Tag Archive | instructions

“Sexy Sweetheart” Necklace & Bracelet Design – Using COLOR to Convey Themes & Tell A Story

Sep10
Inspired by the most decadent, irresistible feminine archetypes – from femme fatale, to the vixen, vamp, temptress, and beyond – this black & red asymmetrical necklace design features a knockout combination of seductive themes and come-hither color combinations.
This “Sexy Sweetheart” design uses several different interwoven colors and themes, inspired by one of my favortie date night ensembles. No matter what color represents your inner goddess, you can “be your own fairy godmother” with Chain Reactions modular jewelry. With 28 colors to choose from (and combine!), you can easily create the perfect accessory to match almost any design inspiration. For this design, a cherry red pair of sexy (yet traditional/vintage) heels serves as our first source of inspiration.
A complex look can be built from a few simple pieces. Every layer – from your perfume, to your nail polish – exudes a story of its very own. “Collage” your fantasy onto your body by mixing and matching different design elements from different sources. Pictured is my favorite nailpolish color (selected to match the shoes).
We begin our necklace with a neutral base color – black – to match the dress fabric pictured in this image. A 10″ base strand in black is used as a connection point for a crystal key pendant in “silver night”.
Next, a red 10mm heart (“light siam AB”) drop is layered onto the 10″ chain base strand, via the same clasp used to secure the key. Experiment with different layers and color combinations to achieve different effects. Red and black are often associated with sexuality, passion, and “the darker side” of romance. You can use intuitive themes as inspiration when selecting a color combo – what do you want people to see, hear and know? Communication without words may seem difficult – but it is at heart, the only universal language we have!
After the charms have been layered, an 8″ crystal insert strand (pomegranate, bold style) is connected to the clasp.
The loose end of the chain base strand is attached to a heart tab hook up clasp.
The open back of this necklace allows you to put it on without disturbing the layered charms in front.
This step is normally completed around the neck. Attach remaining end of insert strand to the heart tab hook up clasp.
Voila! Sexy sweetheart, on demand!
Matches the nailpolish perfectly!
And also perfectly color-coordinated to match the shoes!
Dreaming of a matching bracelet? Your wish is my command! Attach a heart tab hook up clasp to the end of a 7″ delicate style crystal insert strand (pomegranate).
Attach another heart tab hook up clasp to the other end.
Connect a crystal beaded heart hook up clasp (pomegranate) to one heart at a time to complete your bracelet.
Here is how you get it on you wrist!
Sexier than any forbidden fruit!
This design is bold, yet still classic, feminine, yet a bit edgy. What does your inner temptress look like?

Summer Morning Dutch Baby Pancakes – A Necklace & A Recipe

Sep3
Tasha’s recipe for mixed summer berry compote: Gently simmer 1 pint fresh blueberries and 1/2 cup fresh strawberries in a mixture of lemon zest, pomegranate juice, 1 vanilla bean, and lemon juice; add juice until berries are submerged; cook until berries burst and release juices; add raw honey and a pinch of salt for flavor balance.
Before mixing pancake batter, preheat oven to 450 degrees F, and warm a 10″ skillet for 5-10 minutes in the oven (this step ensures that your pancake will rise up, as pictured).
Roger’s recipe for Dutch baby pancakes: While skillet is preheating, combine 2 eggs, 1/2 cup milk, 1/2 cup sifted flour, lemon zest, a pinch of salt and 1 tsp vanilla extract. Remove preheated skillet from oven, and turn down heat to 425 degrees F. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter onto the skillet, and then puour your pancake batter into skillet. Remove when golden brown, as pictured.
Batter will rise above sides of your skillet – cut into slices and top with powdered sugar, whipped cream and compote.
Enjoy with your favorite toppings and spices added into the mixture… Why is baking so fabulous??? Because it is MODULAR – you can adapt it to fit your personal tastes and preferences!
The Dutch baby pancake necklace!!!!
Use a 10″ enamelled brass base strand (pictured in black) to combine 1 each of the following beaded insert strands: (1) 8″ bold pomegranate strand, and (2) 8″ bold honeycomb strand. These colors mimic the combination of vivid summer fruit and golden pancake dough in our Dutch baby pancakes.
Next, begin twisting the strands to get a “DNA twist” effect.
Secure loose ends with a heart tab hook-up clasp.
Use the same heart tab hook-up clasp to close the remaininf ends of your necklace.
A close up of our Dutch baby pancake necklace.
Perfect for hot summer days – vivid, yet classic! What inspires your Lace Exoskeleton?

Introduction to Layering: Mixing Color Palettes to Create Two Different Necklaces

Aug30
The inspiration: A vintage-inspired cobalt/navy blue sun dress with white polka dots. This nautical style pattern perfectly balances both playful and sophisticated elements.
The nautical theme is notable for its clean white lines juxtaposed with deep, rich, saturated navy blues. A classy, elegant, and traditional design motif – historically favored by the American upper classes – this serene color combination is beloved by all who find themselves at home near the ocean. It is particularly favored in the New England area – but has a much older historic significance – especially in orgin myths and tales of the sea?mother goddess.
Associated with the compass, and water, these two pendants are selected to represent the sea.
Strands in stardust, nautical, white wedding, and pearl are laid out to match our fabric inspiration.
Items are laid out as a collage on a mirror toemphasize shapes and details.
Collaginf with strands can help you identify desired color combinations.
A necklace is started with the filigree compass charm/pendant and a navy blue 10″ enameled brass base strand.
A delicate insert strand in stardust blue is connected to the navy blue base strand.
The loose ends are closed with a Swarovski crystal flower drop hook up clasp.
The Filigree Compass Necklace
Another necklace design is started with a 12″ white enameled brass base strand (spring ring clasps) and the 7″ delicate beaded insert strand in stardust blue.
Next, the 7.5″ pearl insert strand is layered onto the same white base strand.
Third, an 8″ beaded insert strand in the nautical blue color palette is also added onto the same white base strand.
These steps are repeated to attach the remaining end of each strand to the second clasp on the white enameled brass base strand – creating a layered crystal centerpiece with three different colors.
Use this layering technique to combine colors – experiment with monochromatic, ombre, and complementary color combinations to achieve different visual effects.

Introduction to Color Matching: How to Adapt Your Exoskeleton to Match ANY Outfit!

Aug29
Modular jewelry designs can be adapted to match any inspiration, context or color combination. The necklace featured in this post was inspired by the deep red of fresh summer cherries, and the dusty pink fabric of one of my favorite cotton dresses.
To find the perfect match, “collage” a few modular pieces together to see how they look.
To build a necklace, begin by attaching one charm to a base strand.
If a layered look is desired, stack other charms – in different materials, shapes, and sizes, on top of your base strand.
Cluster a few crystal drops on top for even more dimension.
After attaching your chams, connect your desired crystal insert strand to the same clasp you used to attach your charm layers.
finish your necklace by connecting the loose ends in back with a hook-up clasp or chain extender.
Mix and match your modullar pieces to match any outfit!