot.com/2013/08/my-mothers-jewelry-treasure-chest.html" target="_blank">here</a></b> to read that post. <br /><br />Well I put the jewelry aside for a while and am now revisiting the adventure of going through all these marvelous pieces. My attention was redirected to the jewelry after my brother and sister-in-law found even more of my Mom's jewelry while helping my Dad sort through some things at his home.<br /><br />This spectacular necklace is a triple strand of dark cream faux pearls and aurora borealis crystals. It is a choker style measuring 15 inches plus a three inch extender chain. I love this piece for its bold deco styling!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5G8dZDgnoPQ/Vpv_MslYQ1I/AAAAAAAAEGA/djL24ricq1o/s1600/pearl%2BnecklaceC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5G8dZDgnoPQ/Vpv_MslYQ1I/AAAAAAAAEGA/djL24ricq1o/s320/pearl%2BnecklaceC.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aOPhasOwQn8/Vpv_MlLWmLI/AAAAAAAAEGI/8cwlxTyf_DQ/s1600/pearl%2BnecklaceA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aOPhasOwQn8/Vpv_MlLWmLI/AAAAAAAAEGI/8cwlxTyf_DQ/s320/pearl%2BnecklaceA.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j_mHG3WK9zg/Vpv_NcVqwFI/AAAAAAAAEGM/bKnAjbELaJs/s1600/pearl%2BnecklaceD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j_mHG3WK9zg/Vpv_NcVqwFI/AAAAAAAAEGM/bKnAjbELaJs/s320/pearl%2BnecklaceD.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />This next piece I'm pretty sure was one of my Mom's favorites because it is in her favorite color which was pink! It is another triple stranded faux pearl necklace in several rich vibrant hues of pink. There is hot pink, light pink and some hints of purple and lavender in some of the beads. The eclectic mixture of pearls, glass beads and fire-polished crystals is just my Mom's style! It is a choker style measuring 15 inches plus a two inch beaded extender.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ap341MnDZrc/VpwGLDjes5I/AAAAAAAAEG4/3UX6g3CxLkg/s1600/pink%2Bpearl%2BnecklaceD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ap341MnDZrc/VpwGLDjes5I/AAAAAAAAEG4/3UX6g3CxLkg/s320/pink%2Bpearl%2BnecklaceD.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EBP7i2S9DuA/VpwGKa-zp3I/AAAAAAAAEGw/DusAzIgd5EA/s1600/pink%2Bpearl%2BnecklaceB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EBP7i2S9DuA/VpwGKa-zp3I/AAAAAAAAEGw/DusAzIgd5EA/s320/pink%2Bpearl%2BnecklaceB.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2a--o9MPYMQ/VpwGKUv2y7I/AAAAAAAAEGs/yTs7Hkf8luY/s1600/pink%2Bpearl%2BnecklaceC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2a--o9MPYMQ/VpwGKUv2y7I/AAAAAAAAEGs/yTs7Hkf8luY/s320/pink%2Bpearl%2BnecklaceC.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Now I need to decide on whether to keep these pieces "as is" or to disassemble and repurpose them into something different. Comments and suggestions are welcome!<br /><br />And if you want to see more pieces from my Mom's collection, you can visit my <b>Pinterest </b>board dedicated to her collection.<br /><br /><br />DJA Jewelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03284661879232571081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8088183019962870404.post-89215381606318829842015-12-09T05:44:00.000-08:002015-12-09T05:45:07.344-08:00Make Your On-Line Photos Pop With This Photoshop Tutorial!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lBaK14xqLIs/VmglikyYNsI/AAAAAAAADyg/mLC4PuP1jlw/s1600/Before_After2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lBaK14xqLIs/VmglikyYNsI/AAAAAAAADyg/mLC4PuP1jlw/s640/Before_After2.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> <br />If you sell anything online, you know how important it is to produce high quality images to showcase your designs. In this post, I will show how I use Photoshop to edit my images to give them a little pizzaz. You can take an ordinary photo and transform it into something truly amazing like the <i>BEFORE</i> and <i>AFTER</i> photos above.<br /><br />Let me preface this tutorial by saying that I am using the approach that you know very little about Photoshop. If you are an advanced or experienced user, you might find it overly simplified. That being said, I have tried to break every step down incrementally to show you exactly how it is done.<br /><br />In this tutorial, I am using a <i>Mac</i> computor with <i>Photoshop C6</i>. Since I design and sell jewelry, I will be using a photo with a pair of earrings as an example.<br /><br />Okay, let's get started!<br />First make sure you have a high quality photo that is crystal clear. Here is my original photo without editing other than cropping the size down.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ifKU8eEUIEo/Vmb4MA_QtNI/AAAAAAAADsU/a0kX2huWhfc/s1600/IMG_6176.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="209" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ifKU8eEUIEo/Vmb4MA_QtNI/AAAAAAAADsU/a0kX2huWhfc/s320/IMG_6176.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">1. Open up Photoshop. Here is a screenshot of my Photoshop screen:</span><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JST_PC2JMlw/VmcBuPQ4DPI/AAAAAAAADsk/kq1tLR1h21U/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-12-08%2Bat%2B10.41.11%2BAM%2Bcopy.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="393" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JST_PC2JMlw/VmcBuPQ4DPI/AAAAAAAADsk/kq1tLR1h21U/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-12-08%2Bat%2B10.41.11%2BAM%2Bcopy.png" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">2. Create a new file. To do this click on <b>File</b> at the top of your screen and in the drop down menu click <b>New</b>:</span><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PB6fLlOY0VY/Vmck2VouIhI/AAAAAAAADvo/MMjU_eTLEys/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-12-08%2Bat%2B1.42.38%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="398" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PB6fLlOY0VY/Vmck2VouIhI/AAAAAAAADvo/MMjU_eTLEys/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-12-08%2Bat%2B1.42.38%2BPM.png" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">3. A pop-up window will now appear prompting you to name your file. By default it is called <b>Untitled</b>. Rename it - I am naming my file <b>Earrings1</b>. In the same pop-up window you can set the size. The size will likely be a default size, so be sure to check and change the size if you need to. I have set the size of my file to 1200 pixels width by 800 pixels height. Now click <b>OK</b>.</span><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YBh9fiB9blg/VmckQd1QhdI/AAAAAAAADvc/TtQnjoBWAkI/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-12-08%2Bat%2B1.39.50%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YBh9fiB9blg/VmckQd1QhdI/AAAAAAAADvc/TtQnjoBWAkI/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-12-08%2Bat%2B1.39.50%2BPM.png" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Here is a screenshot of my new blank file:</span><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZEjVMudwIjo/VmcCUB6sCwI/AAAAAAAADsw/RkusqpDQ29c/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-12-08%2Bat%2B10.49.03%2BAM%2Bcopy.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="390" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZEjVMudwIjo/VmcCUB6sCwI/AAAAAAAADsw/RkusqpDQ29c/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-12-08%2Bat%2B10.49.03%2BAM%2Bcopy.png" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">4. Duplicate your layer by right clicking on <b>Background layer</b>, then select <b>Duplicate Layer</b>. </span><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rVoUkVigdw0/Vmcm67XwKFI/AAAAAAAADv0/IhusvFKU3R0/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-12-08%2Bat%2B1.49.45%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="363" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rVoUkVigdw0/Vmcm67XwKFI/AAAAAAAADv0/IhusvFKU3R0/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-12-08%2Bat%2B1.49.45%2BPM.png" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">You will now want to work in your <b>Background copy</b> layer. Notice the <b>Background Copy</b> layer at the right side of your screen is highlighted - this is how you know that you are working using that layer and not the original <b>Background layer</b>.</span><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KAAlfQb86x4/Vmcn0g7nJFI/AAAAAAAADwM/vv7p5vn58gU/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-12-08%2Bat%2B1.54.31%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="396" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KAAlfQb86x4/Vmcn0g7nJFI/AAAAAAAADwM/vv7p5vn58gU/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-12-08%2Bat%2B1.54.31%2BPM.png" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">5. Now working in your <b>Background Copy</b> layer, choose a foreground color. To do this, click on the <b>Foreground Color</b> icon at the left of your screen - it looks like two little colored squares. Clicking on the top little square of this icon will cause a pop-up window to appear labeled <b>Color Picker (Foreground Color</b>.) Note that if you click on the bottom little square, you will be selecting a <b>Background Color </b>instead of <b>Foreground Color</b>.</span><br /><br />What's the difference between <i>Background</i> and <i>Foreground</i>? Photoshop uses the <i>foreground </i>color to pain, fill and stroke colors. The <i>background</i> color is used to fill in erased areas of an image.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Now in the <b>Color Picker</b> window click on a color of your choosing. Since I want some contrast against the somewhat light grayish white background in the photo, I am selecting a medium to dark gray background color. Press <b>OK</b> to confirm your color choice.</span><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hVugfm_k8G4/Vmco7w5GFNI/AAAAAAAADwY/okvbOSMjuw0/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-12-08%2Bat%2B1.59.18%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="398" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hVugfm_k8G4/Vmco7w5GFNI/AAAAAAAADwY/okvbOSMjuw0/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-12-08%2Bat%2B1.59.18%2BPM.png" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">6. Next click on the <b>Paint Bucket</b> tool on the left side of your Photoshop screen. Left click the little paint bucket over the white background with the paint bucket to "paint" your foreground. Here is my new gray colored <i>foreground:</i></span><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NJPu0G8E6ms/VmcpoR1j6QI/AAAAAAAADwk/0JZCYKtHXoc/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-12-08%2Bat%2B2.03.07%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="398" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NJPu0G8E6ms/VmcpoR1j6QI/AAAAAAAADwk/0JZCYKtHXoc/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-12-08%2Bat%2B2.03.07%2BPM.png" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">7. Now drag your photo to inside the file. You will have a big <b><i>X</i></b> across the screen until you have finished <i>placing</i> the photo. To <i>place</i> the photo, click on the <i>check</i> mark at the top of your screen. </span><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rhmcxHohdbY/VmcDCZGhnYI/AAAAAAAADtI/LT5ooh7twhg/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-12-08%2Bat%2B10.53.10%2BAM.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="390" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rhmcxHohdbY/VmcDCZGhnYI/AAAAAAAADtI/LT5ooh7twhg/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-12-08%2Bat%2B10.53.10%2BAM.png" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">After placing it, the big <b>X</b> across your photo will disappear:</span><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eeheMYYtUVQ/VmcErOZk5BI/AAAAAAAADtU/SRl6IuP5VNk/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-12-08%2Bat%2B10.53.21%2BAM.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="393" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eeheMYYtUVQ/VmcErOZk5BI/AAAAAAAADtU/SRl6IuP5VNk/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-12-08%2Bat%2B10.53.21%2BAM.png" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">8. Click on the <b>Ellipse tool </b>and place your cursor in the middle of your photo and <i>left click</i>. A small box will pop up prompting you to <b>Create Ellipse</b>. By default, the size of the ellipse is set to 100 x 100 pixels as shown below:</span><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tM7hYuoKbaw/VmcE5jaqmVI/AAAAAAAADtg/wY-Vwk1hGz8/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-12-08%2Bat%2B11.02.35%2BAM.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="390" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tM7hYuoKbaw/VmcE5jaqmVI/AAAAAAAADtg/wY-Vwk1hGz8/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-12-08%2Bat%2B11.02.35%2BAM.png" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Go ahead and change the size to 1200 x 800 pixels. Then click <b>OK</b>:</span><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I_2yji7c_gE/VmcFMPhRREI/AAAAAAAADts/lsMddj3H_w8/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-12-08%2Bat%2B11.02.52%2BAM.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="390" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I_2yji7c_gE/VmcFMPhRREI/AAAAAAAADts/lsMddj3H_w8/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-12-08%2Bat%2B11.02.52%2BAM.png" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">9. You will now see an elliptical oval encircling your photo. Now <i>right click</i> anywhere outside the ellipse shape and click <b>Make Selection </b>in the pop-up window:</span><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_p6HiNmhgq0/VmcFjjJhscI/AAAAAAAADt4/JBEnEnBljeE/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-12-08%2Bat%2B11.04.00%2BAM.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="390" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_p6HiNmhgq0/VmcFjjJhscI/AAAAAAAADt4/JBEnEnBljeE/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-12-08%2Bat%2B11.04.00%2BAM.png" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">A small box will appear entitled <b>Make Selection</b>. You will see an option for Feather Radius which by default is usually set to zero.</span><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AE4B4bSBV18/VmcGChvelrI/AAAAAAAADuQ/ucckNHa26Nw/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-12-08%2Bat%2B11.05.21%2BAM.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="390" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AE4B4bSBV18/VmcGChvelrI/AAAAAAAADuQ/ucckNHa26Nw/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-12-08%2Bat%2B11.05.21%2BAM.png" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">I am setting the <i>feather radius</i> to 110. The higher you set it the more "feathery" the edges of your photo will be against your darker background.</span><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mpxd8FHNP2I/VmcFwObhPZI/AAAAAAAADuE/0lLMzotmLEo/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-12-08%2Bat%2B11.04.16%2BAM.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="387" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mpxd8FHNP2I/VmcFwObhPZI/AAAAAAAADuE/0lLMzotmLEo/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-12-08%2Bat%2B11.04.16%2BAM.png" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">9. Now <i>right click</i> again outside the dotted elliptical shape and click on the option <b>Rasterize Layer.