Pincushion Storage Jars

Hi Crafters!

I designed these Pincushion Storage Jars for the Smoothfoam(R) blog earlier this month.  These jars are a great way to add a little color and extra usefulness to your canning jars.  I love them for storing my sewing supplies, beading supplies or other small items.  They make great last minute gifts or as a group activity at church or camp.  They are quick to make and so easy to individualize!

You can find the instructions for these on the Smoothfoam(R) blog along with lots of other great ideas from our design team.

Happy Crafting!

Terry

Guest Blogger on Cousin - Pearl Choker

Hi Crafters!

I am happy to post that I am a Guest Blogger on the Cousin website this month.  You can read my blog post at http://www.cousin.com/blog/13-05-10/Terry_Ricioli_The_Allure_of_the_British_Edwardian_Era.aspx.

If you love vintage jewelry and shows like Downton Abbey, I think you'll enjoy it.  I designed this pearl choker for the post using Cousin components.  If you can't find these items at a store near you, you can order them from their website.  Although I purchased these components, Cousin did send me some other lovely items to use in my designs.

Pearl Choker

Size: 15” with adjustable clasp of about 1”

Materials:

156 Lt. Grey Pearls, 6mm round (Pearl Elegance™ 3244311)
Round Deco Snap Base (Snap in Style ™ 34732301)
Metal Accent (Snap in Style ™ 34730038)
6 3-hole Metal Beads (Jewelry Basics 34708262)
Acrylic Cameo Accent (Formal Chic Make the Connection ™ 34731104
6 – 10” pieces bead stringing wire
12 Silver crimp beads
Silver Plate 3 Strand Rod Clasp (Plated Silver Elegance™)


Instructions:

1. Place snap base loop at bottom center. Determine placement of 3 strands of wire on each side by counting holes and spacing evenly from the bottom center loop.
2. String wire through hole and string 3 pearls over the wire and the tail. Slide on a crimp bead and crimp. Trim wire. Repeat for the remaining five strands.
3. Slide a 3-hole metal bead over all 3 strands covering the crimp bead. Repeat for the other side.
4. String 10 pearls on each strand. Then, string a 3-hole metal bead over the strands on each side. Repeat this step. String 3 pearls on each strand.
5. String a crimp bead on one of the top strands of wire and then go through the top loop on the clasp. Pass the wire back through the crimp bead. Repeat for the other 2 strands on one side. Tighten up the wires keeping it even across the strands. When even, crimp the crimp beads and trim the wires. Repeat for the other side.
6. Remove the loop from the cameo accent and attach it to the bottom loop of the snap base with the jump ring. Snap metal accent into snap base.

Thanks for stopping by my blog.  I hope you enjoy this design!  I'd love to hear your comments!
And, if you enjoy vintage jewelry, check out my book, Vintage Impressions Jewelry.

Happy crafting!

Terry

Crafts n' things Weekly - charming key necklace

Hi Crafters!

Every week, Crafts n' things magazine has new online projects available free for that week.  This week's edition is out and features one of my designs - a chain necklace with charms.

Here's the link that will take you to the instructions on their website:

Crafts n' things Weekly - charming key necklace

This necklace was originally one of the pieces I created for my book, Vintage Impressions Jewelry.  But, the number of projects had to be limited so it found a home at Crafts n' things!  I love it when life works like that!

Happy Crafting!
Terry

Designer Crafts Connection - Primitive Star

Hi Crafters!

This month on the Designer Crafts Connection blog hop we're designing with the theme "Handmade Wishes".  When I think of wishing, I think of stars.  So, I thought I would design a star of some kind.  Which material to choose?  Wire was my first choice, but it wasn't working for me.  Then, I spotted the bundles of reed in a corner of my craft room purchased for some unknown previous project.  It was perfect for a primitive-style star to put out in the garden.

I used reed, which is easy to cut to length with scissors, and I used lengths of 18" here.  I used some 26-gauge brown craft wire to wrap the pieces together.  When you start wrapping the pieces together, leave a wire tail so that you'll have something to hold.  Wrap around one piece, then wrap around the other, then weave back and forth in any manner you please.  To keep them in place, tape the pieces down to your work surface with masking tape.  Wrap the outer points first, then wrap the inner points of the star to hold it all in place.  That's all there is to it! 

You could also use bamboo or any other tree branches you might have.  If you use heavier materials, you'll want to use heavier wire.  Raffia or string would look good with this star also.  Of course, you can make it in different sizes and lengths.

Have fun with it!  And, if you try it, I'd love to hear your comments!

Happy Crafting!
Terry

Polka Dot Fish Ornament

Hi Crafters!

Here's another of the critters that I have created with Smoothfoam - a Polka Dot Fish.  I'm having a lot of fun trying out new designs with Smoothfoam.  It's so easy to use!

Here's the link that will take you to the instructions:

http://www.smoothfoam.com/blog/polka-dot-fish-ornament/

Can't you see a whole school of these hanging from a mobile! 

I've got more critters in the works, so stop by and see what I've created.  And, I'd love it if you take the time to comment and share what you are crafting.

Happy Crafting!

Terry