getcrafty :: popular topics :: crafts :: charms

View entire thread: Plastic Charms

Posted by Lucite on 2004-10-16 16:26:50      Post Subject: Plastic Charms



I've aquired a sudden new love for plastic charms. Does anyone have any craft suggestions for using plastic charms or tips?

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View entire thread: AD: Castle in the Meadow Event ~ Altered Art Extravaganza

Posted by Chelise on 2008-03-10 01:36:39      Post Subject: AD: Castle in the Meadow Event ~ Altered Art Extravaganza

ZNE is proud to announce its first ever altered art extravaganza meeting and event.

The Castle in the Meadow
Sunday June 8
Rochester, Michigan

Tour a historic castle and the grounds, join fellow mixed media and altered art enthusiasts for a fully hosted wine and hors dourvre reception, swap charms and meeting charming friends, and finish off the day with a mixed media paper craft castle workshop. Go home with new friends, inspiration, a charm bracelet full of incredible charms made by your fellow attendees, your own castle artwork created during the workshop (all supplies included) AND a goody bag stuffed to the brim with goodies and altered art supplies.

Limited space available, if you are in the Midwest, or will be anywhere near the midwest in June, do not miss out on this incredible event.

http://www.CastleintheMeadow.com

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View entire thread: FREE Craft Classes + Ice Cream @ Felt Club: AUG 12

Posted by FeltClub on 2006-08-09 00:18:16      Post Subject: FREE Craft Classes + Ice Cream @ Felt Club: AUG 12

Here are the full class descriptions (and times!) for this Saturday's FELT CLUB!

Classes are first-come, first-served. No registration necessary, all supplies provided.

HANDSPINNING YARN - 12:30pm
Instructor: Jamie Chan of http://www.maryjanesattic.net

Ever wonder how yarn is made? Yarn is simply a long, twisted continuous length of interlocked fibers, for use in the production of textiles, sewing, crocheting, knitting, weaving and rope making. Yarn can be made from a variety of natural or synthetic fibers. Students will learn a brief history of yarn making, then learn how to spin yarn with some wool and a drop spindle.

http://www.feltclub.com/images/YarnSm.jpg

CHARMS TO SHRINK ABOUT - 2:00pm
Instructor: Silvia Chenault of http://www.chebang.net

Shrinky-Dinks make great charms. Doodle or draw and design your own special charm to wear.

http://www.feltclub.com/images/shrinks.jpg

NEEDLE FELTING - 3:30pm
Instructor: Jamie Chan of http://www.maryjanesattic.net

Ever wonder how wool felt is made? Felt is very easy to make given the right circumstances. Wool, which comes from sheep, is a very strong and stretchy fiber. When you get agitate and add pressure, wool shrinks and becomes felt! In this class you will be learn to make felted balls, beads, bracelets and flat objects! You will be given a variety of colorful wools and shown how to make these objects with just your hands and felting needles!

http://www.feltclub.com/images/Sma.jpg

http://www.feltclub.com

http://www.feltclub.com/images/fc_295x130.gif
FELT CLUB
Saturday, AUGUST 12, 11am-6pm
@ Meltdown Comics
7522 W Sunset Blvd. (btw LaBrea & Fairfax)
Los Angeles, CA 90029
ph: 323-851-7223
http://www.meltcomics.com

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View entire thread: Beaded 3-D Penguin charm with tutorial to share!

Posted by beadangel on 2008-07-01 11:41:49      Post Subject: Beaded 3-D Penguin charm with tutorial to share!

Hi all,

Just finished drawing the tutorial for the beaded penguin I made as charms, see the free tutorial at (warning: it's 5 pages long): http://www.beadjewelrymaking.com/2008/project/july.html

The finished look (I made two):
http://www.beadjewelrymaking.com/large/bluepenguin.html
and
http://www.beadjewelrymaking.com/large/penguin.html

Thanks for looking!

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View entire thread: Stained glass ornaments

Posted by Marcie on 2007-11-26 10:26:54      Post Subject: Stained glass ornaments

Ok, I KNOW I have seen a thread on this board in the past about tips on making the stained glass charms - a piece of paper between two small pieces of glass and soldered on the edges. Can someone help me find this please?
Thanks!

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View entire thread: Please visit my Photo Jewelry Making site!

Posted by JewelryGirrl on 2005-11-06 12:32:30      Post Subject: Please visit my Photo Jewelry Making site!

Hi I am new and would like to invite you all to see my site:

I sell Wholesale photo jewelry making supplies, blank photo charms, coatings, memory bracelets, photo pendants, resizing software.

We are excited to be offering a new product. It will be a kit to make your own typewriter key bracelet.

Thanks!
Sue

http://www.photocharmkit.com

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View entire thread: Comics and zines!

Posted by sugar cookie on 2007-11-30 14:09:07      Post Subject: Comics and zines!

WHOOPS _ REPOSTING TO BUSINES LINKS THREAD!

I have lots of new things added to my website!

Please have a look at some new button designs, wood charms, wood pins, felt pins, cute t-shirts, as well as lots of comic books and zines!

I have lots of softies added to my Etsy shop, too.

www.missykulik.com

www.sugarcookie.etsy.com

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View entire thread: Craft show in Rockford, IL

Posted by maustudio on 2006-09-16 11:32:43      Post Subject: Craft show in Rockford, IL

Hello all, if you live in the Northern IL area,
there's a craft show at Edgebrook Shopping Center at the end of September. Come by and see me MAUstudio!!!

Cider & Cinnamon Craft Show

Where:
Edgebrook Center
1639 North Alpine Rd.
Rockford, IL 61107

When:
9/30/2006 10 am - 5 pm
10/1/2006 10 am - 4 pm

My shop features handmade jewelry, cards, accessories (cellphone charms, buttons, keychain, etc.) Come by and say "hello!"

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View entire thread: AD: Julie's Jangles jewelry

Posted by sweet_tooth on 2007-04-26 09:53:49      Post Subject: AD: Julie's Jangles jewelry

Hi everyone!

I've been crafting for years now, but recently discovered my love of jewelry design, and I've run away with it! I use mostly vintage components, like pendants, charms, and beads, to create fun, pretty jewelry with a retro twist.
I just got my website up and running and want to get the word out. I am still working out some technical issues, ie. getting brighter, clearer pictures. Also, although I love the look of my website, I designed it on the iWeb program (for Macs), and can't integrate a shopping cart function. Therefore, I've set it up so the "buy" button e-mails me with the item the customer wants to buy, to which I reply with a Paypal invoice. The customer can then proceed to pay with credit card via Paypal. This isn't a favorable way for me be set up, but I really wanted to get my jewelry out there so I can sell some things and put money into a better website. I'm going to be doing craft fairs this summer, also.
Any feedback would be welcome and appreciated, be it on my jewelry and the site!

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View entire thread: Acrylic Bubble Charms - DIY

Posted by queenbee92026 on 2008-06-30 15:03:51      Post Subject: Acrylic Bubble Charms - DIY

Basic Tips for creating bubble charms:

Images:
I use laser printed images sized to fit inside the bubble.
When you are printing, use the high quality function in your printing preferences.
There are other places to get images such as magazines, books, stickers or search google images, then copy paste to a blank Word document, resize and print.
You can cut these images with scissors, but I recommend getting a circle punch – ¾” in diameter.
I have not tried inkjet images, it just occurred to me that the ink would probably run.

Bubble Domes:
My suggestion to you is getting your bubbles from a company called www.tapplastics.com.
They’re not cheap, but very high quality. You’ll want to buy the half dome ¾”.

Metal Blanks
I get them from www.fanicfuls.com, they also have them at www.frostcreekcharms.com. There is an Ebay seller who sells some cool blanks, too, vintagetreasurebyjudy. The blanks are ¾” in diameter.

Adhesives: (the biggest challenge)
E6000- my personal favorite. It holds like nothing else. The one gripe I have is that you have to practice getting the perfect amount. I use about a pea size drop, then smash your bubble over the image. Have a wet towel handy, because when it runs out the sides, you’re going to want to wipe it off. This also is a “practice makes perfect” maneuver.
Craft Goop- Works almost as well as E6000, but also messy and is not as strong.
Diamond Glaze –
I figured out that if you glue your dome to the image with diamond glaze first, let it dry and then glue that component to the blank with e6000, it seems to work wonderfully.
Let your charm dry at least 12 hours.

