New Supply Shop!

I am so excited to share my new supply shop. I really debated where to open it (ie self hosted, Etsy, Art Fire) and decided to start with Etsy and take it from there. I plan to make a lot of the supplies myself once it’s stocked, and maybe even some kits from tutorials on […]

Jewelry Wire Straightening {tips}

Nylon-jaw pliers are great for straightening wire, but if you don’t have a pair handy, pinch the wire between your fingernail and the pad of your thumb. The gentle curve this creates is perfect for earring projects. PS – I party here.

How to Make a Spiked Chain Necklace {DIY}

Spikes and studs are all the rage right now. I have seen a ton of cute necklaces and bracelets with spikes. Instead of being a goth look, spikes are now hipster too! I decided to make a basic spike necklace and thought I’d share. Materials 20 in chain clasp and hook 8 jump rings 6 […]

The Ultimate Ear Wire Giveaway!

Fusion Beads is having a huge ear wire giveaway made from a variety of metals… even sterling silver! All you have to do is leave a comment telling them which kinds of ear wires you use in your jewelry making.   “A winner will be randomly selected on Friday, March 22, 2013, at 4 PM […]

30 Day Challenge For Craft Month – Day 1 Earrings

I have made a few pairs of earrings for my etsy shop. This pair is: These earrings feature four black glass rondelle shaped beads each on bronze wire hooks, hammer hardened for a rustic and simple design. Minimal and beautiful. Length is approximately 2 inches. You can find me here:  Desperate Houselife Blog with Free […]

Fusion Bead’s 30-Day Challenge

I have decided to partake in Fusion Bead’s 30-Day Jewelry Challenge. I will be adding my creations that they inspire. It sounds like fun! 30 Day Challenge For Craft Month – March 2013 You’re Invited! In celebration of National Craft Month, FusionBeads.com is hosting a 30-day Bead Challenge for the month of March to anyone […]

Updating My Etsy Shop

I have been adding a ton of jewelry that I am proud to share to my Etsy shop. In addition, I have decided to open a separate jewelry supply shop, as I have SO many extra supplies that I hate to have lying around. After some vigorous research, I decided to give GoodSmiths a try […]

A Brief History of Welding

Welding is a way to create or repair metal or plastic by fusing pieces together with various techniques (most involving heat). Most welding equipment uses electricity, laser beams or even an open flame to achieve the desired result. Below, you’ll learn more about the history of welding. Before and During the Middle Ages The roots […]

How Diamonds Form

How diamonds form A lot of people mistakenly believe that diamonds are formed through the metamorphism of coal. The truth is that coal hardly ever has a role in the formation of diamond. One fact that would kill that hypothesis is that coals form through horizontal sedimentary rocks while diamonds are formed in vertical pipes […]

How to Make Snow Man Earrings {diy}

  It’s that time of year! Nothing says winter wonderland like a cute pair of snowman earrings, right? Well, let’s get right to it then! Materials: 2 large white pearls 2 small pearls 2 rhinestone round spacers 2 black sequins 2 black square beads 2 ear wires 2 headpins round nosed pliers wire cutters (mine […]

Soldering Aluminum with a Propane Torch at Very High Strength

Soldering aluminum does not have to be a complicated process. In fact, most jobs can be accomplished at home with very simple tools. This is good news for folks who have been wary of investing in the equipment necessary for aluminum welding. In many applications including pot metal repair, custom vehicle work, and more, aluminum soldering (as opposed to welding) […]

How to Make Beaded Feather Earrings {diy}

I have been “scrap” busting lately, and I have a ton of fun colored feathers from various projects. I decided to throw together another easy tutorial on how to make these cute beaded feather earrings. Materials: 2 feathers 2 beads 2 connectors 2 ear wires jewelry pliers glue (not shown) Step 1: Place beads onto […]

How to Make Feather Shoulder Duster Earrings {diy}

  I was lucky enough to be given some beautifully colored feathers from a tutorial exchange with Abakhan, hosted by Totally Tutorials! Being that I am on a huge jewelry kick, I have decided to turn them into these feather shoulder duster earrings, which are wonderful Fall colors! Supplies: 6 feathers (2 of each color) […]

DIY Fancy Chandelier Earrings

Agape Love Designs just released a tutorial on how to make these Fancy Chandelier Earrings and I just HAD to try out the tutorial. I loved it. This is my version! You can buy a pair here if you aren’t craftily inclined!

Dorinda Button Earrings Tutorial

This tutorial is sponsored by Lots of Buttons. They are a site that specializes in all sorts of buttons. There are synthetic, leather, shell, plastic, even coconut buttons! Anyone who has a button fetish will love their site. They were generous enough to gift me with some buttons to create this tutorial on how to […]

Covered Button Earrings Tutorial

Possibilities are endless when it comes to covered buttons. There are so many fabric choices, or you can custom print, embellish, add lace… well you get the idea. Here is a super easy tutorial on how to whip up a pair of covered button earrings. These took me less than 5 minutes to make!     […]

Brown Stretchy Cuff Bracelet Tutorial

In case you missed my guest post at The Crafty Scientist, here it is: How to make a brown stretchy cuff bracelet: Materials: Ribbon Decorative Trim (preferably with elastic), silver chain, clasp, 2 jump rings, 2 ribbon clamps Not pictured: flat nosed pliers, scissors, glue (optional) Step 1: Cut ribbon to desired length, minus an inch […]

Repurposed Beauty Supplies for Crafting

I was following a tutorial that required a file sander in lieu of sand paper. I couldn’t find any at the craft or dollar store, so I improvised. I dug out the trusty nail file, only to realize the whole kit is useful in making jewelry and crafting in general. Nail File – This is […]

How to Make a Blingy Summer Bracelet

Summer + color blocking equals awesome! I am super excited for pastels and everything that comes with it. Color blocking is very in this Summer, and I found these cute “blingy” beads that make for fun summer jewelry! This tutorial matches my Spring Bling Color Block Earrings. Supplies: memory wire beads (mine are from Michaels) needle […]

How to Make Blingy Hoop Earrings

Summer + color blocking equals awesome! I am super excited for pastels and everything that comes with it. Color blocking is very in this Summer, and I found these cute “blingy” beads that make for fun summer jewelry! Check out my matching blingy summer bracelet tute! Colorful beads (I found these at Michaels) Memory wire […]