An inspiration from Amanda

I love it when people get inspiration from others and they get to be creative as they can be. Like this design of earring display from Amanda. The blog has many comments and as I read through each one of them, I’ve learned that others got to create their own versions of the earring display, that each one is different and has their own style. I thought of passing the idea from Amanda through Handmade Jewelry Club so that you will get to stir up you own creative idea on how to make your own earring display.


This is Amanda's Shabby Chic Dangly Earring Display



Amanda loves her dangly earrings and she has a lot, and so, she came up with the idea of creating a way to display her beautiful earrings. The process is just easy and inexpensive, plus, you always get to see and admire your earrings everyday while they're all hanging beautifully.


Learning how Amanda did it, Hannah created her own version. What's cute about Hannah'searring display is that she even made one for her necklaces.




Great idea!

It's like hitting two birds with one stone. Same process, but less work and viola!!! A necklace display for Hannah.


But this earring and necklace display from Julie looks really cool!




Julie called this her "Keeper of Jewels" and this is an old window frame she got from a clearance sale. I adore it! It looks lovely. I also like how she used the knobs to hang her necklaces.


I'm sure you have a lot of handmade jewels and stuffs. I do, too and I just keep them in a box. Sometimes they look messy just keeping them in a box and not separate each pair. These display ideas would be great to try out, so, here's the tutorial links to choose from: Amanda's Tutorial Shabby Chic Dangly Earring Display, Hannah's easy peasy jewelry storage andJulie's Keeper of Jewels. Whichever you may choose would be great!!!


Don't have enough earrings and necklaces? Here's an easy project idea from Stari Girl and Erica Leung.


How to make earrings tutorials by Stari Girl Jewelry


Tutorial: Swarovski Crystal Heart Necklace
Download lots of free jewelry making tutorials at DiyLessons! Are you a jewelry (jewellery) making teacher/ tutor? You can also list your tutorials here too.Don't miss a post! Subscribe to Handmade Jewelry Club by Email FREEBookmark and Share



Getting Started With Peyote Stitch

by Jennifer VanBenschoten

Pretty much all of my beaded cabochon jewelry pieces begin with the same thing: a peyote stitched bezel to keep that handmade cabochon securely in place. Back when I was a beginning beader, I found peyote stitch a difficult stitch to learn - it's the only stitch that I couldn't teach myself!

Since then, I've learned a lot about peyote stitch, and it's one of my favorite off-loom beading stitches. Once you know the basics, you can use it to make secure bezels to hold just about any shape of cabochon.

So today, I'm going to share a free tutorial for getting started with flat even count peyote stitch. Even count peyote stitch is what I use to stitch my beaded bezels around a cabochon, and the flat version of this stitch is the easiest form of peyote stitch to learn.

Before you get started, I have a few tips for learning peyote stitch (and any new beading stitch in general):

  • Use a large size bead, needle and thread. Instead of starting out with a smaller size 11 bead, try using a size 8 or a size 6 seed bead. And if you really want to be easy on yourself, use a size 8 Delica bead - Delica beads are incredibly uniform and have a smooth cylinder shape that will let each bead snap into place.
  • When you are learning a new beading stitch, using a light color of thread and beads can make it easier to see where you need to stitch. If you use a darker bead (like black, brown or gunmetal colored beads), make sure that you have a good light source.
  • How much thread you use can make a difference, too. Don't start out by using a long length of thread. A shorter length - say, no longer than five feet - won't tangle as easily, and it won't take as long to pull your thread through each bead as you stitch.
On to the tutorial!

















1. On your comfortable length of thread, pick up one bead. Pass through the bead again, moving in the same direction so that the thread wraps around the bead. This is your stop bead, and it will keep the rest of your beads from falling off your thread while you get the first few rows of peyote stitch going.
















2. Pick up an even number of beads. For this tutorial, try by starting with 8 beads. Even count peyote stitch gets its name from the even number of beads that you start with. Push the beads down up against the stop bead - don't push too hard, or you'll push everything off your thread and will have to start all over again.















3. To start stitching, pick up a bead on your needle. Skip the last bead you picked up in your initial 8 beads, and then pass your needle through the next bead, working towards your stop bead.















4. Pull snugly so that the two beads on the end line up next to each other. This is how your first stitch should look.















5. To continue stitching, pick up another bead, skip the next bead in the row, and pass through the next bead, always working towards the stop bead.















6. This is how your first three rows should look. Note how the beads in each row are offset from beads in other rows. This creates a row of "up" beads. To work in peyote stitch, you'll be filling in the spaces between "up" beads with beads as you work.
At this point, you can remove the stop bead by gently pulling it off the thread.