So- the steps are:
Get your image, cut it to fit the blank, glue the dome to the image with diamond glaze, use a pea drop on top of the image, then smash the bubble over it to get the air bubbles out. (you’ll be able to see them), then glue the whole thing onto the brass blank with E6000.
As far as the back of the charm, you can add a rhinestone, vintage buttons, a cabochon with E6000 adhesive… or nothing.

Good Luck.
queenbee92026@yahoo.com

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View entire thread: looking for plastic charm wholesaler/buying in bulk

Posted by Dawn32 on 2007-06-22 12:40:25      Post Subject: not exactly what I was looking for

Thanks but unfortunately I'm looking for PLASTIC charms, like the 6-shoooter, toy food, plastic skulls, etc. Sacred kitsch was a good place but that girl doesn't seem to be selling anymore and I'm looking to buy in bulk. Again, I'm not looking for glass or pewter or silver charms. I'm looking for plastic charms. Etsy has a lot of people selling them but if you want more than 5 it runs a lot of money and some Etsy vendors cannot accomadate big orders.

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View entire thread: Need idea for classy homemade tag for homemade ornament

Posted by Marcie on 2007-11-01 18:01:28      Post Subject:

I live in Dallas, and there are several places you can go to buy silver beads, chain, charms, etc etc. You could buy small silver charms and have them engraved with whatever you want.

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View entire thread: New Itty Bitty Valentines!

Posted by lizzymahoney on 2005-01-06 23:57:45      Post Subject:

Maize's charms are lovely. I have one on a ball chain and wear it a lot, get many nice comments on it.

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View entire thread: looking for plastic charm wholesaler/buying in bulk

Posted by smudgy_cat on 2007-06-21 01:11:02      Post Subject:

firemountaingems.com sells jewelry items in bulk, and I have seen charms in their catalog. However, most of the charms are metal, but they do have plastic items on occassion.

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View entire thread: charms -- anyone want to split a lot w/ me?

Posted by smachel on 2005-05-30 08:23:41      Post Subject: charms -- anyone want to split a lot w/ me?

hi all! i bought a bag of 100 assorted pewter charms yesterday on ebay. i make tons of jewelry and use charms for collages, but 100 is quite a bit even for me! looking for one person to split the lot 50/50. i paid $15 for the lot, and would need to send it to you (unless you're in cincinnati area)so you'd need to send $9.00 ($7.50 +$1.50 for shipping). i hope that's not too much for shipping -- i really have no idea how much 50 of those would weigh.

gosh, it sounds like such an ad. well, maybe it sorta is. anyone interested?

:) rachel

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View entire thread: plastic containers - what to do?

Posted by neuroticdawg on 2005-05-13 12:11:34      Post Subject:

What I envisioned when you mentioned the plastic containers was turning a lidded tub (like a margerine container) into a wind spinner. I'm probably not the first person who has ever thought of this, so there might be a tute on some recycle crafts site.

Here's how I would proceed:

-(optional first step) spray paint it inside and out, metallic or glittery, let dry.

-Take the lid and cut the edge off of it so it's just a disk.

-Cut the bottom of the tub off. Trim into another disk. Use a pushpin to poke a hole in the center and several around the edges. This will be the top of your spinner. Save the big pieces of plastic from the sides to cut out shapes later.

- Take that circle from the lid and cut round & round from the outside to the inside so that the end result is a coil. Poke a hole where you started and where you ended.

- Cut shapes out of the plastic left over from the sides of the tub(whatever theme you're going for, I'm partial to celestial my ownself) and poke holes at the tops of them to make charms. Make one for every hole you poked around the edges of the disk, plus one.

- Grab a needle, strong thread, and some beads and baubles, preferably stuff you already have laying around like orphaned earrings and those odd beads you don't know what else to do with.

-Make dangles with the charms and beads. Make one a little heavier than the rest.

-Attach your dangles to the holes around the disk, and use the heaviest dangle on whichever end of the coil you decide is the bottom. Keep the lengths of thread pretty short to prevent tangling.

- Attach the coil to the disk (in a way that leaves an inch or so between the disk and the coil, and a loop on top for hanging).

-Sit on the porch slapping at bugs, complaining about the frickin' humidity, and watching your new whirligig spin and sparkle in the breezes that are too few and far between for your liking.

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View entire thread: Beaded 3-D Teapot Charm with tutorial!

Posted by beadangel on 2008-06-02 13:06:01      Post Subject: Beaded 3-D Teapot Charm with tutorial!

Hi all,

Just finished drawing out the tutorial for this tiny beaded teapot charm I made as a "tea pot" for my niece's doll house.

I ended up making a few more and hanging them everywhere as charms.

Here's the link to the free tutorial: http://www.beadjewelrymaking.com/2008/project/june.html

Here's the finished look: http://www.beadjewelrymaking.com/2008/large/beadedteapot.html

Thanks for looking!

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View entire thread: vintage plastic beads?

Posted by Slinkster on 2006-08-25 15:38:30      Post Subject:

you can try Manto Fev They have lots of vintage charms, you just have to browse. The prices are also really reasonable.

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View entire thread: vintage plastic beads?

Posted by sugar cookie on 2006-08-25 14:50:18      Post Subject: vintage plastic beads?

i found some vintage plastic beads from a museum workshop i attended a few years ago. does anyone know a good source for vintage plastic charms and beads?

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View entire thread: Pointers for craft shows??

Posted by red.harbinger on 2007-09-27 14:15:46      Post Subject: Pointers for craft shows??

I might be searching under the wrong thing but I would like any tips you may have for handling craft shows. Or maybe you can point me to existing threads? :)

I have a friend who makes lovely beaded earrings and she's having trouble selling them. They are crystal beads with sterling charms and sterling findings and extremely well made. No junk here. She asks $15.00 a pair. She sold none at her first craft show, now she has a friend's yard sale coming up and she's going to try that.

It's been suggested that she display them on branches or something up high and also that she might attract people if she were making them on site. I suggested throwing in an incentive like a bracelet half-price with two pairs earrings or something like a bonus. I also suggested she have a mirror by the earrings so ladies could hold them up and see how nice they look.

I've only done two craft shows and results were dismal so we're both open to helpful ideas. Thank you. :)

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View entire thread: Computer keys

Posted by Miss M on 2004-11-07 13:24:06      Post Subject:

wine charms?

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View entire thread: DOG COLLAR

Posted by DevilDoll on 2005-08-05 05:00:12      Post Subject:

I would go to the 99 cent store and buy a cheap collar...or target.


I was gonna say the same thing about the 99c store collars- but since I don't machine-sew I was going to say add beads, charms or other embellishments. I like to buy crazy charms and jewelry to put groovy pentants on my dog's collar - a giant fake diamond, a little lipstick charm, whatever.

You might also check ebay - the stuff that sells for a mint at pet stores sells for a buck or two there.

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View entire thread: Wedding gifts

Posted by girlsavage on 2006-05-20 09:36:31      Post Subject:

I like the emboidery idea...how about on towels with one of their names on each. This is handy if you use the same towel a couple days in a row to tell who used which one. ;)

A couple of years ago I made wine glass charms for a couple that have wine nights at their house pretty often. You could also use the embroidery idea and do their initials on cocktail napkins, like of it's Dick and Jane Nobody, ~DNJ~. Or going with the wine glass idea, hand paint some wine glasses with glass paint.

Some friends of mine made napkin rings for another of our friends. They were a big hit and get used at all of her dinner parties.

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View entire thread: anyone made glass picture charms that have soldered edges?

Posted by littlefishdesigns on 2007-05-31 19:45:28      Post Subject: anyone made glass picture charms that have soldered edges?

hey! i'm hoping someone has made picture charms (necklace, pins) that are a picture sandwiched between 2 pieces of glass (small - like 1" x 3") with solder around the edges to hold it all together??? very interested and would love any advice . . . and how you got started? i've got a soldering tool and i'm going to get some glass cut at a hardware store but not sure what i do once i have everything!!!????

