Silver Necklace

I finished a piece of jewelry using silver last night.  My first time using silver chain in a design. I used silver plated chain and findings to keep it affordable.

And I made matching earrings.  I still like working with brass but according to my daughter silver is popular right now!

Tutorial: Make your own Dry Waxed Paper Bags

When I was doing a lot of paper piecing quilt blocks for my Dear Jane quilt a friend told me to use Handy Wacks because it was less expensive to use than the traditional paper you buy at the quilt shop. Since 500 sheets come in a box and I wasn't going use 500 for quilting, I put them in my kitchen to use for wrapping sandwiches and lining cookie trays. Last week my bagel was wrapped in the paper, I thought...  I could make little bags with these and they were already perforated on the ends. With 1 sheet you can make 4 bags that are 4 1/2 x 2 3/4 without any waste. You can also customize to any size you need.

   Tools you need: Handy Wack sheets 12 x 10 3/4 , Paper Cutter and Elmers Craft Bond Glue Stick extra strength.
I found the Handy Wack sheets at Costco. I think they were around $7.00 for a 2 pack?    

Tip: Glue both sides of the paper for a better hold.

What is nice about dry waxed bags vs a glassine bag is that you can stamp them.

This size is perfect for artist trading cards, a tea light candle and a surprise treat.

  I used a scallop blade in my paper cutter for a different edge on the ones on the bottom. 

Ginger's debut

Well...What I thought was going to be a bracelet turned into a necklace and earrings. It's funny how you start out with one thing and end up with another. My favorite model Ginger is modeling the necklace. She also serves as a dress form for my sewing projects too.

I love using brass ox/antique brass in my designs, it just gives it a nice vintage feel. But last week my daughter told me I need to make silver jewelry too, so I am going to fulfill her request and use silver in my next design. 

 Now the necklace and earrings are ready to be listed in my Etsy shop tonight!

Bracelet progress

After trying many different designs with the beads I choose this is what I come up with.  Now I just need wire wrap the briolettes, attach the rest of the findings and it should be ready to go.  Sometimes during the process of putting together I make changes but for now I am happy with this. 

Getting ready for Monday

A couple of weeks ago I found a mix of vintage glass beads that really caught my eye, so tonight I decided to put them on my design board with a few other trinkets to start designing a bracelet tomorrow.  If I start anything tonight I will be up half the night doodling around with it!  Plus I really want to watch Celebrity Apprentice tonight, don't know why but I am hooked on that show.  I never have been a fan of Lisa Lampanelli (a little too vulgar for me), but on the show she is really different. She is actually pretty smart and a little likable. I think she has a good chance to win.  Anyone else watch?