Craft Ideas: Multi-Stone Bracelet

Hi Crafters!

I have to tell you, I love magazines!  I try to pass them on after awhile so that there aren't too many precarious stacks gathering dust.  I recently let go of some I'd been hoarding and sent them off to a senior center.  But, it was hard - I never know when that particular magazine might provide inspiration or guidance for my next project.  My only thought was - now I have room for more!

One of my favorite magazines is Craft Ideas.  It used to be Crafts 'n things and it's a general craft magazine that's been around a long while.  Not only do you get four issues in print format each year, but they produce digital editions eight times a year also.  That's a lot of projects!  And, you don't have to dust digital magazines!

They just recently released their digital edition highlighting fabric.  There are lots of small projects like pincushions, bags and organizers that would be easy and quick to make plus some larger projects like quilts and stuffed animals.  There's an amazing variety of ideas from a cute bow tie for your doggie to easy felt purses. 

Also included in the Fabric Arts digital issue are some projects that are not fabric-oriented like a crocheted beanie, a room divider, cards, tags, a painting project and some jewelry designs.  Included in the jewelry designs is a bracelet that I designed, a multi-stone bracelet.  This is an easy project for the beginning beader and you can use beads you have left from other projects in any color.  The key to this bracelet is mixing the colors and shapes.

multi-stone bracelet

So, check out Craft Ideas for all kinds of crafty inspiration!

Happy Crafting!

Terry

Crochet Button Bracelet and Earrings

Hi Crafters!

Today I want to show you a design that I had published in Bead-it Today.  If you haven't seen this bead magazine in your local stores, here's a link:  www.bead-it-today.com.  It's inexpensive ($3.99) compared to some of the other beading magazines and specializes in quick and easy, budget friendly projects.  There are some fun and informative articles about beading also.

My design features buttons, which I love to add to my jewelry designs.  But, these buttons are extra special because they look like crocheted flowers.  I have a special place in my heart for these, not only because I love the vintage look, but because my Grandma Rachel used to crochet the most beautiful, delicate roses and flowers in thread crochet.  I combined these crochet flower buttons with brass filigree (another of my faves!), yellow opal beads and some vintage twill tape that I inherited from my other grandmother, Grandma Irene.  (Yes, we are multi-generational savers!  I inherited the gene!)

Design by Terry Ricioli

This design was featured in the April issue of Bead-It Today and entitled "Classical".  If you can't find the magazine at your local craft store, check the website for back issues.

Happy Crafting!

Terry

April Showers Mobile - Designer Crafts Connection

Hi Crafters!

This month on the Designer Crafts Connection blog hop our theme is "April showers bring May flowers".  I was inspired to create a mobile from craft wire with that theme in mind.  This little swirly cloud is raining happy flowers!

Craft wire is easy enough for the kids (or anyone!) to use since it's got a copper core making it easy to bend.  It comes in a lot of bright colors and can be found in most craft stores. 

April Showers Mobile by Terry Ricioli

Here's what you'll need to create your own:

Craft wire:  White, 18 gauge and 24 gauge; Silver, 24 gauge; Pink, 24 gauge
Jump rings, silver:  12
Buttons, flower faces with shanks:  3
A short length of chain or string

Tools:  wire cutters, round-nose pliers

For the cloud, cut a length of 18-gauge white wire and fold it in half.  Curl the ends into a swirl.  When you get enough swirls to make your cloud, arrange them and notice where they touch.  Connect those points by wrapping with 24-gauge white wire.

For the raindrops, cut a length of silver wire about 4" and fold in half around your finger.  Bring the ends together and twist.  Make a loop with the rest.  You can also make a wrapped loop as you would for jewelry.

For the flower, cut a length of pink wire about 12" long.  Twist a small loop in the end and form a petal.  Bend the wire back on itself and twist the bend to make a small loop.  Continue making petals and twist a small loop on the end of the wire.  Fold a 4" piece of wire in half and slip through the button shank.  Slide the loops of the flower on the wire ends.  If you've got 6 petals, put 3 loops on one wire and 4 loops on the other.  Slide all the loops up against the button, twist the wires together and press them against the back of the button.  Trim the ends and arrange the petals.

Here's a photo to show the flower before it's gathered against the back of the button.

Flower Construction

Once you've got everything constructed, connect the parts with jump rings.  Add a chain or string for hanging.

Happy Spring Crafting!

Terry

 PS  Don't forget to hop around the Designer Crafts Connection blogs to see the other fun crafts!