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View entire thread: "girls night in" any craft ideas???

Posted by juna on 2004-10-28 16:51:30      Post Subject:

You could make your own sugar-or salt- scrubs to take home.

I make a lavender sugar scrub from:

2 c. raw turbinado sugar
a small glug of grapeseed or almond oil
about 8 vitamin E tablets (prick the gel cap and squeeze out the goo)
a few drops of lavender essential oil (or other essential oil of your choice)
Mix and keep in a clean glass jar. Maybe even personalize a label for each with contact paper.

Wine glass charms would also be fun to make, and use, at the party. Ringsnthings.com sells the wire hoops (conveniently categorized in their wine charm section). You could shrinky dink some charms for them, too!

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View entire thread: vintage photo charms

Posted by chelbel on 2005-03-11 15:50:12      Post Subject:

I was just looking at your website. Your charms/pendant are absolutely beautiful. I am already pondering which ones I want :0

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View entire thread: looking for plastic charm wholesaler/buying in bulk

Posted by Dawn32 on 2007-06-14 13:42:34      Post Subject: looking for plastic charm wholesaler/buying in bulk

I'm looking for a wholesaler who sells plastic charms in bulk. I'm looking for those little wine bottles, pop cans, six shooters, switchblades, etc. to buy in bulk. I've run across a couple of people that sell on ebay/etsy that sell the items but only in groups of 5 or less. Need someone who sells by the gross.

I'm located right outside of Chicago so either a local place or internet would be great!!!

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View entire thread: looking for milagros... and other mexicana wedding themes

Posted by the-kitschen on 2005-08-01 13:00:17      Post Subject:

http://www.silvercrowcreations.com

If you click on specialties & sundries at the top, you'll find milagros in the beads/charms or hispanic category. They also have papel picado. I love this place! They have a great selection of rubber stamps and all sorts of awesome ephemera for collage. Definately take a look around - I'm sure you can find some fun things!

PS - Congrats on your wedding!

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View entire thread: looking for milagros... and other mexicana wedding themes

Posted by caseyrebecca on 2005-07-30 03:37:08      Post Subject: looking for milagros... and other mexicana wedding themes

i'm trying to find milagros - the tiny mexican silver "miracle" charms to tie onto the invitations for our wedding on the pacific coast next summer. we have sort of a folklorico theme going on - no skeleton art, atleast not for the relatives, but lots of paper flowers and papel picado, etc..
let me know if you have ideas around the theme and cheap connections for milagros and other themed goodies.
thanks so much.

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View entire thread: Crafts with candles

Posted by lizzymahoney on 2007-10-24 11:07:22      Post Subject:

Things to do with votives?

Making an advent wreath with simple votive cups set into it would be good. Or how about a menorah in blue and white, or perhaps a Kwanzaa array of colors?

A votive on a small support could be placed in the middle of a bundt or angel food cake. While I don't care for the idea of baking inedible stuff into cakes no matter when or how it will be removed, there's that idea of baking wedding charms into a cake with ribbons to pull them out. So the festive cake with the candle in the middle of the ring would have ribbons laid over the sides of the cake with charms down in the hole under the candle.

I think votives could be frozen into distilled water in cupcake or mini-bundt tins, then floated in a punch bowl or small pool. This would need to be really cold fluid or water, or a very short display because the ice will melt and the candle will drop and splutter out.

I've decorated many candles with melting crayons. Hold the tip of a crayon *near* a flame and as soon as it softens use it to paint on the candle. I've done it to tapers and columns, so I think it would work with votives as long as the motif is small.

In my hippie candlemaking days, I sometimes filled large conch shells with wax and a wick. Eventually i learned that that doesn't make a great candle, but a tea light or votive can be set into them. Often a small shell will be needed to support the shell. If needed, tiny shells or small pebbles can fill the shell to support the candle.

Soda and beer cans are the right size for votive luminaria, but the sharp edges once you've cut a design are a real drawback.

You can embed shells or tiny charms or stones around the base of the candle with melted wax. With colorful candles, you'd have to sacrifice one to the cause, unless you like the look of white wax against a fuschia candle. You already know the caveats on melting wax, right? So a tiny bit, either in a djanting pen or with a stiff paint brush in wax over a double boiler, blob it onto the charm and affix immediately. If you are concerned that they could slip or shift off, then scribe a bit with a pin or other sharp right under the eventual placement. That way the hot wax will seal the charm to the candle in position.

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View entire thread: specialty beads :: where to buy?

Posted by teagrrl on 2005-08-15 00:20:58      Post Subject:

http://www.fusionbeads.com/ has a lot of stuff too. Dunno about pirates, but I browsed it quickly and found skull charms.

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View entire thread: Help! My baby sister is turning 18!

Posted by Miss M on 2004-10-21 13:50:23      Post Subject:

i love the charm bracelt idea! i may be swiping that idea as gifts for my sisters and mom.....start a new family tradition!

I hope you do! My mom helped me start mine (and my sister too) because she had one as a girl. We were always so fascinated by it, she wanted us to have our own. It is always so fun to look for just the right charm on a trip or to open a gift box & find the perfect charm inside!

My only advice is to carefully choose a quality bracelet - you want it to last & be able hold you charms. And, make sure your charms are secure on the bracelet itself. I use jumprings, but before I got hip to that, I lost a few charms. :(

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View entire thread: Fave Online Bead Resources?

Posted by kitchensqueen on 2007-03-03 20:30:45      Post Subject:

I like the Oriental Trading Company bead catalog. They also sell charms, and jewerly findings. They're pretty affordable and have some really great stuff.

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View entire thread: plastic beads/charms?

Posted by redlipsredboots on 2005-04-09 22:01:04      Post Subject: plastic beads/charms?

hey everyone- does anyone know where i could buy plastic charms from? they don't have to be tiny at all- but anything that looks like those cheap-o 80s style ones are great- you know like rollerskates or ice cream cones or telephones etc...? i wanted to make some jewelry with them but i can't find where to buy them- i've been seeing alot of these on mass produced jewelry lately- but i can't really call urban outfitters or the mall up to seee where they got theirs from(china) haha. hope someone can help!

xoxo
thanks!

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View entire thread: Tie Clips?

Posted by kkusnier on 2007-12-03 11:48:47      Post Subject: Sounds like ful!

Get some alligator clips. You can get these at radio shack or home store.
they can be less than 50 cents a piece
Then you want to do something cool?
try shrinky-dink
cut a long rectangle make a sophisticated pattern using different colors or just one (making sure it is compatable with the plastics )
shrink it and stick it on the clip using jbweld or some sort of heavy bonding stuff.
You could also add charms to it after beads or pieces you can get cheap at craft stores or dollar stores.
but alligator clips are the best for this and work better than a lot of tie bars io got for my hubby

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View entire thread: 88x32 Winnie the Pooh fabric

Posted by 2beanornot2bean on 2005-06-28 16:19:44      Post Subject: ideas

why not cut out the pooh bears and stich them onto pouches or wallets or bags? maybe even stuch them together and stuff them and make mini pooh charms for hanging on key chains, cell phones...stick magnets on the back and stick 'em on the fridge

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View entire thread: Tie Clips?

Posted by lizzymahoney on 2007-12-03 11:31:44      Post Subject:

Ooooh, nice auction. Of course I have no use for tie clips, but I can still drool.

Yeah, I'd go with what Smudgycat says. Thrifts will have them and you can often do things to them if you want.

How about this: find a boring or maybe older tie bar that looks used, buff it up with 0000 steel wool or toothpaste. If it's still not that interesting, try a slick coat of enamel paint, or make a slip cover of fabric. Could decoupage or attach shrinky dink charms over any pesky initials.

Cement a stone or pearl to one, either centered or at one end. Not too heavy though.

You can add chains to some if they are missing or you find a way to fasten.

Check out wigjig dot com or google them. I know they have tutorials on making twisted wire tie clasps. Probably the kind that have a loopy thing for the buttons underneath, and then wire work links that go over the tie.

