How to Make a Beaded Zip Tie Necklace

Who doesn’t love beautiful, colorful necklaces? This project is perfect for kids and adults alike.  Grab those perler beads, you know, the beads that keep getting sucked into your vacuum, and get going! Since this necklace only requires a few items,  it’s definitely a rainy afternoon must-make.  If you want more DIY jewelry ideas, why not order your copy of the The Big Ass Book of Bling!
You'll love it!  Have fun.  xoxo, Mark

Try using just black and white!

See how to make them here!

From The Big Ass Book of Bling!

Uncle Mark Stikes Again!

Birthday Capes for the nephews (Zen and Zane)

A great gift for boys 4-7!

This is me in the back yard taking one for a test drive.

 I appliqued Z's to the backs by cutting out the letter in fabric and interfacing and then zigzagging it to the back.

*When making capes for twins, it's important to make them different so they don't fight over them!

A 1" bias maker is great for the tie.

Thanks for the awesome Machine Bernina!

The super heros posing for me right before they flew off.  Too much sugar makes for a very rowdy super hero.

INSPIRATION! Shell Game............

In 1781, the princess of Lamballe was given a Rococo cottage adorned with seashells...........

I think this is one of the most amazing rooms I've ever seen.

Doesn't it want to make you cover your walls in seashells?

PAPER MACHE.....WOW!

I'M INSPIRED

 

I have always been a huge fan of paper mache.  We have such an abundance of paper and tossing it has always seemed wrong to me.  Paper mache is probably the least expensive craft project you can make.  It always brings me back to childhood and making huge messes on the picnic table in our backyard. Melanie Bourlon is a French paper mache artist and she is amazing.  Let her work inspire you.  

These remind me of the wonderful body cast that Frida Kahlo wore and then painted.

 I am blown away by the fantasy Melanie has created in her life.

 How wonderful to live with these creatures every day.

Such a wonderful idea an so simple. I would love to own one of these shoes just to keep in my curio cabinet.

This is out of this world!

I made this paper mache table for THE BIG ASS BOOK OF CRAFTS Vol. 1.  It took some time but I enjoy it very much.  Cardboard, newspaper and paper mache glue and you're on your way.

Also in The Big Ass Book of Crafts Vol. 1

Now get that stack of newspapers and get busy!

Grab a cigar......It's a BOX

 Well, it finally arrived.  The 2012 Big Ass Box of Crafts Daily Desktop Calendar!
They are available on my Etsy site if you'd like one.

4 1/2" X 4 1/2" and a big bundle of joy.  This is based on The Big Ass Book of Crafts Vol. 1 and is filled with suggestions, tips and tricks that I use every day that aren't in the book.

 Great packaging!

 One project a week with clear instructions

It's true, Minwax is a favorite!

 Something to think about.

 Great suggestions!

Wow, that's a great idea!

If you would like one, they are now available on my Etsy site.  

ONCE UPON A TIME.........I was a full time fashion designer.

GANSTER GIRLS!

This is one of my favorite collections from when I was a fashion designer showing with the big guns here in New York City.  Many of you know that creating just in fabric was limiting for me so I decided to expand into TV, publishing and crafting.  Me and my assistants sewed this entire collection and it was of the most fun shows I had during my years in the tents.  This collection was all about female mobsters in NEW YORK.  Some of the dresses were actually shot at the police academy to allow the red lining to peek through. Enjoy.......