</b></span><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2Q3XgrB3T-k/Vmcqyi2yQMI/AAAAAAAADw8/JPICQceh1Yk/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-12-08%2Bat%2B2.06.58%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2Q3XgrB3T-k/Vmcqyi2yQMI/AAAAAAAADw8/JPICQceh1Yk/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-12-08%2Bat%2B2.06.58%2BPM.png" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">10. Next click on the word <b>Select</b> at the top of your Photoshop toolbar. Then from the options given click <b>Inverse</b>.</span><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h1ezN75Xvcs/VmcHcC_841I/AAAAAAAADuc/84LuQDM20XQ/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-12-08%2Bat%2B11.07.02%2BAM.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="393" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h1ezN75Xvcs/VmcHcC_841I/AAAAAAAADuc/84LuQDM20XQ/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-12-08%2Bat%2B11.07.02%2BAM.png" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Now your file will also have a dotted line around the entire file looking like this:</span><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-veQI8Ia2l0E/VmcHtYIQtWI/AAAAAAAADuo/VDb-HqvtF2E/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-12-08%2Bat%2B11.07.18%2BAM.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="393" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-veQI8Ia2l0E/VmcHtYIQtWI/AAAAAAAADuo/VDb-HqvtF2E/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-12-08%2Bat%2B11.07.18%2BAM.png" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">11. Click on <b>Edit</b> at the top of your Photoshop tool bar and from the options click <b>Clear</b>. Here is what your image will look like:</span><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sLMBnJ9ZoOE/VmcITi8KaMI/AAAAAAAADu0/bG9R7uczWuM/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-12-08%2Bat%2B11.10.49%2BAM.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="390" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sLMBnJ9ZoOE/VmcITi8KaMI/AAAAAAAADu0/bG9R7uczWuM/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-12-08%2Bat%2B11.10.49%2BAM.png" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">12. Now you are finished except for <i>Saving</i> your file. To save, click on <b>File</b> at the top of your Photoshop toolbar, then click <b>Save As</b> and unless you want to change the name of your File name just click Save. Be sure to choose from the options given where you want to save your file to. In the example below I am saving it to <b>Work Folder</b> but you can save it just to your Desktop if you prefer. Note that this will save it in <b>PSD</b> format which will enable you to have this file to come back to and edit if needed.</span><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Mmldu8xQjU8/VmcJ4PUoELI/AAAAAAAADvA/GIJRMVVg4kU/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-12-08%2Bat%2B11.44.02%2BAM.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="448" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Mmldu8xQjU8/VmcJ4PUoELI/AAAAAAAADvA/GIJRMVVg4kU/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-12-08%2Bat%2B11.44.02%2BAM.png" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Now you need to save the file in <b>JPG</b> format. To do this, again click on <b>File</b>, then <b>Save As</b>, then change the format to <b>JPG</b> and click <b>Save</b>:</span><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vFxTnh1J7lI/VmcKIrDBGfI/AAAAAAAADvM/WY3vcaSQSUQ/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-12-08%2Bat%2B11.44.18%2BAM.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="451" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vFxTnh1J7lI/VmcKIrDBGfI/AAAAAAAADvM/WY3vcaSQSUQ/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-12-08%2Bat%2B11.44.18%2BAM.png" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />And here is your finished photo:<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v6hnrlubCqo/VmcrKPsqMvI/AAAAAAAADxI/V5WtY44NjCI/s1600/IMG_6176b.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v6hnrlubCqo/VmcrKPsqMvI/AAAAAAAADxI/V5WtY44NjCI/s640/IMG_6176b.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />If you like more definition in the different foreground and background colors, just lower the <i>feather radius </i>from step 8 in the tutorial. Here is another photo of the same earrings using a lower <i>feather radius</i> of 30 instead of 110:<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-swZLObZCCug/VmgqKdl-T7I/AAAAAAAADyw/ai3CC7nrgV0/s1600/IMG_6176c.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-swZLObZCCug/VmgqKdl-T7I/AAAAAAAADyw/ai3CC7nrgV0/s640/IMG_6176c.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><br />There are lots of other ways to individualize your photo. For example, I used a neutral gray foreground color in the example above. Here are some photos of the same image using blue and pink colors for the foreground:<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ia-ssB_Xydw/VmdhUzErSQI/AAAAAAAADyI/XZKHdMEDm38/s1600/IMG_6176blue.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ia-ssB_Xydw/VmdhUzErSQI/AAAAAAAADyI/XZKHdMEDm38/s640/IMG_6176blue.jpg" width="640" /></a> <br /><br /><br /> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ho-ELWj5YIg/VmdheZeHzHI/AAAAAAAADyU/4S4N_u31I0I/s1600/IMG_6176pink.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ho-ELWj5YIg/VmdheZeHzHI/AAAAAAAADyU/4S4N_u31I0I/s640/IMG_6176pink.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><br />Although I am far from being an expert in photo editing, I do hope this tutorial has been helpful! I have been using Photoshop for about 2 1/2 years and have learned to love it. But it has at times been a love-hate relationship. It is not a very intuitive program for someone like myself without any formal education or training in photo-editing. Put simply, it is not always easy to figure out what I am doing. I have learned and continue to learn techniques literally millimeter by millimeter. So this is why I wanted to share this one small technique.<br /><br />I welcome questions, comments and feedback!<br /><br />Till next time,<br />Irene<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />DJA Jewelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03284661879232571081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8088183019962870404.post-32325015816755072442015-05-10T04:22:00.000-07:002015-11-14T05:54:05.989-08:00Upcycled Vintage Rhinestone Earrings - From My Grandmother's Collection<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7ZKpwKUEUgU/VU31H1iBqcI/AAAAAAAACy4/EjkCTJSwuU4/s1600/IMG_4089.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="144" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7ZKpwKUEUgU/VU31H1iBqcI/AAAAAAAACy4/EjkCTJSwuU4/s200/IMG_4089.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">Last week I went to say good-bye to my grandmother who passed away just three weeks shy of her 103rd birthday. The service was inspirational and was truly a celebration of her long and meaningful life.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">Although it is impossible to completely capture the essence of her life, I feel compelled to at least note some of life highlights of my Grandmother - Creola May Starnes:</span><br /><br /><ul><li><span style="font-size: large;">Born in Arkansas in 1912. </span></li><li><span style="font-size: large;">Moved with her family to North Carolina in her early teens.</span></li><li><span style="font-size: large;">Married at age 15 to my Grandfather and r</span><span style="font-size: large;">aised five children - my mother being the oldest.</span></li><li><span style="font-size: large;">Spent countless hours volunteering and being active in her church.</span></li><li><span style="font-size: large;">Earned a business degree while in her forties - keep in mind this was in the 1950's when many women did not go to college much less consider getting a business degree.</span></li><li><span style="font-size: large;">Established the first church daycare center in the city of Kannapolis, NC because she saw a need for working mothers to have access to child care.</span></li><li><span style="font-size: large;">After raising their five children, she and my Grandfather moved to Winston Salem, NC and served several years as house-parents for adolescent parentless boys.</span></li><li><span style="font-size: large;">Retired and moved to Waxhaw, NC where she became an advocate for seniors and their caregivers.</span></li><li><span style="font-size: large;">Obtained certification in Gerontology from Livingstone College and s</span><span style="font-size: large;">erved as President of the Union County NC Chapter of AARP.</span></li><li><span style="font-size: large;">Retired a second time at age 78 and became caregiver for my Grandfather who had developed Alzheimer's - she cared for him until his death in 1989.</span></li><li><span style="font-size: large;">After surviving her husband's death, she lived another 26 years until the age of 103. Her legacy continues through her 16 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.</span></li></ul><br /><span style="font-size: large;">I like to try to keep the memory alive of those who I have known and loved. I was fortunate enough to be given some of my Grandmother's old vintage jewelry. And I decided that I would like to repurpose some of these treasures so that I could wear and cherish them while continuing to honor her life for years to come.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">This pair of vintage clip-on rhinestone earrings has lots of history and I could not bear thinking of these pretty pieces just sitting somewhere in a drawer. So I decided to convert them into a pair of post earrings that I could wear and enjoy and remember my Grandmother every time I wear them. Here is what they originally looked like:</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XRbharAn9Vs/VU31E2nJjAI/AAAAAAAACyQ/guLj8wnz70o/s1600/IMG_4044.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XRbharAn9Vs/VU31E2nJjAI/AAAAAAAACyQ/guLj8wnz70o/s400/IMG_4044.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l2JyErzgfT4/VU31D9R-7kI/AAAAAAAACyE/Om-CHkOwjtA/s1600/IMG_4045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l2JyErzgfT4/VU31D9R-7kI/AAAAAAAACyE/Om-CHkOwjtA/s400/IMG_4045.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B3YgsrPsgrI/VU31DgYAKSI/AAAAAAAACyA/_kgRkzJ8LLw/s1600/IMG_4047.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B3YgsrPsgrI/VU31DgYAKSI/AAAAAAAACyA/_kgRkzJ8LLw/s400/IMG_4047.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">The first thing I had to do was to remove the screw-on clips. I did this by snipping them with a pair of wire cutters, then filed off the rough edges with a jewelry file. This is how they look with the backs snipped off and filed:</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nuGHMDCNqtg/VU31FDj0HQI/AAAAAAAACyY/Tzfd4GKeheo/s1600/IMG_4062.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nuGHMDCNqtg/VU31FDj0HQI/AAAAAAAACyY/Tzfd4GKeheo/s400/IMG_4062.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qtJv2wNrE24/VU31FS_u0gI/AAAAAAAACyU/HAn0Zlzfr4U/s1600/IMG_4064.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qtJv2wNrE24/VU31FS_u0gI/AAAAAAAACyU/HAn0Zlzfr4U/s400/IMG_4064.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Next, I found a pair of post earrings to set the rhinestone dangles onto. I liked these pretty antique silver posts that I bought from <a href="http://vintagejewelrysupplies.com/">VintageJewelrySupplies.com</a>:</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MxyXBQOJpMs/VU31F1wJ9oI/AAAAAAAACyc/xI5m7vnSqSU/s1600/IMG_4066.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MxyXBQOJpMs/VU31F1wJ9oI/AAAAAAAACyc/xI5m7vnSqSU/s400/IMG_4066.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Then I used E-6000 glue to attach the dangles onto the posts. I use E-6000 for any jewelry project requiring glue because it holds forever - and I do mean forever! The only tricky part was finding a way to hold the posts upright and flat in order to give time for the glue to set - it takes 24 hours for E-6000 glue to set. So it is important to find a way to stabilize it while it sets. </span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">What I came up with was folding and taping a piece of bubble wrap, then sticking the posts down into the bubble wrap. Then I used a dab of glue (it only takes a dab) to adhere the rhinestone dangles onto the posts. To make sure there was good adherence I placed a piece of tape across the top of the earrings and let it set for 24 hours:</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7fkzF-heUBI/VU31GHP9cHI/AAAAAAAACyg/UBNoXHbVx00/s1600/IMG_4074.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7fkzF-heUBI/VU31GHP9cHI/AAAAAAAACyg/UBNoXHbVx00/s400/IMG_4074.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">And after 24 hours, here is what they looked like:</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-okzRyJDMpQw/VU31Gti1yvI/AAAAAAAACyk/TzTGhpiQGt4/s1600/IMG_4085.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="277" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-okzRyJDMpQw/VU31Gti1yvI/AAAAAAAACyk/TzTGhpiQGt4/s400/IMG_4085.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zjC6Nxustok/VU31HDdKZ7I/AAAAAAAACyw/cHYnVwrFbzk/s1600/IMG_4088.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zjC6Nxustok/VU31HDdKZ7I/AAAAAAAACyw/cHYnVwrFbzk/s400/IMG_4088.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7ZKpwKUEUgU/VU31H1iBqcI/AAAAAAAACy4/EjkCTJSwuU4/s1600/IMG_4089.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7ZKpwKUEUgU/VU31H1iBqcI/AAAAAAAACy4/EjkCTJSwuU4/s400/IMG_4089.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">I am quite pleased with the outcome and can't wait to wear them! I just love the idea of wearing something that my Grandmother once wore.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">I will not be selling this pair of earrings, but I have lots of other items for sale in my two Etsy shops: </span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://djajewels.etsy.com/">DJAjewels.etsy.com</a></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://eyeglasschainsetc.etsy.com/">EyeglassChainsEtc.etsy.com</a></span><br /><br />DJA Jewelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03284661879232571081noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8088183019962870404.post-86592664482167952642015-03-29T06:49:00.002-07:002015-03-29T06:49:56.639-07:00Rose Gold Jewelry - New Designs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N2NF-Sb4H8k/VRgA-0bHRuI/AAAAAAAACso/lGXAX58MOhw/s1600/IMG_3933.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N2NF-Sb4H8k/VRgA-0bHRuI/AAAAAAAACso/lGXAX58MOhw/s1600/IMG_3933.JPG" height="131" width="200" /></a></div>Rose gold jewelry has become one of my new faves! I only recently started using rose gold but I have to admit I have fallen in love with it. The color is a warm rich color with a copper tint to it. And, in fact, rose gold is about 22% copper.<br /><br />This week I thought I would share some of my newest designs in rose gold.<br /><br />This first design is a lanyard using a heavy weight rose gold chain. It has a nice substantial feel to it. I made it so it can be worn either as an eyeglass necklace, ID-Badge or key holder, or both. Or just wear as a pretty necklace by removing the detachable ID clasp.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0BDMv0qnpDo/VRf9_BTh05I/AAAAAAAACsY/4sO-Bu8iMK0/s1600/IMG_3938.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0BDMv0qnpDo/VRf9_BTh05I/AAAAAAAACsY/4sO-Bu8iMK0/s1600/IMG_3938.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/227939730/rose-gold-id-badge-holder-eyeglass?ref=listings_manager_grid" target="_blank">Rose Gold Lanyard with Detachable ID-Badge Holder</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SvnvEcD1KqU/VRf9-Wj2CjI/AAAAAAAACsI/JuHiP6alVT4/s1600/IMG_3927.