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View entire thread: Something Shoe-licious

Posted by Lenae on 2005-04-30 19:22:20      Post Subject:

Visit the fabric store and buy some thin ribbon. My sister once did it with lace for a pair of tall boots, they were the zip up type.

You could always add charms to your laces. Pony beads are fun, they come in many colors and shapes.

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View entire thread: My brain needs help!!

Posted by smudgy_cat on 2006-09-07 16:31:19      Post Subject:

could you put together wine and cheese basket kits? You could make the wine glass charms and put in a nice fabric square to line the basket, and get some little cheese knives and make some cheese name labels. You could make the labels with some non-reactive/food safe wire that is looped to hold a piece of paper. You could also make some copper tags with the cheese name pressed in.

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View entire thread: AAI Blank Picture Charms- Can anyone share?

Posted by Vzen on 2007-07-13 01:45:33      Post Subject: AAI Blank Picture Charms- Can anyone share?

I recently got a make-your-own altered art kit on Ebay and it is quite wonderful...except for the fact that when it comes to the blank charms, there is no mention of a supplier. I am looking for those charm blanks with \"AAi\" written in the back along with some lines and squiggles. They''re really wonderful to create small charms with and I suspect that they can be bought in bulk because all the Ebay charm-bracelet makers seem to have them. The problem is, *no one* on Ebay wants to share where they get them from! Even the person who sold me my kit played dumb and told me that I could purchase more charms...from her! I don''t want to start my own business, I won''t be selling my stuff on Ebay. I do this as a hobby, for fun, and occasionally create a gift for a friend. I don''t see why knowing where to purchase the darn blank charms is so threatening!

Does anyone know where I can purchase these specific charms??? I feel like I am going to lose my mind looking for them!!!

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View entire thread: AAI Blank Picture Charms- Can anyone share?

Posted by Gwenevyre1 on 2007-07-23 11:42:47      Post Subject: Your AAI Charms

Hi.. You must have bought the kit from Carrie on EBay. I too have purchased her kit. Those charms with silver bracelet are sold at Wal-Mart in their Jewelry section. They run around $4-5 per bracelet and have 3-4 AAI charms on them with a couple of little silver trinket charms. The Wal-Mart stores in MN do not carry them but my Sister-in-law gets them at her local Wal-Mart in TX and mails them to me. PPL are also selling these charms on EBAY but costing around $1+ per charm. If your local Wal-Mart sells these bracelets, your better off cost wise. The Wal-Mart bracelets have little images on them but they pop right off using a table knife. Hope that helps!

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View entire thread: AAI Blank Picture Charms- Can anyone share?

Posted by charming1 on 2007-10-09 23:58:29      Post Subject:

Because my information was given to me in confidence by a Walmart Manager, I won''t post it here publicly, but you can figure it out by the facts I''ll post.

The AAI charms were pulled from ebay shelves and sold to a surplus reseller, which is where people have been buying these AAI charms from and reselling them on ebay, the vendor is out...no more to sell as of June! Foster Grand owns the subdivision of the company that produced these for the No Boundaries label that Walmart carries.

Now, ask yourself why were they pulled from the Walmart shelves, all over the USA?

Some facts, these charms are manufactured in China. *BIG HINT*
What''s been going on lately with China products, that is all over the news.
It''s a safety issue, not poor sales at Walmart. Any left on shelves at Walmart, is a failure to pull stock that was mandated by the company.
Why?!

I think you all should be able to figure it out by what I have given you above.

Now, do you really want these charms on your bracelets?

Not me! The photo blanks that are bezel settings made in the USA, and sold on ebay, are made of solid brass so you have no problems with those health wise. And if you want silver, many sellers there offer them in silver plated ones over the brass as well.

Just think about it, before you slap anything from China on a bracelet that might come in contact with children''s mouths....anything made in China, shouldn''t come near a child''s mouth these days.

charming1

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View entire thread: AAI Blank Picture Charms- Can anyone share?

Posted by micrafty on 2007-07-28 18:21:10      Post Subject:

I have no affiliation with this company other than they have been participating on my site Crafty Tips almost since day 1.

They have similar charms (finer looking and quality) and they are referred to as "photo charms".

Their site is - http://photojewelrymaking.com/


Fire Mountain has some too:

http://www.firemountaingems.com/search.asp?skw=photo+charms

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View entire thread: how?: turning a pic into a brooch

Posted by SlightlyFoxed on 2004-12-01 17:02:31      Post Subject:

this might be taking it too far, but I saw this tutorial for soldered photo charms which I thought was pretty cool. It doesn't look that complicated, and the complete starter set is only $75, which is reasonable if I were going to keep at it. Not that I need to add a new craft since I can't even handle the two I do now (bookmaking & crochet)!

I've done this with mini-vintage posters and added charms. It's actually very easy to do. As far as the cost, I was pretty lucky, in that He To Whom I Am Married does stained glass, so I could bum off of his materials. Maybe there is a stained glass store nearby where you could use their equipment.

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View entire thread: Soldered glass charm supplies

Posted by redheadedali on 2005-05-12 16:30:39      Post Subject: Soldered glass charm supplies

Does anyone know where I can get some good supplies for making soldered glass charms like these http://www.backyardcards-gifts.com/Schedule.htm ? I am about to start my summer break and would like to begin experimenting with making these.

Alison

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View entire thread: My Craft Space

Posted by kitchensqueen on 2007-03-03 20:43:01      Post Subject: My Craft Space

Well, I finally got around to setting up a proper craft space of my very own today. In our living room, we have a formica kitchen table that my husband uses for his modeling/miniatures hobby but he only uses half of it, so he asked me if I wanted to use the other half for my crafting, now that I'm putting together my Etsy shop. So I jumped on the chance. I have all my rubber stamps in a milk glass compote, pens and glue sticks in a milk glass tumbler, beads and charms in a mini apothecary jar, notions in a vintage zinc-top blue glass Ball jar, my soap making supplies in a vintage loaf pan, markers and miscellaneous items in a small wicker basket, and more markers and colored pencils in a cigar box. All nicely arranged around the perimeter of my work space. On the wall I posted a "crafts to do" and my Etsy inventory lists.

My next steps for my area are to make a jar shelf to hold little items, and a bulletin/magnet board so I can tack up bits of inspiration and papers. My craft books remain across the room on my bookshelf, and I have plastic shoe boxes of supplies I don't use very often, as well as a crate of speciality papers that are in our office/desk area still, but I find my new setup quite serviceable. And I christened it tonight be altering some glassware! Tomorrow will be jewelry-making day!

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View entire thread: where can i get kilt pins with loops for charms?

Posted by hodge on 2004-10-11 11:24:34      Post Subject:

really? they sell the pins on their own? or are they already a-dangle with charms? i'll have to check that out!

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View entire thread: Hello from Montreal!

Posted by VelveteenRabbit on 2006-11-06 10:06:49      Post Subject:

Aww, thanks, brdgt! Well, the pics I provided were quite small so, if you saw them more up-close, you might see that my pieces don't always line up perfectly. I think that's one of the charms of handmade quilts. :)

Anyway, don't feel bad -- I've tried crochet and knitting and stink at those! LOL!

Ann-Margret :)

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View entire thread: Need your input, por favor!

Posted by CraftyChicaAZ on 2004-06-07 14:49:22      Post Subject:

How about shrinky dink charms, applique with stitch witchery or heat 'n' bond or fabric glue, peat moss and concrete stepping stones or planters, sand candles, recovering an old wire lampshade, christmas crackers of some sort, a neck cooler filled with those little gritty things that turn into gelatin like crystals when water is added, luminaria made from old coffee cans, turning old workboots or coffeepots or what ever into flower pots? I saw a girl make those incense burners from wine bottles.

so far i've done shrinky dink charms, concrete stepping stones, sand candles, lampshade, christmas crackers (fun!) -

i love the other ideas, am taking nmote of them right now!! thanks! i think people like anything that is different and fun. so far i haven't had any complaints. i love my glue, i think other crafters do too!!

thanks!!

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View entire thread: what are you making for valentines day?

