Tag Archive | ocean

DIY Seashore Themed Tutorial #2: Crystal Hairpins for Bridesmaids, Gift-Giving, and Adding Summer Sparkle to Everyday Life

May30
This design tutorial expands upon the summer seashore theme. Creating your own gifts, jewelry and mementos gives you both more personalization options, as well as a deeper sense of connection to the relationships, emotional bonds, and memories we share. This easy crystal hairpin design is perfect for bridesmaids, friends, and younger girls alike.
For each barrette, you will need (a) plain bobby pin, (b) 3x 4mm bicone crystal beads (shown here in aquamarine satin), (c) 3x 6mm beads (you can use bicones or rounds; in this image, Czech crystals in light turquoise), (d) colored wire (gauge small enough to string beads), and (e) jewelry pliers (not shown).
Step 1: Twist the wire around the looped end of the bobby pin to create a secure connection for adding beads. Twist wire around several times to ensure durability.
Step 2: Slide coiled wire onto the “top” (bumpy/wavy) side of the barrette. Add the first 4mm bicone bead to the wire.
Step 3: Twist the wire around the hair pin to secure the bead. This step only requires one pass over the arm of the pin.
Step 4: Add the first 6mm bead, repeating the same steps used to secure the previous bead. Do not forget to secure it with a single loop before adding another bead.
Step 5: Repeat previous steps, alternating between the 4mm and 6mm beads, until the barrette is finished. Complete the end with several more loops, pulled tightly into a coil (same as Step 1). Use pliers to clip off excess wire and trim any sharp ends.
To further personalize, cut out a circle of printed paper in a coordinating color. Use decorative paper punches to cut out themed motif if desired (shown here, starfish).
Use a pen to write a personalized message, monogram, or to add details – like a person’s name, a special date, or an inspirational quote.
Coming up next: Bracelet tutorial.
And later… Table place and name cared tutorials!
Summer celebrations are about family, friendship, and the beauty of nature. Adopt a DIY lifestyle to infuse your life with both a greater sense of meaning, as well as a more sustainable, eco-friendly philosophy.

DIY Seashore Themed Tutorial #1 ~ Crystal “Starfish” for Summer Weddings and Other Celebrations

May21
This easy-to-build beaded starfish design is the perfect DIY decoration, gift, party favor, or memento for seashore-themed special occasions and celebrations.
Materials: (1) Wildfire beading string (about 8″), (2) 4 mm bicone Swarovski crystal beads in different colors (as pictured, 5 pacific opal, 5 aquamarine satin, and 10 light azore) x 20 total beads, (3) seed beads (Pictured here, Delica brand aquamarine glass seed beads).
Start stringing the inner circle of the starfish, alternating one seed bead and one crystal bicone bead.
To create the 5-point star design in this tutorial, stop after you have added 5 total bicones, alternated with 5 total seed beads. To make a six-pointed star, add pone more of each type of bead to your inner circle. This section should be completed in one color, to achieve the desired effect.
Pass the end of the string a second time through all of the beads to form a loop that you will tighten into a circle.
Pull gently on both ends of the string to close the circle, and pull the design into a continuous ring. This beaded ring becomes the base you will use to build the “arms” of your starfish.
Starting with one of the loose ends, add on three more crystals, alternating colors to give the “arms” of the starfish contrast.
Loop the end of the string back into the seed bead below, creating an outer extension of your design, as pictured.
Pull the loop on either side to tighten. This is the first “arm” or “point” of the star design.
Continue the design, by repeating the previous step a second time to create another “arm”.
After you finish the design, it should look like this! Use ribbon, string, or fishing line to create beautiful ornaments for centerpieces and wedding decor. Also ideal for jewelry!

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.