This necklace idea has been rattling around in my head for a while. It's a vintage scarf with dominos as "beads". I plan to try another version using the excess fabric to make a flower as well!
Hugs and Smooches,
D
Showing posts with label Flowers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Flowers. Show all posts
Saturday, January 19, 2013
Create 365 - Vintage Scarf Necklace
This necklace idea has been rattling around in my head for a while. It's a vintage scarf with dominos as "beads". I plan to try another version using the excess fabric to make a flower as well!
Hugs and Smooches,
D
Monday, December 17, 2012
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Coming Soon to ConstantlyAlice on Etsy
I am suuuuper excited to announce that several new lines of bracelets and necklaces I designed and created will be coming to the ConstantlyAlice shop.
A few weeks ago at a yard sale, I purchased a giant bag of dominos. I had no clue what I was going to do with them, to be honest. I just like the texture and the sound they make when they clack together ;)
Then, a few days later when I was modge-podging some items onto a little suitcase for my daughter, it struck me that they would be perfect for making jewelry featuring a little piece of art. I did some searches through etsy's supplies and discovered that there are lots of beautiful images for use!
I haven't done a whole lot in the past with jewelry making (beyond a brief stint as an apprentice to a silversmith when I was 14). In fact, it's something I just started trying my hand at a few months ago.
It's been a couple of weeks since I was first struck by the idea. I am now in possession of a tiny drill, jewlers hammer and anvil, several different kinds of pliers and wire cutters and millions of beads and images. The more I create, the more I love it. I've even decided to purchase a soldering iron this weekend and start creating and adding some metal elements to the steampunk line I'm designing!
Here are a few items from the first line - "Sirene" - inspired by my love of the sea.
These items (and a few others in this series) will be listed for sale this weekend, buuuuttt, I will also be running a giveaway on my facebook page once I reach 400 followers with one of the pieces from the line! (Only 13 more followers to go, so share with your friends!)
Some of the other lines that are in the design stage:
Hugs and Smooches,
D
A few weeks ago at a yard sale, I purchased a giant bag of dominos. I had no clue what I was going to do with them, to be honest. I just like the texture and the sound they make when they clack together ;)
Then, a few days later when I was modge-podging some items onto a little suitcase for my daughter, it struck me that they would be perfect for making jewelry featuring a little piece of art. I did some searches through etsy's supplies and discovered that there are lots of beautiful images for use!
I haven't done a whole lot in the past with jewelry making (beyond a brief stint as an apprentice to a silversmith when I was 14). In fact, it's something I just started trying my hand at a few months ago.
It's been a couple of weeks since I was first struck by the idea. I am now in possession of a tiny drill, jewlers hammer and anvil, several different kinds of pliers and wire cutters and millions of beads and images. The more I create, the more I love it. I've even decided to purchase a soldering iron this weekend and start creating and adding some metal elements to the steampunk line I'm designing!
Here are a few items from the first line - "Sirene" - inspired by my love of the sea.
 |
These items (and a few others in this series) will be listed for sale this weekend, buuuuttt, I will also be running a giveaway on my facebook page once I reach 400 followers with one of the pieces from the line! (Only 13 more followers to go, so share with your friends!)
Some of the other lines that are in the design stage:
- Snow White - This line will feature vintage Snow White images with red accent beads (I found some that remind me of shiny little apples :)
- Steam Punk - Octopus, Victorian images, Clock faces, Gears and I will be trying a little metal work with this line..
- "Zelda" - This line will feature black and white pictures of film actresses from the 1920's and I purchased vintage black wooden dominos to feature them on.
- Pin up - Gil Elvgren Pin ups made into playful brooches and bracelets
- Secret Garden - This line features gorgeous watercolor-style prints of different flora with delicate matching crystal beads and little drop beads shaped like tiny flowers.
Hugs and Smooches,
D
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Home Ec Tutorial - The May Flowers Necklace
My wee Mum has a birthday coming up on May 31st. It's pretty appropriate that she was born in the month of "May Flowers" since she has two green thumbs. Here's a (small) example of her gardens.
So, I decided the most appropriate gift for her would be to make a necklace with a "May flowers" theme. Here's what you'll need to get started:
First, you're going to take one of your heavier weight chains and cut two pieces approx 9" long.
Next, take the lightest weight chain and cut it to 16.5"
Cut your third chain (preferable one with a little embellishment, like the one here) to 18.5"
Your last chain (this one has some rhinestones on it for visual interest) should be about 20.5" long.
Your next step will be to attach the 3 longest pieces together on each end with a jump ring. Then add your shorter length of chain to each side. When they're attached, they should look like this on each side.
Attach the the clasp pieces with a jump ring to the loose end of each of the shorter pieces like this.
Now you're going to add a few clusters of flower beads to the center chain (the one you cut to 18.5")
Start with a head pin and slide a bicone bead onto it. (You could also use pearls here if you prefer.)