7. To turn around and begin your next row, pick up a bead, and then stitch through the "up" bead behind your last bead. The bead that you stitch through might be a little loose, since you just added it. To keep it from falling apart, hang on to your working thread tightly as you put your needle through the bead. Then pull on your working thread to snug everything up.















8. As you work, you'll be adding new beads in the spaces between "up" beads.















9. You have now finished four rows of peyote stitch! When counting rows in peyote stitch, you need to move on the diagonal, starting from the bottom row of beads and moving to the top.

I hope you've enjoyed this tutorial! Keep practicing that peyote stitch - next time, I'll show you how to use some basic bead embroidery techniques to make a peyote stitched beaded bezel around a cabochon. And if you want to learn more about off-loom beadwork techniques, check out my free tutorials on the About.com Beadwork site. Happy beading!

Designer Landslide

Illusion
Landslide by Stevie Nicks "I took my love I took it down climbed a mountain and I turned around And saw my reflection in the snow covered hills Til the landslide took me down" Sterling silver, labradorite bead, moonstone, herkimer diamond, oxidized


Illusion

Congratulations Deborah! You can see more of her work in her etsy shop
and on her flickr account.

This is absolutely gorgeous!!! Please keep the entries coming! Does your favorite song inspire creativity? Please share your inspiration and beautiful work!!!

Aztec Sunbursts


Click here to buy now!

A perfect balance of matte and shiny copper-hued cubes, triangles, and three different sizes of seed beads are joined using several stitches, resulting in a pair of earrings striking enough for an Aztec queen.


Project Details
Required Materials: Seed beads, triangle beads, cube beads, teardrops, ear wires, beading thread. See project for complete list.
Tools Needed: Scissors, beading needle, flat-nose pliers. See project for complete list.
Techniques Used: Ladder stitch, brick stitch, peyote stitch, picot
Finished Size: 2 1/4"
Originally Published: Beadwork, February/March 2009


Click here to buy now!


Download lots of free jewelry making tutorials at DiyLessons! Are you a jewelry (jewellery) making teacher/ tutor? You can also list your tutorials here too.Don't miss a post! Subscribe to Handmade Jewelry Club by Email FREEBookmark and Share

40% Off Spring Madness Sale in Ann Taylor Land

For a limited time, shoppers can get 40% off your entire purchase (full price & sale) at Ann Taylor, LOFT, and Ann Taylor Factory. Amazing sale. For AT, use SPRING40, and for LOFT, use TAKE40. I love shopping at this entire family of petite-friendly stores for work.


Spring Tweed Jacket
sz 00P, Briar Rose shell sz XXSP, Silk Camp Shirt in 00P

I haven't browsed yet, but I wanted to pass along the message and refer to some of my recent reviews:

1. Ann Taylor, Factory, & LOFT reviews on 3/27. My favorite is the Petite Silk Camp Shirt that comes in 6 beautiful colors online. Would be great if you're a little bigger than me.
2. Ann Taylor reviews on 2/18. Loved the Petite Canvas Motorcycle Jacket if only it fit smaller, now on sale and still left in sz 00P. I might get this and attempt shrinking in the dryer.
3. Ann Taylor pumps review on 4/7. Sizes 5 and 5.5 are available online only. I'd recommend sizing down if you're between sizes.
4. Ann Taylor Factory snippet on 4/10 showcasing the lace dresses and skirts, starting in sz 00p (runs big).

Ann Taylor Petites and Conscious Collection Reviews

I went back to H&M today specifically to find this little peplum top. It was my instant favorite from the price list for wearing on hot summer days, and quite affordable at $12.95. It reminds me of my well-loved TopShop floral tee, except that was an overpriced $40. Good news: I found a sz 2 in a pretty floral print, versus plain white. Bad news: it's tagged at $18. I'm going to contact customer service about the price discrepancy.
While there, I also stumbled upon this safari-esque orange & cream circle skirt for a mere $9.95. I've been looking for bright, easy-to-wear skirts for summer that aren't too short (the winds are gusty here in Boston!). XS was sold out so I took home an S. It's 100% cotton so it will hopefully shrink.
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As detailed in my previous post, the Ann Taylor family of stores is having an epic 40% off your entire purchase (regular & sale items) promo from today until Sunday. No coupon needed in-stores. I popped into my local store and there were so many cute finds to be had. Even with 40% off though, items were still pricey, so I limited my purchase today to favorites only.

1.
Knit Jersey Striped Crossover Dress
in XXSP, $88 retail & Citrine Belt in XSThis is pretty much gone online, but it's worth hunting down in-stores. I believe there's free shipping for AT cardholders. This navy and white dress was love as soon as I put it on. The knit material grazes my figure nicely but is not snug (aka no dreaded "S" shape at the tummy & tush). The faux-wrap V neckline is perfect and I love the side gathered pleats.

I've been eying this belt since AT touted "citrine" as one of their hot summer colors. It's similar to my beloved yellow cardigans, but with a slightly neon zing. Verdict: Bought both at 40% off, plus a $15 coupon ; )

2. Yvonne Tweed Sheath Dress sz 00P
This has the potential to be a classic tweed sheath dress, but the neckline was gappy for me and the entire torso and hips were too roomy. Verdict: Pass. Recommended for those a bit bigger than me.

3. Cascade Dots Print Dress sz 00P
This dress was so darling, and I especially liked the bow tie which cinched the waist in (sorry, hard to see in these photos). The material is mostly cotton, which I don't like for dresses as much as drapier fabrics. Verdict: Passed. Still too pricey after 40% off discount, and I had already found a navy/white dress.



4. Luxe Chambray Shirt and Golden Texture Pencil Skirt, both in 00P
I already have a beloved chambray shirt, but I've been curious to try this one nonetheless. It's basically the typical chambray shirt, but more structured, tailored, and refined, and it's very nice. It's cut slimmer than the Target sz XS one I have, but also pricier. I'm happy with mine, but if I didn't have one already I'd snatch this up.

As for the skirt, I've tried it on previously yet I keep reaching for it because I love the neutral color and speckly texture. As with all AT pencil skirts, fit is a lil' big on someone my size without alterations, but I love all my AT pencil skirts for work, and believe they are worth the alterations.
5. Shibori Floral Ruffle Shell
This shell looked slim-cut on the hanger, and sure enough it fits tiny. It's a stretchy material, and was a snug fit on my torso. The armholes and neck hole were both small. I like the generous ruffle detail down the front side, but from the side view it's a bit bulky looking. Verdict: Pass. Liked the fit and cut, but didn't love the print or price.
Last but not least, I saw my friend try on the Bateau Lace Dress (regular sizing only) and did a double take. The material and crochet pattern is completely identical to the lace items out at the Factory stores now. Material content says it's slightly different, but I inspected it carefully and could swear it's the same. Price is also exactly the same ($198). The only thing different is the neckline, and I like the Factory version better, hands down! I'm curious why they brought it back to both regular and Factory stores, at the same price nonetheless.

Next up, as many of you already know, H&M's environmentally "Conscious" collection hit stores today. Being the dork that I am, I printed out the price list and circulated the store like a hawk looking for highlighted pieces. I was so engrossed in my hunt that I ran smack into a low-hanging sign and almost gave myself a concussion.

1. Scalloped High-Waisted Shorts sz 2, approx $18 retail. I've tried on a number of similar frilly scalloped items this season and most looked ridiculous. This didn't look too ridiculous, and the waist actually fit small. Material is flimsy and probably sheer, though. Verdict: Purchased w/ 20% off.
2. White Denim Sheath Dress sz 2, approx $30. This isn't part of the Conscious collection but it was hanging together. I really like white for summer, but it has to be done right. The torso fit slim, but the neckline was low and gappy on me, and you can see all the seams right through the fabric making it look a bit hoe-y. Verdict: Pass

3. Assorted Boyfriend Blazers sz 2, approx $50 each. I was extremely disappointed with all these blazers. They were roomy, and overpriced in my opinion for H&M. The middle one was a huge hopeful for me after seeing the photos, but it looked very cheap in person. Verdicts: PASS.
4. Linen Boyfriend Blazer sz 2, approximately $40 retail. I'm kind of determined to find a longer casual blazer to wear over short dresses and skirts. This was better than the above in material, structure, and price. Wonder if I can fry it in the dryer without it shrinking funny because it's lined in a poly material. Verdict: Put on hold. It also comes in a light pink.
5. Eyelet Shorts sz 2. Price...forget? I was disappointed that most shorts (except for the scalloped ones) in this collection ran quite big for H&M. These would be cute as sultry little shorts, but instead looked like a diaper on me. Verdict: Pass.
6. Last but not least, what I personally thought was one of the prettiest pieces in the collection: Scalloped bubble dress, sz 2, $50. This has a brocade skirt and lighter top, which is a lovely combo in person. As you can see, however, the neckline is WAY too sexy for this girl. The "V" goes all the way down to the waist w/ no crossover. For something this revealing, my girls would need a trusty push-up bra versus flat little pasties. Verdict: Pass.
My local store only got one shipment, so more items will be trickling in this week. I'll be back to scope out some more pieces I had my eye on. Overall today, the damage was $61 at Ann Taylor and $14.40 at H&M. Not too shabby for pieces I really like.

Readers - Please share what you picked up from today's events!