Beadphoria for ImpressArt Blog Hop: Anastasia’s Flight Pin

Tags

Designer Craft Connection, How To Metal Stamp, ImpressArt, ImpressArt Metal Stamps, Jewelry Givaways, Metal Staming, Metal Stamping for Jewelry Making, mixed media jewelry

By Suzann Sladcik Wilson

Hi There! Welcome to the first ImpressArt Blog hop. The people from ImpressArt were extremely generous with the product that they gave us to make a project to share with you. There was so much, be on the look out for a few more posts this week with their products.

As the goodies were being gone through, two ImpressArt Metal Stamping Blanks seemed to jump out. They seemed to look like wings. Right away the idea for this project started to form.

The words “She Flew Too Close” were stamped on the wings using ImpressArt Metal Stamps. Anastasia’s Flight Pin by Suzann Sladcik Wilson

In a recent book, there was a female main character that, because of the relationship she was in, felt like Icarus. She was afraid that, like the subject of the Greek Myth, if she got too close, her metaphorical wings would melt and she would end up plunging to the ground. That imagery is something that many woman can relate to. Those relationships where our feelings for the other person is so intense, we are afraid that the person could never feel the same way we do. We could end up hurt and broken- just like Icarus’ fall. Finally, the main female character confesses her Icarus like feelings to the object of her affection. She then finds out that it is he that feels this way about her.

So, in honor of the female character, the Anastasia’s Flight Pin was created.

The metal stamps were super easy to use. They allow you to be able to express what you want to say in such a unique way. The sentiment on the wings “She Flew Too Close” are what makes this pin express itself.

Here is how it was made:

Materials:

ImpressArt Alphabet Stamp Set, Bridgette, lowercase

ImpressArt Metal Stamping Hammer

ImpressArt Steel Stamping Block

ImpressArt Stamp Straight Tape

Sculpey Flexible Push Mold – Fairy Mold

Super Sculpey Living Doll Clay in Light

Premo! Sculpey Accents in White Granite

Dimensions Felt Works in Gold Curly Roving

Pin Back

Not Pictured:

Black Permanent Marker

Jewelry Glue

1. Condition clay and create body using the push mold.

2. Place the wing blanks on block and secure with tape.

3. Mark your tape with permenant marker, to ensure proper spacing of your metal stamp.

4. Place your stamp above the mark on your tape. You will know you have proper placement when you can feel the stamp ‘catch’ on the top of the tape.

5. Strike you metal stamp using the 1 lb. ImpressArt Metal hammer to imprint the stamp image onto the ImpressArt Metal Blank. Project Tip: To make your letters really pop, cover with permanent marker and quickly remove the ink with a polishing cloth. The ink will stay in the imprint causing the letters to stand out more.

6. Continue steps 4 & 5 until all the words are placed.

Wings attached before baking.

7. Place the wings onto the back of the Sculpey figure. Bake figure according to manufacturer’s directions. Project Tip: You can add the wings after the figure has been baked, but I was excited to find out the ImpressArt Metal Blanks will have no problem going through the oven.

8. Once the figure has cooled, use glue to attach the Dimensions Felt Works in Gold Curly Roving for the hair. Onto to the back between the figure’s shoulders, glue the pin back.

Make sure to stop by my fellow designers to see what they have created with the ImpressArt Metal Stamps by clicking on the Designer Crafts Connection Blog Hop badge on the left hand side.

There is a great contest going on at the ImpressArt Facebook page! (See! These are some great guys!)

The Grand Prize is valued at up to $120.00 and contains:
1- ImpressArt alphabet set of the winner’s choice
1- ImpressArt Steel Stamping Block, small
1- ImpressArt Metal Stamping Hammer
1- ImpressArt Stamp Straight Tape
An Assortment of metal discs

To enter the contest, go to the following link and follow the directions:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/ImpressArt/155664424487844?sk=app_194975693850063

Good Luck and enjoy hopping around to see the other great projects from ImpressArt!

Beadphoria for Designer Crafts Connection: Quick and Easy Mother’s Day Monogram Pendent

Tags

beading techniques, Button Jewelry, Designer Crafts Connection, Jaquard Poducts, Jewelry Making Tutorials, make your own jewelry, mixed media jewelry, Mother's Day Jewelry, Suzann Sladcik Wilson

by Suzann Sladcik Wilson

Welcome back to the Beadphoria Blog! This month for the Designer Crafts Connection, the focus on quick and easy jewelry projects. The projects from all the talented designers are sure to inspire you to create a piece of jewelry that will be worn with pride long after Mother’s Day is over.