Posted by MissAmyO on 2007-02-01 12:53:29      Post Subject:

I'm hiding seven days of Valentines for my guys (2 sons, 1 boyfriend). The homemade paper kind with little things about them that I appreciate written on the Valentine. Also working on Seven Days of Valentines Day projects to post to my blog so there will be little crafts with the Valentines, like Shrinky Dink charms and paint chip sample crafts!

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View entire thread: where can i get kilt pins with loops for charms?

Posted by Evadee on 2004-10-11 16:19:54      Post Subject:

Kidlet says they already have charms on them, but obviously you can take them off and adorn them to your liking. Let me know if you still can't find them

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View entire thread: AAI Blank Picture Charms- Can anyone share?

Posted by alix_ellinwood on 2008-04-15 00:44:03      Post Subject:

I found this today after asking a woman on etsy if her kit came with the information for the Aii charms. I just couldn''t justify $60 for the kit to get the information...

People guard that information on those charms like it''s a state secret so I can definitely appreciate the frustration!

Thanks for all the info, it makes things a lot easier!

Alix :o)

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View entire thread: AAI Blank Picture Charms- Can anyone share?

Posted by Gwenevyre1 on 2007-07-23 16:15:58      Post Subject: What the AAi Charm bracelet look likes from Wal-Mart

Just so you know what your looking for - here is what the bracelets originally look like... The AAi charm bracelets are from Wal-Mart. They have the AAi charms on them. As I mentioned, you just pop out their image with a table knife and add your own photo. Have FUN!!! This is what Carrie sells in her kit.
This guy also sells the bracelets he got at Wal-Mart. "Blue Moon" beads sells photo charms. Joanne fabric and Michaels craft stores carry "Blue Moon" beads. High quality nice line of beads.

http://cgi.ebay.com/10-LARGE-CHARM-BRACELETS-DANGLING-ALTERED-ART-05_W0QQitemZ250144341268QQihZ015QQcategoryZ64503QQcmdZViewItem

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View entire thread: where can i get kilt pins with loops for charms?

Posted by hodge on 2004-10-10 00:13:38      Post Subject: where can i get kilt pins with loops for charms?

i love this broach idea, and would love to make a few of my own with different charms:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v186/anisef/pin.jpg

anyone know where i can pick these up (on or offline)?


thanks in advance,
jen

(eta: recs for a cutie charm site would also be lovely)

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View entire thread: Summer Reading List

Posted by janaka on 2006-06-19 08:49:47      Post Subject:

i just found Kaye Gibbons. she writes about southern life and i think she is fabulous. I have read three of her books in the past month, Ellen Foster, A Virtuous Woman, and Charms for the Easy Life. I am also a huge Augusten Burroughs fan, and I have read everything by him. other authors that i love love love are isabel allende, anita shreve and margaret atwood.

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View entire thread: September book club - nomination thread

Posted by janaka on 2006-09-14 08:46:31      Post Subject:

i enjoyed the book, but not as much as I have enjoyed Kaye Gibbons other works. She has written Ellen Foster, Charms for the Easy Life, and a Virtuous Woman. Most of her books are set in the south and center around incredibly strong and independent women, which is something that i have always been drawn to.

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View entire thread: Is there anyone here from Chicago

Posted by maustudio on 2006-06-21 15:14:17      Post Subject: Not quite in Chicago!

Hello, I'm in the Rockford are! I went to UIC though. I'm a graphic/web designer also! I love to learn how to sew with a sewing machine. Currently, I'm just sewing by hand and making cute little cellphone charms.

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View entire thread: Card making ideas?

Posted by deborahthecraft on 2004-10-22 12:45:12      Post Subject:

I love card stock with felt 'appliques',glitter,ric-rac,ribbon,beads,charms etc!

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View entire thread: What did you read in August 2006?

Posted by Pokey on 2006-09-05 23:39:05      Post Subject:

I recently moved to a new apartment, and my hubby decided that we should not get cable TV. So, I read lots in August and started knitting a baby blanket for a co-worker.

I read:

Micah by Laurell K Hamilton, it was a waste of two hours. But I was getting my brakes done, so it was an adequate time filler.

A Fistful of Charms by Kim Harrison. A good no brainer.

The Red Tent by Anita Diamant.....I loved this book! I don't have words to describe how much I enjoyed it.

The Last days of Dogtown by Anita Diamant.....Not even close to as good as The Red Tent.

The Penelopiad by Margaret Atwood....a good story. Cleverly written.

The Wreckage by Michael Crummey. It was alright. I probably will never read it again.

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View entire thread: Help! My baby sister is turning 18!

Posted by Miss M on 2004-10-21 09:57:24      Post Subject:

what about a charm bracelet? I have one I've kept since I was a child. I pick up a charm on each vacation I take or when something big or meaningful happens to me(graduation, engagement, 1st house, baby, etc). Each and every charm means something special to me.

I'm almost thirty now and on to my second bracelet(the first one is loaded with probably more than 40 charms!). Many, MANY special people in my life - several who are no longer around - gave me a charm.

There are many different ways to have a charm bracelet - themed, etc. In fact, I just saw an interesting book about it - here's the link: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/1584793341/ref=wl_it_dp/104-0112345-5984756?%5Fencoding=UTF8&coliid=I3UF8SUIFG6TI8&v=glance&colid=EFXUQ7OOZHX9
Hope that helps!

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View entire thread: What to put in a gift blank book?

Posted by Athos on 2004-05-10 13:10:45      Post Subject:

oooh i just had an idea. maybe you could make a sack for it, like a little fabric bag with a silk ribbon, or sew some charms on it like milagros or something. this way it will be a special place to keep her thoughts, and provide a little more visual privacy for it.

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View entire thread: looking for project inspiration for my clients

Posted by craftfetish on 2007-07-27 16:06:14      Post Subject:

Paper crafts would give you a lot of affordable options.

You could make paper, make or embellish journals, use origami to make decorations, etc.

Personalizing or altering t-shirts, bags, pillows, etc would be fun. Freezer paper stencils are my favorite.

Shrink plastic charms for back packs or purses?

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View entire thread: how?: turning a pic into a brooch

Posted by arabella on 2004-11-24 13:18:18      Post Subject:

this might be taking it too far, but I saw this tutorial for soldered photo charms which I thought was pretty cool. It doesn't look that complicated, and the complete starter set is only $75, which is reasonable if I were going to keep at it. Not that I need to add a new craft since I can't even handle the two I do now (bookmaking & crochet)!

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View entire thread: help! overwhelmed by crafting choices

Posted by arabella on 2004-10-25 07:12:19      Post Subject: help! overwhelmed by crafting choices

yesterday I moved my "crafts room" from it's summer home in the basement to it's winter home - the floor of my bedroom. I've been too busy at work to do much crafting, but seeing it all in front of me has me filled with motivation. Actually, overfilled. I can't decide if I should make books, or crochet, or decoupage, or what. I am overwhelmed with all these materials and colors and tools and I just don't know what to do!!!

So I wind up surfing the web for hours looking for ideas.

So far all I have are ideas of tons of new products I need to buy. I have discovered I need some shape punchers, some turtle-shaped eyelets, new marbled papers, soft yummy yarn, and some new craft books. I also feel the need to explore my latent craftism in the form of mosaic and soldering (specifically, soldered photo charms which look so cute! if pointless)

I've been trying to focus since Friday and I haven't done anything!

help! how can I focus! Christmas is coming! must...do...crafting...

welcoming all ideas/encouragement/prescriptions for help

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View entire thread: SCRABBLE Game Recycle ideas

Posted by Mimii on 2007-03-13 21:49:44      Post Subject:

You could wrap wire around the scrabble pieces to make charms or pendants for earrings, bracelets or necklaces. Itd be even better if you know how to solder

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View entire thread: stocking stuffers?

Posted by felt on 2004-11-30 05:01:55      Post Subject:

When I was an impoverished art student..

I bought bag of walnuts and spent all night painstakingly opening them, emptying them, and stuffing them with glitter, small charms, candy and a personalized message chinese-cookie style. After that I sealed them up again with glue.

Very simple but they were a hit. Plus I had alot of walnuts to eat..!

