And The Winner Is........
bh23_1991@hotmail.com!
Congratulations on Winning The Blue Bracelet Giveaway! If you like this bracelet and would like to purchase it, there are more available at my ETSY shop at www.beadazzledjewels.etsy.com! Thanks for everyone's encouraging comments!
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Monday, July 25, 2011
Project-How to Make A Unique Duct Tape Wallet
Along with jewelry, I make a variety of duct tape creations! My favorite things to make are purses and wallets. They are surprisingly durable and there are so many ways to customize them. Today I'm going to show you how I made the Cheetah Print Duct Tape Wallet pictured above.
What You Need
-Duct tape (I used cheetah print and black Duck Brand Duct tape)
-Craft Knife
Step 1
-Cut 5 strips of duct tape. You want to cut them about 9 inches long.
-Take 1 strip and place it sticky side up on your work surface. Then take a second strip of duct tape and place it sticky side down on top of the first piece. This will form one 9 inch piece of duct tape with no sticky sides exposed. Repeat this with 2 other strips of duct tape.
-Place both of these non-sticky strips that you just made side by side lengthwise. Use the 5th piece of tape to connect these two strips. (It should now look like one large piece)
Step 2
-Repeat Step 1 three more times. You should end up with four pieces.
Step 3
-Pick 2 of these pieces to create the dollar bill pocket part of the wallet.
-Cut another 9 inch strip of duct tape.
-Place two pieces on top of the other. Use the strip of duct tape and lay it sticky side down on one long edge of the duct tape pieces. Fold the strip over to the other side to connect the pieces together. This forms one side of the pocket.
-Cut two strips of duct tape that are the same length as the shorter sides of the pieces. (should be about 4 inches)
-Using these two shorter pieces, connect the sides of the pocket. There should now be only one long side open. This will be the pocket for Dollar Bills in the Wallet.
Step 4
-Now you need to put the pieces together. Pick which piece you want to be on the front, middle, and back. I picked a cheetah print front, black middle, and I put the pocket on third/back.
-Cut two 9 inch strips
-Use these strips to place each piece together. You do this just like you did the pocket. Start by placing the sticky side down lengthwise on your front piece. Connect the front piece to the middle piece with this strip.
-Repeat this to connect the middle piece to your pocket.
-Your wallet should now be all one piece
Step 5
-This wallet has four pockets for credit cards, IDs, etc. To make these, cut two 3 inch strips of duct tape. Stick them directly onto the middle section. You want to leave a little space between the strips. This will be the back of the first two top pockets.
-Cut two 9 inch strips of duct tape. Put them together with their sticky sides facing each other (just like in Step 1).
-Put this 9 inch strip in the middle section on top of your two smaller strips.
-Cut two more 3 inch strips. Lay them directly on the 9 inch strip you just laid down on the middle layer. You want to position the short strips so that they tape down the longer one on the sides.
-Cut another 9 inch strip. Place it on top of the two shorter strips you just placed on the middle section.
-Secure the 9 inch strip with shorter strips in the middle and sides. Make sure you can fit a credit card into each of your slots. The inside of the wallet is now complete.
Step 6
-Your wallet is complete with the exception of any details you want to add to the front. You can make any design you want, but I will show you how I completed this design.
-Cut an 11 inch strip of duct tape. Fold the strip in half onto itself.
-Now take your wallet and use your knife to cut a thin slit on the front large enough to feed your 11 inch strip through.
-Measure 1 1/2 inches from the first slit. Make another slit at this spot and feed the duct tape strip through it just like before.
-Repeat these steps until you reach the end of the wallet.
Your Wallet is now complete! You can see the matching purse at http://www.etsy.com/listing/78500088/cheetah-print-duct-tape-purse!
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Best Places to Buy Jewelry Supplies
Making Jewelry is an extremely rewarding and fun experience. I've been making and selling jewelry for years now and I've compiled a great list of places to buy supplies for great prices!
Online Shopping
The best place, hand down, to buy beads and jewelry supplies online would be at Jewelry Supply.com. I have purchased SO many beads from this site. The best part is that there is a huge selection and all of it is an extreme discount in price compared to buying locally. You can find gemstones like turquoise, lapis, and ruby. Swarovski crystals are also available in every size and color you can imagine.
I made this bracelet out of some beautiful genuine turquoise purchased from that site.
Local Shops
When I need to go out and find something for a project right away, I turn to shops in my area. Living in rural Illinois, it can be hard to find a store with good selection and price nearby.
