Thursday, January 28, 2021

Birthstone Penny Charm Bracelets

My mom had a necklace with 5 gold little boys dangling on it...Me and my brother's names were engraved on the back of each one.  My gram had a beautiful gemstone ring with 12 birthstones all lined up representing each of her kids. Yup, 12 kids! Birthstone jewelry is a tradition in our family and I've always love it.  Any jewelry that has real meaning makes it even more special, but it can be expensive.  I remember me and my brothers saving forever to get my mom that necklace for Christmas and I'm sure my dad had to kick in most of it.  This penny charm bracelet is a fun way to get the same sentiment, well, for pennies!  It's still meaningful and just as fun to wear.  It's also really fun looking for the exact birthyear penny to go with each stone.  Make mom's day, sweet friends with this 
Make Your Mark charm bracelet!
A penny for your thoughts?
Contrary to popular belief, it's not illegal to drill a hole in a penny.
Just charming!
Everything I used:
Crystal Lane Flat Back Gems : https://amzn.to/3n8d5Gm John Bead Chains and Findings : https://amzn.to/3n8xCux E6000 Plus: https://amzn.to/30GJc4P
Watch how to make these charmers here OR
Watch how to make them on my YouTube channel here:  https://youtu.be/SCTBBrb4sJE


Be charming!

Thursday, January 21, 2021

Embossed Metal Vases and Wood Boxes

I'm truly obsessed with metal tape and XFasten makes copper tape that's super easy to emboss.  I've used it for everything from jewelry making to these fancy copper candle holders.  Transform everything from jars to wood boxes with this technique.  Add some glass gems and you have the perfect home accessory.  Any embossing folder will work, too.  Just give the tape some texture and you're halfway there.  Try something new, my sweet crafty friends!  Now get out there and 
Make Your Mark!
Use a little green or black acrylic paint to bring out the texture and give a patina!
Try embossing aluminum tape, too!

STUFF I USED FOR THIS PROJECT
XFasten Copper Foil Tape: https://amzn.to/35BO5kW XFasten Heavy Duty Aluminum Foil Reflective Tape: https://amzn.to/3crs2zq E6000 Glue: https://amzn.to/2VfF248 Walnut Hollow Wood Boxes: https://bit.ly/36KCvmR MY AMAZON STORE: https://www.amazon.com/shop/markmontano
Watch how to make these here OR
watch how to make them on my YouTube channel here:  https://youtu.be/Bu3ednayNQw

I have an old Cuttlebug that works beautifully!

My mini treasure chests!

Embossed and beautiful!

Sunday, January 10, 2021

Marbled Leather Cuffs - Made from belts!

Have you ever opened an antique book and been obsessed by the beautiful marbled pages on the inside cover?  All the beautiful colors swirling around together inviting you in to an adventure.  I always wondered how those pages were made and after several YouTube videos and a few deep dives into the artsy corners of the web, I saw how difficult it was to get those effects.  Fortunately Marabu has something called EASY MARBLE and now you can get a very similar effect with a water-filled tub!  As much as I wanted to make paper, I thought marbling some leather cuffs might look amazing.  I'm so happy with them, too!  Get out there and try something new, sweet friends, and always
Make Your Mark!
I couldn't stop making them!
Using the Easy Marble Neon Colors!
STUFF I USED FOR THESE CUFFS
Marabu Easy Marble: http://amzn.to/2F2oT7t Easy Marble Color Shifts: https://bit.ly/3fOtN9E Metal Snap Kit: https://amzn.to/2TmQjOb
Drop the colors in, swirl and dip!
Watch how to make these marbled cuffs here OR 
watch the video on my YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/7AA3KVg1riM



So 80s!
Save your old belts!  They make amazing jewelry!
The only cuffs you want on your wrists!