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SvnvEcD1KqU/VRf9-Wj2CjI/AAAAAAAACsI/JuHiP6alVT4/s1600/IMG_3927.JPG" height="209" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/228009705/rose-gold-eyeglass-necklace-detachable?ref=listing-shop-header-0" target="_blank">The clasp easily detaches from the round loop - use the loop to use as an eyeglass necklace!</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RfYG5nxKF5I/VRf9-khSiRI/AAAAAAAACsQ/MyCnRa8QSEw/s1600/collage%2B2b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RfYG5nxKF5I/VRf9-khSiRI/AAAAAAAACsQ/MyCnRa8QSEw/s1600/collage%2B2b.jpg" height="256" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/227939730/rose-gold-id-badge-holder-eyeglass?ref=listing-shop-header-2" target="_blank">Four Ways to Wear It!</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br />This next design uses a lighter weight more delicate rose gold cable chain. I custom made this for a customer, and will be replicating this design and offering it soon in my <b><i><a href="http://eyeglasschainsetc./">EyeglassChainsEtc.</a></i></b> Etsy shop.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O7mamKdpnP0/VRf99aP5okI/AAAAAAAACr8/L9dGqMZP1Qc/s1600/IMG_3789.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O7mamKdpnP0/VRf99aP5okI/AAAAAAAACr8/L9dGqMZP1Qc/s1600/IMG_3789.JPG" height="227" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Custom Lightweight Rose Gold Lanyard</td></tr></tbody></table><br />These earrings have the same light weight rose gold chain along with Swarovski crystal pearls in a color called what else - <i>Rose Gold! </i>You can find these in my <i><b><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/djajewels" target="_blank">DJAjewels Etsy shop</a></b></i>.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--HHmiwxWq6E/VRf99SE2fcI/AAAAAAAACr0/mkOxUZNA2lM/s1600/IMG_3852.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--HHmiwxWq6E/VRf99SE2fcI/AAAAAAAACr0/mkOxUZNA2lM/s1600/IMG_3852.JPG" height="258" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/227154974/rose-gold-pearl-earrings-pearl-dangle?ref=shop_home_active_3" target="_blank">Rose Gold Pearl Earrings</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4AOo5hk_vyM/VRf99f-Mn1I/AAAAAAAACr4/b3goVE5qcLM/s1600/IMG_3863.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4AOo5hk_vyM/VRf99f-Mn1I/AAAAAAAACr4/b3goVE5qcLM/s1600/IMG_3863.JPG" height="238" width="320" /></a></div><br />Till next time!<br />Irene<br /><br /><a href="http://djajewels.etsy.com/"><i>DJAjewels.etsy.com</i></a><br /><i><a href="http://eyeglasschainsetc.etsy.com/">EyeglassChainsEtc.etsy.com</a></i><br /><br /><i>Be sure to <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/djajewels/" target="_blank">follow me on Pinterest!</a></i><br /><br />DJA Jewelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03284661879232571081noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8088183019962870404.post-3445404632788300722015-02-18T08:53:00.002-08:002015-02-18T08:53:40.656-08:00Tutorial: How to Make Spiral Bead Caps <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BT4Pvc5pgp4/VOS-wkSrs3I/AAAAAAAACpo/3g7nHXgf1pc/s1600/12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BT4Pvc5pgp4/VOS-wkSrs3I/AAAAAAAACpo/3g7nHXgf1pc/s1600/12.JPG" height="133" width="200" /></a></div><br /><br />This week I have a nice little tutorial on how to make your own spiral bead caps. This post is part of my <b><i>"Test This Tutorial"</i></b> series in which I find a tutorial on Pinterest and try it out for myself.<br /><br />I found this tutorial at <a href="http://www.lisayangjewelry.com/2014/03/making-spiral-bead-caps.html" target="_blank">LisaYangJewelry.com</a>. In Lisa's tutorial, she shows how she makes these bead caps, and she references a tutorial from <a href="http://jewelrymakingjournal.com/spiral-wire-bead-cap-tutorial/" target="_blank">JewelryMakingJewelry.com</a> written by Rena Klingenberg. I urge you to check out both of these sites as each one puts a slightly different twist on the tutorial. I think it's always good to see how different people approach a project design because we all find our own little unique ways of doing things.<br /><br />To make these DIY bead caps you will need the following items:<br /><br /><ul><li>Wire - I used 20 gauge silver tone Zebra wire</li><li>Beads - either 8mm or 10mm - I used an 8mm round glass bead</li><li>Wire cutters</li><li>Round nose pliers</li><li>Flat nose pliers</li><li>Jewelry file</li><li>A round or dome shaped object for forming the dome of your bead cap - I used a small dapping punch - but I found the end of a pen also works quite well</li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-japiS7B4Evc/VOS9uoed8WI/AAAAAAAACpE/BsMWTyZcIfM/s1600/1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-japiS7B4Evc/VOS9uoed8WI/AAAAAAAACpE/BsMWTyZcIfM/s1600/1.JPG" height="209" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x8WWYqDZT50/VOS9ulr-NkI/AAAAAAAACpA/W67Vxneb9lk/s1600/2%2Btext.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x8WWYqDZT50/VOS9ulr-NkI/AAAAAAAACpA/W67Vxneb9lk/s1600/2%2Btext.jpg" height="205" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Cut a 2 1/2 inch piece of wire. I actually make these in pairs, so I go ahead and cut two pieces of wire.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">File the ends of each piece of wire using the jewelry file. This makes the ends nice and smooth so they will not catch on clothing or skin.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Now use your round nose pliers to begin a simple loop at one end of the wire.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZBo0HkgqN4I/VOS-jORXUgI/AAAAAAAACpQ/OA4eA4VEPzI/s1600/3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZBo0HkgqN4I/VOS-jORXUgI/AAAAAAAACpQ/OA4eA4VEPzI/s1600/3.JPG" height="201" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yRWXWXQin34/VOS-jcPXeTI/AAAAAAAACpU/hif4LMY3ERA/s1600/4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yRWXWXQin34/VOS-jcPXeTI/AAAAAAAACpU/hif4LMY3ERA/s1600/4.JPG" height="204" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><div><br /></div></div><div>Next use your flat nose pliers to grasp the loop and begin making your coil. Use your fingers to shape the wire into a spiral.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xa23-_F4Dvs/VOS-xl7fLBI/AAAAAAAACqE/7c4ETcC5iAY/s1600/5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xa23-_F4Dvs/VOS-xl7fLBI/AAAAAAAACqE/7c4ETcC5iAY/s1600/5.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0PlYt2_zIxI/VOS-yI8pBOI/AAAAAAAACqM/Nb28VGy_ZnI/s1600/6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0PlYt2_zIxI/VOS-yI8pBOI/AAAAAAAACqM/Nb28VGy_ZnI/s1600/6.JPG" height="215" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fLD9Y2HkKVI/VOS-y_jDHyI/AAAAAAAACqY/EX__ZvdD8ZY/s1600/7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fLD9Y2HkKVI/VOS-y_jDHyI/AAAAAAAACqY/EX__ZvdD8ZY/s1600/7.JPG" height="205" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Now here I did something not mentioned in Lisa's and Rena's tutorials. I found I had a little piece of wire sticking out from the coil - see it in the last picture above? I used my round nose pliers to "tuck" it in just beside the last coil.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jteYfb4ZkOA/VOS-zL67NeI/AAAAAAAACqc/m--jXxzOz_4/s1600/8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jteYfb4ZkOA/VOS-zL67NeI/AAAAAAAACqc/m--jXxzOz_4/s1600/8.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Much better!</div><div><br /></div><div>Now it is time to dome your bead cap so that it fits nicely over a round bead. In Rena's tutorial, she places the spiral through the end of her round nose pliers and pushes the edges down to make the dome. Lisa used a different technique - she used a steel doming block to form the dome.</div><div><br /></div><div>I took Lisa's suggestion and used a dapping punch to form the dome. I simply placed the bead cap over the top of the dome and pushed downward - and it worked great. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XdTrPQCsovk/VOS-zVM2NPI/AAAAAAAACqk/btM6OP_AybU/s1600/9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XdTrPQCsovk/VOS-zVM2NPI/AAAAAAAACqk/btM6OP_AybU/s1600/9.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Now because I know everybody doesn't have dapping punches, I also tried it using the tip of a medium sized pen - and it really worked quite well. You can really use your imagination and use whatever is handy in your home.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cX3yJ2tHdKc/VOTBFzGp7LI/AAAAAAAACq0/HqhAqvO16YM/s1600/9b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cX3yJ2tHdKc/VOTBFzGp7LI/AAAAAAAACq0/HqhAqvO16YM/s1600/9b.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>And finally, here are my bead caps!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LiK_msc7oHo/VOS-wbMFYRI/AAAAAAAACpg/2ztCvWPyeGM/s1600/10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LiK_msc7oHo/VOS-wbMFYRI/AAAAAAAACpg/2ztCvWPyeGM/s1600/10.JPG" height="199" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>And here is what they look like on a bead:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--3hUdZithWA/VOS-wQG4oyI/AAAAAAAACpk/HcdJ9N-vxyI/s1600/11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--3hUdZithWA/VOS-wQG4oyI/AAAAAAAACpk/HcdJ9N-vxyI/s1600/11.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>These were so much fun to make, I made a whole bunch of them. This time I used silver plated craft wire - and they look beautiful!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BT4Pvc5pgp4/VOS-wkSrs3I/AAAAAAAACpo/3g7nHXgf1pc/s1600/12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BT4Pvc5pgp4/VOS-wkSrs3I/AAAAAAAACpo/3g7nHXgf1pc/s1600/12.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yHpDSL5eU8k/VOS-xhwcL5I/AAAAAAAACp8/Rd6O4liPweg/s1600/14.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yHpDSL5eU8k/VOS-xhwcL5I/AAAAAAAACp8/Rd6O4liPweg/s1600/14.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Now I can't wait to use them in some pretty jewelry designs!</div><div><br /></div><div>I hope you will try making some of these bead caps yourself. If you do, I would love to see them!</div>DJA Jewelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03284661879232571081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8088183019962870404.post-2726272836004003692015-02-07T05:17:00.000-08:002015-02-07T05:17:07.726-08:00Test This Tutorial: Wire-Wrapped Heart Necklace<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WkGKEd020jI/VNJfFbnVe4I/AAAAAAAACoM/fQ9P-9rxnqw/s1600/IMG_3375.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WkGKEd020jI/VNJfFbnVe4I/AAAAAAAACoM/fQ9P-9rxnqw/s1600/IMG_3375.JPG" height="131" width="200" /></a></div>This week I am starting a new series of posts called <b><i>"Test This Tutorial."</i></b> For each post I will find a DIY tutorial on Pinterest and test it out. I will describe and photograph my DIY attempts as I follow the tutorial. And hopefully I will be able to replicate the item - with my own twist of course.<br /><br />I will naturally link back to the original source of each tutorial, giving credit to the original author.<br /><br />With Valentine's Day approaching, I chose this <i>Wire-Wrapped Heart Necklace Tutorial</i>. Find the Pinterest pin <b><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/263742121903808349/" target="_blank">here</a></b> or go to my <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/djajewels/jewelry-tutorials/" target="_blank">Jewelry Tutorial Board</a>. The original tutorial can be found at <b><a href="http://happyhourprojects.com/wire-wrapped-heart-necklace/" target="_blank">Happy Hour Projects.</a> </b>This site has some nice jewelry and craft tutorials as well as some great recipes. <br /><br />Here's a screenshot from my computer of the post from Happy Hour Projects. The screenshot shows what the necklace should look like and also shows a picture of Adrianne - the artist and designer who authors Happy Hour Projects.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6uGuqCDm1B0/VNJkxAH_rZI/AAAAAAAACow/OnWjSqyuDUc/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-02-04%2Bat%2B1.27.50%2BPM.png" height="360" width="640" /></div><br /><br />What I like about this tutorial is that is simple with good photographs to follow along the way. You will need to have some basic wire-wrapping skills - specifically wire-wrapping a simple wire loop.<br /><br />I will not be showing you the details on how to make this pendant. Be sure to visit <b><a href="http://happyhourprojects.com/wire-wrapped-heart-necklace/" target="_blank">Happy Hour Projects'</a></b> original post for detailed instructions and photos.<br /><div><br /></div>For this project you need:<br /><br /><ul><li>18 gauge wire - about 5 inches</li><li>One 10mm bead</li><li>Round nose and flat nose pliers</li><li>Wire cutters</li><li>Optional 6mm jump ring</li></ul><div>I'll start by showing you my finished pendant:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2tKzuzLYVLc/VNJfEoTl9OI/AAAAAAAACn8/0nSEPdsW5II/s1600/IMG_3362.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2tKzuzLYVLc/VNJfEoTl9OI/AAAAAAAACn8/0nSEPdsW5II/s1600/IMG_3362.JPG" height="218" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><br />Not perfect, but not too bad. But let me also share some of my first attempts. Now Adrianne at Happy Hour Projects used silver plated copper wire for her project. But I started out using some black gunmetal wire because it is inexpensive, and I knew (correctly so) that I would likely have to start over a few times.<br /><br />Here's my first attempt - I have no idea how I mangled the wire so badly!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NKUtXY0vjXU/VNJfDoh_t3I/AAAAAAAACnw/HN942mVTbe0/s1600/IMG_3345.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NKUtXY0vjXU/VNJfDoh_t3I/AAAAAAAACnw/HN942mVTbe0/s1600/IMG_3345.JPG" height="217" width="320" /></a></div><br />Here's my second attempt - barely better than my first!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J1wWurXg9lI/VNJfDxDRzlI/AAAAAAAACno/obXfE9owRwg/s1600/IMG_3347.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J1wWurXg9lI/VNJfDxDRzlI/AAAAAAAACno/obXfE9owRwg/s1600/IMG_3347.JPG" height="225" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />Three's the charm - well almost. I got the shape right but marred the wire with my pliers.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PEbuXMXL6nY/VNJfD3yk2hI/AAAAAAAACns/7TmYfqPTEo8/s1600/IMG_3349.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PEbuXMXL6nY/VNJfD3yk2hI/AAAAAAAACns/7TmYfqPTEo8/s1600/IMG_3349.JPG" height="221" width="320" /></a></div><br />Finally I gave up on the gunmetal wire. It is really quite stiff and not very malleable. I found some 18 gauge brown parawire - it really looks like antique copper and is a great deal easier to manipulate than the gunmetal.<br /><br />Of course you can use any type of wire - Adrianne used silver plated copper wire in her original tutorial at Happy Hour Projects.<br /><br />Here is my final attempt using the brown parawire and a 10mm red glass bead:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2tKzuzLYVLc/VNJfEoTl9OI/AAAAAAAACn8/0nSEPdsW5II/s1600/IMG_3362.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2tKzuzLYVLc/VNJfEoTl9OI/AAAAAAAACn8/0nSEPdsW5II/s1600/IMG_3362.JPG" height="218" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3d8HR4F5p2g/VNJfFCokqDI/AAAAAAAACoE/NJy8CA7_HkI/s1600/IMG_3372.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3d8HR4F5p2g/VNJfFCokqDI/AAAAAAAACoE/NJy8CA7_HkI/s1600/IMG_3372.JPG" height="211" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WkGKEd020jI/VNJfFbnVe4I/AAAAAAAACoM/fQ9P-9rxnqw/s1600/IMG_3375.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WkGKEd020jI/VNJfFbnVe4I/AAAAAAAACoM/fQ9P-9rxnqw/s1600/IMG_3375.JPG" height="211" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />I chose not to use a jump ring for attaching the pendant to the chain as was in the original tutorial. I simply slid one side of the heart onto the chain.