Stud and Pearl Earrings

August 29, 2014 by Carolina 1 Comment

There is something about the combination of studs and pearls – the combination of edgy and classy – that I just love. Earlier this week I showed you how to make a studs and pearls bracelet, and today I’m going to show you how to make studs and pearls earrings. You can wear them together, or just one. And if studs and pearls aren’t your style, I’ll also show you how to omit the pearls.

I’ve shared a whole bunch of stud crafting projects this week, but if you’re more into the flesh-and-bone studs… you should go check out the studs on CraftSnark this week. Plenty of eye candy there.

The supplies for both are simple. Here’s a full supply list, with affiliate links, to help you out:
Long spike beads
Fish hook earring wires
Eye Pin
Jewelry Pliers
Round Pearl Beads

Making the earrings without pearls is super simple. Start by opening the jump ring that is holding the spike bead onto the chain.

Remove the chain from the jump ring, replace it with an earring wire…

Then close the jump ring.

Repeat for the second earring, and you’re all done!

To add the pearls is the same, just adding a pearl . Start by stringing the pearl onto the eye pin.

Make a loop under the pearl using your round-nosed pliers.

Add the spike. Wrap the wire 2-3 times under the pearl, then cut the excess.

Open the loop at the top to attach the earring wire, and your earring is done.

Repeat for the second earring.

Depending on your mood, you can wear one or the other… if you’re feeling fancy and frisky… or just plain frisky. Both stud earrings and stud and pearl earrings are fun to wear!

Filed Under: 15 minute crafts, easy, jewelry, quick, quick handmade holiday gifts Tagged With: earrings, pearl, stud

Studded Sandals

August 28, 2014 by Carolina Leave a Comment

Add some interest to your wardrobe with studs on your shoes. Like these studded sandals. They’re simple to make, and go great with just about any outfit. Any outfit you want to look like a rockstar in. I’ve worn mine to meetings, classes, and to pick up my 1st grader from school, and I always get compliments. Which I love, because then I can say, “Thanks, I made them.” Which makes me feel like a rockstar. And these studded sandals are so much more comfortable than stilletos… yet they still have the attitude. That’s right, all the attitude, and none of the arch problems.

Now that you’re sold on the awesomeness of wearing studded sandals, let me show you how they’re made. First, let’s gather up our supplies. Here’s a list with affiliate links to make your shopping easier:

Leather Sandals (plain ones if you can find them – similar here)
Leather Awl
Silver Cone Screwback Studs
Seam ripper (if you couldn’t find plain sandals)

I headed to Ross to find my sandals. I couldn’t find plain ones, but these were on sale, and I loved the color. Since the flowery bits were just stitched on, I knew I could remove them. The holes will slowly heal over time and be less noticeable.

Speaking of flowery things… there are some crafty studs over on CraftSnark this week. You should check them out.

If you have this issue, just remove any embellishments with a seam ripper.

Once you’ve removed any threads, use the awl to make holes along the OUTSIDE of the shoe, about 3/4 of an inch apart. You can measure if you like, I just eyeballed it.

Insert the studs into the shoe by unscrewing the back, inserting it into the hole, then screwing the top back on.

Make sure you only put studs on the OUTSIDE of the shoe – meaning, on the right side of the right shoe, and the left side of the left shoe. If you put studs on the inside, you might scratch yourself as you walk.

Once you finish one shoe, repeat, adding studs to the second sandal.

As I mentioned, the little holes left from removing the previous embellishments will fade over time. I made these weeks ago, and they’re not at all noticeable anymore. I actually thought about photoshopping them off, but felt that wouldn’t be a fair representation, so I just left them.

Filed Under: 30 minute crafts, easy, quick, simple, summer Tagged With: rock star, shoes, stud

Studded Picture Frame

August 27, 2014 by Carolina Leave a Comment

I’m playing with studs this week, and today I’m showing you how to add studs to a shadowbox picture frame. This studded picture frame has more going on than a regular picture frame, adding whimsy to your decor. Because studs are full of whimsy.

If you’ve never played with studs before, don’t worry! They are super easy to use, and even if you feel like you made a mistake, your project usually turns out great! I’ve been sharing stud crafts this week, like my simple studded shirt and studs and pearls bracelet as part of a week celebrating studs in crafting. If you want to see some hunkier studs, go check out the studs at CraftSnark.

To make this studded picture frame, you’ll need (I’ve added some affiliate links to help make your search easier):
Shadowbox Picture frame
Mine came with a binder clip, if you want to add one to yours, grab a cute binder clip
and some glue
Silver Round Dome Metal StudsHammer
Washcloth or other thick cloth

Take apart your frame so that you’re working with the back of the frame. Hammer in each stud, one at a time. To protect the finish of your studs, cover with a washcloth or other thick cloth.