One of the hottest trends in fashion and jewelry today is the monogram.  Beadphoria’s project is so simple and easy that even if you have never stepped in the beading aisle, you can make a one of a kind monogram pendent for the special woman in your life. Jacquard products Lumiere 3D paint will ensure that your design will stand out from the crowd.

Here’s How!

Supplies:

1 bottle Lumiere 3-D Paint in Pink by Jacquard Products

1 bottle Pearl Ex Varnish by Jacquard Products

1 Tip for Lumiere 3-D paint in .5mm size by Jacquard Products

1 Jump Ring

1 piece Scrapbook paper

1 Button Tag from Favorite Findings by Blumenthal Lansing

3mm Swarovski Flat Back Crystals in Birthstone Colors

Offray Ribbon

Scissors

Pencil

Paintbrush for varnish

Steps:

1. Place button tag on scrapbook paper and trace with pencil. Use scissors to cut tag shape from paper.

2. Use Pearl Ex Varnish as an adhesive to bond the paper on top of the button tag. Trim off any paper edges that are hanging over the sides. Apply a coat of the Pearl Ex Varnish on top of the paper to seal it. Project Tip: Use a pin to open the paper that is covering the hole on your tag.

3. Once the Pearl Ex Varnish has dried, use a pencil to sketch out the placement of your monogram.

4. Place the .5mm tip onto the top of the Lumiere Paint 3-d. Trace over your pencil sketch with the paint to create your monogram. Project Tip: Practice your lettering on a scrap piece of paper before you apply it to your pendent.

5. Choose 3mm Swarovski Flat Back Crystals in the birth color of any children the person may have. For our project, we used one aquamarine colored crystal for an only child born in March. Use a small amount of Lumiere 3-D to attach the crystal to the pendent. Project Tip: The .5mm tip makes it extremely easy to get the paint onto the small surfaces, like the backs of our crystals.

6. Place a jump ring through the hole in the tag to enable your pendent to hang. Your pendent is now complete!

7. Slip the pendent onto a piece of ribbon to complete a quick necklace. Project Tip: The bonus to using a ribbon for your necklace is no clasp needs to be attached and the length can be adjusted by the person wearing your creation.

Now that you know to make our project, make sure you check out all the other fantastic projects by clicking forward or back under the Designer Crafts Connection logo on the left side bar. Have fun!

If you have any questions about beading, or our Quick and Easy Mother’s Day Monogram Pendent, please feel free to contact me at 224-305-3321 or Suzann@Beadphoria.com. Always happy to share the joy of beading with you, Suzann Sladcik Wilson of Beadphoria.com and BeadphoriaBoutique.com.

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Beadphoria for Designer Crafts Connection Blog Hop: Beads and Blooms at the 2012 Chicago Flower and Garden Show

Tags

artist blacksmith, bead, beading tips, beads and jewelry used in displays, Chicago Flower and Garden Show 2012, creative limits, crystal beads, Designer Crafts Blog Hop, fashion, Flower design and beads, hand blown glass, inspiration, jewelry design, Jewelry Displays, style, Suzann Sladcik Wilson, www.Beadphoria.com

by Suzann Sladcik Wilson

Happy April, Everyone! Spring has been off to an early start here in the mid-west. Here in Chicago, we get to plan our gardens early every year with the annual Chicago Flower and Garden Show. I know you are probably wondering “Hey! This is a beading blog – what does a garden show have to do with jewelry?” With this years theme of “Hort Couture”, fashion, flowers, and jewelry coming together in alluring and inspiring ways, it turns out A LOT!

Upon arriving at the show, guests were greeted by these gorgeous hand-blown glass and galvanized steel agapanthus flowers created by U.K. artist blacksmith Jenny Pickford. At 14-feet-tall and 1,000 pounds, it made quite a first impression!

One of the highlights of the show for any visitor is the tablescape displays. This year’s Designs Over The Top stretched the creative limits of some of Chicago’s top florists, designers, retailers, and clubs. Here is where jewelry and beads were shown to be accessories not only for your wardrobe, but for everywhere else, too!