My top choice for shops that are in my area would be Hobby Lobby, Michaels, and occasionally Walmart! Hobby Lobby's jewelry department is growing and adding inventory constantly. I can usually find everything I need there. They also have 50% off sales every week, so its easy to get what you want at a good price. Michaels also has a good selection of beads. However their beads are a little more expensive. Believe it or not, Walmart's craft department can be a source for some good bead finds. Although there is some sacrifice in selection and quality, for something basic and quick it's definitely not a bad option.
Here's a few jewelry pieces with many of the supplies purchased at Hobby Lobby.
Knowing where to purchase jewelry supplies can save a lot time and money. If there are any shops that you want to add to the list just let me know! And if you liked this article be sure to subscribe to my blog!
Online Shopping
The best place, hand down, to buy beads and jewelry supplies online would be at Jewelry Supply.com. I have purchased SO many beads from this site. The best part is that there is a huge selection and all of it is an extreme discount in price compared to buying locally. You can find gemstones like turquoise, lapis, and ruby. Swarovski crystals are also available in every size and color you can imagine.
 |
| http://www.etsy.com/listing/75750445/exquisite-turquoise-and-bead-bracelet |
Local Shops
When I need to go out and find something for a project right away, I turn to shops in my area. Living in rural Illinois, it can be hard to find a store with good selection and price nearby.
My top choice for shops that are in my area would be Hobby Lobby, Michaels, and occasionally Walmart! Hobby Lobby's jewelry department is growing and adding inventory constantly. I can usually find everything I need there. They also have 50% off sales every week, so its easy to get what you want at a good price. Michaels also has a good selection of beads. However their beads are a little more expensive. Believe it or not, Walmart's craft department can be a source for some good bead finds. Although there is some sacrifice in selection and quality, for something basic and quick it's definitely not a bad option.
Here's a few jewelry pieces with many of the supplies purchased at Hobby Lobby.
 |
| http://www.etsy.com/listing/77884688/gold-and-black-swarovski-crystal-woven |
 |
| http://www.etsy.com/listing/77021314/pink-glass-bead-memory-wire-bracelet |
Friday, July 22, 2011
Introducing: Favorite Fridays!
Every Friday I will be making a list of some of my favorite items from other artisans on ETSY. Some weeks will have a theme! This week the list will be my favorite items from ETSY members that have yet to be discovered or have a sale. Check them out!
The Bride Idea-Chair Favor Box
Why I love it-This party favor is so original! I have never seen a wedding favor
box quite like it. Plus, it comes in a TON of colors.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/57706745/chair-favor-box
So there you have it, Favorite Fridays! Stay tuned for next Friday's Favorite Picks. And don't forget to sign up for the free giveaway!
The Bride Idea-Chair Favor Box
Why I love it-This party favor is so original! I have never seen a wedding favor
box quite like it. Plus, it comes in a TON of colors.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/57706745/chair-favor-box
icappellidifiore-Cloche Black & White
Why I love it-This hat is very elegant and sophisticated. It reminds me of an accessory
one of the royals would wear.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/74261837/cloche-balckwhite
Vandia-Lily in Handwoven varigated Pink/Mauve Tool
Why I love It-This handbag also carries a high level of sophistication. The outside is 100% wool with
interfacing. I love the colors!
http://www.etsy.com/listing/66110891/sale-lily-in-handwoven-varigated
Snuggle Bottoms Crochet Bunny Hat-Newborn
Why I love it- How could you not see this and think awwwwww? This crochet hat adds
adorable bunny ears to your newborn! Adorable!
http://www.etsy.com/listing/72072817/crochet-bunny-hat-newborn
Seamless Expressions
Contemporary Decorative Geometric Pillow in red, black, and white cotton fabric 18 inches
Why I love it-This pillow reminds me of a nice beach room with the windows open on a sunny day. The colors and pattern give a relaxing and contemporary feel that I love.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/69951308/contemporary-decorative-geometric-pillow?ref=pounceSo there you have it, Favorite Fridays! Stay tuned for next Friday's Favorite Picks. And don't forget to sign up for the free giveaway!
Thursday, July 21, 2011
FREE GIVEAWAY!
It's Time for a Giveaway! This giveaway features a gorgeous Blue Swarovski Crystal Woven Bracelet! Multiple shades of blue in an exquisite pattern with a silver toggle make this bracelet one of a kind. It's a $15.00 value free! Wanna know how you can win? It's easy:
1.) Go to my ETSY store at www.beadazzledjewels.etsy.com.