<br /><br />I think I will likely have to make a few more of these pendants before I make them as perfectly as found at Happy Hour Projects. Still, all in all I am pleased with my pendant.<br /><br />Till next time!<br />Irene<br /><br /><br />DJA Jewelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03284661879232571081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8088183019962870404.post-27500796126454099202015-01-31T06:51:00.000-08:002015-07-22T15:32:31.419-07:00Design Your Own Caged Pearl Earrings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3c3agy__YB4/VMznDuXMgDI/AAAAAAAACnM/fFuhFC7OvtQ/s1600/collage-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3c3agy__YB4/VMznDuXMgDI/AAAAAAAACnM/fFuhFC7OvtQ/s1600/collage-2.jpg" width="133" /></a></div> This week I have made a new listing in my Etsy shop where you design your own caged pearl earrings. That's right - you design them! In your choice of pearl colors and wire wrapping.<br /><br />These earrings are so pretty - and they are such fun to make! If you are a DIY person, you can read my previous tutorial on how to make them yourself <b><a href="http://djajewels.blogspot.com/2014/06/tutorial-diy-wire-wrap-pearl-post.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</b><br /><br />For these pearl beauties, I use genuine Swarovski crystal pearls in a variety of colors. You choose both the pearl color and the wire-wrapping. Choose sterling silver, silver filled, 14K gold fill, 14K rose gold fill, bronze, or gunmetal wire wrapping.<br /><br />These earrings are perfect for brides and bridesmaids, but they are simple and classic enough for everyday wear as well.<br /><br />As always, thanks for visiting!<br /><br />Irene<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://pinterest.com/DJAjewels">Pinterest.com/DJAjewels</a><br /><a href="http://facebook.com/DJAjewels">Facebook.com/DJAjewels</a><br /><br /><a href="http://djajewels.etsy.com/">DJAjewels.etsy.com</a><br /><a href="http://eyeglasschainsetc.etsy.com/">EyeglassChainsEtc.etsy.com</a>DJA Jewelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03284661879232571081noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8088183019962870404.post-19661898624104325342015-01-11T14:06:00.001-08:002015-02-02T03:03:54.150-08:00Sun Catchers and Sun Prisms - A Bit Of Winter Therapy!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CoMWE6kfzXo/VLLnMUdy5EI/AAAAAAAAClQ/djTOxzd0ZYU/s1600/IMG_3050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CoMWE6kfzXo/VLLnMUdy5EI/AAAAAAAAClQ/djTOxzd0ZYU/s1600/IMG_3050.JPG" height="138" width="200" /></a></div>My family and I made a wonderful trip to Key West over the Holidays, and we had a marvelous time. The temperatures were in the high 70's and 80's - balmy and absolutely perfect! It was so awesome to get away in the middle of winter to a little bit of what I would call paradise. In fact, I'm ready to go back!<br /><br />Here's a few shots of us living the good life in sunny Key West:<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hhc94cn0_BU/VLLtvJUfyoI/AAAAAAAACmg/G3AITQCfCHs/s1600/unnamed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hhc94cn0_BU/VLLtvJUfyoI/AAAAAAAACmg/G3AITQCfCHs/s1600/unnamed.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hubby & me enjoying a Mimosa on the covered porch of our condo.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HlDRJ_XIE5c/VLLts-Ml7tI/AAAAAAAACmY/-KGhI3zyoTw/s1600/unnamed-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HlDRJ_XIE5c/VLLts-Ml7tI/AAAAAAAACmY/-KGhI3zyoTw/s1600/unnamed-1.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here we are getting ready to enjoy lunch at the Southern Most Cafe.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0E-Xh98ZR0Y/VLLtw3v3jYI/AAAAAAAACmo/K5TdKgOijS0/s1600/unnamed-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0E-Xh98ZR0Y/VLLtw3v3jYI/AAAAAAAACmo/K5TdKgOijS0/s1600/unnamed-2.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I just had to take a shot of this charming shop decorated for Christmas.<br />It sure didn't feel like Christmas though!</td></tr></tbody></table><br />We spent four great days there. And then we came back home to reality. We got on the plane to come home from Florida wearing shorts and flip flops on a balmy 85 degree day. We exited the plane in Charlotte to 40 degree rainy and cold weather.<br /><br />And then it got worse - the temperatures have dropped to the 20's and 30's. I know I shouldn't complain - here in South Carolina our winters are mild compared to the northern states. But nonetheless, I am ready for spring!<br /><br />So now that we are firmly in the grasp of winter, I have been searching for a way to connect back to the sun again. And I did what I often do - retreat to my jewelry and beading room. And in my quest for the sun, I made sun catchers. And then I kept making sun catchers. I started out just planning to make one. But one just wasn't enough - I kept going. After all, maybe sun catchers are therapeutic - watching the sun reflect and dance through them is actually uplifting. And so I thought I would share the results of my sun catching therapy here with you:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CoMWE6kfzXo/VLLnMUdy5EI/AAAAAAAAClQ/djTOxzd0ZYU/s1600/IMG_3050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CoMWE6kfzXo/VLLnMUdy5EI/AAAAAAAAClQ/djTOxzd0ZYU/s1600/IMG_3050.JPG" height="221" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Jewels in Flight" Sun Catcher<br />Large round disc crystal prism, crystal beaded chain with hummingbird</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6GmbpJSp33I/VLLnSxPJjlI/AAAAAAAAClc/M4x3j2B1fSg/s1600/IMG_3027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6GmbpJSp33I/VLLnSxPJjlI/AAAAAAAAClc/M4x3j2B1fSg/s1600/IMG_3027.JPG" height="247" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Celestial Moon & Stars SunCatcher<br />Large baroque prism with moon & stars etchings</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nh_j7uHxRi0/VLLnSncZlHI/AAAAAAAAClY/4MTjg5c_ZTw/s1600/IMG_3037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nh_j7uHxRi0/VLLnSncZlHI/AAAAAAAAClY/4MTjg5c_ZTw/s1600/IMG_3037.JPG" height="235" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close-up view of Celestial Moon & Stars Sun Catcher</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JgI5cCc4mn0/VLLnWC-joHI/AAAAAAAAClo/JQzL_0a9ThI/s1600/IMG_3008%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JgI5cCc4mn0/VLLnWC-joHI/AAAAAAAAClo/JQzL_0a9ThI/s1600/IMG_3008%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.JPG" height="229" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Queen of the Sun" Large Crystal Sun Prism.<br />Large crystal disc and beaded chain</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4CSN2--NIWc/VLLnk7UchUI/AAAAAAAACl4/_vUexkCHURU/s1600/IMG_2695%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4CSN2--NIWc/VLLnk7UchUI/AAAAAAAACl4/_vUexkCHURU/s1600/IMG_2695%2B2.JPG" height="225" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Multi-Color Deco Sun Catcher.<br />Large crystal ball suspended on multi-color jeweled chain</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6eLMKfSMo3s/VLLnquIU7jI/AAAAAAAACmA/odBG4eYNDdI/s1600/IMG_2541.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6eLMKfSMo3s/VLLnquIU7jI/AAAAAAAACmA/odBG4eYNDdI/s1600/IMG_2541.JPG" height="222" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Full View of Multi-Color Deco Sun Catcher</td></tr></tbody></table>And I made a few rear view mirror sun catcher charms too:<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pHcAuo8WDPo/VLLqa6EO9lI/AAAAAAAACmM/M_BGOXmteVs/s1600/IMG_2818.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pHcAuo8WDPo/VLLqa6EO9lI/AAAAAAAACmM/M_BGOXmteVs/s1600/IMG_2818.JPG" height="221" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Swarovski Crystal Heart Rear View Mirror Sun Catcher Charm.<br />Interchangeable heart charms</td></tr></tbody></table>I made the crystal heart charms a couple of weeks ago - you can find a tutorial on how to make these in my earlier post <a href="http://djajewels.blogspot.com/2014/12/tutorial-unique-focal-pendant-design.html" target="_blank">DIY Tutorial Wire-Wrapped Heart Pendant</a>.<br /><div><br /></div><div>So now you know how I created a little bit of sunshine for myself!</div><div><br /></div><div>To see all of my sun catchers be sure to visit me on Etsy at <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/djajewels" target="_blank">DJAjewels.etsy.com!</a> You can find all of these designs and more here in my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/DJAjewels?section_id=16526815&ref=shopsection_leftnav_2" target="_blank">Sun Catchers section</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>Till next time!</div><div><br /></div><div>Irene<br /><br /></div>DJA Jewelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03284661879232571081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8088183019962870404.post-49735653614004955852015-01-07T04:57:00.000-08:002015-01-12T04:00:28.946-08:00Most Versatile Lanyard Ever<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v16B7VDjcCg/VK0nfsuqFhI/AAAAAAAACkg/mtXaDHXHtpA/s1600/1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v16B7VDjcCg/VK0nfsuqFhI/AAAAAAAACkg/mtXaDHXHtpA/s1600/1.JPG" height="130" width="200" /></a></div>Are you looking for a cool and pretty way to keep up with your eyeglasses and/or ID-Badge? Well, I know I have looked long and hard for just the right lanyard in the past. And that is why I started making eyeglass chains and lanyards. I sell these designs in one of my three Etsy shops: <b><a href="http://eyeglasschainsetc.etsy.com/">EyeglassChainsEtc.etsy.com</a></b>.<br /><br />Today I thought I would share one of my more popular designs. I make this lanyard in both silver and gold.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v16B7VDjcCg/VK0nfsuqFhI/AAAAAAAACkg/mtXaDHXHtpA/s1600/1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v16B7VDjcCg/VK0nfsuqFhI/AAAAAAAACkg/mtXaDHXHtpA/s1600/1.JPG" height="209" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WtRhUWWA-QI/VK0nk74Q5TI/AAAAAAAACko/5tKCsSeLfDQ/s1600/IMG_2937.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WtRhUWWA-QI/VK0nk74Q5TI/AAAAAAAACko/5tKCsSeLfDQ/s1600/IMG_2937.JPG" height="206" width="320" /></a></div><br />I use a pretty large link etched chain in bright rhodium plated silver and a soft matte gold. I place three matching large round links in the chain for visual interest and to function as eyeglass loops.<br /><br />I added a detachable swivel clasp for use as an ID-Badge holder. To use it as an eyeglass necklace, simply hang your glasses through one of the three large rings. Of course, it also makes a very pretty long necklace if you don't need to use it for your glasses or ID-Badge.<br /><br />Here are some examples of different ways to wear this pretty chain:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h8SdJ9etuE4/VK0nYXPg9EI/AAAAAAAACkY/isOPXcNcKOY/s1600/collage%2Bboth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h8SdJ9etuE4/VK0nYXPg9EI/AAAAAAAACkY/isOPXcNcKOY/s1600/collage%2Bboth.jpg" height="640" width="449" /></a></div><br /><br />You can find this chain in my Etsy shop <b><a href="http://eyeglasschainsetc.etsy.com/">EyeglassChainsEtc.etsy.com</a></b>.<br /><br />I have listings there for both the <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/191202489/elegant-silver-id-badge-lanyard-and?ref=shop_home_feat_1" target="_blank">Silver Lanyard</a> and the <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/217036962/elegant-gold-id-badge-lanyard-and?ref=listing-shop-header-3" target="_blank">Gold Lanyard</a>.<br /><br />Thanks for stopping by! Till next time ...<br /><br />Irene<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />DJA Jewelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03284661879232571081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8088183019962870404.post-42790569599588867872014-12-29T05:02:00.003-08:002015-01-12T04:00:55.256-08:00DIY Tutorial Wire-Wrapped Heart Pendant<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0et0yXXcoAU/VKFGpDT2JHI/AAAAAAAACiY/Es2mXxh2bog/s1600/18.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0et0yXXcoAU/VKFGpDT2JHI/AAAAAAAACiY/Es2mXxh2bog/s1600/18.JPG" height="138" width="200" /></a></div>Have you ever wanted to use a unique way of attaching a focal drop or pendant to a jewelry or craft design? Well I found some pretty Swarovski crystal hearts in my great stash of beads and jewelry supplies. Amazingly I had never used them for anything and they were just sitting in a little plastic bin - all lonely and just waiting to be put into some pretty design. <br /><br />Now usually, I just slip a large jump ring through the hole at the top of beads like these, but I really was yearning for a more interesting and unique way to showcase these beauties. So here is what I came up with using a bit of wire and an extra round bead to accent the heart. Here is a picture of a finished focal piece with an emerald green heart and round bead:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CMwme-TbH74/VKFGooaJcSI/AAAAAAAACiM/HJAZEBbcyyg/s1600/17.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CMwme-TbH74/VKFGooaJcSI/AAAAAAAACiM/HJAZEBbcyyg/s1600/17.JPG" height="217" width="320" /></a></div><br />This technique should work fine for any drop pendant or focal piece that has a top drilled hole from front to back. Ready to get started? Here's what you'll need:<br /><br />Supplies needed:<br /><ul><li><b>Focal pendant</b> - I used a 14x14mm size Swarovski crystal heart.</li><li><b>Round bead</b> - I used a 6mm round faceted Swarovski crystal bead.</li><li><b>Round jump ring</b> - I used an 8mm size closed jump ring - but you could also use an open jump ring if you prefer.</li><li><b>10 inch piece of 24 gauge wire</b>.</li></ul><div>Tools needed:</div><div><ul><li><b>Wire cutters</b></li><li><b>Flat nose pliers and/or needle nose pliers</b> - you can get by with either one of these, but I find I like to use both.</li><li><b>Round nose pliers</b></li></ul></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AQaV6xlxuGU/VKFGlZCRVWI/AAAAAAAAChY/xVtKUWuKfQ0/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AQaV6xlxuGU/VKFGlZCRVWI/AAAAAAAAChY/xVtKUWuKfQ0/s1600/1.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div><br />Now for a quick look at how to make this pendant, here is a photo collage tutorial. For more detailed instructions, scroll down below the photo collage.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hgOntIjbuqM/VKPidvH0PqI/AAAAAAAACkI/HM4FLhxxIHE/s1600/collage-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hgOntIjbuqM/VKPidvH0PqI/AAAAAAAACkI/HM4FLhxxIHE/s1600/collage-2.jpg" height="320" width="192" /></a></div><br /><b><u>Instructions:</u></b><br /><br />1. Slide your heart or other focal piece onto the wire about mid way. Then pinch the wire together just above the top of the piece to form a little triangle.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NvWAUv_0g-U/VKFGpzsQ3EI/AAAAAAAACig/lxUc19VrOjE/s1600/2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NvWAUv_0g-U/VKFGpzsQ3EI/AAAAAAAACig/lxUc19VrOjE/s1600/2.JPG" height="218" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fPMOKKBJeQM/VKFGsHAmCfI/AAAAAAAACjE/fcQtfN2i1D0/s1600/3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fPMOKKBJeQM/VKFGsHAmCfI/AAAAAAAACjE/fcQtfN2i1D0/s1600/3.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VHULRf6sLSw/VKFGs8oAb1I/AAAAAAAACjM/mfGBPB6GEB8/s1600/4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VHULRf6sLSw/VKFGs8oAb1I/AAAAAAAACjM/mfGBPB6GEB8/s1600/4.JPG" height="232" width="320" /></a></div><br />2. Now slide your round bead through <b>BOTH</b> pieces of wire down to the top of the little triangle part of the wire. This is why you need 24 gauge wire which is small enough to accommodate two strands of wire.