DIY: Mod Podge Cufflinks ((Perfect for Valentine's Day))

DIY: Mod Podge Cufflinks

Someone once told me that men did not like handmade gifts......I called BS on them.  Boys, Guys and Men all love handmade gifts.

Here is a quick craft idea that can be whipped up in under 1-hour.  Look for cufflink blanks at bead shops, Michaels and Jo-Anns.

Follow this link for the project instructions>>> Cuff Links

Make This: Bottle Cap Pendants

 Altered Bottle Caps

Here is an oldie but goodie! 

This is from season 1 of Creative Juice!

Bottle Cap Charm Instructions:
bottle caps
small images
1" circle punch
Mod Podge
Dimensional Magic
sewing pin
small nail
hammer
wooden board

Steps:
1. If you want to use a jump ring: punch one hole through the rim of each bottle cap with a hammer and nail. Use an old wood board as a work surface. If you want to glue the charm: you will not need to punch a hole.

2. Use the 1" circle punch to cut the image into a circle. Glue the image to the to the inside of the bottle cap and allow to dry. If you punched a hole: Make sure the image is facing up, toward the punched hole.  Glue into the cap with a drop of Mod Podge.

3. Seal the image with a thick coating of Dimensional Magic and allow it to dry following the manufacturer's instructions. If you get an air bubble, poke the bubble with a sewing pin. Allow to dry unmoved for at least 24 hours.

4. To make a single pendant, use jewelry pliers to attach a jump ring through the punched hole and slide onto a necklace.

5. You can also glue them to findings, frames, magnets, etc using a strong glue like E6000.

Video Tutorial: How to Make Polymer Clay Beads with the Tri-Bead Roller and Pigment Powders

Watch us Make Polymer Clay Beads with the Tri-Bead Roller and Pigment Powders.  It is a snap!

Materials:
1/2 2 oz. block Premo: Pearl
Powdered Pigments
Sculpey gloss polymer clay finish
Needle
Wax paper
Round nose pliers
Wire clippers
Crimp pliers (optional)
Small spoon of stir stick
Brush for Sculpey gloss
Sculpey Super Slicer
Toaster oven
Aluminum Foil
Oven thermometer
Oven mitts
Tri bead Roller
Acrylic Clay Roller
Jewelry wire
Crimp bead
Crimping pliers
Jewelry spacers

 Behind the scenes of Creative Juice

1. Prepare clay: Take 1/2 of a block of the pearl clay and knead it in your hands and with the acrylic roller until soft. Add pigments to dough.

2. Roll the clay into small balls and shapes using the tri bead roller.

3. With the spiral laid flat between to fingers, slide a needle through the center of the bead.

4. Fold aluminum foil into an accordion style shape to keep the beads separated.

5. Bake all 15 beads on aluminum foil accordion for 20 minutes at 275 degrees (F), and allow them to cool.

6. Paint one side of each bead with Sculpey gloss and allow it to dry. Flip bead over and coat the second side and edges of each bead with Sculpey gloss. Allow gloss to dry.

7. Make the bracelet:   String one end of the jewelry wire through a crimp bead, one side of lobster clasp and back through crimp bead. Crimp with crimping pliers.  String beads and spacers to make the bracelet.  After stringing the last bead, thread wire through a crimp bead, the other side of the clasp and back through the crimp bead. Crimp with crimping pliers.  Snip ends of wire.

Make it: Grown Up Paper Beads and Rose Quartz Necklace

 On the set of Creative Juice...making beads and stringing them up.

  

Make it: Paper Beads

Re-Craft tiny scraps of paper into pretty beads.

Materials:
Mod Podge - gloss
Colorful wrapping or scrapbook paper (glossy works best)
Scissors
Bamboo skewers

1. Cut paper into triangles approximately 1" or less across the bottom and approximately 2" long.

2. Apply Mod Podge to the back of the paper.

3. Starting at the wide end of the paper, roll it tightly around a bamboo skewer.

4. Apply glue to the last 1/2" of the paper (the pointed end) and roll into place. Once it dry, apply Mod Podge over the surface of the beads to create a glossy finish.

