Friday, June 28, 2013

Crystal Link Jewelry DIY

Crystal Link Jewelry is one of my favorite projects from The Big Ass Book of Bling.  It's easy to make and it's super chic.  I'm sure you can master this project in no time!  Make several strands and you're ready for the runway.   Change up the beads and use different colors of wire and you'll have a terrific summer jewelry wardrobe!


Make sure to layer!
Here's the how to video!
 You'll need:
18 gage wire
Wire cutters
Fat marker
Crystal beads
Needle nose pliers
Lobster claw closure
Wrap your wire around the marker to create a spring 
 Make sure to wrap it tightly
 Clip the spring to create large jump rings
Add a bead to each jump ring 
 Connect the jump rings together to create the chain
Make it as long as you want 
 If you're making choker length, then add some blank jump rings to the ends
Add a closure and you're done!
From

Thursday, June 27, 2013

Six Fun Summer DIYs!

Every Thursday I feature a few projects made by some of my favorite crafters.  There's something for everyone here so click on the links and find some inspiration.  Make sure to tell them that Mark sent you.  Happy Summer everyone!
Up first, my besty Margot Potter creates beautiful crystal cocktail rings with Swarovsky crystals…….Now I want a cocktail!


Cathie Filian from Handmade Happy Hour gets us ready for the 4th of July with some fun table décor.




Kathy (aka Crafty Chica) creates patriotic hair extensions that will rock your 4th of July weekend!
Jaderbomb from Jaderbomb.com shares her Trophy Cup Flower pots…….Just super cute and a great way to recycle those old bowling trophies! 



Heather at DollarStoreCrafts.com weaves up some magic with a raffia and charm bracelet that is, well, simply charming!

Finally, check out my video for Crystal Link Jewelry, a project from my latest book, The Big Ass Book of Bling!  A super easy way to create beautiful necklaces, bracelets and chokers with just a few simple supplies.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s8bLL_Zwy4c

Thursday, June 20, 2013

Link Love Thursday!

Good morning everyone!  It’s LINK-UP THURSDAY with my DIY DIVAS, Margot, Jade Heather and Cathie and Kathy!  This week, the projects are truly fantastic and you’re going to LOVE every one of them.  I mean it!

Up first, the lovely Margot Potter stuns with Dolce and Gabbana folk art inspired painted cork wedges.  Truly wonderful- and a terrific way to spruce up your summer footwear! I love how simple they are and how easily they're transformed into something chic and unique.  http://diydoyenne.com/dolce-and-gabbana-inspired-diy/

Next, we have Cathie Filian who shows us how to recover our kicks and give them new life (or take a new pair to new heights)  I have a pair of Vans that are ripe for this project and I can’t wait to try it. http://handmadehappyhour.com/2013/06/18/diy-fabric-covered-sneakers-with-mod-podge/

Kathy Cano-Murillo (Crafty Chica) creates a fantastic tote out of slide protector sheets.  This project is perfect for showing off photos of your kids (and pets) while digging for your change and car keys!  Such an awesome project!  http://www.craftychica.com/site/2013/06/slide-protector-purse/

Jader Bomb (my southern firecracker) creates a stunner of a choker with fabric fringe and tie-dye.  Perfect for summer and super comfortable to wear, too.  I would love to see this with a bathing suit in a glossy summer fashion magazine. http://ilovetocreateblog.blogspot.com/2013/06/how-to-make-tie-dyed-fringe-necklace.html

Heather Mann from DollarStoreCrafts.com is featuring these FANTASTIC OZ inspired Tinker’s Goggles.  They scream steam punk and this project is one of the best DIYs I’ve seen in a very long time.   It was made by none other than the Crafty Chica!   Gotta say, I’m dying to make a pair of my own.  http://dollarstorecrafts.com/2013/06/tutorial-oz-inspired-tinkers-goggles/

Make sure to pop over and check out these terrific projects!  I mean it!