Tag: jewelry

DIY

Frugal-nomics DIY: Metal Chain Necklace

Gone are the days where you’re only allowed to wear one metal at a time.  With this necklace I was able to combine a bunch of my favorites….metal chain….spikes….a few crystals….all fun.   Throw caution to the wind and try this rocker chic favorite.   It’s bold. It’s functional….and it definitely stands out! Tell me how you’d pair it.

 

 

 


SUPPLIES: Assortment of metal chain, a closure, safety pins, spikes, needle and thread, needle nose pliers, and a pair of wire cutters.

HOW-TO: 
1. Take some wire cutters to make a break in the clasp — be sure to be careful not to do so at the bottom of the loop so as not to have chains slip off. Then pry the ring open with your pliers.
2. These chains are really easy to attach to the master ring, but the crystalized chain requires as extra step.  So, use a matching thread to stitch together the ends of the crystalized chains.
3. Add a safety to ends of the chains that don’t rings. Remember, you’ll cut all your chain the same length; taking into account those chains that have safety pins.
4. Take one strand of the pink chain and add 7 equally spaced spikes.  (Note: Feel free to add a dab of glue inside the spike’s end cap if you feel you need extra security).
5. Add all of your chains to one side of the closure ring (Note: Ok, so its really easy to get the chains a little jumbled, so I laid them out to keep them all organized.
6. Collect the group of chains, add them to the second closure ring on the opposite side, and give the group a twist. Keep the pink chain with studs and the two strands of black chain, separate.
7. Keeping the single pink strand with studs and the black chain straight (no twisting here), add them also to the closure ring on the opposite side and close the second ring.

DIY

Frugal-nomics DIY: Cord and Chain Bracelet

This summer I’ve been making more jewelry to mix and match with different looks.  And I gotta say, nothing beats the pride in saying you made it yourself when others tell you they like it.  Definitely more pieces to come. Tell me what you’re proud that you made in the comments below.

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SUPPLIES: Metal chain, colorful cord, 2 pair of pliers, a tape measure, wire cutters, 3 jump rings, lobster clasp, 2 end caps, e6000, and scissors.

 

 

 

HOW-TO:
1. First you have to decide what length you want your bracelet.  I want mine to be about 7 inches in total, so the cord part of the bracelet will be about 4 inches (both halves 2 inches each). Go ahead and cut the first piece.
2. Cut a second piece equal in length.
3. Squeeze half a cap full of glue into the end cap (be careful not too add too much, you don’t want it to ooze out onto the cord).
4. Fold the first piece of cord in half and squeeze both ends into the end cap.
5. Slip the second piece of cord through the loop of the first cord.
6. Now, repeat Step #3 with the second cord.
7. To complete my 7 inches, I’ll need about 2.5-3 inches of chain.
8.With wire cutters, cut the desired length of chain.
9. With both pair of pliers, carefully open up 3 jump rings.
10. Take one jump ring and place it on one end of your cord connection, then attach your chain and close the jump ring.
11. At the end of this chain, add one more jump ring and a lobster clasp, and then close that jump ring.
12. On the opposite end of the cord connection, add a final jump ring, close that one up….and you’re all set.

 

DIY

DIY: Jeweled Shoe Clips

Want a colorful and fun way to update some shoe oldie but goodies? Well, you are definitely in luck…because I have an affordable and quick solution that I think you’ll LOVE! Grab your favorite vintage earrings or a couple of brooches…and let’s get started!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SUPPLIES: Wire cutters, brooches in pairs of 2 (I have one of each version I used shown here.  Be sure to check their design, because they are often purchased individually — therefore color schemes may vary), e6000 glue, and 4 earring clip-on backs.

How-To:
1. Take the wire cutters and completely snip off the entire pin back and its adjoining metal (Note: if it doesn’t come off clean, use a nail file to smooth the surface).
2. Add e6000 glue to the earring backing.
3. After you decide which side is “up” for the layout of your brooch, adhere earring backing to it, and hold in place for a moment.
4. Let glue dry for several hours — I did it overnight.  (Note: If your earring backing protrudes out in any way, and is uncomfortable for your foot, feel free use wire cutters to remove it).