DIY Paper Jewellery

When I got out my jewellery making equipment last week to create my Gucci watch knock-off, I was not only reminded of just how much supplies I have, but also, how much I used to enjoy making jewellery.

So, I decided to make something super easy and fun that I can wear as an accessory this week.  I had bought some Mod Podge Dimensional glue ages ago and have been dying to experiment with it.  And yes, experiment is definitely the right word.  I have to admit, that this post is going up a little later than usual because not everything went exactly as planned, but here's what I ended up with:

Supplies:

Steps:
1) Trace or directly cut out a circle (any size) out of heavy weight scrapbooking paper.  If you want to weigh down your paper just a tiny bit more, cut out a second circle from another heavy piece of paper, just the tiniest bit smaller, and glue to the back of your scrapbooking paper.


(I'm still trying to get the knack of this cutter,
if anyone has any tips feel free to leave a comment below)

2) Poke a hole at the top of your circle being careful to go close enough to the edge that you'll be able to insert a jump ring, but not so close that you rip the paper.

3) Now apply your Dimensionals Mod Podge, going right to the edge, and being careful not to cover up the hole at the top.  Watch for bubbles, and if you put too much on, just let it drip off onto some scrap.  It'll all even out eventually.


As you can see...I put too much on.
I ended up adding another coat though, once this one dried.

 Let dry for several hours.  My paper started to curl up a bit, so once it was no longer sticky I put something heavy on top to weight it down.

5) Add a jump ring and connect to a chain for a necklace or create some cute earrings.

Oooh la la????
Pin It

Although I'm not super duper thrilled with the results it was still a fun experiement and I can think of other ways to improve the project.  I think I'll make some more and add a layer of Sparkle Mod Podge or glitter and other embellishments too just for fun!  And I'll definitely try adhereing the paper to something heftier next time.

There are loads of possibilities though, just think of all of the different shapes you could try if you have a template or a Cricut machine!  (oooooh, I'm very jealous of you cricuters)  Or, make a whole bunch of tiny pendants and string them together for a pretty piece.  Let your imagination soar and see what you come up with.  I'd love to hear about it.

Leave a comment and let me know if you try this out.
Could be a great last minute gift or just something fun to do with the kids.

As usual, I'll be posting at the linky parties throughout the week so make sure to check out the tab up top!

Happy Crafting~

Inspiration Shot: My Happy Place

Welcome to my happy place.  A couple of years ago I went to Nice, France and stayed on the French Riviera for 6 weeks.  It was one of the best vacations I've ever had.  Every day was filled with nothing but day trips to fabulous little medieval towns (including Cannes during the film festival!), art galleries, museums, shopping in quaint markets, and of course the beach.

Whenever I'm having a not so great day, I let my mind wander back to this shot and think about what my life would be like now if I had stayed .... ahhhhhhh~

Nice, France

Do you have a happy place?  Does it inspire you?  Leave a comment and share your thoughts.

Show and Tell: Jewellery 'organizers'

All of my jewellery is either something I've made or something I've bought on sale super duper cheap.  I'm not one of those lucky ladies who gets rubies, emeralds, and pearls on special occasions every year.  But I think this is a good thing, because that means I don't have to hide it away in a wall safe behind a portrait of my great-great-grandfather in some far off room in the house.  It's all nice and handy and right where I need it.

This little vignette sits on top of a bookcase, on a short wall that juts out about 8 inches right next to my closet.

I know this looks like a mess but because everything is pretty chunky it really doesn't ever get tangled.  I love this vase, and I think it was a steal for about a dollar at the second hand store.


(Can you see my New Years Fascinator and my Wooden Beaded Necklace projects in there?)


These little glass dishes are so cute.  I think I picked them up at the 2nd hand store for about 25 cents each.

This is my favourite piece.  It was originally a very ugly and tacky tea light holder.  I painted it white, spread out the flower petals a bit and now it's the perfect place to put bracelets and long dangly earrings.  (another second hand score for about 75 cents)

Aside from the little ring dish, this pretty lady is the only other thing that is actually supposed to hold jewellery...and  she's doing a pretty good job.


(You can see my Wall Flowers project just peeking out the right hand side)

 This is kind of a funny show and tell because there's not a whole lot of crafting going on here, but I thought it might give you some ideas.

Have a great week and make sure to check out the
linky parties and other tabs up top~

Hidden Treasures: Hippie Hippie Shake

If you're not part of the Etsy community (yet), you're missing out on an incredible place that is totally committed to the art of the handmade.  It's a wonderful place to find everything you need, or just want, while supporting fellow crafters and artists.  It's also just a treasure trove of  great ideas and inspiration.

For something new this year I thought I'd post a treasury of various Etsy sellers each week.  Click on the thumbnail to visit the shops and see what else you can find.  And while you're hanging out at Etsy you can feel free to visit me at the Etcetorize etsy shop~

If an item doesn't have a selling amount below it just means that it's already sold.  Check out the seller's store for similar items, you never know what you'll find!

