Snowflakes . . . in a Snap!

Get ready for the holidays with some fun snowflakes.  My seasonal "Snowflakes . . . in a Snap!" tutorial is once again available for sale.  This is a follow-up lesson to my "Snap Decisions" tutorial (part 1) which you would need to understand it.

Right now, with the purchase of both parts 1 & 2 of my Snap Decisions tutorial (with or without the starter kit), you will receive the Snowflakes in a Snap tutorial at no charge (value $10).  It will be emailed out along with the Snap Decisions tutorial after purchased.  (Click on the photos below to see more about the tutorial and tutorial with starter kit.

And there is another bonus!  The Snowflakes in a Snap lesson is available in pdf format that is sent directly to the e-mail address provided when purchased but is also available with a free bonus starter pack which includes some blank snaps, a beautiful snap pendant, a rhinestone snap ring, 30 hot fix crystals and a snowflake charm for create your own mold.

To receive this bonus starter kit, just purchase this snowflake tutorial with a minimum of $50 from my Snap Supplies category (including clearance and after any other discounts are applied) at the same time.  Mention the starter kit at the check-out in the comments section and if you have a preferred crystal color rather than mixed. Shipping charges will apply for this bonus offer but we do offer free shipping with a minimum amount.  You can see our shipping charges and policy here.

Snap Decisions Tutorial & Bonus

A new year has already started and I am so ready to put 2022 behind me!  But it seems the cycle never ends and January means back to end of year bookkeeping, taking inventory and such.  Counting all the trillions of little items for inventory is not my favorite task but has to be done.  I am quite strange though as I have taken all the accounting courses and quite enjoy it.  I just find it difficult to switch back and forth between that and my creativity in the studio.  It is like a struggle that goes on between the right side and left side of my brain.  So I will forge ahead and wrap up the paperwork as quick as possible so I can go back to the fun side of life!

Unlike a New Year's resolution, I have instead been contemplating on what my focus should be for this year and I feel I have a good plan.  I have already started off by implementing a few changes with more to come later.

Eight years ago I created my first interchangeable "snap" jewelry pieces!  This idea was a real game changer for me and I still love the whole concept.  Since then, I have expanded my collection a great deal and I plan to continue on and still make it my main focus.

I published my "Snap Decisions" tutorial back in 2015 which I since had for sale -- that is until now.  It is no longer for sale -- that is as an individual lesson.  It is now included (at no charge) with the purchase of my new "Starter Packs".  These starter packs include a wide range of snaps and accessories (items may vary slightly from the photos) that will jumpstart your creativity and hopefully to have fun creating your own original designs!

Here is how it works:

With the purchase of starter pack 1, you will receive as follows:

- a wide range of snaps and snap accessories.

- Part 1 of my tutorial (PDF format)

A total value of $75+  for only $60 Cdn. (plus shipping and taxes if applicable)

With the purchase of starter pack 2, you will receive as follows:

- a large supply of snaps and snap accessories

- Parts 1 & 2 of my tutorial (PDF format)

- Bonus:  Your own personal coupon code for future discounts from our DIY Snap & Jewelry supplies.  (Note: Coupon code must be used at least once a year in order to keep it activated).

A total value of $120+  for only $95 Cdn (plus shipping and taxes if applicable) 

The tutorial(s) that is included with your starter pack will be sent out separately as a PDF file directly to the e-mail address provided.  This will give you a head start to read it through and familiarize yourself before your snaps arrive in the mail.

These packs are a lot of fun and provide a sampling of many items to not only get you started but also get a feel for any items you might want to make more of in the future.

Personal Coupon Code

So what is the personal coupon code?  This is included only with the Starter Pack 2 -- The larger pack that includes both of parts 1 & 2 of my Snap Decisions tutorial.  It is your own personalized code (not to be shared with anyone else) for a 25% discount on any future supplies from our online store.  This is a great saving as most of the items in those categories are already at bulk prices.

The coupon code does not expire, that is, as long as it is used at least once a year.  The year starts from your date of purchase.

If you do already have a coupon code and it has expired, then you can purchase the starter pack 2 and your code will be reactivated again.  You will also receive the starter pack of snaps and snap accessories included.

