Designer Crafts Connection - Handmade Holiday Decorations

Hi folks!

It's the first Monday of the month of December and the designers on the DCC are bringing you some extra-crafty decorations for the holidays!

Here's a few of my holiday ideas to inspire your creativity!

Create a snowman ornament using etched beads:

Etched Snowman

 Or, etch a dome with snowflakes and snow and put your favorite ornaments underneath it:

Etched Snow Dome

 Or, create some country-style decor with burlap, fabric and buttons:

Country Style Christmas Set

 
And, here's an ornament for the kids to make:

Beaded Star Ornament

These ornaments are up-cycled from plastic lids.  To make them, trace a star on a large plastic lid (coffee can size).  I used a star cookie cutter for the pattern.  Punch holes in the points, mid-center at the star junctions and an inch toward center.  Then, thread craft wire through the points, twist the wire together, add beads and curl the ends.  In the center, pass the wire through the holes and add beads to make a star.  Twist the wire around itself at the back.  These are inexpensive and fun to make.  You can also use thread or cord instead of wire, or use other shapes instead of stars.

I can't wait to get my tree now and start decorating!  I hope you were inspired to begin yours with something new!  Take a look at all the other great ideas from my fellow craft designers here on the blog.

Happy Holidays!

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!

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

Buttons Galore and More

Hi Crafty Friends!

Today is another crafty day in National Craft Month.  And, today, a group of us designers are highlighting the wonderful buttons available from Buttons Galore and More.  So, using the Designer Craft Connection button, you can travel around the blogs and see the button crafts. 

I created a charm bracelet using buttons provided by Buttons Galore.  This is another of my favorite techniques because it is one of the easiest ways to make a bracelet.  You only use jump rings, so there's no need to make dangles or loops.  Just open a jump ring, slide on a button or a large hole bead and attach it to the chain.  Super simple!


                                  Here it is - fun to wear and easy to make!

Here's what I used to make it:

Chain (6-7 inches), a clasp, button, E-beads and 8mm jump rings

I didn't use the head pins, but if you want to add beads with smaller holes, you'll need head pins for the dangles.

First, I attached the clasp to the chain.  Since I had unsoldered chain, I opened the end of the chain like a jump ring and slid on the clasp.  If you have soldered chain, you'll need a jump rings to attach the clasp.

After you slide the jump rings through the buttons and the beads, place them along the chain.  Move them around until you like the combination, then attach the jump rings to the chain. 

I love the colors and shapes in this one.  These bright colors say summertime to me - perfect for out at the pool or the beach.  To make a pair of matching earrings, attach a short piece of chain to an ear wire and attach buttons and beads in the same way. 

To connect to more button crafts, click forward or back on the Designer Crafts Connection.  You'll find favorite techniques, spring and wedding ideas.  To see more of the wonderful buttons (and more!) available from our sponsor, go to Buttons Galore and More.

And, there are prizes for checking out all the beautiful designs and leaving a comment!

Here they are:

You get a great no-spill, clear-view Viewtainer with trims and ribbon along with a color-coordinated selection of buttons.  To be in the drawing to win one of these prizes go to the Buttons Galore and More blog and leave a comment.  Of course, you are welcome to comment or follow me here, too!

Happy Crafting!

Terry