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View entire thread: Anyone have a pattern for easy to make earrings for teen gir

Posted by sarabell on 2005-07-02 10:55:04      Post Subject:

find some trendy little charms (or have them make their own with shrinky dinks), jump rings, earring wires, and a pair of pliers... just a quick instruction on how to open and close the jump ring and they're good to go.

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View entire thread: Need your input, por favor!

Posted by lizzymahoney on 2004-06-07 14:41:03      Post Subject:

I don't see you as stuck in a glue rut. Glue is very important in DIY stuff.

How about shrinky dink charms, applique with stitch witchery or heat 'n' bond or fabric glue, peat moss and concrete stepping stones or planters, sand candles, recovering an old wire lampshade, christmas crackers of some sort, a neck cooler filled with those little gritty things that turn into gelatin like crystals when water is added, luminaria made from old coffee cans, turning old workboots or coffeepots or what ever into flower pots? I saw a girl make those incense burners from wine bottles. I made one from a Corona bottle, but it was a little short and cracked after a couple of months.

What do your readers mostly like? Half hour crafts, or weekend projects? Stuff on the cheap or cute stuff that could cost a lot? Wild Gen Y or stay at home hippie? Do they prefer southwest oriented stuff or more cosmopolitan?

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View entire thread: best vacation ever?

Posted by lizzymahoney on 2005-12-13 11:33:06      Post Subject:

kindarana, would you do B&Bs? Lots of regions have smallish cities of quaint charms with lovely old homes converted to B&Bs. These might be towns you've already visited.

If you need a major sightseeing attraction that might not be the way to go, though. But it's wonderful to view cities like St Augustine or Key West or Provincetown or Cape May while staying a few days at a B&B. You do have to be ready to adapt a bit if you stay at a B&B.

One place, the owner kept visiting our room every time we left. The fresh towels were nice, but if I left my suitcase propped open, she would close it. Weird. Another, the host assumed my boyfriend wanted a full Irish breakfast and that i would be the tea and toast type. Not so, but she was fine with us switching places. And at another the bed was covered with stuffed animals. Maybe one would be okay, but having five plus all the extra pillows was just annoying.

Some people like exotic locales, but want all the amenities they have at home. Stay at a large hotel chain, and you'll be able to get ESPN and cheeseburgers. Find something not in the AAA travel guide if you like quirky and fun and want to experience the local life as much as possible.

Mom and Pop kind of hotels are always different. Sometimes too different, as in hideous mismatched furnishings, or the dining room doesn't open until 11 AM, or a disturbing lack of privacy. I stayed in one in the Deep South where the swimming pool had pond scum. Really. Sometimes they are really cool, though. As in the maid is the daughter on a break from college, she recommends this retro diner and The Friday Frenzy at the bowling alley, plus you can borrow a cat for your room if you want.

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View entire thread: Blueprint - new mag

Posted by Ratti Pillo on 2006-05-06 16:52:27      Post Subject:

i just picked this up after work last night. I agree- it's real simple, martha, lucky, domino all rolled into one. The budget is too much for me for most of the stuff (which is true with most stuff in other magazines), but i do like the ideas and potential for ideas. i do enjoy the nice mix of cooking, clothes, the home, decoration, etc. i am Loving the note card spread and the charm bracelet spread in particular! i want all the charms!

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View entire thread: Basically... (beads)

Posted by Katrin on 2004-05-20 11:40:06      Post Subject:

I agree that the buying and sorting, etc. is part of the fun. I have to keep reminding myself that my miscellaneous stash of beads is huge enough, so I manage to avoid bead shopping unless I need something specific. I am starting to run low on some colors, though, so it may be time to look for another big assorted bag...

I've only made a few pieces of beaded jewelry, but it's all been self-taught and very easy. I met a woman who had this gorgeous elaborate necklace—two strands with alternating segments of chain and beads, with little charms and a pendant at the bottom. I thought, I could make that! And so I did.

I used all materials that I already had on hand—my bead stash and various broken jewelry parts. It took some trial and error, fixing it after each wearing, to figure out how to secure the threads and chains to keep them from breaking. Other than that, it turned out great! Later I needed one in a different color to go with an outfit, so I sat down and cranked out another. The biggest drawback (other than quickly depleting my broken-jewelry supply) is that each necklace is so full of little sentimental personal items, I wouldn't want to sell them.

Recently I also bought a package of headpins, a package of earring wires (both ridiculously cheap from Michaels), and some little beading pliers (an investment), and have been making dangly earrings in colors to match every outfit. They're ridiculously fast and easy.

I also love doing loomwork with seed beads. It's time-consuming, but in a relaxing Zenlike way. A big part of the fun with that is calculating and plotting out the design, if you like that kind of thing.

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View entire thread: Need your input, por favor!

Posted by lizzymahoney on 2004-06-09 18:51:08      Post Subject:

Women all the time bitch to fabric store cutters that their home scissors are not sacred. I've suggested to many that they dress them up in too cute fashion to keep the husband's hands off of them. You know, feathers and ribbons and paint?

Actually, I think customizing tools that way is fun. It doesn't have to be girly tacky, but scissor handles could be painted lots of ways. Beads optional.

I also have my own electronics screwdriver set that i protect with a secret hiding space so they don't get f*d up. I could see decorating the case and enamelling the handles as a vivid reminder that they are for my use only.

Whole lot of other stuff here, too. My x-acto set, stapler, flashlight, calculator, etc.


My dog wears utilitarian nylon dog collars. But hers have ribbon stitched down the middle. Yeah, I bought them from some crafty person, but anyone could do it with a machine and the right needle.


You've done the glass etching bit before, too, haven't you?

How about some kind of palm weaving? There are nuns somewhere on the net that have tutorials on making stuff from palm. You probably have palm growing in your area, I know I have plenty in my backyard. Aside from the folksy crucifix, there are shapes and wreaths and probably other good luck type things.

Oh yeah, with the shrine experience, did you delve into Chinese good luck charms and such? There are loads of things to do with that. A Taiwanese friend gave my long ago ex a shoebox sized charm with tassels and gilt and red laquered paper that was either supposed to bring him luck or get rid of me. Kind of an oxymoron, but maybe it brought me luck and got rid of him? She also was big into hanging mirrors outside the house for warding off evil spirits. I'd think that could be crafty and fun with a southwest flair.

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View entire thread: A Question for Beaders/Jewelry Makers

Posted by tootsiecat on 2006-01-18 17:33:28      Post Subject:

so far i'm in love with fusion beads.
i'm particularly interested in glass beads too. but so much fun looking. i can't wait to make some earrings, necklaces and bracelets!!
i see charms in there for about $1.50 that the store i work at part time sells for $10!!!

another question:
is wire like this
http://www.fusionbeads.com/shop/product/1673/

good to make a peyote (?) pattern bracelet with sm glass beads?

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View entire thread: craft ideas for fundraising

Posted by peenkfrik on 2006-04-12 02:30:51      Post Subject:

Crocheting and knitting are a little time consuming. You can try making key chains or charms. Each piece wouldn't cost a lot so there's a good chance that you can sell many and raise the money you need. Good PR is also important.

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View entire thread: SCRABBLE Game Recycle ideas

Posted by cathie_Filian on 2008-01-05 11:18:04      Post Subject: Gamepiece clock, frame & necklaces

Here are a couple of ideas that we did on Creative Juice.

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m104/cathiefilian/project%20pictures/gameframes.jpg

This frame was created using a blank wood frame and attaching a painted scrabble tile holder. We painted and added paper to the frame to jazz it up. This was from our Say Cheese episode.

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m104/cathiefilian/project%20pictures/gameholder.jpg
You can spell just about anything across the holder.

For Frame Project Instructions Visit: Say Cheese

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m104/cathiefilian/project%20pictures/gameclock.jpg

For the clock we used mini dominoes and a clock base that we painted red. The clock hands and operating parts are available at any large craft shop.

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m104/cathiefilian/project%20pictures/gamenecklaces.jpg
The jewelry was so fun to make and super easy! On some pieces we added mini rhinestones or dangled charms. Both the clock and necklace are from our Are You Game episode.