And now, one more announcement:

I have created a Facebook Group:

SNAP DECISIONS HANDCRAFTED DIY

This is a group that I am just now starting and you can click on the link above to join.  I hope it will be of some help to those who could use some inspiration as well as more tips and tricks on creating your own interchangeable snap jewelry.  Hopefully I will get to meet up with many of you there.

Gingham and Buffalo Plaids

I really like my buffalo plaid tunic style shirts and leggings I purchased last year.  I practically live in them during the winter months as they are so cosy.  I usually wear them open style with different colored shirts underneath.

These shirts inspired me to make some buffalo plaid inspired jewelry pieces.  These all coordinate and as they are all interchangeable, can be worn a variety of ways.  Any colored pieces shown here are all in the Pantone Fall 2021 Fashion color Fire Whirl and Black.

Large interchangeable "snap" on a cork "snap base necklace"

Buffalo Plaid interchangeable "snap" on a cork bracelet and necklace

Buffalo Plaid Post Earrings

All the interchangeable snaps and jewelry pieces shown here are available in the Shuswap Artisan Market in Sorrento BC, Shear FX Studio in Chase BC and in my online store.

New Mini Snaps

I am excited to announce the new addition to my Snap Decisions Collection -- our mini size snaps and mini snap base earrings.  These snaps are smaller than our regular-size snaps and can be interchanged with our wide selection of our own unique designer snap earring bases.  And if you like to create your own, we have already added supplies in our DIY snap section.  

These are already available in several locations:

Shear Fx Studio - Chase, BC

Shuswap Artisan Market - Sorrento, BC

And of course in our online store (shop here)

And I will also have my whole line available at the Pop-up this coming Friday at:

Kelowna Yarn & Needlecrafts

Silk Screen Printing with Pantone Spring 2021 Fashion Colors

I have been experimenting with adding silk screen prints on the Pantone Spring 2021 Fashion colors to create some new decorative snaps.  I don't make the typical clay pendant or necklace anymore as I find the interchangeable snaps are more practical as they can be worn so many different ways.  This way I create the art and the individual can decide how they want to wear it.

Below are larger size snaps with Cerulean Blue as the base and screen printed with black and white.  These are on a thick "softglass" cord (available at Shades of Clay) with an added snap base with a tube bail.

And here are the same colors made into the regular size snaps:

The snaps below are in the Pantone color Amethyst Orchid and screen printed in white:

If you are interested in making your own clay designs into interchangeable snaps, my 2 part tutorial is available in my online store only and on sale until July 5th.

 

Included with the tutorial purchase is your own private coupon code (unlimited) for 25% off all our snap and jewelry making supplies.

Merry Christmas & New Scarf Rings

I finally seemed to outgrow my trusty laptop computer and had to bite the bullet and get a newer model with more capacity and speed.  Unfortunately transferring all of my important files and getting things functioning properly has been a slow process.  I guess this is one of my poor excuses for not keeping up with my blog.  The other is that I have just been extremely busy with Christmas shows, the Shuswap Artisan Market, delivering product to the stores that sell my work and clay production in between.  I am actually relieved to see the Christmas holidays as I can finally take a few days out just for myself, which does not happen very often.

In the meantime, I have listed some new items in the store which are very exciting.  I know many of you love scarves and are always looking for new ways to add your polymer clay beads or accents.  I have now added some new scarf rings/slides to my shop that have a snap base.  These are available in three different styles.

These are perfect for adding your own snap designs for interchanging.  You can add a regular size snap:

Scarf Ring with Interchangeable Snap in Resin with German Glass Glitter

Scarf Ring with Interchangeable Snap in Art Deco Design

Or be more creative and add a larger size piece with a mounted snap for interchanging:

And many of you have asked where you can purchase some nice scarves.  Well I have now added some to my supplies category and the good news is that if you have your own personal "Snap" discount code, it will now also work in the Accessories & Jewelry Supplies category as well.

If you have purchased my Snap Decisions Tutorial (both parts 1 & 2) and do not have your own personal discount code and would like one, please contact me and it can be arranged.  Since it is now the holiday season, I might not be able to have it for you until after New Years, so please be patient.

So I would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas!  May you all have a fun and inspiring holiday season!

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.