'Hippie Hippie Shake' by Etcetorize

A magic carpet ride in the summer of love~

Vintage Retro Knitting Patte... toknittowoo $3.50	Aquarius print 11x17 illustrology $28.00	Peace. O-ring Style Cuff Bra... trinketsforkee... $8.50
NATIVE AMERICAN MANDALA -Fin... mandalamagic1 $51.00	NEW One-Of-A-Kind Custom Hoo... HoopMamas $29.95	Recycled Leather Jacket Hand... onceworn $220.00
Handmade Vintage Poncho in D... RubyChicBoutiq... $68.00	8 X 10 INCH PRINT Radiant Fo... ArtOfAndrewDan... $15.00	Four Engraved Wood Coasters ... thisfineday $24.95
Sale//Blue Denim Bellbottom ... grooviebooty $35.00	Black Floppy Hat by Desira P... desirapesta $55.00	Unknown Legend Fringed Tass... flaminghagfolk... $24.00

Treasury tool is sponsored by Lazzia.com.

Designer Watch Knock-Off

This is another one of those projects that's been inside my head for longer than I can remember and I just never got around to doing it.

I rarely ever wear a watch.  I find it constricting and besides there's almost always someone nearby that can tell you the time if you  really need to know.  But many years ago, a friend of mine bought herself the most beautiful Gucci watch that I lusted over.  I couldn't fathom paying so much for a watch but I always kept it in my mind that someday I would make something similar.

Here's the inspiration:


Retails for approximately $850

Here are the supplies I used:

Steps:
1) Carefully remove watch band.

2) Measure and cut two pieces of leather cording.  I liked the look of one long piece on each side, folded in half,  that wrapped around one and a half times (comfortably).

3)  Attach jewellery findings.  I used one end connector on each end of the leather (4 in all), added a jump ring, and connected to a closure.

 

 

TAH DAH!!!

I wouldn't turn down the real one but I love my version too, and I must've saved myself at least $840!

I'll be linking up through out the week at all the parties so make sure to check
out the linky party tab and the buttons on the side bar.

Don't forget to leave a comment and let me know what you think of my knock off~

Inspiration Shot: Road to ????

Where will your road take you?  What's at the end?  If there's a fork in the road which way will you go?


Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada

One more question...is it just me or is there a really spooky cat face in the trees in the upper left hand corner???

Show and Tell: Wall Flowers

Long before Umbra came out with their magnetic wall flowers (which you can see hanging in my living room below), I created my own version, which actually came out of another project from even further back.

Originally I cut out some cute little butterflies from heavy weight gift wrap that had a floral theme to it.  This was way before the days of scrapbooking, so I didn't have the choices we have today.  I stuck the butterflies up right on my window in my sewing room for a cute and whimsical feel.

And even though I'm probably far too old to have cutesy flowers and butterflies hanging on my walls....I still do.  (I don't share my house with anyone else, so I can get as girly as I want~)

I just cut out three sizes of a basic flower shape in origami paper, put some blue sticky poster gunk on the back, and stuck them up on a skinny little wall right by my closet.  They make me smile in the mornings when I'm trying to figure out what on earth I'm going to wear each day.

What do you think?  Are we ever too old for whimsy or is this better left for little girls?

Hidden Treasures: Francais, s'il vous plait!

If you're not part of the Etsy community (yet), you're missing out on an incredible place that is totally committed to the art of the handmade.  It's a wonderful place to find everything you need, or just want, while supporting fellow crafters and artists.  It's also just a treasure trove of  great ideas and inspiration.

For something new this year I thought I'd post a treasury of various Etsy sellers each week.  Click on the thumbnail to visit the shops and see what else you can find.  And while you're hanging out at Etsy you can feel free to visit me at the Etcetorize etsy shop~

If an item doesn't have a selling amount below it just means that it's already sold.  Check out the seller's store for similar items, you never know what you'll find!

'Francais, s'il vous plait!' by Etcetorize

UNDECIDED CLOUDS-EIFFEL TOWE... KateSexsonArt $22.00	On the way to Rossignol - O... CatAndBearStud... $90.00	Marie Antoinette Designer Fa... sherrifairy $3.99
Vintage glass Prism with Fre... NaturesCabinet $8.00	French Butterfly Linen and B... JolieMarche $	Eiffel Tower Gift Tags by Ga... GaGa4GiftTags $
French Style Tags Bonjour wi... Bluebirdlane $6.00	BUY 3 GET 1 FREE - UN CADEAU... sabrinazanetti $	Handcrafted Sterling Silver ... MiniaturesByNa... $22.00
2 FRENCH CHARMS King and Que... passepurse $12.00	French Apothecary Label (Sav... SimplyFrenchMa... $4.00	FLEUR DE LIS - Verdigris Pen... Etherealcreati... $32.50

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