Hammer in a line. Don’t worry about being too straight. Imperfect looks great on this project.

Go all the way across the frame, leaving about an inch on each side so the back will easily fit back in the frame.

Fill in any areas that could use more studs.

Repeat with the top of the frame.

Now add a photo of your favorite (mini) stud into your studded picture frame, and you’re all set!

Filed Under: 30 minute crafts, easy, fast and cheap, quick, simple Tagged With: fast, frame, stud

Pearls and Studs Bracelet

August 26, 2014 by Carolina 1 Comment

I love combining textures, like hard and soft. And this pearls and studs bracelet does exactly that, by combining studs and pearls. Hard, fierce studs with soft, round pearls. It makes for a friendly combination of rocker and 1950s mom. Like the mom who has chocolate chip cookies fresh out of the oven… but serves them while the stereo is blasting. And not with regular milk. Chocolate milk. Because chocolate milk is so much more rock star than regular milk. And even rockstar moms want our kids to get their calcium. While wearing studs.

To make this pearls and studs bracelet, you’ll need some basic jewelry supplies… but even if this is your first ever jewelry craft, you should do fine. There is nothing fancy going on here, just threading some beads and using some crimp beads. Which, if you’ve never used them, you’ll fall in love with. They’re like magic.

If you didn’t catch yesterday’s stud craft, I added colorful studs to a shirt. And I didn’t stop there. Because if we’re crafting with studs, we should really craft with studs, right? Here is a little Stud Crafting on CraftSnark from yesterday. And I didn’t leave you hanging… there’s some Craft Snark Stud Crafting for today, too. You’re welcome.

But, if you’re here for the crafts and not the eye candy, then I’ve got you covered there, too. I’ve put together a supply list with affiliate links for you. Buy the supplies with the links, and I get a little cash to help support the site.
Nylon Beading Thread
Two-hole stud beads (similar here: 2-Hole Pyramid Studs)
Two-hole pearl beads (I bought mine at a specialty bead shop, but you could use these rosettes, these squares, or these freeform shapes, if you really like round, use these single-hole beads, and I’ll give you alternate directions in the comments.
1-Step Crimping Pliers
black jump ring
Black Lobster Clasp

Start by cutting a 2-foot length of the beading cord. String a crimp bead and the lobster clasp on, and bring to the middle. Use the 1-step crimp tool to clamp down the crimp bead. This will secure everything in place.

Start threading the studs and pearls. I went for an alternating pattern, but you can make whatever design or pattern you like – one of the perks of making your own jewelry! Don’t cross the threads, just keep the right on the right and the left on the left. This will keep the beads all facing up.

If you’re using a single-hole pearl, thread both threads through the single hole, then split to go through the stud. You might get some twisting when you wear the bracelet, if you don’t wear it snug.

When your bracelet is the right length, thread both threads through a crimp bead, then through a jump ring, then back through the crimp bead. Then tuck the ends into the last bead.

Pull snug, then use the crimping pliers to squeeze shut the crimp bead. This will keep everything in place.

Trim the extra thread, and your bracelet is done!

Super simple, fast, and stylish. This studs and pearls bracelet is a must for any rockstar mom.

Wear it with pride as you wipe away chocolate milk mustaches.

Filed Under: 30 minute crafts, easy, jewelry Tagged With: bracelet, pearl, stud

Simple Studded Shirt

August 25, 2014 by Carolina 1 Comment

This week, I’m crafting with studs. Today’s project is a simple studded shirt. This shirt is insanely easy to make. All you need are 3 simple and inexpensive supplies, no fancy tools. Easy. And it adds some style to the shirt.

I made this shirt as part of a week-long celebration of studs in crafting. so all week long I’ll be sharing a stud-related craft over here… and each day you’ll also want to head over to CraftSnark for a more masculine stud. Safe for work, just not for viewing in front of your husband. HA!

So, while you’ve bookmarked that link for later, let’s chat about today’s craft. Gather up your supplies to make your own simple studded shirt. I’ve made you a list, and added affiliate links so you’ll know exactly what I used.
A shirt. I got this one from Ross.
Colorful Square Pyramid Spike Studs
Heat’n Bond Medium Weight Iron-On Fusible Interfacing
Scissors
Iron

Start by cutting a strip of the interfacing about 2.5 times as wide as the studs, and iron into the area you want to place the studs. This will give the studs extra support. Iron into place, on the BACK of the shirt.

Decide the placement of your first stud, then carefully poke the prongs through the front, to the back.

Carefully fold in the two prongs.

Repeat this process to add more studs.

I added studs at each arm, and an extra line at the bottom. You can make a pattern, I specifically went patternless, because I like the random look.

Adds a fun pop of color to this shirt!