Make it: Paper Bead and Rose Quartz Necklace

Materials:
2 paper beads
clasp
chain (long enough to make necklace the desired length)
decorative beads (here, two beads were used, one large and one small rosy quartz)
2 jump rings
2 crimp beads
wire cutters
round-nose jewelry pliers
1 head pin

1. Cut a length of chain to use as the base of the necklace.

2. Slide rosy quartz beads onto a head pin. With the wire cutters, snip off the head pin excess, leaving enough to make a loop. Use round-nose pliers to form a loop at the end of the head pin.

3. Locate the middle point of the chain and attach the bead charm you just made to this point. Use pliers to open the loop of the head pin and attach it to the link in the middle of the chain.

4. Slide paper beads onto the chain, putting one on each side of the charm.

5. With round-nose pliers open up the jump rings and attach one to each end of the chain. Attach one half of the clasp to one of the jump rings and the other half of the clasp to the other jump ring. Close the jump rings with the pliers.

How to Make Beaded Beads and a Necklace Too!

Delicate seed beads are threaded around a larger wooden bead to create beaded beads.  They are very easy to make but take a little time.  This is a great project to make while watching a favorite old movie.

 Beaded Bead Necklace

Gather This:
Large wooden bead
Monofilament line
Seed beads
Scissors
Eye Pin
2 med decorative beads
Flat nosed pliers
Round nosed pliers

Steps:

1. Tie a long piece of monofilament to the large wood bead by threading it through the center of the bead and around the outer edge. Secure the line with a double knot.

2. Beading the bead: Add a seed beads to the line until you have enough to cover the sides of the wood bead. Wrap the line through the center of the bead and add a second row of seed beads. Keep adding beads and wrapping the line through the center of the bead until you reach the end. Secure the end with knots.

3. Making the necklace: The Center: Thread a decorative bead, the beaded bead and the second decorative bead onto the eye pin. Cut the top off the eye pin and make a loop at both ends with round nosed pliers.

4. Making the necklace: The Chain: Cut a piece of chain that will give you the size necklace that you want. (Keep in mind that the beads will add to the final length of the necklace) Cut this piece of the chain in half and attach each half to each end of the center bead.  Attach a clasp at the end.

Make This: CHA CHA CHA RING

Craft up a Cha Cha Cha ring!

You can complete one in about and hour and they are so fun to wear. This project is a great way to use up old beads and baubles.  Look for the ring blanks at craft and bead shops.

Gather This:

Looped Ring Blank

Head Pins (one per dangle)

Beads

Wire Cutters

Round-nosed Pliers

Make:

1. To create a charm, thread a head pin through one of the beads (if the beads are small, try putting two or three on each pin). Trim the head pin with wire-cutters, leaving just enough wire sticking out from the top of the pin to make a small loop with the round-nose pliers.

2. To make the ring, make a loop, leaving it slightly open, and link it to one of the loops on the ring blank. Close the loop with pliers.

3. Repeat steps until you are satisfied with the fullness of the ring, keeping in mind you can put more than one charm on each loop of the ring blank.

Happy Crafting,

Cathie

Tutorial: Ribbon and Pearl Rose Pin.... Perfect for Valentines.

Ribbon Roses

With a few ribbon twists and drops of hot glue you can whip up a rose pin that has a romantic look. 

Gather This: Ribbon, Hot Glue, Pearls, Needle, Thread and a Pin-back.

 Begin with 2 yards of 1.5 to 3" wide ribbon.  The distressed crepe ribbon used is from my supply shop but you can use almost any wide ribbon or torn strips of fabric.  Visit my shop here.

Begin on one end of the ribbon, fold the corner on an angle and hot glue to secure.  What is that pink thing on my finger?  Hot Glue Gun Helpers.... No more burns!

 Begin twisting and folding the ribbon.  Hot glue as you twist.  Continue to fold, twist and glue.

Continue until the entire length of the ribbon has been twisted and hot glued to the back side.

Flip over and hot glue the tail-end to the back of the rose.

 Ready for Embellishing.

 Pink embellishing pearls from the supply shop.  Visit the shop here.

Stitch a selection of pearls in the center and a pin back to the back.

