I’ve got to admit, I have a tendency to play it safe when I buying clothes, especially in the winter. The grey/black/navy jumper is my go to every time. So when spring does eventually come it all seems a bit dull and boring. Bring in the multicoloured crystal shapes! Instructions: Layout the rhinestones playing with the composition until you’re happy. Taking your time, glue these onto your jumper using a glue gun, or a strong fabric glue. About 3/4 of the way through lay out the rest of the stones onto your jumper, just to make sure they are spaced correctly… Read More
DIY Kumihimo Bracelet
I recently bought a Kumihimo disk, and since then it’s gone everywhere with me. I had been wanting to try this style of braiding out for such a long time, so when I saw Vina sold them in my local bead shop I couldn’t resist. Once you get going it’s so quick and easy, I’ve become a bit obsessed… So I hope you like this tutorial, because there will be more!ll need: You’ll need: Kumihimo Disk (alternatively cut 32 slits into a circle of foam/thick cardboard) 4 x 1 metre cotton cord/embroidery threads Bell closer cord end, extension chain and clasp. Mine… Read More
How To… Kumihimo Braid
Kumihimo disks are a fantastic and pretty speedy way of knocking up woven bracelets in no time. It might look complicated at first, but I assure you it’s much easier than it looks! The disks are definitely worth the small cost, or if you cant get your hands on one, cut 32 slits into a thick piece of card or foam with a circle cut out the middle and voila; one kumihimo disk. Follow these instructions for this simple braid. I’ve done this one in several different colours to make the tutorial easier to understand (hopefully) but play around with… Read More
DIY Feather and Chain Hairgrip
How to make a Feather and Chain Hairgrip: Glue the cabochon onto the hairgrip. Alternatively pop a jump ring straight onto the hairgrip. Attach two lengths of chain to the jump ring, one longer than the other. Cut the feathers to size, thread on beads and attach your box clasps/cord ends onto the ends. (For a cord end tutorial click here) Attach the feathers to the ends of the chain using jump rings. (For a jump ring tutorial click here) Using a jump ring attach any charms you would like to the chain. Hope you’ve enjoyed today’s post! Fran
DIY// Wrap up Bracelet
It’s the time of year to start shedding the layers and adding the accessories! These bracelets are so easy, quick and versatile. You can use any beads you like, combine colour combinations, and make them as long as you like! Attach a cord end to all three threads with the shortest in the middle (how to attach cord end) To complete the knot for this bracelet, follow the instruction on this Macrame Bracelet Tutorial, but instead of 5 knots between each bead, make just one between each bead until you have the desired length. Attach a clasp. See how to here
DIY Fabric and Chain Necklace
This necklace is inspired by the beautiful woven work by Fiona Paxton. I’ve used a Navajo style ribbon to recreate the delicate bead work. If you’d like to make it, here’s how. Cover the ends of your ribbon in glue to stiffen. While it’s drying cut lengths of chain in various sizes. Lay them out to check they will hang evenly. Once the glue is dry, poke holes through the ribbon Open the links of your chain (tutorial here) and attach them to one side of the ribbon, graduating the sizes from small to large. Attach the other end of the… Read More
DIY Double Studded Ring
Fall For DIY | Crochet Chain Necklace
I’ve got to say, Birmingham is lacking in places to buy jewellery making/haberdashery items compared to other big cities (other than The Birmingham Bead Shop of course), and I know it’s a problem that many of our readers also have. This is one of the reasons I love this tutorial. We’ve sourced these materials from all sorts of different places. The massive chunky chain is actually a dog collar (this becomes a little problematic later… I’ll explain further on in the tutorial), the split rings/keyrings are from the key cutters and the embroidery floss is from the Birmingham indoor market. Ok yes,… Read More