Next, add a floral bead.
Using your needle nose pliers, bend the wire to a 90 degree angle. Clip off excess with wire cutters, leaving just enough to make a small loop. (Don't cut too much! It's easier to make it shorter if you need to, but you can't add length back on.)
Using your pliers, bend and shape the wire into a small closed loop.
Make several of these using different combinations of beads and then attach them in little clusters with a jump ring at even intervals along the center chain.
Attach your brooch to one side of the necklace where the grouping of chains meet the shorter chain and voila! A May Flowers Necklace :)
If you decide to make your own, I'd love to see your variations! Post them on my facebook page here.
Hugs and Smooches,
D
So, I decided the most appropriate gift for her would be to make a necklace with a "May flowers" theme. Here's what you'll need to get started:
- 4 different weight chains (you can re-purpose old necklaces that you don't wear anymore for this, or purchase new chain.)
- Head pins (for beading)
- Jump rings (various sizes)
- Clasp
- Flower shaped beads (I used Laliberi, which I loove, and you can find them at Joann's)
- Bicone beads
- Needle nose pliers and wire cutters
- Flower brooch
First, you're going to take one of your heavier weight chains and cut two pieces approx 9" long.
Next, take the lightest weight chain and cut it to 16.5"
Cut your third chain (preferable one with a little embellishment, like the one here) to 18.5"
Your last chain (this one has some rhinestones on it for visual interest) should be about 20.5" long.
Your next step will be to attach the 3 longest pieces together on each end with a jump ring. Then add your shorter length of chain to each side. When they're attached, they should look like this on each side.
Attach the the clasp pieces with a jump ring to the loose end of each of the shorter pieces like this.
Now you're going to add a few clusters of flower beads to the center chain (the one you cut to 18.5")
Start with a head pin and slide a bicone bead onto it. (You could also use pearls here if you prefer.)
Next, add a floral bead.
Using your needle nose pliers, bend the wire to a 90 degree angle. Clip off excess with wire cutters, leaving just enough to make a small loop. (Don't cut too much! It's easier to make it shorter if you need to, but you can't add length back on.)
Using your pliers, bend and shape the wire into a small closed loop.
Make several of these using different combinations of beads and then attach them in little clusters with a jump ring at even intervals along the center chain.
Attach your brooch to one side of the necklace where the grouping of chains meet the shorter chain and voila! A May Flowers Necklace :)
If you decide to make your own, I'd love to see your variations! Post them on my facebook page here.
Hugs and Smooches,
D
Monday, January 30, 2012
Signature Style Project- Shopping Safari!
The advent of the camera phone is a beautiful thing. I am a very visual person and I LOVE being able to snap a picture of something that inspires me so I can refer back to it later!
This especially comes in handy when you are trying to build a signature look (and it's a fun way to spend an afternoon without spending a lot of money!)
The idea is to head out to some of your local shops, the mall, even craft stores and collect inspiration! If you see an outfit that's been put together in a shop display, take a picture. If a fabric speaks to you, take a picture. If you see something that seems totally unrelated to fashion ( a book cover, a color, a piece of furniture) but something about it appeals to you, take a picture! You can decipher the information you gather later ;)
Here are a few of the photographs I collected on my last shopping excursion:
Hugs and Smooches,
D
This especially comes in handy when you are trying to build a signature look (and it's a fun way to spend an afternoon without spending a lot of money!)
The idea is to head out to some of your local shops, the mall, even craft stores and collect inspiration! If you see an outfit that's been put together in a shop display, take a picture. If a fabric speaks to you, take a picture. If you see something that seems totally unrelated to fashion ( a book cover, a color, a piece of furniture) but something about it appeals to you, take a picture! You can decipher the information you gather later ;)
Here are a few of the photographs I collected on my last shopping excursion:
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| Cute addition to a cardigan, especially with a grouping of other "like" items. |
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| I liked the detail of the metal, but not the plastic "jewels". I plan to pop them out and cover them in different fabrics, then replace them in the bracelet so you can see the fabric through the pattern. |
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| This is an old victrola horn, but I love the colors and shape.. Might be fun to do a trumpet skirt along these lines. |
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| Colors! |
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| I like the concept of these scarves. Would be cute to do a valentine scarf with heart shapes.. |
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| This was a fun quilted mini dress with big pockets..of course I bought it ;) |
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| Loved the texture of this vintage cardigan. Might weave a burgundy velvet ribbon through it as a trim and change the buttons. |
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| I buy vintage lingerie every time I come across it.. |
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| ..and then I dye it ;) |
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| Not a fan of the hat, but love the decoration. |
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| Like the idea of a cluster of these like a "corsage" on a dress |
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| Would make a pretty addition to a hat. |
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| Love this trim..maybe as a headband? |
D
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