DIY Fashion: Pendants, Cuff Links, Rings, Hair Clips and Bracelets

DIY your own Holiday Accessories with Mod Podge and Dimensional Magic!  All the metal pieces are from Bead Landing for Michaels.  These projects were designed for Michaels and were featured in one of our Cyber Monday craft videos.  {{see the video below}}  We had a blast in Dallas and everyone was so fun to work with!  We did lots of different projects in two different videos.  The first video features Jewelry and Gift Boxes. 

You Can See The Video Here

For Instructions....Please visit Michaels!

Links:

Necklace Project

Other Accessories

DIY Lace Collar Necklaces

So sweet and chic.  This lace collar necklace is very simple to make and you will only need a few supplies.  The collar is from my supply shop.  (appliques and lace section) You can also find lace collars at fabric and sewing shops... or you can recycle one from a garment.

These collars look great with white tees, strapless dresses or under a suit jacket!

For this lace necklace...I used chain, jump-rings and a clasp. 

 I attached one jump-ring and one end of the chain to one side of the lace collar.  I attached one end of the clasp to the end of the chain.

I attached the other end of the clasp to the other side of the collar.

 This is the view across the back.  Simple and chic.

Enjoy! XO
Cathie

Plaid Craft TV: Photo Pendants

Photo Pendants!

These are so easy and fun to make. 

Perfect for gift giving!

Supplies:
Folkart – Artists Pigment Black 479
Folkart Acrylic Paint Metallic Gunmetal Gray 667
Mod Podge Gloss
Dimensional Magic
Chain
1.5” Wooden Nickel Disk
Paintbrush – detail
Laser Copied Photo (shrunken to fit the wooden nickel)
Marvy Circle Punch 1.5”
Foam Paintbrush
Rhinestones – Various Sizes and Colors
Pliers
Heavyduty Glue – E6000
Scrap Piece of Paper or Felt
2 Yards Vintage Seam Binding or Soft Ribbon

Steps:
1. Begin by painting the wooden nickel disk with black paint. Once dry, paint the rim of the disk with metallic gray paint. Dry-brush for an antique look.

2. Punch the copied photo with the circle punch. Coat the back of the punched photo with Mod Podge. Position the paper on the wood disk. Press with your fingers to remove any air bubbles. Top-coat with a layer of Mod Podge. Allow to dry.

3. Glue the rhinestones around the top edge of the disk with Mod Podge. Allow the glue to dry.

4. Apply a thin coat of Dimensional Magic to the top of the disk. Apply over the image from edge to edge. Allow to dry in a non-drafty place. Don’t move until dry.

5. Using pliers, remove one large link from the chain. Using heavy-duty glue, glue 1/2 of the link to the top center back of the wood disk. Glue a scrap of paper or felt over the ring to hid it.

6. Cut a 4” piece from the seam binding. With strip, tie the pendant to the center of the chain. Cut the remaining piece of seam binding in half. Thread each one through the ends of the chain and tie in a knot. To wear, tie around the neck.

press: Life Magazine

 click to enlarge.

Microscope slide pendants with pressed flowers.  Quick easy and fun!  Wear them around your neck or hang in a window.

Collage Charms with Family Photos

 

Collage Charms

Photo albums aren’t the only place for family pictures. Try making heirloom charms to save your favorite shots and give them a personal touch.

What You Will Need:

1 Pendant Tray Blank
Tiny family photos
Scrapbook Paper
Old Magazines
Ultra-Fine Glitter
1 Small Rhinestone
Glue Stick
Mod Podge - Dimensional Magic
19 – 10 mm Pearls
Elastic Cording
Jump-Ring
Round Nose Pliers
Small Scissors (with small points for delicate work)

Making the Charms...

1. Shrink the photo using in either a computer program (if a digital file) or copier (if a film photo).

2. Designing the pendant: This is the fun part, think of the pendant as a little mini piece of art. Begin by cutting a piece of scrapbook paper so that it will cover the bottom/back of the pendant tray. Glue stick to the paper to the bottom of the pendant tray.

3. Next cut fun shapes from additional scrapbook papers. Shapes like hearts, flowers, leaves, etc. Just remember that the shapes need to be small enough to fit in the pendant tray. Rummage through old magazines to find cute words like love, hope, smile, kiss, etc. cut the words out in a “ransom note” style. Position the family photo and the cut outs in the pendant tray in your desired pattern and glue stick them in place.  Add a touch of sparkle by tacky gluing a small rhinestone and sprinkling a bit of ultra-fine glitter in the pendant tray. Allow to dry.