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EFdNHOU9DCY/VKFGtU-4VBI/AAAAAAAACjU/ADO1uQiZHKU/s1600/5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EFdNHOU9DCY/VKFGtU-4VBI/AAAAAAAACjU/ADO1uQiZHKU/s1600/5.JPG" height="227" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />3. Next you need to make a simple wire-wire wrapped loop above your bead. This is a basic jewelry making technique that many of you might already know how to do, but I will review it here:<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D0Nt0D4yGt8/VKFGtonJAVI/AAAAAAAACjc/DSP1w04QZd8/s1600/6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D0Nt0D4yGt8/VKFGtonJAVI/AAAAAAAACjc/DSP1w04QZd8/s1600/6.JPG" height="222" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grab the wire just above the bead with your round nose pliers.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9hrF-9B-tJM/VKFGu7qnQAI/AAAAAAAACjo/yUwb_EXIUz0/s1600/7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9hrF-9B-tJM/VKFGu7qnQAI/AAAAAAAACjo/yUwb_EXIUz0/s1600/7.JPG" height="220" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bend the wire away from you over the top piece of your pliers.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3LV8HL5RRqQ/VKFGvOKtsxI/AAAAAAAACjs/xJC5pfUCz0Q/s1600/8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3LV8HL5RRqQ/VKFGvOKtsxI/AAAAAAAACjs/xJC5pfUCz0Q/s1600/8.JPG" height="230" width="320" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5vi4kVMaGrE/VKFGv6WjZZI/AAAAAAAACj4/BA3r2-3dJQQ/s1600/9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5vi4kVMaGrE/VKFGv6WjZZI/AAAAAAAACj4/BA3r2-3dJQQ/s1600/9.JPG" height="257" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reposition your pliers so that you can begin looping the wire over the BOTTOM of your pliers.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hcqOzZLkZCI/VKFGmQJfyAI/AAAAAAAAChk/RBgjDgMPQQM/s1600/10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hcqOzZLkZCI/VKFGmQJfyAI/AAAAAAAAChk/RBgjDgMPQQM/s1600/10.JPG" height="220" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Begin forming your loop by wrapping the two pieces of wire around the bottom portion of your pliers.</td></tr></tbody></table>Now if you don't want to add a jump ring - or if you plan to use an open jump ring instead of a closed one - you could finish the loop by just wrapping your wire down to the round bead. But I like the stability of a closed jump ring so this is where I added one.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T-JhgPnX9gA/VKFGmPMLiRI/AAAAAAAAChg/YiaXLScAf2Q/s1600/11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T-JhgPnX9gA/VKFGmPMLiRI/AAAAAAAAChg/YiaXLScAf2Q/s1600/11.JPG" height="224" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Slide your closed jump ring through the loop - you might have to open your loop a bit to accommodate it. I find it helpful to use my needle nose pliers to pull the loop through - but you can just use your fingers.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Or3CjZ5rYZA/VKFGmkcFDmI/AAAAAAAACho/mXH_RFiwOw4/s1600/12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Or3CjZ5rYZA/VKFGmkcFDmI/AAAAAAAACho/mXH_RFiwOw4/s1600/12.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grab your loop of wire just below your jump ring using your flat nose or needle nose pliers.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PUwBz9bWiCk/VKFGndgjGkI/AAAAAAAACh4/jMUOzJwXNUQ/s1600/14.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PUwBz9bWiCk/VKFGndgjGkI/AAAAAAAACh4/jMUOzJwXNUQ/s1600/14.JPG" height="226" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wrap the two pieces of wire around the "stem" of wire from below your jump ring down to your round bead.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cZzl0NyuKTU/VKFGn-4ezPI/AAAAAAAACh8/qtjIo7Nq-yQ/s1600/15.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cZzl0NyuKTU/VKFGn-4ezPI/AAAAAAAACh8/qtjIo7Nq-yQ/s1600/15.JPG" height="220" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snip off the extra wire with your wire cutters. After cutting the wire, remember to "flatten" the ends down using your flat nose or needle nose pliers - I did not take a picture of this but you should do it to make the piece more finished.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--JKbQB_e-Xg/VKFGoa20TmI/AAAAAAAACiE/zGPAPLO_KyY/s1600/16.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--JKbQB_e-Xg/VKFGoa20TmI/AAAAAAAACiE/zGPAPLO_KyY/s1600/16.JPG" height="225" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If your loop is crooked - which it often will be - use your flat nose or needle nose pliers to straighten it.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />And here is what your finished piece should look like. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CMwme-TbH74/VKFGooaJcSI/AAAAAAAACiM/HJAZEBbcyyg/s1600/17.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CMwme-TbH74/VKFGooaJcSI/AAAAAAAACiM/HJAZEBbcyyg/s1600/17.JPG" height="217" width="320" /></a></div><br />I liked this design so much I made two more in different colors:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0et0yXXcoAU/VKFGpDT2JHI/AAAAAAAACiY/Es2mXxh2bog/s1600/18.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0et0yXXcoAU/VKFGpDT2JHI/AAAAAAAACiY/Es2mXxh2bog/s1600/18.JPG" height="221" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br />You can use these as necklace charms, key charms - or in my case - I used mine for rear view mirror car charms.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oBHsf_dcNuo/VKFGqdc0kMI/AAAAAAAACis/ZVBUJi0ccsU/s1600/20.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oBHsf_dcNuo/VKFGqdc0kMI/AAAAAAAACis/ZVBUJi0ccsU/s1600/20.JPG" height="211" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UmXlmGCuDkM/VKFGrU2Xs_I/AAAAAAAACi4/w-pbP4w0yeo/s1600/21.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UmXlmGCuDkM/VKFGrU2Xs_I/AAAAAAAACi4/w-pbP4w0yeo/s1600/21.JPG" height="217" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0kbUBVPI2tM/VKFGr_LW-LI/AAAAAAAACi8/21_4DUOfs6w/s1600/22.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0kbUBVPI2tM/VKFGr_LW-LI/AAAAAAAACi8/21_4DUOfs6w/s1600/22.JPG" height="230" width="320" /></a></div><br />I hope you found this tutorial helpful. If you make something using this tutorial and want me to showcase it here, contact me and send me a picture!<br /><br />Happy beading!<br /><br />Irene<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />DJA Jewelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03284661879232571081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8088183019962870404.post-40901698390517298752014-10-25T08:17:00.000-07:002015-01-12T04:01:29.615-08:00Rose Gold Eyeglass Lanyard<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4KVdmI5bK2E/VEu738y_K9I/AAAAAAAACfs/XZtFVnteV4I/s1600/IMG_1419%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4KVdmI5bK2E/VEu738y_K9I/AAAAAAAACfs/XZtFVnteV4I/s1600/IMG_1419%2B2.JPG" height="128" width="200" /></a></div>I'm expanding my line of eyeglass chains to include rose gold. Up till now I have offered my chains in bright silver, antique silver, antique gold, antique brass and gunmetal. I also have leather eyeglass leashes as well. <br /><br />But the hottest trend of late in the world of jewelry has been rose gold, so I thought I must add this to my inventory. I used a mixed metal design with a bright silver loop and swivel clasp. I like it because it is simple, functional, versatile and beautiful - all at the same time!<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4KVdmI5bK2E/VEu738y_K9I/AAAAAAAACfs/XZtFVnteV4I/s1600/IMG_1419%2B2.JPG" height="206" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/208387963/rose-gold-id-badge-holder-eyeglass-chain?" target="_blank">Rose Gold and Silver Eyeglass Lanyard/ID-Badge Holder</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dm_oYYjysmM/VEu76HAlEqI/AAAAAAAACgQ/5nuEC5KXIoQ/s1600/IMG_1427.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dm_oYYjysmM/VEu76HAlEqI/AAAAAAAACgQ/5nuEC5KXIoQ/s1600/IMG_1427.JPG" height="207" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Round loop detaches easily from the swivel clasp</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3kksDb5R0RU/VEu76-4S2wI/AAAAAAAACgU/9P5WkpiWYiw/s1600/IMG_1431.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3kksDb5R0RU/VEu76-4S2wI/AAAAAAAACgU/9P5WkpiWYiw/s1600/IMG_1431.JPG" height="218" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4G2wpr_BKK8/VEu77UjefEI/AAAAAAAACgk/p6DJJ0kqC98/s1600/IMG_1437.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4G2wpr_BKK8/VEu77UjefEI/AAAAAAAACgk/p6DJJ0kqC98/s1600/IMG_1437.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div><br />The chain is a medium weight rose gold box rollo style. I used a bright silver swivel clasp and a round hammered silver loop on the end. The detachable loop can be used to hold your eyeglasses with. If you need to use it as an ID-Badge holder, simply detach the loop and use the swivel clasp to hang your ID-Badge onto.<br /><br />Find this lanyard and more eyeglass and ID-Badge holders in my Etsy shop: <a href="http://eyeglasschainsetc.etsy.com/">EyeglassChainsEtc.etsy.com</a>!<br /><br />As always, thanks for visiting!<br />IreneDJA Jewelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03284661879232571081noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8088183019962870404.post-38315059282223250352014-10-19T08:31:00.004-07:002015-01-12T04:01:50.759-08:00New Stick Pins for Scrapbooking and More!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z-3vvfh5OOk/VEPXVyt6ZCI/AAAAAAAACfc/v2HBxOsqwPE/s1600/IMG_1392.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z-3vvfh5OOk/VEPXVyt6ZCI/AAAAAAAACfc/v2HBxOsqwPE/s1600/IMG_1392.JPG" height="135" width="200" /></a></div>This week I made more of my beaded stick pins. You can find them in my Etsy shop <b><a href="http://djajewels.etsy.com./">DJAjewels.etsy.com.</a></b><br /><br />There are tons of uses for stick pins. Use them in scrapbooking and other craft projects. Attach them to greeting and Christmas cards. Use them as lapel or scarf pins or corsage pins. Or just place them in a pretty pin cushion and use them as a decoration!<br /><br />In case you missed my past post on how to make your own beaded stick pins and want to know how to make them, click <b><a href="http://djajewels.blogspot.com/2014/01/how-to-make-beaded-stickpins-and-hat.html" target="_blank">here</a></b>. <br /><br />The only thing I did differently from the original tutorial is that I used pre-made metal wire pins instead of making my own out of wire. This saved a huge amount of time - just needed to pick out my beads and glue them on! I got my wire pins from <a href="http://firemountaingems.com/">FireMountainGems.com</a> - click <a href="http://www.firemountaingems.com/itemdetails/h201870fn" target="_blank">here</a> for the link to the specific listing.<br /><br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b0_ZXL5QWXE/VEPV-5JVMLI/AAAAAAAACeY/XjutWPBFwuU/s1600/IMG_1271%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b0_ZXL5QWXE/VEPV-5JVMLI/AAAAAAAACeY/XjutWPBFwuU/s1600/IMG_1271%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.JPG" height="223" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Glass Heart Stick Pins</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-saDKlg7j3Pk/VEPWPF7GafI/AAAAAAAACfA/eB0TSP2z4e8/s1600/IMG_1386%2B-%2Bcrop.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-saDKlg7j3Pk/VEPWPF7GafI/AAAAAAAACfA/eB0TSP2z4e8/s1600/IMG_1386%2B-%2Bcrop.JPG" height="224" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jewel Tone Beaded Stick Pins</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yMDGjUDbGgo/VEPWRM3d22I/AAAAAAAACfI/VpgLoAV9MdI/s1600/IMG_1387.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yMDGjUDbGgo/VEPWRM3d22I/AAAAAAAACfI/VpgLoAV9MdI/s1600/IMG_1387.JPG" height="218" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cathedral Bead Stick Pins</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uAYFi8z9ZoY/VEPWVG5fOGI/AAAAAAAACfQ/ndv-uWfodhA/s1600/IMG_1404.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uAYFi8z9ZoY/VEPWVG5fOGI/AAAAAAAACfQ/ndv-uWfodhA/s1600/IMG_1404.JPG" height="211" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lampwork Heart Stick Pins</td></tr></tbody></table><br />And of course, I had to go ahead and make some Christmas stick pins!<br /><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K4EtKGn_ID8/VEPWMkxkspI/AAAAAAAACe4/5vV8qm5CImQ/s1600/IMG_1365.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K4EtKGn_ID8/VEPWMkxkspI/AAAAAAAACe4/5vV8qm5CImQ/s1600/IMG_1365.JPG" height="202" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas Themed Stick Pins</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qINLCMqjlbg/VEPWE9jg4QI/AAAAAAAACeg/_58yB_ruQ4s/s1600/IMG_1344%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qINLCMqjlbg/VEPWE9jg4QI/AAAAAAAACeg/_58yB_ruQ4s/s1600/IMG_1344%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.JPG" height="223" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Set of Three Red and Green Multi-Color Stick Pins</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0QBRkHLwqKE/VEPWH6Kgc6I/AAAAAAAACeo/KndKLinVBZE/s1600/IMG_1351.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0QBRkHLwqKE/VEPWH6Kgc6I/AAAAAAAACeo/KndKLinVBZE/s1600/IMG_1351.JPG" height="248" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Set of Three Holiday Red Stick Pins</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W1FHCijZ6os/VEPWJ-64XpI/AAAAAAAACew/XPEXkfWx8xQ/s1600/IMG_1359.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W1FHCijZ6os/VEPWJ-64XpI/AAAAAAAACew/XPEXkfWx8xQ/s1600/IMG_1359.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Set of Three Holiday Green Stick Pins</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Till next time!<br /><div>Irene</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="mailto:irene@djajewels.com">irene@djajewels.com</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://djajewels.com/">DJAjewels.com</a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /><br /></div></div>DJA Jewelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03284661879232571081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8088183019962870404.post-75904149944070453872014-10-13T03:02:00.001-07:002015-07-22T15:31:04.461-07:00Pearl Wire Wrapped Post Earrings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-REHhp5ssGxA/VDuhiszScPI/AAAAAAAACeI/mPiVJycfMO8/s1600/IMG_1141.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-REHhp5ssGxA/VDuhiszScPI/AAAAAAAACeI/mPiVJycfMO8/s1600/IMG_1141.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br /><br />A few weeks ago I wrote a tutorial on how to make wire wrapped pearl post earrings. This type of design is also sometimes referred to as "caged bead" earrings. This week I made several more of these pretty baubles to list in my Etsy shop.<br /><br />In case you missed the tutorial, you can check it out <b><a href="http://djajewels.blogspot.com/2014/06/tutorial-diy-wire-wrap-pearl-post.html" target="_blank">here</a></b>. For these earrings, I used different colors of Swarovski crystal 8mm pearls and 20 gauge wire. I used several different kinds of wire - sterling silver, silver filled, 14K gold filled, rose gold filled, bronze and gunmetal. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hB72uEc8cz0/VDufC_YBH1I/AAAAAAAACcs/LksaZiTyrew/s1600/IMG_1165.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="216" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hB72uEc8cz0/VDufC_YBH1I/AAAAAAAACcs/LksaZiTyrew/s1600/IMG_1165.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">White Pearl With Bronze Wire Wrapping</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FHqEZwG9hbg/VDufDVopawI/AAAAAAAACcw/JNlnOIleDH4/s1600/IMG_1167.