For Clock and Necklace Project Instructions Visit: Are You Game



Enjoy!

Cathie Filian
http://www.cathieandsteve.com

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View entire thread: What did you read in June 2006?

Posted by janaka on 2006-06-30 22:48:44      Post Subject:

Ellen Foster by Kaye Gibbons

Charms for the Easy Life by Kaye Gibbons

The Guns of August

i liked them all.

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View entire thread: clear casting resin help?

Posted by boheme-anne on 2006-01-28 19:02:58      Post Subject: clear casting resin help?

When I was in college for my Jewelery and metalsmithing, we had used casing resin for charms.
For some reason, I can't remmber all the rules of casting resin (or polyester resin). I know that is highly toxic, and I know it is also dangerous to use with too much hardening calayast. That being said, I would just go about using it for what I want to do, but I am scared!
If you pour liquid resin into empty holes inside of baked polymer clay, will it light on fire!!??? According to this one website, "certain" poymer clays cannot handle the heat. I have super sculpey, which is the top notch artist's type of the product used to more fine detail. It is also chip and shatter proof. The bake temp is still only 275 F, so does this mean something strange is going to happen when the resin is hardening?
I did also see that if you only use small amouts of resin calayast then there will be less heat.
I probably am not going to try this right now, but I'm looking for any tips or advice if someone knows a lot about this type of resin. I'm getting blocked by my creativity because the ideas I have I can't use certain products for. Oh well.

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View entire thread: Party this Sat: Last-minute help

Posted by cackalackie on 2006-02-21 15:42:39      Post Subject:

Thanks for the tips. I'm just doing wine - to keep it simple. I had actually thought of doing personalised wine charms for each of the guests. This would (obviously) differentiate the glasses, and provide a keepsake. Alas, I haven't the time at this late date. I do like the idea of a favor, though.....

I wondered if I should do something whereby the guests write a good wish somewhere --- or something like that............. (I'm maybe thinking too much at this point.)

Thanks!

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View entire thread: Book recommendations?

Posted by amanelle on 2005-07-11 14:11:01      Post Subject:

Charms for the Easy Life by Kay Gibbons
The Bonesetter's Daughter or The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan

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View entire thread: Sterling silver or silver-plated bracelet chains?

Posted by misskerryturner on 2006-03-10 08:27:50      Post Subject: Sterling silver or silver-plated bracelet chains?

The title says it all, really.
I've been making bracelets as a hobby for a while, and am just about to take the plunge and start selling my wares. Up until now, I've been buying cheap and cheerful silver-plated chain, as it's much cheaper when you're just experimenting. However, I notice that many of the jewellery sites I've been looking at make a point of stating that they only use sterling silver chain.
Could anyone tell me what the advantages are of using sterling silver over silver-plated chain? For a bit of background, my bracelets are quite extravagant and costume-y so they wouldn't be worn every day (by which I mean, they won't tarnish very quickly anyway), and the findings and charms I use aren't all available in sterling silver so I wouldn't be able to sell any of my bracelets as a "premium" item, regardless of the chain.
Many thanks in advance.

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View entire thread: Sterling silver or silver-plated bracelet chains?

Posted by misskerryturner on 2006-03-14 04:18:15      Post Subject:

craftfetish - Surely your skin turning green isn't anything to do with allergies? I thought that was just colour transfer from the metal when the plating rubs off.
I did consider the problem of allergies. I am sensitive to non-precious metals when worn very close to the skin - earrings, rings and belt buckles are the worst offenders - but I've never had a problem with a bracelet, presumably because a lightly-fitting bracelet isn't in constant close contact with the skin.
I understand your point about handcrafted items being perceived as "premium" products, but, as I mentioned in my first post, the findings and charms I use are non-precious metals so it wouldn't be possible to describe my bracelet as precious metal/suitable for those with allergies anyway.
Having said that, it's useful to see how other people perceive these things - if a customer is likely to be put off by a non-sterling chain, then it is probably worth the investment whatever the reasoning behind it.
Thanks for your help.

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View entire thread: Film Canasters: have unlimited supply: any ideas?

Posted by textile_fetish on 2004-08-31 14:28:22      Post Subject:

it is fuji that makes the white-clearish ones? if so, I keep seed beads, charms, jewelry findings, eyelets, snaps and little card-making embellishments in them, which I then keep in a shoe box and then I can kind-of guess what each is without having to open it


Sorry 'bout posting twice, but if you did this, you could glue the tops to the bottoms and make a long wand sort of thing. That would hold all your stuff AND keep it all together. :)

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View entire thread: what is on your desk at work?

Posted by art_skoolgirl on 2005-05-11 15:16:17      Post Subject:

I bought a cute little frog paperweight at a small art gallery in naples florida. It's very cute and many people comment on it.

a picture I drew in cartoon form of me and my fiance, a picture of my dog in a frame I made with little dogbone charms and paw prints.

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View entire thread: Film Canasters: have unlimited supply: any ideas?

Posted by udandi on 2004-08-30 14:23:49      Post Subject:

it is fuji that makes the white-clearish ones? if so, I keep seed beads, charms, jewelry findings, eyelets, snaps and little card-making embellishments in them, which I then keep in a shoe box and then I can kind-of guess what each is without having to open it


I want to say there was a web site/blog with a craft challenge and someone made her own rubber stamps afixed to the top of a flim canister...though the site URL escapes me at the moment, but maybe someone else knows what I'm talking about.

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View entire thread: five favorite things...

Posted by nataxia on 2006-05-29 19:37:00      Post Subject:

1) my jar o' tools...the jar is mason & was originally used for pesto... at the bottom of the jar are tons of glass marbles and charms from the summer before third grade when i learned about archaeology & spent 3 months metering out & digging up my back yard... such a neat little girl i was, i miss me & the tools are great too!

2) my pinking shears in their original 1950's box...i don't break these babies out too often 'cause they're so pretty but when i do...man!

3) my chest of buttons... they were fun to dig through when i first started collecting when i was a teenager, they're still inspiring now

4) my paper goddess...i used to work at the portland art museum with my best friend maria & when we'd be bored we'd cut up the spare museum brochures & make little things for each other... no matter where i call my home this lovely little winged women hangs above my work space

5)my collection of bead dishes...some are delicately painted antique sauce bowls, one is jadeite that glows like a luna moth, a couple are industrial strength squares of metal, all are awesome & perfect!

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View entire thread: info on liquid sculpty...???

Posted by boheme-anne on 2006-01-03 17:34:44      Post Subject:

I'm acutally making some jewelery with it. I wanted to put my artwork in charms for necklaces to start. Another thing is that a long time friend now said he had a dream that I was making faires, which I thought was ironic since I used to but then stopped. I'll be starting that up again, and got this really awesome 400 polymer clay design book that shows all these different techniques with the clay, LS, and the sculpty glaze. Problem is, the book shows the artwork but doesn't really explain how to do it. Some of the pages have quotes from the aritists telling, very vaguely, how they did it. It is going to be an experimental process until I get what I want!

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View entire thread: Review & share your favorite book/author here

Posted by janaka on 2006-06-20 09:15:33      Post Subject: Review & share your favorite book/author here

hi y'all - just a little brain surge i had while reading the summer reading list post. i thought this would be a way of sharing our favorite authors and titles for those who are looking for something new to read.

i'll start by recommending anything by Kaye Gibbons - i just found her about a month ago, at the library. I read Ellen Foster http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ellen_Foster , then A Virtuous Woman and I am currently reading Charms for the easy life. her writing flows and I can get into the characters' mindset very easily.

other authors that i recommend are Isabel Allende, Augusten Burroughs and Margaret Atwood.


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View entire thread: What can I do with old board games?

Posted by craftfetish on 2006-06-12 10:16:16      Post Subject:

Those coasters would be so cute.

I recently saw a pair of stitch markers for knitting made out of scrabble tiles on ebay (but I was out bid). Wine glass charms would be a non-knitting variation.

I would think almost any game piece would work, but the scrabble tiles offer the added fun of letting you spell things.

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View entire thread: do people still wear cufflinks?