2.) Click the "Contact" button on the left side of the screen
3.) Leave me a message to vote for your favorite item in the shop and your email address!
OR
1.) Leave a comment on this blog with your email address.
2.) Stay tuned for the winner on August 4th!
Everyone who leaves a message for me will be entered into a drawing. All email address and contact information will be kept completely confidential. (An email address is needed to contact you if you win!) At the end of 2 weeks I will draw a winner! Whoever I draw will automatically win this gorgeous bracelet! The bracelet will then be shipped out and arrive right at your door! Good Luck and Happy Winning!
1.) Go to my ETSY store at www.beadazzledjewels.etsy.com.
2.) Click the "Contact" button on the left side of the screen
3.) Leave me a message to vote for your favorite item in the shop and your email address!
OR
1.) Leave a comment on this blog with your email address.
2.) Stay tuned for the winner on August 4th!
Everyone who leaves a message for me will be entered into a drawing. All email address and contact information will be kept completely confidential. (An email address is needed to contact you if you win!) At the end of 2 weeks I will draw a winner! Whoever I draw will automatically win this gorgeous bracelet! The bracelet will then be shipped out and arrive right at your door! Good Luck and Happy Winning!
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Increasing Your Website/Blog Success
As of a few months ago, I have started selling on ETSY. It's a site for all things handmade. I was thrilled to find such a wonderful website where artisans like myself have the opportunity to monetize their craft. It didn't take me long, however, to realize that it was much more complicated than that.
Many of you probably know better than I do just how hard it is to sell online. There is so much that goes into advertising your product and making your pictures represent your items accurately. Here's a few things that I have noticed that seem to increase traffic and sales.
1.) Good Photos
-Believe it or not, this is the hardest challenge. I spend hours everyday taking pictures of everything I make and editing. You want to make sure you have clear close-up shots of everything you make. You know that your items are beautiful but most people that come to your site will have no idea. Customers will rely on those pictures. A good site for free photo editing that I use a lot is www.pixlr.com. I've had a lot of success cropping and getting better clarity in my pictures.
2.) Advertise
-I originally thought that if I just made my pieces everyday and put them up then customers would automatically find me. This was definitely not the case! I spend hours on blogs, twitter, facebook, kaboodle, and stumbleupon trying to promote my site. I've tried using google adwords with very little success. Unless you have a good grasp on that concept, I wouldn't waste your money. I have also registered my site on www.handmadespark.com. It's $6/month and has actually started to pay off. Another site I've tried just recently is Project Wonderful at www.projectwonderful.com. I haven't used it long enough to be able to tell, but the site has had excellent reviews. All you do is create a few buttons or banners and it finds blogs and other websites to advertise them on.
3.) Monitor Where Your Customers Come From
-This is actually just a helpful tip that I've found extremely useful. I have used free google analytics on all of my websites to keep track of how many visits I get each day, where customers are coming from, how long customers are on my website, etc. Knowing exactly how my customers are finding me is useful to know where to advertise.
So now I want to know, how do you promote your website/blog? Are there any secrets that I am missing out on? Is there anything that has led to significant success on your website/blog? Let me know what you think!
Many of you probably know better than I do just how hard it is to sell online. There is so much that goes into advertising your product and making your pictures represent your items accurately. Here's a few things that I have noticed that seem to increase traffic and sales.
1.) Good Photos
 |
| Pink Shell Chain Bracelet www.beadazzledjewels.etsy.com |
2.) Advertise
-I originally thought that if I just made my pieces everyday and put them up then customers would automatically find me. This was definitely not the case! I spend hours on blogs, twitter, facebook, kaboodle, and stumbleupon trying to promote my site. I've tried using google adwords with very little success. Unless you have a good grasp on that concept, I wouldn't waste your money. I have also registered my site on www.handmadespark.com. It's $6/month and has actually started to pay off. Another site I've tried just recently is Project Wonderful at www.projectwonderful.com. I haven't used it long enough to be able to tell, but the site has had excellent reviews. All you do is create a few buttons or banners and it finds blogs and other websites to advertise them on.
 |
| Purple Crystal Ring Button www.beadazzledjewels.etsy.com |
-This is actually just a helpful tip that I've found extremely useful. I have used free google analytics on all of my websites to keep track of how many visits I get each day, where customers are coming from, how long customers are on my website, etc. Knowing exactly how my customers are finding me is useful to know where to advertise.
So now I want to know, how do you promote your website/blog? Are there any secrets that I am missing out on? Is there anything that has led to significant success on your website/blog? Let me know what you think!
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