CraftyHope: June 2021

Chain Link Earrings: Part 7

I know my presence here lately has been pretty lax, I have to apologize for that. My attention and motivation have been pure wacky lately. I can't seem to accomplish much of what I want to get done each day. But, every day is a chance to improve. So, I'm working on it - slowly but surely.

Today, I'm here to share another Chain Link Earring Tutorial.

These are some of my favorite in the whole series. I just love the buttons mixed with the beads.

The wrapping to get the button on the link was a little fiddly as you'll see in the video. If you do have any questions about it or any other jewelry-making, please give me a shout in the comments!

Here's the video of how to make these Chain Link Earrings

I had a little snafu in the making of these earrings and left the camera going so you could see how I worked out and fixed the problem. And, it helps illustrate that even for me, it's not always smooth sailing to get simple items made.

Now, I'm contemplating making other jewelry videos as there are only three of these chain-link tutorials left in the series. What would you like to see from me?

Bead Box 12 - Reveal

Over the last several years, I've stocked and revealed what I've made from my Bead Box. I can't believe that I've gone through a dozen of them.

This little, plastic organizer started off as something for me to have on hand to keep me busy when I was away from home. Over the past year and a half, I've kept it going to keep me occupied at times when I've not felt very inspired. I'm having a bit of an inspiration dip at the moment, but don't have a box stocked because of just recently finishing it. But, I'm slowly working on restocking it. For now, it's time that I reveal what I created from Bead Box 12 and hope that my inspiration returns very soon.

This Tin Mushroom Necklace can currently be found in the Etsy Shop. I love its bright statement as a focal while still being a fairly simple piece.

These fun hoop earrings can be found in the booth at Southern Antiques and Accents (SAA) in Fairhope. Their simple palette means that they can work with just about any outfit.

Alas, this bracelet just didn't work out. I was so excited about all the fringe on it, but it just doesn't hang well and is a bit fiddly.

These earrings just don't work either. For one thing, one of the chips broke off (do you see the space in the one on the left?) As well, they're kinda heavy. And, I think there may be too many elements to them. I could break these down and make at least two other pairs of earrings. That's probably what's going to happen.

I think these little tin and bead earrings are perfect for summer. They're in the booth at SAA.

Speaking of summery fun earrings, this pair of Confetti Tin Earrings also meets that criteria. They're available on Etsy.

It didn't take long for this necklace to sell right after it was listed on Etsy.

I must admit, there was a lot of color packed into this box! You can find this bright and fun necklace at the booth in Fairhope.

I'm such a sucker for the blues. This bead and key necklace will be listed on Etsy very soon.

More color! Keep your eyes peeled as this beauty of a bracelet is destined for the Etsy shop.

Yes, back-to-back rainbows! This Rainbow Inspiration Bracelet is already in the Etsy shop.

This cutie sold out of the Etsy shop almost as soon as it was listed.

I listed this Locker Tag Bracelet on Etsy just today. It may be simple, but something about that tag makes me smile.

I tried for several days to get a pair of tassel earrings made with these materials but just couldn't get those clock hands to hang from under the tassel just the way I wanted. I've put this idea aside for the moment.

This long, Two Faces Necklace is available on Etsy.

How fun are these earrings? They'll be available on Etsy before too long.

It took me a while to work out what I wanted to do with the simple elements that make up these earrings. Now that they're made, I'll be listing them in the Etsy shop eventually.

If you're interested in the other versions of my bead box, here are the links to the others

Bead Box 10 - Stocked

Bead Box 10 - Reveal

Bead Box 11 - Stocked

Bead Box 11 - Reveal

Bead Box 12 - Stocked

I'll admit that I do have a few designs crammed into Bead Box 13, but have stalled out of ideas at the moment. Hopefully, I'll find the inspiration to get back to it soon.

In the meantime, let me know which of these are your favorites?

Chain Link Earrings: Part 6

I've been working my way through sharing how to make a variety of simple earrings using large links of metal jewelry chain in combination with beads and a few other basic supplies. There are already five videos available in the playlist for this series. Today, I'm sharing the sixth tutorial.

The earrings in this lesson have a bit of leaf chain fringe hanging from the bottom. However, I could see a tassel, charm, bead dangle, or a combination of all of those being used instead - depending on what you like and what is available to you.

As well, the large chain link hangs from a simple combination of bead and bead caps that is wire-wrapped to the link. This addition to the earrings isn't completely necessary but added a subtle bit of color to the earrings that I like.

The video is a short one since all the techniques are fairly simple.

As always, if you have any questions about the materials or techniques I used, I am more than happy to help. Ask away!

June Challenges & Inspirations

I have to admit that I've been pretty lax lately about the art challenges I participate in. I think The 100 Day Project got the best of me, and I needed a break. Of course, I've already jumped onto another daily project but hope I can balance it out some.

Here are the ones I know about for this month so far.

ICAD (Index Card A Day) is the new daily challenge I've begun. I have done it the past several years and thought it would be fun once again. You can find all the information about ICAD from Tammie of Daisy Yellow. She has prompts and instructions and ideas for you to explore on her site. Though the official start date was June 1, you still have plenty of time to catch up if you want to play along!
Over on the Art Elements page, Jenny announced that the June Theme is Lizards. This makes me smile as chameleons are one of my favorite animals. But, I'm not sure how I can work them into my jewelry and art. I guess I need to explore that some! That's the fun of the challenge. You can submit your contributions to this theme in the Art Elements Community on Facebook throughout the month.
Halcraft Collection has revealed their Blue Lagoon Pretty Palette Inspiration for June, and I love it. Blues are definitely my jam. Get all the information about how to play along with this challenge on their page.
Sarajo and Eric revealed the inspiration photo for June's Honey Do List. Take a look at their photo and create some jewelry! The reveal is set for June 28th, but Sarajo usually leaves the linky tool open for some time if your inspiration takes a bit to strike!

And, that's really all I have for this month. If you know of any other inspirations that could be added to this list, please don't hesitate to let me know. I'd be happy to include them also. Happy creating!

Mixed Media Art Videos in May

In case you missed some of the mixed media art videos over on my YouTube Channel, here's a peek at each of the projects from last month with links to the videos.

DIY Mixed Media Art Charms

Art Journal Spread: Sassy Girls

Art Journal Page: Discover

DIY Small Junk Journal from Scraps

You, Me, Same 3 May 2021: Art Journal Spread

The above videos are a nice mix of art journal pages along with tutorials for making a journal and making charms using art journaling techniques. I hope these spark your interest and ignite your imagination. Let me know if you have any questions at all!

Chain Link Earrings Part 5

Today, I continue the series of DIY Chain Link Earrings. (I'll include links to the other four tutorials at the bottom of the post.) Each of the earrings in this series include a large link from a metal chain. I knew the chunky chains weren't right for my more delicate style of necklaces and bracelets, but that they would work perfectly as the base for earrings. This video series was born.

In this fifth earring tutorial, I show you how to use Vintaj Patinas in a simple pattern to alter a set of links before adding a matching bead and an ear wire.