Table scape designed by Phillip's Flowers & Gifts - photo by Suzann Sladcik Wilson

Close up of tabletop display from Phillip's Flowers & Gifts - photo by Suzann Sladcik Wilson.

A different perspective of the display from Phillip's Flowers & Gifts - photo by Suzann Sladcik Wilson.

The display from Phillip’s Flowers and Gifts was filled with lots of sparking brilliance! The vases stood upon bases adorned with shimmering rhinestones. The effect helped to highlight the stars of the show, the glamorous chandelier-like strands of beads that seemed to be almost dripping down from the arrangement. The crystal beads add an extra touch of glamor to flowers and the effect could be easily translated by those looking to add a little sophistication into their home floral display.

Around the corner, another eye catching display featured lots of dripping bling. Believe it or not, this display had much more dazzle to come!

Tablescape by RJP Designs - Photo by Suzann Sladcik Wilson

This stellar tablescape by Ramsey Jay Prince of RJP Designs, not only highlights his Floral design skills, but also is a nod towards his Interior design & Costume design talents.

Design by RJP Design - Photo by Suzann Sladcik Wilson

A closeup of the centerpiece shows the jaw dropping multi-strand pearl necklace on the mannequin. Talk about statement jewelry!  The pin on the center of the skirt demonstrates a different way to incorporate a broach into your wardrobe.

Design by Chalet Nursery - photo by Suzann Sladcik Wilson

Next up is a tablescape by Chalet Nursery using beads as an integral part of the story they were telling with their “Fanta Sea” presentation.

Design by Chalet Nursery - photo by Suzann Sladcik Wilson

Once again, we see strands of beads draping down from long branches. The difference here is the strands are in multiple shapes, colors, and materials. This is done to remind the viewer to the variances one might encounter from the ocean. The display additionally features a glass filled with beads – a table accent that would bring some extra pizzazz to any interior design.

Design by Chalet Nursery - photo by Suzann Sladcik Wilson

This treasure chest makes a fanciful place to grow a container garden. The strand of pearls and glass bubble are the perfect finishing touches to the maritime themed display.

There are many more jewelry inspired and crafty creative ideas from the Chicago Flower and Garden Show that I will be sharing with you in the coming weeks. As you can tell from the photos above, these are posts you will not want to miss!

Since it is the first Monday in April, don’t forget to hop around the Designer Crafts Connection Blog Hop via the link box on the left hand of your screen.

If you have any questions about beading, or jewelry and beads being used outside of the box, please feel free to contact me at 224-305-3321 or Suzann@Beadphoria.com. Always happy to share the joy of beading with you, Suzann Sladcik Wilson of Beadphoria.com and BeadphoriaBoutique.com.

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Beadphoria Project: A Charming Easter Bracelet

Tags

beading, beading design, beading techniques, beading tips, Beadphoria, beads, bracelet ideas, Bracelets, Bracelets with Swarovski Crystals, DIY Jewelry, Easter Bracelets, Easter Charm Bracelet, Easter Jewelry, Easter Jewelry Projects, Easter Jewelry with Swarovski Crystals, How to make a charm bracelet, How to Make an Easter Bracelet, inspiration, Jewelry By Suzann Sladcik Wilson, jewelry design, jewelry making, Jewelry with simple loops, Jewelry with Swarovski Crystals, Make Your own bracelets, Make your own charm bracelet, make your own jewelry, Suzann Sladcik Wilson, www.BeadphoriaBoutique.com

"A Charming Easter" bracelet by Suzann Sladcik Wilson.

One of the most beloved holidays on the calendar is Easter. There are many reasons to enjoy. Bright colors of spring give take over from the dreariness of winter. Flowers are starting to break through the once frozen ground. The longer hours of sunshine warm both body and soul. It really is a time of New Beginnings in many ways.

Here at Beadphoria, we wanted to share with you a re-posting of last years “A Charming Easter” bracelet to help you enjoy the holiday in a sparkling way!