4. Adding the glassy finish: Apply Dimensional Magic in one continuous stroke covering all the papers and glitter until you have reached the sides and top of the pendant tray. Pop all air bubbles with a sewing pin. The glaze will appear foggy but, will dry crystal clear. Allow to dry on a flat surface for at least 24 hours.

 Time to string...

1. Thread the 19 pearls onto the elastic cord and tie off with a secure double knot.

2. Once dry, attach the pendant to the bracelet with pliers and a jump-ring. You could also use a jump-ring to attach the pendant to a bracelet you already own.

Jewelry Project Archive

Collage Charms

Tattered Rose Pins

Cha Cha Cha Rings

Poker Chip Pendants

Felted Necklace
 

Singed Silk Flowers

Beach Glass Pendants

Carnelian and Citrine Earrings

Floating Pearl Necklace

Washer Pendants

Resin Guitar Pick Necklaces

Turquoise Watch

Charming Peace Necklace

Altered Photo Pendants

Grown Up Paper Beads

Crochet Charm Teen Necklaces

Flower Hair Pins

Teen Shrink Plastic Jewelry

Bottle Cap Charms

Mod Podge Necklaces
 

Chunky Rings

Recycled Eyeglass Pins

Altered Lockets

Tattered Rose Archive

Tattered Roses 101

Headbands

Necklace Re-Vamp

Fedora

Scarf and Pin

Shoes

Purses

T-shirt Scarf

Make This: Hot Glue and Tattered Rose Scarf & PIn

Using my Tattered Rose Tutorial, create 3 large flowers. Add chunky vintage style gems to the center. Sew or fabric glue to a scarf.


Using my Tattered Rose Tutorial, create 1 large rose with matte satin fabric. Add chunky vintage style gems to the center and mini gems around the flower.

Hot glue a poker chip to the back and pin back to the back of the flower.

Make This: Hot Glue and Tattered Rose Necklace and Bracelet

Using my Tattered Rose Tutorial make 1 large flower and 2 small flowers. Add funky buttons and layered gems to the centers. Hot the flowers to a plain bib style necklace. This base was from Forever 21 and was $6.00. Add little ties to the ends of the chains.

Close up!

Hot glue a layered tattered rose to a bracelet blank!

Make This: Hot Glue and Mod Podge Locket

Coat a piece of lace with Mod Podge. Position the lace over the top of a locket. (the lace should be slightly larger than the locket) Once dry, trim the edges of the lace to match the edges of the locket. Hot glue a gem in the center. Add scrap ties of fabric to the top of the locket.

Tutorial: Tattered Roses with Hot Glue Gun Helpers

Tattered roses are all the rage! My grandmother taught me how to make these 30 years ago using wide ribbon and a needle and thread. If you wanna stitch them, just replace the glue spots with a stitch or two. If you wanna make some quick roses - use Hot Glue and Hot Glue Gun Helpers! (shipping to stores soon!!!!!)

The roses can be used to embellish just about anything! Jewelry, headbands, purses, gifts, party favors. They can be made in a variety of sizes too. Practice with a scrap of fabric first. After two roses you will be an expert!


1. Begin with a long strip of torn fabric. Taffata (show here) creates a tattered edge. Cotton looks county chic and knit fabrics (recycled tees) have a soft urban look. This piece was 30" x 3".

2. Add hot glue to one corner.

3. Fold the strip in half and press into the hot glue.

4. Fold over the end to form an angle. Hot glue to secure.

5. Fold over the strip of fabric and begin wrapping around the first glued fold from step 4.

6. Continue folding and wrapping. It should look something like this.

7. Continue to add hot glue where needed. Fold and wrap until you are 1 way around the first fold.

8. Use a Hot Glue Gun Helper paddle to pick up small amount of glue if needed.

10. Once you have made it around the first fold trim off the extra tail.

10. Bring the fabric to the back of flower.


11. Secure with hot glue.

12. Press and hold with a HGGH finger cap for protection.

13. Continue folding and wrapping along the back of the flower.

14. When you reach the end, hot glue the last bit of fabric.

15. Press to secure.

16. Hot glue a gem in the center

17. Use the pointed paddle to press the gem.