Since the 1950s, the charm bracelet’s made a lasting impact on the American scene. While this decade didn’t see the first charm bracelets in history, it became the must-have item for many women, teenagers, and little girls. Pair that trend with the glamour of Hollywood and the celebrity of the Rat Pack, and you pay [...]
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The 1960s gave birth to one unlikely icon, the hippie. You could get a feel for the 1960s by using peace symbols, big flowers, or zodiac symbols. I chose to go with the sun to bring out the feel of the dawning of the age of Aquarius.
Tools and Materials
Flat-nose pliers Round-nose pliers Wire cutters
6 1.5-inch [...]
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Many people are fascinated with history. Whether it’s their own genealogical history, that of their town, or of ancient cultures across the world, many people want to feel a connection with the past. You can blend your jewelry-making hobby with an interest in history. Current trends in jewelry design use ancient components (like stones, beads, [...]
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Pre-made beaded fringe (short strands of beads sewn into ribbon) makes this project quick and easy. Look for beaded fringe at crafts stores, fabric stores, and specialty sewing stores.
Unless you’re a whiz with a glue gun, I don’t recommend that you use it on this project. It seems like it would be a good idea, [...]
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This technique is an easy way to embellish scuffed and scarred picture frames. Or buy an inexpensive unfinished frame at your local crafts store and give it some personality.
Tools and Materials
Cloth napkin or dishtowel
Small bead scoop (optional)
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Any arrangement of beads can work for these great home accents. Use crystals and pearls for understated elegance; bumpy lampwork beads for a touch of fun; or wood, bone, and shell for an earthy, natural feel.
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Wire wrapping is one of my favorite jewelry techniques for home decorating.
Photo Wine Charms
Wine charms are those little beaded strands that hook around your stemmed glasses. They serve to identify your glass when several people have the same glass at the same party. Often, a set of charms will share a theme, like wine [...]
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A cane is a rod that’s made up two or more colors of clay. When the clay is cut crosswise, a multi-colored design is revealed. Canes are the basic components of the clay, male fiori—style bead. Mille fiori means a thousand flowers. These beads are known for their stunning multitude of patterns and colors.
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Papier-mâché literally means chewed paper. It’s a crafting technique that requires you to take a basic form (like a foil ball, a balloon, chicken wire form or just about anything else) and cover it with a mixture of paste and sculpting medium, usually newspaper. Papier-mâché is great for making lightweight sculptures and other items like [...]
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Like any papier-mâché project, you must create a form for your beads and pendants. Aluminum foil is an excellent choice for bead forms. It’s lightweight and easy for kids to work with.
Here’s how you create a basic foil form:
1. Take pieces of foil and wad them up. Start with roughly a 4-inch by 6-inch square [...]
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