Accessories: Crystal and Bugle Bead Bracelet

When it comes to jewelry, I’m definitely a bracelet girl. Some people look great in big statement necklaces, fun earrings or blingy rings. But I love bracelets. I like to layer them and wear several at once – bangles, beads, stones – you name it.

Etceteras: faux beads and martha stewart paint

This is another project that has been on my list to make for quite awhile. Faux stone beads.

These bracelets are the inspiration. I wore these a lot this summer. The blue bracelet is turquoise and I’m not sure what type of stone the white bracelet is.

 

I love these bracelets. They’re easy to throw on since they’re on stretchy jewelry cord and their chunky size and variegated tones make a nice statement.

Enter the new Martha Stewart Decorative Paint line from Plaid. I was really excited to receive a sampling of this line and test them out. What’s unique about this line of paints is you can use them on any surface; wood, metal, glass, ceramic, terra cotta or fabric. The line is debuting this week exclusively at Michaels Stores.

I started by making some salt dough beads. I don’t have a picture of the beads before I painted them but here’s the recipe I used:

4 cups flour

1 cup salt

1-1/2 cups cold water

Note: I cut the recipe in half and had more than enough dough to make a lot of beads.

Thoroughly mix the flour and salt together. Add the water and mix well. Knead the mixture for ten to fifteen minutes. Shape your beads and make a hole with a wooden skewer. Bake at 250 degrees for 2-3 hours or until they are completely dry and hardened.

Tip: The holes on most of my beads closed up during the baking process. I may try baking them on a piece of wire or the skewer next time I make these.

Once the beads were cooled, I started painting them with the Martha Stewart paints. I used two coats of High Gloss Wedding Cake for the white and while the white paint was still wet added Metallic Sterling for the accent. I didn’t have any varnish on hand to seal them so I used clear nail polish.

My favorite bracelets; turquoise, white stone and salt dough.

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Upcycling: paper beads

I found a tutorial on paper beads and had to try it. I just have to say…beware. This craft is so addicting.

To make paper beads, here’s what you need:

• colorful paper – I used magazines
• glue
• cutting board and x-acto knife
• something to roll the bead on like a toothpick or shishkabob stick, knitting needle or wire
• wax paper
• string or jewelry cord
• optional – a small paint brush

Choose your paper and cut into tapered strips. Starting with the wider end start rolling onto your toothpick. Tip: do not roll too tightly or your bead won’t come off easily. When you are almost to the end of the strip apply glue to the last couple of inches and finish rolling. Spread the excess glue all over the bead with either your fingers or a small paint brush. Slide the bead off and dry on wax paper.

As your beads are drying roll them around every now and then so they don’t stick to the wax paper.  

Once your beads are dry, string them up. I used clear stretchy jewelry cord to make these bracelets.

Continue rolling beads until you have to stop yourself because nothing else in your life is getting done.