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FHqEZwG9hbg/VDufDVopawI/AAAAAAAACcw/JNlnOIleDH4/s1600/IMG_1167.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EN5_kdamZfk/VDufIAVy5YI/AAAAAAAACc8/I7A9BBZ4QDc/s1600/cream3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EN5_kdamZfk/VDufIAVy5YI/AAAAAAAACc8/I7A9BBZ4QDc/s1600/cream3.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cream Pearl With Silver Wire Wrapping</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ulSR_ftPQUU/VDufLsQkO7I/AAAAAAAACdE/u8DE-WRKY6E/s1600/IMG_1173%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="210" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ulSR_ftPQUU/VDufLsQkO7I/AAAAAAAACdE/u8DE-WRKY6E/s1600/IMG_1173%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black Pearl With Silver Wire Wrapping</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YTqvXMJCGxU/VDufOEVbLpI/AAAAAAAACdM/IGhHfWNb3eQ/s1600/IMG_1169.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YTqvXMJCGxU/VDufOEVbLpI/AAAAAAAACdM/IGhHfWNb3eQ/s1600/IMG_1169.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Light Blue Pearl With Silver Wire Wrapping</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VaKa69w7yy4/VDufQZQeZ9I/AAAAAAAACdU/FJooaCDApy8/s1600/IMG_1161.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VaKa69w7yy4/VDufQZQeZ9I/AAAAAAAACdU/FJooaCDApy8/s1600/IMG_1161.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bordeaux Pearl With Gunmetal Wire Wrapping</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vkMRcPprlx4/VDufU0bhFCI/AAAAAAAACdc/vseSURdZGcc/s1600/IMG_1190.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="217" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vkMRcPprlx4/VDufU0bhFCI/AAAAAAAACdc/vseSURdZGcc/s1600/IMG_1190.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bright Gold Pearl With Silver Wire Wrapping</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qGy3_u54kNY/VDufWpoC5yI/AAAAAAAACdk/hSlDxYO__p4/s1600/IMG_1157.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="220" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qGy3_u54kNY/VDufWpoC5yI/AAAAAAAACdk/hSlDxYO__p4/s1600/IMG_1157.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lavender Pearl With Silver Wire Wrapping</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qlnf_YThBF4/VDufZXyCmXI/AAAAAAAACds/OEtjQqLv-8M/s1600/IMG_1145.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qlnf_YThBF4/VDufZXyCmXI/AAAAAAAACds/OEtjQqLv-8M/s1600/IMG_1145.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peach Pearl With 14K Gold Fill Wire Wrapping</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jn5bOxXWKnk/VDufiWNECVI/AAAAAAAACd0/BxlzvWPD4ow/s1600/IMG_1147.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="221" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jn5bOxXWKnk/VDufiWNECVI/AAAAAAAACd0/BxlzvWPD4ow/s1600/IMG_1147.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Platinum Pearl with Silver Wire Wrapping</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4LWc6MeDy74/VDufi8sn7dI/AAAAAAAACd4/i-AvGTMjFmg/s1600/IMG_1180.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="217" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4LWc6MeDy74/VDufi8sn7dI/AAAAAAAACd4/i-AvGTMjFmg/s1600/IMG_1180.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rose Gold Pearl With Rose Gold Filled Wire Wrapping</td></tr></tbody></table>These earrings are such fun to make! As you can see I got carried away and made them in every color of pearl I had on hand. My next project might be to make these with different color of crystals, so check back soon! In the mean time, you can find these beauties at <b><a href="http://earringsfairy.etsy.com/">DJAjewels.etsy.com</a></b>.DJA Jewelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03284661879232571081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8088183019962870404.post-72312979624930799332014-10-12T05:09:00.001-07:002014-11-01T14:32:51.023-07:00Wine Cork Ornament Tutorial<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TIzSD_598Qo/VDpjC8-cpWI/AAAAAAAACbc/8QCYCDPfs-A/s1600/IMG_0985.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TIzSD_598Qo/VDpjC8-cpWI/AAAAAAAACbc/8QCYCDPfs-A/s1600/IMG_0985.JPG" height="220" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />My last blog post showed how to make a basic wine cork ornament. This week I took one of these wine corks and embellished it. <br /><br />Here is what the basic ornament looks like before decorating it:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CmRrqqI3Wds/VDpjlYbmF5I/AAAAAAAACb0/udfJ91LaRYA/s1600/14.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CmRrqqI3Wds/VDpjlYbmF5I/AAAAAAAACb0/udfJ91LaRYA/s1600/14.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div><br />In case you missed my last post, click <b><a href="http://djajewels.blogspot.com/2014/09/diy-wine-cork-ornaments.html" target="_blank">here</a></b> to read how to put the wire loops on each end of your cork.<br /><br />Here is the cork after decorating it:<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TIzSD_598Qo/VDpjC8-cpWI/AAAAAAAACbc/8QCYCDPfs-A/s1600/IMG_0985.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TIzSD_598Qo/VDpjC8-cpWI/AAAAAAAACbc/8QCYCDPfs-A/s1600/IMG_0985.JPG" height="221" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R0F6XAXDbt0/VDpjDOsZryI/AAAAAAAACbk/WF-hyP8Orxc/s1600/IMG_0995.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R0F6XAXDbt0/VDpjDOsZryI/AAAAAAAACbk/WF-hyP8Orxc/s1600/IMG_0995.JPG" height="236" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />For this ornament I used two of these round silver open links (I got these from <a href="http://firemountaingems.com/">FireMountainGems.com</a>.)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1HHHhavNNgw/VDpoUgTYMnI/AAAAAAAACcE/c96lVBV6lCc/s1600/IMG_1124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1HHHhavNNgw/VDpoUgTYMnI/AAAAAAAACcE/c96lVBV6lCc/s1600/IMG_1124.JPG" height="222" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />You can use any component you like, but these worked well because they were a perfect size to fit on top of the wine cork and they have lots of little openings for attaching things.<br /><br />In addition to the links, you will need some E-6000 glue, push pins, chain, and beads. The chain I used has links that open and close like jump rings. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KTG8X7KzLdg/VDpoVD-bBVI/AAAAAAAACcQ/Zzp_qtMlPDI/s1600/IMG_1125.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KTG8X7KzLdg/VDpoVD-bBVI/AAAAAAAACcQ/Zzp_qtMlPDI/s1600/IMG_1125.JPG" height="217" width="320" /></a></div><br />I forgot to photograph wire which you will also need. You will need this to place your beads onto and make <a href="http://www.firemountaingems.com/beading_howtos/beading_projects.asp?docid=652t" target="_blank">wire-wrapped loops</a> for attaching to your chain. Alternatively, you can use headpins.<br /><br />In order to attach the chain, I glued one of the round links to the top of the cork, then placed several push pins through some of the openings. Then I attached several links of chain around the link. <br /><br />I attached the second round link to the loop on the top of the cork with one of the open links from the chain - I used it like a jump ring - just open and close it with some needle nose pliers. Here is a close-up of the top of the ornament.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dRWq-JS1iMc/VDpoUOnnN6I/AAAAAAAACcA/mBKKp5waRtA/s1600/IMG_1121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dRWq-JS1iMc/VDpoUOnnN6I/AAAAAAAACcA/mBKKp5waRtA/s1600/IMG_1121.JPG" height="222" width="320" /></a></div><br />I then made several wire wrapped beaded loops and attached them to the bottom of the chains.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l0qpLoRM02c/VDpr4JDLzkI/AAAAAAAACcc/ffXuswVsd4I/s1600/IMG_0995%2Bcrop.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l0qpLoRM02c/VDpr4JDLzkI/AAAAAAAACcc/ffXuswVsd4I/s1600/IMG_0995%2Bcrop.JPG" height="227" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />I finished the ornament by adding some beaded trim to the top round link for hanging the ornament - you could also use ribbon or twine.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R0F6XAXDbt0/VDpjDOsZryI/AAAAAAAACbk/WF-hyP8Orxc/s1600/IMG_0995.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R0F6XAXDbt0/VDpjDOsZryI/AAAAAAAACbk/WF-hyP8Orxc/s1600/IMG_0995.JPG" height="236" width="320" /></a></div><br />Of course, there are lots of other ways to embellish these corks. You might glue some pretty rhinestones or flat beads to the cork. There are lots of possibilities. I would love to see what you come up with. Send me some pictures of your wine cork ornaments and I will share them here! <br /><br />You can contact me at:<br /><a href="mailto:irene@djajewels.com">irene@djajewels.com</a><br /><br />DJA Jewelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03284661879232571081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8088183019962870404.post-17874802208625943922014-09-28T07:24:00.001-07:002014-11-01T14:34:00.764-07:00DIY Wine Cork Ornaments<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DLbJOuJ7oQI/VCgVArTaMdI/AAAAAAAACZ4/7GqcXutzlM8/s1600/14.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DLbJOuJ7oQI/VCgVArTaMdI/AAAAAAAACZ4/7GqcXutzlM8/s1600/14.JPG" height="133" width="200" /></a></div>Okay, so it's still fall - not even Halloween yet. But I'm still starting to think a bit about Christmas. I've been wanting to make some unique Christmas holiday ornaments and decided to try making something using wine corks. <br /><br />This post will show how to make the basic ornament with loops on each end for decorating and hanging ribbon, etc. On my next post I will show some ideas I come up with on decorating and embellishing the cork.<br /><br />Here are the supplies I started out with:<br /><br /><ul><li>Heavy gauge wire - I used 16 gauge silver tone</li><li>Wine corks</li><li>Round nose pliers</li><li>Needle nose pliers</li><li>Bent nose pliers</li><li>Wire cutters</li></ul><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D9Bk5rsT2KU/VCgU_YhQG-I/AAAAAAAACZk/l9JoUl81P4E/s1600/1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D9Bk5rsT2KU/VCgU_YhQG-I/AAAAAAAACZk/l9JoUl81P4E/s1600/1.JPG" height="219" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />First use your wire cutters to cut two lengths of wire - each about 3/4 length of the wine cork.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-khEVx8x5Y2c/VCgVBmoU6BI/AAAAAAAACaE/RrxT8097r2M/s1600/2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-khEVx8x5Y2c/VCgVBmoU6BI/AAAAAAAACaE/RrxT8097r2M/s1600/2.JPG" height="226" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-frPmmp5lNtk/VCgVCCn38nI/AAAAAAAACaM/y2jao8GkSBk/s1600/3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-frPmmp5lNtk/VCgVCCn38nI/AAAAAAAACaM/y2jao8GkSBk/s1600/3.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />Next you will need to make a simple round loop at one end of each wire. I will show you how I made mine, but there are great tutorials that explain this step in detail. I like the tutorial by FireMountainGems.com which can be found <b><a href="http://www.firemountaingems.com/beading_howtos/beading_projects.asp?docid=691e" target="_blank">here</a></b>.<br /><br />Here is how I did it - start by grasping the end of the wire with your round nose pliers:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-adTT4R1mENs/VCgVCjscOxI/AAAAAAAACaY/PavG9hUosjQ/s1600/4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-adTT4R1mENs/VCgVCjscOxI/AAAAAAAACaY/PavG9hUosjQ/s1600/4.JPG" height="202" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />Then use the round nose pliers to bend the end of the wire toward you.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Pt7h2s2wBgY/VCgVCx7_G-I/AAAAAAAACac/AIvAi4gBGiw/s1600/5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Pt7h2s2wBgY/VCgVCx7_G-I/AAAAAAAACac/AIvAi4gBGiw/s1600/5.JPG" height="227" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />Continue working the wire into sort of a shepherd's hook as such:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B7z8ETCzXCs/VCgVDlFKAkI/AAAAAAAACao/r07HyJwwgAo/s1600/6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B7z8ETCzXCs/VCgVDlFKAkI/AAAAAAAACao/r07HyJwwgAo/s1600/6.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />You will end up with something like this:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oEeWcou00Bo/VCgVD-PMa1I/AAAAAAAACas/q6EaFLxVJ9g/s1600/7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oEeWcou00Bo/VCgVD-PMa1I/AAAAAAAACas/q6EaFLxVJ9g/s1600/7.JPG" height="225" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />Now make the "neck" of the loop by the tip of your needle nose pliers through the loop, then bend it back away from the loop:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CiwSV2RkbUM/VCgVEbJrB4I/AAAAAAAACa4/6bqifpjdJjg/s1600/8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CiwSV2RkbUM/VCgVEbJrB4I/AAAAAAAACa4/6bqifpjdJjg/s1600/8.JPG" height="221" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />Here is what your finished wire with loop should look like:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IrKv6qqZkF0/VCgVEnKkSlI/AAAAAAAACa8/aywq7JFX3N4/s1600/9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IrKv6qqZkF0/VCgVEnKkSlI/AAAAAAAACa8/aywq7JFX3N4/s1600/9.JPG" height="224" width="320" /></a></div><br />Repeat the same process with your other piece of wire. Now you have two pieces of wire with simple round loops:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qVNZ8zUVpLo/VCgU_ta6DeI/AAAAAAAACZo/Agh8HysM_p8/s1600/10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qVNZ8zUVpLo/VCgU_ta6DeI/AAAAAAAACZo/Agh8HysM_p8/s1600/10.JPG" height="228" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />So now you push the pointed end of your wire through one end of the cork:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jYReael_TDI/VCgU_c9UnEI/AAAAAAAACZs/LS0GF17CHkw/s1600/11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jYReael_TDI/VCgU_c9UnEI/AAAAAAAACZs/LS0GF17CHkw/s1600/11.JPG" height="210" width="320" /></a></div><br />I find it helpful to use my bent nose pliers to push the wire through the cork - it allows me to use more pressure without hurting my fingers:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fUt2WOZPrZs/VCgVAbMRgCI/AAAAAAAACbI/cqb8KNPNq2o/s1600/12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fUt2WOZPrZs/VCgVAbMRgCI/AAAAAAAACbI/cqb8KNPNq2o/s1600/12.JPG" height="222" width="320" /></a></div><br />Here is what your cork now looks like:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6rLVVrcykgs/VCgVAa2pJqI/AAAAAAAACaA/b6KkM9sqgag/s1600/13.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6rLVVrcykgs/VCgVAa2pJqI/AAAAAAAACaA/b6KkM9sqgag/s1600/13.JPG" height="241" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />So now insert the second wire through the other end of the cork so that you have loops on both ends:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DLbJOuJ7oQI/VCgVArTaMdI/AAAAAAAACZ4/7GqcXutzlM8/s1600/14.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DLbJOuJ7oQI/VCgVArTaMdI/AAAAAAAACZ4/7GqcXutzlM8/s1600/14.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />Now your cork is ready to decorate. Use one end to attach ribbon or string for hanging your ornament. On the other end you can put beaded dangles, ribbon, charms or whatever else you want - the possibilities are unlimited!