“A Charming Easter” Bracelet Project

Tools
Round Nose Pliers
Chain Nose Pliers
Wire Cutters
Bead Mat

Beads and Findings for "A Charming Easter" Bracelet

Materials
2 – 4mm Swarovski Crystal Bicones in Jonquil.
4 each – 4mm Swarovski Crystal Bicones in Peridot, Rose, Light Sapphire and Light Amethyst
1 – 7 inch length of Chain
9 – 2 inch silver headpins
1 – Jill MacKay Bird Lobster Clasp
1 – Silver Jump Ring
1- Pastel Egg Lampwork bead
2 each – Bunny Face, Chick-in-Egg, Cotton Candy Bunny, and Yellow Decorated Egg Lampwork  Easter beads.

1. On each headpin, place one 4mm Bicone Swarovski Crystal, one Easter lampwork bead, and one 4mm Bicone Swarovski Crystal that matches the first one placed on the headpin.

2. Bend the headpin at a 90 degree angle. Cut headpin to 10 mm long. Use Round Nose Pliers to make a simple loop. This will create a “charm”.

9 finished charms for "A Charming Easter" bracelet.

3. Continue steps 1 and 2 until you have made all 9 “charms”.

4. Lay out chain. Find center link. Take Pastel Egg charm and swing loop open using chain nose pliers. Hook loop through the bottom of the center link. Close loop with chain nose pliers so that it is now attached to the link.

5.  Count 4 links on either side of the center Pastel Egg charm. On the 4th link on each side, attach one Bunny Face charm in the same way the Pastel Egg charm was attached.

6. Continue the pattern for the remaining charms.

7. Once all charms are hooked onto the chain, attach a jump ring to the last link on one end of the chain.  On the other end, swing open the last link of the chain and attach Jill MacKay Bird Lobster Claw clasp. Swing the link back closed.

8. Your bracelet in now ready to bring a warm smile to the face of everyone who sees it!

We hope you enjoyed our project and would love to hear what you think of “A Charming Easter” bracelet in the comments below.

Now, go hop forward and be inspired by what the other crafty designers are making for Spring!

If you have any questions about beading, or the “A Charming Easter” project, please feel free to contact me at 224-305-3321 or Suzann@Beadphoria.com. Always happy to share the joy of beading with you, Suzann Sladcik Wilson of Beadphoria.com and BeadphoriaBoutique.com.

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Beadphoria: Spring Cleaning Bulletin Board Redux

Tags

Designer Craft Connection Blog, Jewelry Displays, Jewelry Organizing, Jewelry Studio Organization Hop

Happy (almost) Spring, Beadphoria friends! With this being the first Monday of the month, it is time for the Designer Crafts Blog Hop! The theme this month is March, and what it means to you. For me, March means the arrival of spring. A time for renewal. What was once barren is now brought back to life.

With the feeling of being renewed, we often want to bring beauty into our surroundings. One way we can do this is by doing some spring cleaning. This simple project will bring new life to a boring bulletin board and it will help organize your jewelry!

The bulletin board pictured above had been on the wall of the Beadphoria, Inc. for quite awhile. It became one of those things that you see, but didn’t look at every day. As you can see, it was in desperate need of a makeover.

Materials for the spring cleaning makeover

Here are the materials we used:

-Bulletin Board

-Fabric Remnant

-Brown Velvet Ribbon

-Glue Gun & Glue Sticks

-Picture Hangers

The fabric was spread out onto the floor and the bulletin board placed in the middle.

Next, hot glue was put onto the frame on the back of the bulletin board to hold the fabric in place. From there, we flipped the bulletin board over. Using the glue gun, we tacked the brown ribbon in place around the edge of the frame.

How much prettier is that!

Of course the work had to be inspected by our quality control manager and customer service rep, Lola.

We placed the bulletin board back on the wall, and started putting the picture hooks in.

Close up of the picture hooks.

Only thing left was to add the jewelry!

We now have a beautiful showcase for our jewelry with a little bit of spring cleaning effort!

Are you planning on doing some spring cleaning in your studio? Share some of your organizing tips with us – we would love to hear them!

Don’t forget to hop around the Designer Blog Hop by clicking on the button on the left – I heard you might come across some great giveaways!

If you have any questions about beading, or jewelry organizing tips, please feel free to contact me at 224-305-3321 or Suzann@Beadphoria.com. Always happy to share the joy of beading with you, Suzann Sladcik Wilson of Beadphoria.com and BeadphoriaBoutique.com.