Oh, hey – if you want to see what this shirt looks like when I’m wearing it, you can! I wore it while recording a video with my friend Jenny over at Craft Test Dummies. She interviewed me, and got me to spill all my crafty secrets!

One last thing – this studded shirt is hand-wash only after you add these studs. Unless you use fabric adhesive to secure them, they won’t make it through a standard wash cycle.

Filed Under: 30 minute crafts, easy, quick Tagged With: shirt, stud

Ultimate Silhouette Giveaway!

August 22, 2014 by Carolina Leave a Comment

The Ultimate Silhouette Giveaway

Hosted by:

Silhouette America & The Pinning Mama

Whether you craft morning, noon, and night, or have just been browsing Pinterest and seen some of the super cool things the Silhouette CAMEO can do, this giveaway is going to knock your socks off! We have partnered with over 30 awesome blogs to bring you everything you need to do almost any Silhouette project you can imagine, from glass etching, to custom shirts, and vintage signs with this prize package you will be more than set!

The Prize:

1 Silhouette CAMEO

1 Glass Etching Starter Kit

1 Stamping Starter Kit

1 Heat Transfer Starter Kit

1 Vinyl Starter Kit

1 Fabric Ink Starter Kit

1 Rhinestone Starter Kit

1 Sketch Pen Starter Kit

1 Double Sided Adhesive Starter Kit

That is right! We are giving away a Silhouette CAMEO electronic cutting machine and one of EVERY starter kit that Silhouette makes! That is a value of over $550, not to mention the ability to craft your heart out for a very long time! Enter the giveaway by using the Rafflecopter below. And remember if you don’t win, you can see the current Silhouette Sale & Promo Code here. Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Filed Under: giveaway, silhouette Tagged With: giveaway

Emergency Chocolate Craft – In Case of Emergency Break Glass

August 15, 2014 by Carolina 47 Comments

We all have those moments where we need chocolate. Okay, maybe we don’t all have them, but I do. So it is handy to have some chocolate stowed away for this kind of occasion. You can make this Emergency Chocolate craft for yourself, or make one for a friend who is going through a rough patch. Because when the going gets tough… friends bring chocolate. This craft is super easy and super inexpensive to make, so while you’re whipping up your Emergency Chocolate frame, go ahead and make some extras. They’re sure to come in handy.

You can use whatever chocolate you like, but I used M&Ms. They have great color, plus they’re my go-to chocolate. If you or your friend are allergic to chocolate (which is like being allergic to air, in my opinion, and for which you have my deepest sympathies), you can fill the frame with whatever candies you like. Whatever your go-to guilty pleasure is that doesn’t need to be refrigerated or in an air-tight container. Use your best judgement here.

Here are the supplies needed to make the Emergency Chocolate craft… I’ve added affiliate links to help support the site if you purchase materials through the links.
Simple DEEP frame (mine came from Ikea)
Glass Etching Kit
Silhouette Machine (or an Xacto Knife and some patience)
Vinyl
Candy of your choice

Start by opening the frame and cleaning the glass. While you’re doing that, you can have your Silhouette cut out the vinyl. Here is a link to my In case of emergency break glass Silhouette cut file.

Apply the vinyl to the clean glass. Try for as few wrinkles as possible. You’ll probably get a few, just smooth out the ones that go into the lettering. You want the border around each letter to be smooth so none of the etching cream leaks under the vinyl. Also, use a pin or stylus to carefully place all the centers of letters like the e, o, and a.

Follow the instructions to apply the etching cream, and wait the appropriate time.

Rinse off. It is going to look like nothing happened.

Peel off the vinyl to find that yes! The etching cream totally worked! Oh my goodness, this was so super easy!

Start putting the frame back together.. Insert the glass, fill with M&Ms.

Cut a piece of colored scrapbooking paper for the back, just in case the back ever shows through. Put the back on.

This frame wasn’t originally meant to be a shadowbox type frame, so I faked it. I used Duck Tape to hold the back on. Duck Tape all 4 sides, and cut if needed to allow the stand to be used.

That’s it! This Emergency Chocolate craft is so simple to make!

I should add that if you need to get to the chocolate, you shouldn’t actually break the glass. Peel off the duck tape and take off the back. You now have a handy rectangular bowl filled with stress-killing chocolate. Yum.

Filed Under: 30 minute crafts, easy, fast and cheap, simple Tagged With: Chocolate, fun, gift

Mirror Ball Earrings

August 14, 2014 by Carolina 1 Comment

When I saw these little mirror balls, I knew they needed to become earrings. Seriously, how cute are these? Perfect for making earrings – they are sparkly, small, light, and sparkly. Oh so sparkly! I was given these at SNAP by Gretchen from 3 Little Monkeys Studio. She has the cutest cards and party supplies (some for instant download), you should go check her out!

