Waterfall Necklaces with the New CaBezel Molds

I've been having fun making pendant pieces using the new CaBezel molds by Wendy Orlowski.  These ones have a hole in the center and I just love the new shapes.  They will be available soon at Shades of Clay and also in several sizes for each shape.  I can hardly wait and really excited to create with those as well.  I am thinking the smaller shapes would make great earrings to match the pendants.

I like to create the Bezel parts of the molds first so they are ready to fill with our various designs.

So all of these pieces that I created are interchangeable with a snap embedded into the back.  I shared a mini tutorial on how to do this in a previous post here.  The nice thing about making them interchangeable instead of adding a bail is that they can be worn in a variety of ways.  Every person has different preferences when it comes to wearing a necklace including size, color and even style.  With this method, we can create the art and the customer can decide how they want to wear it. 

I was photographing some of these pieces to list in our online store and made a cool discovery.  When I added them to our snap base with a chain tassel I noticed the chain would fit through the center hole of the pendant piece creating a cool waterfall effect!

No matter which shape I used, the chain fit through the hole and was perfectly balanced!

If you would like to create your own interchangeable snap necklaces we have several findings available in our Supply section of our online store (click on the photos for more info) with several items on sale until the end of the week or while supplies last.

Basic Snap Base Link with 2 Loops

Basic Snap Pendants

Snap Base Pendant With Attached Tube Bail

And to get you started, check out my Interchangeable Polymer Clay Jewelry in a Snap tutorial.  I share lots of tips and tricks on working with the metal snaps such as adding your clay creations, baking and finishing.

My tutorial (part 1 & 2 combined) is 25% off until the end of the month and you will receive your bonus personalized coupon code for 20% off your first purchase of snap supplies!

Christmas in July Special

I know it is hard to think about Christmas in the middle of summer. Here in our area we have had extreme high temperatures and with several major forest fires in the distance, we are almost wishing it was winter!  But if you are making items for  Christmas gifts or to sell at your Christmas shows, now is the time to start if you haven't already.

We are having a limited time special to go along with your creating.  With a minimum purchase from any of our supplies in our online store, you will receive a credit to use towards any of our tutorials.  The amounts that you will receive are based on your total purchase which is listed below:

Purchase $50* total from our supplies section:

Receive a $10 credit to use towards

any of our tutorials!

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Purchase $75* total from our supplies section:

  Receive a $15 credit to use towards

any of our tutorials!

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Purchase $100* total from our supplies section:

  Receive a $25 credit to use towards
any of our tutorials!

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* (Order total is after any discounts
or coupon codes that have been applied)

-- No coupon code is needed -- 
Special applies to anything in our Supplies Section

** That includes all jewelry making supplies
and even buffing pads! **

A coupon code to be applied towards
any tutorials of your choice will be sent directly
to the shipping e-mail address that is provided
after your order has been processed.
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We are now stocked up on lots of supplies and have put together some new kits in our Snap Supply Section!  We have also brought back our Snowflakes in a Snap tutorial but in a special package so you can start making your own snowflake designs early this year!

We have other new kits listed including one for rings, earrings and much more!  See all our snap supplies in our snap supply section in our online store.

Snap Base Ring Starter Kit

Snap Base Earring Starter Kit

So shop early while we have lots of inventory and get a head start this year with some extra savings!

Shop Now

Art Snap of the Month and New Items

We are starting a new program on our website.  Each month we will have a featured art snap of the month.  With every $50 purchase from our Snap Decisions Collection you will receive one of our handcrafted art snaps as a gift for free!

For the month of July our art snap of the month is our popular multi-floral in a selection of six colors to choose from each with our signature lady bug!  There is no coupon code necessary.  After purchasing at least $50 (Cdn) from our Snap Decisions Collection, leave a comment at the checkout telling us which color of snap you would like and we will included it with your order.  With a $100 order you will receive two bonus snaps plus free shipping!

We also have added some new items to our Snap Decisions Collection.  Most are in our "New Items" section but here are a few examples:  (Click on the photos to view the items in our shop)

New Stretch Band Hair Ties with a Snap Base

New Snap Base Post Earrings with a Built in Clip.

No more fiddling around with little stoppers!

Waterdrop Pendant

Also available with our interchangeable clip bail

Faux Snake Chain Lariat

Make Your Own Interchangeable Snap Bracelet

We have these cool bracelet clasps in our DIY Snap Supply section of our online store that have a snap for interchanging.

I suddenly realized I never did a tutorial on how to make your own bracelet with these and even though it is quite simple I thought I would give you a mini tutorial here with a special bonus offer!

These clasps come as a two piece set.  The main part with a snap base for interchanging your art snaps and a slider that keeps the bracelet closed while wearing.

To create your own bracelet, you will need some cord that is 6 mm thick and 14"-16" long, depending on your wrist size.  15" (36 mm) is good for an average size wrist.  I have a small wrist and so my cord length is 14" (34 mm) and you can cut it 16" (38 mm) or longer for a larger size wrist.

Fold your cord in half and slide on the slider piece.  Slide it up towards the folded loop making sure that the ends are even.

If your cord has a seam, make sure the seam is to the back or bottom of your bracelet so it is hidden.

All that is left now is to glue the ends of your cord into the snap base.  I like to use a gel type super glue.  The Loctite brand is exceptional as it is quick drying and holds really well!  So add some glue directly to the inside of the snap base end as shown (rather than on the cord as it is less messy this way).  Insert your cord ends and hold for a few seconds until it is secure.  Note:  Because this glue is fast drying it is good to make sure your cord ends are already straight and lined up ready to insert before adding the glue.

Once the glue is dry, your bracelet is now ready to wear!

A - open the loop by pulling back the slider
B - place the loop over the snap base and fit it in the groove
C - Push the slider up to hold it in place
D - Snap in your art design and wear!

We also have Necklace magnetic front closure clasps with a snap that take the same size cord and you can create a matching set.  My tutorial to create the necklace is here.

And for a limited time, we have a special bonus offer.  Purchase some of the snap base clasps and receive some cord at no extra charge to make your own bracelets or necklace.  This cord is a super soft Ultra-suede in black with a copper brown heart pattern.  You will see the bonus packs in our DIY Snap supply section in our online store.

Happy Canada Day!

Happy Canada Day!

Here in Canada we have an even greater reason to celebrate as Canada will be 150 years old!  Dave and I will be celebrating down at the Shuswap Artisan Market in Sorrento today so if you are in the area, drop in and say hi.  We will have a large selection of our handcrafted Canadian themed items available.

To celebrate, we are having a sale -- 20% off all our Canadian themed items.  Enter the coupon code:  Canada150 at the checkout to receive your discount.  Click here or on the photo below to see our Canada Collection: