Making a Ribbon Necklace

This has been a busy time for us right now with selling in Christmas craft fairs on the weekends  and filling custom orders in between.  I've also been working on some more tutorials to share.

The cool thing about making beads from polymer clay is how I can drill the holes almost any size.  This give the advantage of using a variety of stringing materials other than the typical wires.  Heavier and thicker materials can be used such as waxed cotton, fancy yarns and even ribbon.  I discovered how I love to wear ribbon type necklaces, especially in the hot summer months.  They are also fun and easy to make.

The main thing you need is a "needle" tool to thread your beads.  I like to use a piece of scrap flex wire and fold it in half.

Slip the wire through your bead:

Thread the ribbon through the wire (you don't have to go far)

Pull the wire through the bead (you may want to use pliers to grab the wire so you don't cut your hand) and voila!   Your bead is threaded!

For a simple yet elegant necklace, thread a bead and center it on your ribbon.  Tie a knot on each side close to the bead.  Thread another bead on each side and knot again.  Continue until you have as many beads to make a nice finished necklace leaving enough ribbon for tying.

I like to thread and knot some smaller beads at the ends of my ribbon for finishing.  They add a nice touch to the back as well as making it easier to handle when tying.

Holiday Specials in our Art Fire Studio

We have a few items for sale in our Art Fire Studio this weekend.  Our stocking stuffer special is still on  -- mix and match -- buy any 3 items in our $10 gift section for $25.  We have 2 more Christmas fairs to attend yet for this year -- this weekend and next weekend and some of the items in our shop are selling fast so no guarantee what will be in stock after then.

All our Chandelier Candle Collar sets are on special for $25 U.S. (regular $35 U.S.)  That is $10 off.  These are our own design and are all one of a kind -- no one makes anything like these.

 

We have some Holiday Style Jewelry in our studio for sale as well.  Everything in the Holiday Special section is 15% off.   Prices will be reduced at the check-out when you enter the coupon code:  Merry Christmas.

 

Here are a few of the buttons listed in our Etsy Shop.  I've been experimenting with a variety of designs, shapes and sizes....

  

Black & White                            Square Zebra Print

  

Tartan Plaid                            Gilded Copper Spiral

  

Purple Pansies                                      Autumn Leaves

  

Christmas Stars                         Swirly Red & Green

Some new Tartan Plaid

I've been working on perfecting my technique in creating my tartan plaid canes and experimenting with some new colors.  This new one is in blue and green with a red stripe.

And some pieces I've created with it so far:

  

Tartan "Fabric" pendant     &      Earrings

  

Modern Tartan Pendant      &      Earrings

  

Tile Bracelet Links             &             Beads

I love the warm feel that the tartan pattern gives to my clay pieces and I think I'm hooked.  Since my  grandmother is from Scotland I decided to look up the tartan for her family clan and this is what I found:

I'm thinking of creating something in this pattern for my mother this Christmas that can represent her family history.  Since my mom doesn't have internet or a computer I think I'm safe in sharing this here!

Tutorial - Stringing a Reversible Stretch Tile Bracelet

Today I thought I would do something a little different.  It's been a while since I did a tutorial and instead of a clay tutorial I thought I would share some tips on using a variety of beads available in our Etsy shop.  One type I love to make are the 2 holed tile bracelet beads.

I also use them for my watch bands.

Most of my beads have a different pattern on both sides so they can be reversible.  I thought I would share how to string a stretch bracelet which is the easiest method that even a beginner could do.


First of all, you need to determine the finished length of your bracelet.  Using a cloth or flexible measuring tape, wrap it loosely around your wrist.  If you do not have this type of measuring tape you can always print one out.  This is your wrist measurement but you do not want the bracelet to fit too tight so add a little extra to a fit you prefer.

Pick out your beads that will go between the tiles and lay them out to see how many you will need.  Most of the tile beads I create have a continuous pattern so I like to keep them in order.  If I need to leave any extras out, I will omit them from either end.  Make sure the elastic will fit through the holes of the  beads you select.  I like to use a heavier (1mm) elastic for strength, whenever possible.  Cut 2 pieces of elastic measuring the finished length of the bracelet plus 4"- 5" extra to allow for tying.

Thread the elastic through one side going through all of the beads.  Tie a square knot.

Check the fit to see if you need to add or take out any beads.  If the fit feels good, then tighten the knot.  You can add some glue onto the knot for added security if you wish.

To finish off and hide the knot, take one of the end strands and thread it back through the tile bead next to it as shown in the picture below.  Pull on the elastic until the knot disappears inside the tile bead.  Trim off the ends by lightly tugging on the strand so that when you let go it springs back into the tile.

Repeat the above process for the other side.

Taadaa!  Your bracelet is now finished!

To switch to the reverse side, just twist inside out.

And you now have 2 bracelets in one!

Some new pieces with a twist

I've been having fun experimenting with what I learned from Julie Picarello last week and adding my own spin on things.  These are a few new style pieces I've come up with so far.  I'm still working on some more and my camera batteries died so need to recharge.

  

Hair Barrette                                 Bangle 

  

Black & White Pendant               Olive & Gold Pendant

Stocking Stuffer Sale on Art Fire

 

We are having a Stocking Stuffer sale in our Art Fire Studio until Dec. 15th.

You can mix and match any 3 items listed in our $10 Gift Section for $25.  We have an assortment of items that are all one of a kind pieces.  Pens, Key Chains, Hair Barrettes, Candle Collars, Fan/Light Pulls, Gift(card) Boxes, mirror compacts and more....