Anyway, I was at the SNAP conference, and she passed out these cute mirror balls with her business cards and I (apparently having a decent-sized set of balls of my own), asked if I could have a second one. Gretchen was super-gracious, and gave me two! And she didn’t even give me a look that said “excuse me, selfish stranger – who do you think you are?” Which would have been totally justified. Showing that she is both generous and sweet! Plus uber talented… go check out the printable designs in her Etsy Shop.

So, I took them home and they sat for a couple months, constantly staring at me saying, “We are going to make you the cutest earrings… and it will be so quick and easy!” Finally, I relented (as one must when you find that your craft supplies are talking to you), and made my mirror ball earrings. My awesome mirror ball earrings. You can too. Here is what you need.

Mirror Ball Earring Supplies (affiliate links added to help you and me):
2 Mirror Balls (if you didn’t go to the conference, you can grab these Mirror Ball Ornaments
Jewelry Chain
French Hook Earring Wires
Jewelry Wire
Jewelry pliers
Krazy Glue

Start by cutting 2″ lengths of your wire, and folding in half. This is easier with the jewelry pliers. While you’re cutting, cut 2 pieces of chain, each about 2″ long (you can go longer or shorter depending on how dangly you like your earrings)

Remove the ornament string from the top of the mirror ball, then put some Krazy Glue into the hole.

Thread the bottom loop of the chain onto the folded wire, then insert into the hole.

Use your pliers to open up the loop at the bottom of the earring wires.

Thread the top of the jewelry chain onto the loop, close, and your mirror ball earrings are done!

Filed Under: 10 minute crafts, easy, fast and cheap, jewelry Tagged With: earrings, fast, sparkle

Leopard Print Mask

August 13, 2014 by Carolina Leave a Comment

I love playing dress-up, and this Leopard print is a fun and simple way to dress up – especially when it is this easy to make! This super simple leopard mask doesn’t take much time or many supplies to make. You can use this to dress up as a leopard for Halloween (just add ears and a tail), or just for dressing up and being silly! You don’t need any special painting skills or know any faux leopard print techniques… all the hard work is already done for you!

To make the Leopard Print Mask, you need:
Leopard Print Deco Foil from Thermoweb (currently available at Michaels)
Decofoil Adhesive
Plain Masquerade Mask in Black
Ribbon
Paintbrush
Scissors

Start by putting the adhesive on the mask. Don’t worry about pretty, just get some everywhere.

Using a paintbrush, spread out the adhesive. Try for an even layer all over. It doesn’t have to be perfect, but you don’t want any crazy bumps.

Allow the adhesive to dry. This takes about 4 hours, but can be a little more or less depending on how thick your adhesive is. You’ll know it is dry when it is clear. It will still be tacky to the touch – this is a good thing! You’ll see why in the next step.

Press the foil (leopard print side up) onto the adhesive. You can use your fingers, or the back of a pen or other object. You want firm pressure, similar to what you would use to scratch off a winning lotto scratcher. Try to get all over, really securing the foil to the adhesive on the mask.

Here comes the magic! Carefully lift up the foil. If you pressed well, the clear plastic will lift, and the foil will be left behind! If you missed any spots, press the plastic back down, rub some more, then lift again. Since you used a black mask, any small spots you missed will not be very noticeable.

Carefully peel away all the plastic, re-applying and re-rubbing as needed, until the entire mask is covered.

Tie your ribbons around the stick on the mask, and your leopard print mask is complete!

Just add your own Leopard growl, and you’re ready for the masquerade!

Filed Under: 15 minute crafts, easy, fast and cheap Tagged With: halloween, mask, play

Sea Glass Necklace and Earrings for Under $10

August 12, 2014 by Carolina 4 Comments

I love making quick and easy jewelry, like this Sea Glass Necklace and Earrings for under $10. When Consumer Crafts challenged me to make jewelry for $10 or less, I jumped at the chance! Jewelry is quick and easy to make, doesn’t take a lot of supplies, and you can make really pretty pieces for not a lot of money! This necklace and earring set uses less than $4 of materials. I spent about $12 on supplies, and with that I can make 2 similar sets, as well as the dangle earrings I made yesterday, and have leftover supplies for more projects!

Oh! and be sure to sign up for the giveaway below… a giant prize package is up for grabs!

To make this set, you need:
Silver Findings Set (we want eye pins, head pins, jump rings, and a necklace clasp)
Blue Beads Set (we want the seed beads and the large sea-glass looking beads)
Necklace chain
Jewelry pliers (one round-nosed and one flat-nosed)

I love the variations of blue in the sea glass beads used for this sea glass jewelry. It was so simple to make – just watch the video below, as I show you how to put it together!

So simple, so pretty – it would make a great gift for a friend if you’re willing to part with it!

Be sure to enter this giveaway – so many awesome prizes, they couldn’t fit them all into one basket!