Posted by KnittyMomma on 2004-12-10 11:10:24      Post Subject:

i love those! I don't wear suits (heck i'm lucky if i get out of my pjs...not working and being a stay at home mommy is so much fun!) but those would make great little charms for a necklace! How much are you selling them for?

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View entire thread: ideas for crafty party?

Posted by Miss M on 2004-08-27 14:31:44      Post Subject:

Rubber stamping cards is fun and easy.
Or, shrinky dink-ing - pretty much everyone will remember this from their childhood - you could make zipper pulls, wine charms, magnets, etc. For the zipper pulls, I just use zip ties(you can buy a box of like 500 for a few bucks at the hardware store) to attach - kids love this! Plus, I think everyone secretly loves to color!
I used to have a friend who had an easter egg coloring party every year & it was always a big hit. Of course, it's not really the time for that.
LOVE the tie dye idea!!

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View entire thread: "instant gratification" crafts?

Posted by april again on 2007-03-31 15:47:46      Post Subject:

Beaded wine glass charms...so quick and easy and easy to personalize...awesome gift!

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View entire thread: Holiday Crafting 2005

Posted by craftystasie on 2005-10-12 21:42:42      Post Subject: holiday crafts

I had foot surgery about 2 weeks ago and will be up off my feet for another 2 weeks or so. I am spending lots of time knitting and crocheting. There will be a lot of scarfs and hats from me this year ;).

How about some wrist warmers/ fingerless gloves or a wrap? I saw two really cool projects recently one was for an area rug made out of knitted strips (maybe for a friend w/ a new apartment?) and the other was for an outdoor plant liner made out of natural rope/twine (maybe for a friend that likes to garden?).....instructions for both can be found at diynetwork.com

I am also really into stamping. I just made some stamped tile coasters for a friend of mine- they came out really cool! I hope she likes them.

Once I purchased earrings for pierced ears at the bead shop and instead of using them as earrings I put beads and charms onto the small loops and made wine charms (set of 6)- these were popular a while back- fairly inexpensive and have a lot of impact.

Anyone else have other quick and easy ideas?

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View entire thread: Please help me! I need school spirit crafty ideas.

Posted by bessiemae on 2005-02-27 15:00:03      Post Subject:

idea is to go to a bead or arts and craft store. Go to the bead section and pick up beads in your team colors, or charms that go with your theme. You can either make the necklaces youself, or get the girls involved and provide the beads and fishing wire and have them make there own.

Joann's is having a big sale w/coupons on all their big bags of beads and findings for earrings/bracelets.

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View entire thread: holiday money saving

Posted by delqc on 2004-11-02 15:03:27      Post Subject:

I am so broke this year - everything will be minimalistic

I am making sets of dinner napkins from leftover fabric I got by hemming a set of curtains for free for a friend. That will give me 18 napkins so I will do 3 sets of six ...

I am making polar fleece socks for my sisters, mom, and for some aunts, uncles, and friends. They are pretty comfy, and one metre of fleece which makes about 4 pairs is only $6 from the fabric store around the corner.

Some books that I have had in my possion long enough to love over and over will be passed along as gifts to the literary inclined.

I am *supposed* to be making an embroidered stocking for the BF but I just can't get inspired enough.

Last year we made wine charms from seed beads, some fancy beads, and memory wire from an art store. That was fun, but the beads ended up costing almost as much as bought presents.

Maybe those ideas will help somone out!

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View entire thread: Please help me! I need school spirit crafty ideas.

Posted by BumbleB on 2005-02-28 19:19:48      Post Subject: Thank you!

Thanks, this sounds great to me! I won't mind supervising while they make them.

idea is to go to a bead or arts and craft store. Go to the bead section and pick up beads in your team colors, or charms that go with your theme. You can either make the necklaces youself, or get the girls involved and provide the beads and fishing wire and have them make there own.

Joann's is having a big sale w/coupons on all their big bags of beads and findings for earrings/bracelets.

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View entire thread: Please help me! I need school spirit crafty ideas.

Posted by art_skoolgirl on 2005-02-27 13:18:16      Post Subject:

a few other ideas

one thing I'm probably going to use for my wedding is that I'm a huge M&M lover. go to their website and you can make the M&M's the colors your want. Wedding colors, Team colors, etc. you can get them with names on them and a little cute bunch for 16 tables, at 60 bucks.

another idea is to go to a bead or arts and craft store. Go to the bead section and pick up beads in your team colors, or charms that go with your theme. You can either make the necklaces youself, or get the girls involved and provide the beads and fishing wire and have them make there own.

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View entire thread: holiday money saving

Posted by deborahthecraft on 2004-10-22 12:58:38      Post Subject:


The only thing I've thought of, so far, is to approach people to ask that we not exchange gifts. I'm trying to think of kind, polite ways to say to people like my brother's girlfriend that I would prefer that they not get me anything because I just can't get them something this year (this sounds harsh, I'm not phrasing it quite that way in the actual conversations!). It's a delicate subject, and there are (of course) people I'm just going to have to exchange gifts with because there's no way to bring it up. And people I'm going to exchange gifts with because I want to give them something. But for a lot of people, I'm just finding a way to say, you know, I'd prefer that the holiday season be about our relationship and not about the things.
We voted on a gift exchange this year:one person per family to exchange with.We just couldn't afford to do gifts for everyone and their mother(lit.!).

On the subject of gifts.
Those I am gifting to I am using things I already have or need only one item to complete.
Fleace scarves with appliques of special interests of the recipient.

$1 journals covered with fabric and ribbon,beads and charms that I already have stock piled.

Fabric/picture tranfer collages on book marks.

Fabric pouches filled with tape,pen,pencil etc.

Sachets and candles can always be decorated appropriatly as well.

Plastic hanger covers from scrap fabric,scrap batting and trims.

I love the dollar store for basics that can be dressed up and personalized!

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View entire thread: What should I DO with all this junk??????? HELP!

Posted by happysmiley474 on 2006-10-25 18:10:04      Post Subject: What should I DO with all this junk??????? HELP!

i am not a junk collector, nor do i have that disease where you cant throw anything away (i was VERY insulted when someone told me that i had the disease in Yahoo! Answers). i am merely a crafter who likes reconstructing stuff like junk. i'm not very rich :0)
sooo any ideas???
*lots and LOTS of multi-sized buttons
*lots of those little badges with the safety pins
*lots of marbles
*lots of McDonald/Burger King happy meal toys
*lots and LOTS of weird stuff (like the kind you get in thse capsules for 5o cents)
*lots of Altoids tins
*LOTS AND LOTS AND LOTS OF CUTE CANDY WRAPPERS!
*lots and lots of old keychains
*lots and lots of paperclips
*lots of old clothes
*lots of googly eyes
*lots of magazine/junk mail clippings
*a weird necklace chain that i got for like 10 cents at the craft festival
*lots ad lots of plastic bottlecaps
*lots and lots of beer caps
*lots and lots of glitter..
*lots of empty cosmetic cases
*LOTS of those ironed bead creations (the kind where you assemble a lot of beads and when you iron over them, you get this little slab of ironed beads?)
*a lone red dice
*ugly phone charms
*monopoly money

WOW sorry i took up so much space. BUT PLZ... HELP! i'm being pulled under!

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View entire thread: best band of all times

Posted by researchasaurus on 2005-06-29 14:47:12      Post Subject:

I think I may have heard of Naked Raygun back in my poserish days. (sigh, at 33 I can admit I was a poser now. I'm strong enough. DOn't hate me.)

Anyway I would vote for Stereolab.

-Excellent female vocals, a very girly band in general
-Melodic songs
-Esoteric concepts that make you feel smart while listening
-International charms (sometimes the songs are in French)
-And all that Moogy weirdness

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View entire thread: Holiday Gift Ideas for Co-workers

Posted by Dawn on 2004-11-28 22:24:04      Post Subject:

I've found that things that people can use for their holiday entertaining make great gifts. Coasters, cocktail napkins, wine glass charms, placeholders, holiday music (particularly jazz, lounge, latin, or pretty much any instrumental), ornaments, and napkin rings are all inexpensive and easy to make in bulk. They can also be easily personalized to suit the recipient.

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