<br /><br />On my next post I will show you what I come up with to embellish my wine corks, so be sure to check back soon!DJA Jewelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03284661879232571081noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8088183019962870404.post-49970416249178586062014-09-07T10:03:00.000-07:002014-09-07T10:05:27.016-07:00New Jewelry and New Shop<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qio0eIjDfac/VAxJrkSdLTI/AAAAAAAACYM/GgpsdmHkeFY/s1600/3b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qio0eIjDfac/VAxJrkSdLTI/AAAAAAAACYM/GgpsdmHkeFY/s1600/3b.JPG" height="138" width="200" /></a><br />Welcome to all my blogger friends - new and old! I haven't posted in a while and am feeling the need to get back on my blog.<br /><br />I've been quite busy with my second Etsy shop <b><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/eyeglasschainsetc" target="_blank">Eyeglass Chains Etc.</a></b> where I'm selling - well what else - eyeglass chains, etc.! I actually sell eyeglass necklaces, leashes, and ID-Badge lanyards there. I have found there is really quite a niche in the market for these items.<br /><br />This shop is doing so well, I decided to open a third niche shop <b><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/earringsfairy" target="_blank">The Earrings Fairy</a></b> that specializes in - what else - earrings. Over the years, my earrings have consistently been some of my best sellers in my first Etsy shop <b><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/djajewels" target="_blank">DJA Jewels</a></b>. So why not create a shop dedicated to earrings?<br /><br />I thought today I would share a couple of my new items at <b><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/earringsfairy" target="_blank">The Earrings Fairy</a></b>.<br /><br />First, here are some modern nugget earrings. For these I used some beautiful iridescent gold electroplated crystal quartz nuggets along with bronze jeweler's wire and antique gold chain - all suspended from a pair of my own handmade brass earring wires.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hWZZxSEtVBM/VAyPzAaur0I/AAAAAAAACYc/gbYRyIfP2iA/s1600/5b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hWZZxSEtVBM/VAyPzAaur0I/AAAAAAAACYc/gbYRyIfP2iA/s1600/5b.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/202570752/gold-nugget-earrings-matching-necklace?ref=shop_home_active_1" target="_blank">Gold Nugget Earrings</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qio0eIjDfac/VAxJrkSdLTI/AAAAAAAACYM/GgpsdmHkeFY/s1600/3b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qio0eIjDfac/VAxJrkSdLTI/AAAAAAAACYM/GgpsdmHkeFY/s1600/3b.JPG" height="221" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CxiRcMTFxzw/VAxGUAuRseI/AAAAAAAACXU/LG0o-LnpV5c/s1600/4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CxiRcMTFxzw/VAxGUAuRseI/AAAAAAAACXU/LG0o-LnpV5c/s1600/4.JPG" height="218" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matching Gold Crystal Necklace also available</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Next, here is another new design - more in keeping with my past vintage style designs. These Parasol Pearl Earrings are lavishly beaded with Swarovski crystal pearls. I used ornate antique brass filigree bead caps to form the "parasol" for a pretty umbrella effect. Right now I've only made these in Cream and Bordeaux but they could be made in just about any color.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9OvOMoWYUt8/VAxGgmfQntI/AAAAAAAACXg/Ht1Na_mcQjk/s1600/5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9OvOMoWYUt8/VAxGgmfQntI/AAAAAAAACXg/Ht1Na_mcQjk/s1600/5.JPG" height="211" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Parasol Pearl Earrings</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BOaSQFMQ0CU/VAxGjNGMngI/AAAAAAAACXo/55lw1wlGb-E/s1600/6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BOaSQFMQ0CU/VAxGjNGMngI/AAAAAAAACXo/55lw1wlGb-E/s1600/6.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/201488709/pearl-parasol-earrings?ref=shop_home_active_16" target="_blank">Parasol Pearl Earrings - Cream</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6FC-Dl9W2Ps/VAxGjI_CpmI/AAAAAAAACXw/zU6M3zTPiMU/s1600/7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6FC-Dl9W2Ps/VAxGjI_CpmI/AAAAAAAACXw/zU6M3zTPiMU/s1600/7.JPG" height="227" width="320" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bTQtZPzZ6WY/VAxGjCFs3pI/AAAAAAAACXs/LKOEJaUDJfM/s1600/8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bTQtZPzZ6WY/VAxGjCFs3pI/AAAAAAAACXs/LKOEJaUDJfM/s1600/8.JPG" height="221" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/201592212/red-pearl-parasol-earrings?ref=shop_home_active_15" target="_blank">Parasol Pearl Earrings - Bordeaux</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PrOUrgz8d0c/VAxGqPi6pXI/AAAAAAAACYA/ez6EC-2qxR0/s1600/10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PrOUrgz8d0c/VAxGqPi6pXI/AAAAAAAACYA/ez6EC-2qxR0/s1600/10.JPG" height="221" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I hope you will check out <b><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/earringsfairy" target="_blank">The Earrings Fairy</a></b>. Thanks so much for stopping by!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">♡ Irene</div><br /><br />DJA Jewelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03284661879232571081noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8088183019962870404.post-24925680727541482762014-07-23T05:49:00.000-07:002015-07-15T04:20:38.011-07:00How To Make An Adjustable Eyeglass Loop<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ae4223v-1Tw/U8-kpEa1ILI/AAAAAAAACJE/QzrcOn542dw/s1600/2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="218" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ae4223v-1Tw/U8-kpEa1ILI/AAAAAAAACJE/QzrcOn542dw/s1600/2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />Recently I sold a leather eyeglass leash to a customer who contacted me after receiving it saying the ends of her eyeglasses kept slipping out of the rubber eyeglass loops. Apparently her eyeglass ends were quite thin. She liked the leash but needed some sort of revision to the rubber loops to better hold her eyeglasses. And so I asked her to send it back to me and let me work on a solution. <br /><br />Here is a picture of the type of loop I am talking about - it is a black rubber loop with a gold coil which is able to be slid up and down the loop to accommodate different size eyeglass ends. The problem is that the coil is not all that tight, so if your eyeglass ends are thin like my customer's, they will keep slipping out.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WxU9heCGdz0/U8-kpCpLO9I/AAAAAAAACH8/uGTjl90Rr-w/s1600/1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="209" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WxU9heCGdz0/U8-kpCpLO9I/AAAAAAAACH8/uGTjl90Rr-w/s1600/1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />Initially I tried to just make my own wire wrapping and make it more snug, but I really wasn't all that happy with the end result:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m0tqDybDpPs/U8-lQjYiPII/AAAAAAAACJI/GIIKABVU8vw/s1600/11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m0tqDybDpPs/U8-lQjYiPII/AAAAAAAACJI/GIIKABVU8vw/s1600/11.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />What I eventually came up with was using a large hole bead to act as the "stopper" for holding the ends of my customer's eyeglasses. Here is what it ended up looking like:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ae4223v-1Tw/U8-kpEa1ILI/AAAAAAAACJE/QzrcOn542dw/s1600/2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="218" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ae4223v-1Tw/U8-kpEa1ILI/AAAAAAAACJE/QzrcOn542dw/s1600/2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />Much better I think! Now it took a little work figuring out how to get the bead onto the loop. So I am going to share with you how to do this on your own.<br /><br /><br />1. First remove the coil from the rubber loop.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k7hz2pXlDKQ/U8-kptLiMLI/AAAAAAAACIY/bRkeS1OjwIM/s1600/3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="206" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k7hz2pXlDKQ/U8-kptLiMLI/AAAAAAAACIY/bRkeS1OjwIM/s1600/3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />2. Select your bead - make sure to use a "large hole" bead - this one has a 2mm hole which was perfect. Most beads have a hole about 1mm but that is too small to accommodate the rubber loop. (This is a time my "bead addiction" came in handy - I have lots of beads in my studio and I do mean lots - so I was able to find just the right bead!) <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A0VD4t47SVE/U8-kp0L0iUI/AAAAAAAACIU/4aJMWTBWx5E/s1600/4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A0VD4t47SVE/U8-kp0L0iUI/AAAAAAAACIU/4aJMWTBWx5E/s1600/4.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />3. Now how to place the bead onto the rubber loop. This was a bit tricky so I experimented to find the right way to accomplish this. <br /><br />I used a piece of spare wire that I had lying around - I found that 22 gauge wire works the best. Make a small "hook" on the end. To do this, I used my round nose pliers and just bent the end of the wire to form the hook. Make it small enough to get through the hole of your bead. The good thing about 22 gauge wire is that it is easy to bend and mold if you need to adjust the size of your hook. Don't worry about the spiral on the other end of the wire pictured - as I said this was a piece of spare wire I had lying around from when I had been experimenting on making spiral loops. <br /><br />Slip the "hooked" end of the wire through the bead as pictured:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uKcLaQJs47Y/U8-kqDRTnhI/AAAAAAAACIw/tUcrSTkhzNU/s1600/5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uKcLaQJs47Y/U8-kqDRTnhI/AAAAAAAACIw/tUcrSTkhzNU/s1600/5.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />4. Then place the hook around part of the rubber loop and pull it through the hole of the bead:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NLpM1rySICs/U8-kqbbm8oI/AAAAAAAACIo/FBw7ngYEQtE/s1600/6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NLpM1rySICs/U8-kqbbm8oI/AAAAAAAACIo/FBw7ngYEQtE/s1600/6.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KHvtrbQ6Ukk/U8-krQ4-NAI/AAAAAAAACI0/AbBbeysRnh4/s1600/7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KHvtrbQ6Ukk/U8-krQ4-NAI/AAAAAAAACI0/AbBbeysRnh4/s1600/7.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />5. Here is what your new beaded loop looks like:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xs7Q6kdBJcM/U8-kq-SbHDI/AAAAAAAACIs/hHrFYhlqCDQ/s1600/8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xs7Q6kdBJcM/U8-kq-SbHDI/AAAAAAAACIs/hHrFYhlqCDQ/s1600/8.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />And here is what the new loops look like on my customer's leather eyeglass leash:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7vn9oB-PM5s/U8-krLxrq_I/AAAAAAAACI4/cNYCWaCY0uI/s1600/9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7vn9oB-PM5s/U8-krLxrq_I/AAAAAAAACI4/cNYCWaCY0uI/s1600/9.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />The great thing about these altered eyeglass loops is that the beads are just snug enough to stay put but can be slid up and down the rubber loop so as to accommodate just about any size of eyeglass ends. I really like the look of these loops too, so am looking at offering this as an option for all my eyeglass leashes.<br /><br />I sell my eyeglass leashes and chains in one of my two Etsy shops: <br /><a href="http://eyeglasschainsetc.etsy.com/">EyeglassChainsEtc.etsy.com</a><br /><br />So hop on over and take a visit!DJA Jewelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03284661879232571081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8088183019962870404.post-53816440019667840082014-07-17T04:30:00.003-07:002014-07-19T03:59:19.209-07:00Top Ten Jewelry Making Tutorials<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A_wJB7MPgBk/U8pPYrfOoZI/AAAAAAAACHk/YhAU6QG0zdk/s1600/top+ten.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A_wJB7MPgBk/U8pPYrfOoZI/AAAAAAAACHk/YhAU6QG0zdk/s1600/top+ten.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">This week I thought I would share some of my favorite jewelry making tutorials. These are tutorials I have collected from all over the internet.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">I'm sharing ten of my favorites here, but here's a link to my <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/djajewels/jewelry-tutorials/" target="_blank"><b>Jewelry Tutorial board on Pinterest</b></a> - this is where I keep links to <b>all</b> my favorite tutorials.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">Okay, here are my top ten:</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">1. <a href="http://www.lythastudios.com/123bead/wire-hook-n-eye.html" target="_blank">Wire Wrapping Cord Ends & Hook'N Eye Closures</a> at lythastudios.com. This tutorial is great for making your own cord ends - perfect when you don't have the right size end for your leather or rattail cord.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">2. <a href="http://handmade-jewelry-club.com/2013/06/wire-clasp-tutorials.html" target="_blank">Wire Clasp Tutorials</a> at handmade-jewelry-club.com. This article has links to several tutorials for making different types of wire clasps.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">3. <a href="http://studiodax.wordpress.com/2011/01/16/i-heart-hearts/" target="_blank">Make a Wire-Wrapped Heart</a> at studiodax.wordpress.com. I love making heart jewelry and this is a great tutorial on how to make your own free form wire heart for a pendant or earrings.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">4. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y2bbSyrT5vs" target="_blank">How to Make a Caged Bead</a> by beadaholique.com. I love this tutorial. I have made several caged beads and it is really not that hard and is a great way to make a focal piece really stand out.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">5. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oci1eWbxK-w" target="_blank">How to Wire-Wrap a Briolette</a> also by beadaholique.com. This is a basic wire-wrapping technique but can be very tricky - this tutorial gives some great tips on how to make a wire-wrapped briolette look great!</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">6. <a href="http://www.rings-things.com/blog/2011/09/12/how-to-make-cluster-earrings/" target="_blank">How to Make Cluster Earrings</a> by Rings & Things (rings-things.com.)</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">7. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2j8-DRsovSk" target="_blank">How To Make a Wire-Wrapped Stone Setting</a> - another great tutorial by beadaholique.com. This is a wonderfully easy to follow youtube tutorial for wire wrapping a gemstone cabochon.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">8. <a href="http://silverniknats.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">How to Make Your Own Headpins</a> by silverniknats. Making your own headpins means you never have to worry about having enough of these basic jewelry making supplies. All you need is wire and a couple of tools.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">9. <a href="http://www.making-beaded-jewelry.com/pearl-knotting.html" target="_blank">Pearl Knotting Tutorial</a> at making-beaded-jewelry.com. Pearl knotting is a necessary skill when pearl strand necklaces.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">10. <a href="http://djajewels.blogspot.com/2014/06/tutorial-diy-wire-wrap-pearl-post.html" target="_blank">DIY Wire-Wrapped Pearl Post Earrings</a> - this tutorial is by Yours Truly - one of my own tutorials. I love making these earrings! It puts an interesting spin on the classic pearl earring posts.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">I also have a number of tutorials I have written right here on my Blog. Check them out <b><a href="http://djajewels.blogspot.com/search/label/Tutorials" target="_blank">here!</a></b></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">Do you have a tutorial of your own you would like to share? Or a link to someone else's you have found particularly helpful? If so <a href="mailto:irene@djajewels.com" target="_blank">contact me</a> - I would love to share the post!</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><h1 style="background-color: white; color: #5f492d; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Georgia, serif; letter-spacing: -0.6px; margin: 1px; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></h1>DJA Jewelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03284661879232571081noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8088183019962870404.post-22610504843403060842014-07-03T04:07:00.000-07:002014-07-03T04:07:07.486-07:00Five Ways to Celebrate July 4th<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AAjF5dZ_vNw/U7U4pOh-w2I/AAAAAAAACHE/NJV4axkvh_I/s1600/july4th-Vintage-GraphicsFairy2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AAjF5dZ_vNw/U7U4pOh-w2I/AAAAAAAACHE/NJV4axkvh_I/s1600/july4th-Vintage-GraphicsFairy2.jpg" height="320" width="264" /></a></div><br /><br />It's that time of year when we celebrate the U.S. birthday - the 4th of July. I thought I would share some ideas on ways to celebrate.<br /><br /><br /><ol><li><b>Fly the flag.</b> If you don't have a genuine large U.S. flag, find a small one and place it in your yard or mailbox.</li><li><b>Host a potluck picnic or have a block party.</b> No one has to spend a lot of money - everyone just brings something.</li><li><b>Go to a parade or fireworks display</b> - there are lots of free activities out there.</li><li><b>Shop</b> - its a great way to help the economy. There are lots of 4th of July sales out there.</li><li><b>Volunteer or do community service.</b> This one should probably be first instead of last. It's something we don't usually think of for this Holiday.</li></ol><div><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Acknowledgement: The 4th of July clipart at the top of this post is from thegraphicsfairy.com.</span></i></div>DJA Jewelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03284661879232571081noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8088183019962870404.post-60953994615104242812014-06-29T11:54:00.000-07:002015-01-12T04:02:51.670-08:00Tutorial: DIY Wire Wrap Pearl Post Earrings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uCc-DaxrufM/U7Aimk0kBkI/AAAAAAAACFY/ehLkAj9DJ7w/s1600/23.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uCc-DaxrufM/U7Aimk0kBkI/AAAAAAAACFY/ehLkAj9DJ7w/s1600/23.JPG" height="211" width="320" /></a></div>Lately I have been working on more and more wire-wrapped jewelry designs. On my previous post <a href="http://djajewels.blogspot.com/2014/04/wire-wrapped-gemstone-pendants.html" target="_blank"><b>Wire-wrapped Gemstone Pendants</b></a> I showed you blue apatite gemstones that I wire-wrapped. <b> </b>And if you read my <a href="http://djajewels.blogspot.com/2014/05/more-wire-wrapped-jewelry.html" target="_blank"><b>More Wire-wrapped Jewelry</b></a> post you saw some briolettes and earrings that I wire-wrapped.<br /><br />This week I decided to try making wire post and pearl stud earrings. I don't make many post style earrings, I guess because I find that fish-hook earrings seem to be overall more popular. But then there is nothing more classic than a simple pearl post earring. Now these earrings have a slight twist to the simple classic stud earring. A long strand of wire is used to make the post and is then wire-wrapped around the pearl so as to frame it.<br /><br />After I made a few of these I decided to share a tutorial on how I made them. But first I should share some tutorials written by others that helped show me how to make this design:<br /><br /><br /><ul><li><a href="http://eatbreathedesign.com/2011/03/30/easy-wire-wrapped-stud-earrings/" target="_blank">Easy WireWrapped Stud Earrings</a> by EatBreatheDesign.com.</li><li><a href="http://wireworkersguild.blogspot.pt/2013/09/stud-earrings.html" target="_blank">Stud Earrings</a> by WireWorkersGuild.blogspot.pt.</li></ul><br />Okay, let's make a pair of earrings!<br /><br />1. First gather your tools and supplies:<br /><br /><ul><li>Flat nose pliers.</li><li>Wire cutters.</li><li>Bead reamer (in case you need to enlarge the bead hole.)</li><li>Jewelry file.</li><li>Ruler.</li><li>Rubber mallet.</li><li>Bench block and sandbag.</li></ul><br /><br /><div><br /></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yhbUoBEPrCY/U6_0fVHTo3I/AAAAAAAACA0/pPvGPvPrVwo/s1600/1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yhbUoBEPrCY/U6_0fVHTo3I/AAAAAAAACA0/pPvGPvPrVwo/s1600/1.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><ul><li>Two pearls (or beads of your choice) - I used 8mm Swarovski crystal pearls.</li><li>Sterling silver dead soft wire 20 gauge - or wire of your choosing.</li></ul><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7H129Ite77w/U6_0oNaGmJI/AAAAAAAACCU/uqH15c2cGmc/s1600/2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7H129Ite77w/U6_0oNaGmJI/AAAAAAAACCU/uqH15c2cGmc/s1600/2.JPG" height="220" width="320" /></a></div><br /> I have found that I like dead soft wire better for this technique but you can also use half hard. The dead soft is much easier to work with but it will require a bit more "work hardening" with the hammer - which will be shown later in this post.<br /><br />2. Next see if your wire will pass through the hole in your bead. If it will not use your bead reamer to open the hole up a bit.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NRW_sC7sxKs/U6_0sR3vQ7I/AAAAAAAACDA/jmUcm2n0b5g/s1600/3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NRW_sC7sxKs/U6_0sR3vQ7I/AAAAAAAACDA/jmUcm2n0b5g/s1600/3.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div><br />3. Now use your wire cutters to cut two 4-inch lengths of wire.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2KusNXi8umM/U6_0s5rxyyI/AAAAAAAACDI/358A01kipg8/s1600/4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2KusNXi8umM/U6_0s5rxyyI/AAAAAAAACDI/358A01kipg8/s1600/4.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9UebPcNlJBg/U6_0unTyyKI/AAAAAAAACDU/8rjotcQARs4/s1600/5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9UebPcNlJBg/U6_0unTyyKI/AAAAAAAACDU/8rjotcQARs4/s1600/5.JPG" height="211" width="320" /></a></div><br />Be sure to use the flush cutters for cutting the end of wire that will be used for the post. My wire cutters have one side that is for flush cutting and one side that is for side cutting. For the longest time I did not understand the difference in the two types of cuts, so let me explain it in case you are in the same boat as I was. <br /><br />Flush cutters will cut the wire so that there is a flat edge on the tip of the wire. Side cutters will make an angled point. The pictures below shows both sides of my wire cutter. The first picture shows the flush cutting side - you can see it has a flat edge. The second photo shows the angle or side cutter side.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4iDWUwu-0CE/U7AinsYCJSI/AAAAAAAACFk/eXB0z5pDoTk/s1600/7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4iDWUwu-0CE/U7AinsYCJSI/AAAAAAAACFk/eXB0z5pDoTk/s1600/7.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flush cutter</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eXnEmh7uj4Y/U7AioC9gQ0I/AAAAAAAACFw/bxuYc6MTOCA/s1600/8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eXnEmh7uj4Y/U7AioC9gQ0I/AAAAAAAACFw/bxuYc6MTOCA/s1600/8.JPG" height="236" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Side or angle cutter</td></tr></tbody></table>Here is a side by side comparison of two wires - one cut with the flush cutter and the other with the side/angle cutter. See how flat the one on the left is - it was cut with the flush cutter. And the one on the right is pointed because it was cut with the side cutter. You want to use the flush cutter to make a flat edge on the post that will be going through your ear so as not to tear the skin.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jXewtMYTCkk/U7Aindur0WI/AAAAAAAACF8/_F7Y4O_MvnE/s1600/6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jXewtMYTCkk/U7Aindur0WI/AAAAAAAACF8/_F7Y4O_MvnE/s1600/6.JPG" height="211" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>4. Next you will want to file the flush cut ends with your jewelry file to smooth off the edges. I like to smooth it even more by pushing it back and forth a few times through a piece of steel wool. In the pictures below, I am filing and smoothing both pieces of wire at the same time for my pair of earrings - this just saves time. Again you are filing and smoothing the flush cut ends of your wire.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BPBjGZbhP5U/U7AioJPS3PI/AAAAAAAACGA/RyUK5gl7UWk/s1600/9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BPBjGZbhP5U/U7AioJPS3PI/AAAAAAAACGA/RyUK5gl7UWk/s1600/9.JPG" height="216" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">File your flush cut ends with a jewelry file</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PyJZtBtADsA/U7Aijrg23TI/AAAAAAAACEc/rDWvfdbNrXs/s1600/10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PyJZtBtADsA/U7Aijrg23TI/AAAAAAAACEc/rDWvfdbNrXs/s1600/10.JPG" height="230" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Push the wire through steel wool a few times for extra smoothness</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />5. Next you will want to bend your wire at a 90 degree angle using your flat nose pliers - do this about 3/4 to one inch from the end of your flush cut end - this is going to become your post.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n09i5K5rgvM/U7AijVj8OoI/AAAAAAAACEI/v9lxY1ZrXZ0/s1600/11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n09i5K5rgvM/U7AijVj8OoI/AAAAAAAACEI/v9lxY1ZrXZ0/s1600/11.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D-eZCpGylI4/U7AikFRybPI/AAAAAAAACEY/7JM1Sb_kNAw/s1600/12a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D-eZCpGylI4/U7AikFRybPI/AAAAAAAACEY/7JM1Sb_kNAw/s1600/12a.JPG" height="220" width="320" /></a></div><br />I go ahead and do this for both pieces of wire so I have two pieces of wire like this:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l4c6VfCj2mk/U7AijpPKprI/AAAAAAAACGo/stLFh23x8WY/s1600/12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l4c6VfCj2mk/U7AijpPKprI/AAAAAAAACGo/stLFh23x8WY/s1600/12.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />6. Now thread your bead onto the longer side of your wire.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R4Z4MKJb6nk/U7Bc7_-Cb0I/AAAAAAAACG4/mH-1Vk-4rJA/s1600/13.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R4Z4MKJb6nk/U7Bc7_-Cb0I/AAAAAAAACG4/mH-1Vk-4rJA/s1600/13.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />7. Then take the short end of your wire and and bend it over the bead:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mwgvoMDiMtg/U7AikdBcyHI/AAAAAAAACGk/CiCZUxUnd2Y/s1600/14.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mwgvoMDiMtg/U7AikdBcyHI/AAAAAAAACGk/CiCZUxUnd2Y/s1600/14.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div><br />7. Using your flat nose pliers, grasp the short end of the wire about the middle of the bead, then bend the wire at a 90 degree angle away from the bead:<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MCaJHUXZF4g/U7AilMWJ3yI/AAAAAAAACEs/2JzlphyrSUo/s1600/15.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MCaJHUXZF4g/U7AilMWJ3yI/AAAAAAAACEs/2JzlphyrSUo/s1600/15.JPG" height="222" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iSqZ75jSnx0/U7AilLwZLII/AAAAAAAACGc/tvhgT6jNlzA/s1600/16.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iSqZ75jSnx0/U7AilLwZLII/AAAAAAAACGc/tvhgT6jNlzA/s1600/16.JPG" height="217" width="320" /></a></div><br />Here is what your wire and bead should now look like:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G4zPgUWl7mU/U7AilTwc3PI/AAAAAAAACE8/qlPw35zW9Tc/s1600/17.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G4zPgUWl7mU/U7AilTwc3PI/AAAAAAAACE8/qlPw35zW9Tc/s1600/17.JPG" height="210" width="320" /></a></div><br />8. Next you take the long end of your wire and wrap it around the bead two times - some people wrap up to three times - it is a matter of personal preference - just be sure to cut a longer piece of wire if you want more wraps.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8eobb3oEpII/U7AiltdVllI/AAAAAAAACGY/_-Byqp0Kxec/s1600/18.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8eobb3oEpII/U7AiltdVllI/AAAAAAAACGY/_-Byqp0Kxec/s1600/18.JPG" height="227" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />9. To finish your earring use your rubber mallet and bench block, hammer the post part of the wire to harden it and make it less malleable.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-acprf5xQEls/U7Ail-5ZhII/AAAAAAAACFE/lc36mt7LtF0/s1600/19.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-acprf5xQEls/U7Ail-5ZhII/AAAAAAAACFE/lc36mt7LtF0/s1600/19.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />Do this for both earrings, and voila ... here is your finished pair of pearl stud earrings!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VbqsI5C9dbQ/U7Ail_kmxMI/AAAAAAAACGU/Y9DMvi4csa4/s1600/20.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VbqsI5C9dbQ/U7Ail_kmxMI/AAAAAAAACGU/Y9DMvi4csa4/s1600/20.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qw80M021KyQ/U7AimaNYssI/AAAAAAAACGQ/R2LGWRKWkZc/s1600/21.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qw80M021KyQ/U7AimaNYssI/AAAAAAAACGQ/R2LGWRKWkZc/s1600/21.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-enx8j8snX-o/U7Aimo7sEsI/AAAAAAAACGM/QEbb81xADHQ/s1600/22.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-enx8j8snX-o/U7Aimo7sEsI/AAAAAAAACGM/QEbb81xADHQ/s1600/22.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />And here is another pair I made with 14K rose gold wire and Swarovski crystal pearls also in Rose Gold:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uCc-DaxrufM/U7Aimk0kBkI/AAAAAAAACFY/ehLkAj9DJ7w/s1600/23.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uCc-DaxrufM/U7Aimk0kBkI/AAAAAAAACFY/ehLkAj9DJ7w/s1600/23.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></div><br />I hope this tutorial has been helpful. I would love to share some of your designs. Submit them to me at <b><a href="mailto:irene@djajewels.com">irene@djajewels.com</a></b> along with your name, email and a link to your website if you like. I will be happy to share them!<br /><br />DJA Jewelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03284661879232571081noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8088183019962870404.post-15608288040694682182014-06-27T05:19:00.001-07:002014-06-27T05:19:20.089-07:00Update On My Favorite Jewelry Supply Shops<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J5LXfOMoIN4/U61giRsmX0I/AAAAAAAACAg/GEyVBSzYhZo/s1600/vjsbeads.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J5LXfOMoIN4/U61giRsmX0I/AAAAAAAACAg/GEyVBSzYhZo/s1600/vjsbeads.JPG" height="131" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Recently I have noticed a lot of visits to one of my old posts: <b><a href="http://djajewels.blogspot.com/2011/04/what-are-your-favorite-jewelry-supply.html" target="_blank">What Are Your Favorite Jewelry Supply Shops?</a></b> <br /><br />This post was done in April 2011, so I decided to go back and update it. I have added a few vendors and updated information on some of the ones already listed.<br /><br />Click to <b><a href="http://djajewels.blogspot.com/2011/04/what-are-your-favorite-jewelry-supply.html" target="_blank">here</a></b> to read the update.<br /><br />DJA Jewelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03284661879232571081noreply@blogger.com0