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Beadphoria: Craft and Hobby Association Jewelry Trends Report: Mixed Media and Cross Crafting

Tags

Beadphoria, Suzann Sladcik Wilson, beading, jewelry making, resin, make your own jewelry, mixed media jewelry, Craft and Hobby Association, Beading Trends, Jewelry Making Trends, Mixed Media, Cross Crafting, StazOn, Tsukineko, ImpressArt, metal stamps, copper foil soldering, Eileen Hull, image transfer for jewelry

Welcome Beadphoria Friends! In yesterday’s post, we gave you a quick overview of the 2012 Jewelry and Beading Trends that were presented at the Winter Craft and Hobby Association Show. Today, we will be delving deeper into the Mixed Media and Cross Crafting Trend.

Many areas of the craft industry are being influenced by one another, and jewelry making is no exception. Because materials like resin, copper foil soldering, and image transfer mediums are now more readily available, jewelry makers have the opportunity to incorporate items outside the beading aisle into their designs.

Here are some ideas on how to do just that:

Using scrapbook paper in soldered pendents lets you complete your projects quickly and easily. Designed by Suzann Sladcik Wilson

- Scrapbook paper can make beautiful backgrounds for resin and copper foil soldering. The necklace above is an example of how using a small piece can make a big impact! You can find out more about the design above in this previous post.

- Personalize your beads, pendents, and findings using clip art with image transfer mediums. It will give them a whole new look!

- Certain paints, inks, and powders can be used to color resin. Make sure they are compatible with the polymers in the resin before adding them.

StazOn Ink by Tsukinko will work on almost any surface a beader can think of!

- One of my favorite items to play with outside of the beading aisle is StazOn ink pads by Tsukinko. The color can be applied to almost anything including non-porous and semi-porous surfaces due to the fact that it is solvent based ink. A bonus is that the pads do not have a strong odor like many other permanent inks. Try StazOn by stamping the back of a metal resin bezel, altering a leather cuff, or even on shrink plastic. (FYI – I have not received any compensation from Tsukinko. I just like to share a great product with my readers!)

Eillen Hull's project shows how ImpressArt metal jewelry stamps can be used by crafters on matboard. Photo used by permission from www.eileenhull.blogspot.com

Just as craft items are crossing over into beading, jewelry making is having its own effect on other creative areas. ImpressArt makes metal stamps that are typically used to create words or images on jewelry blanks. For the project above, fellow designer Eileen Hull used the metal stamps on matboard to create words that really pack a punch!

Mixed Media and Cross Crafting is one trend that will help expand the markets for both jewelry makers and crafters, but it will also expand the artistic possibilities for all those who love to create!

Do you have a way that you have used mixed media or cross crafting in your work? What’s your opinion on the mixed media and cross crafting trend? We want to hear it! Share with us and your other Beadphoria friends in the comments below.

If you have any questions about beading, or jewelry business marketing tips, please feel free to contact me at 224-305-3321 or Suzann@Beadphoria.com. Always happy to share the joy of beading with you, Suzann Sladcik Wilson of Beadphoria.com and BeadphoriaBoutique.com.

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Beadphoria: Craft and Hobby Association Winter Show 2012 Trends Committee Recap

Tags

Beading Trends, Beadphoria, CHA, CHA Designer Trends Panel, Craft and Hobby Association, Jewelry Making Trends, Jewelry Trends, Suzann Sladcik Wilson, Winter CHA 2012

Welcome Beadphoria Friends! It’s been awhile, and we have so much we want to catch up with you about. We have just returned from Anaheim, CA where we attended the Winter 2012 Craft and Hobby Association (CHA) show. While there, I, Suzann Sladcik Wilson, was honored to be a part of the Designer Trends Panel reporting on the latest trends in beads and jewelry design. The other designer members of the panel included amazing talented and super inspiring people like Laura Bray, Beth Watson, Eileen Hull, Carol Heppner, and Vicki O’Dell.Over the next five days, I will be sharing with you slides from the jewelry trends report. There were some technical difficulties with the slides, so this will give you an opportunity to see some new information even if you were able to attend CHA.

Here is a quick overview of what we will be discussing in the next few days. Mixed Media is making an impact in the jewelry making market. Materials often reserved for other areas of crafting are now freely used in jewelry making, as are jewelry components being used by general crafters in new ways. The metals market is continuing to influence the types of metal being used in jewelry designs. Making a statement with big and bold necklaces, bracelets, and pendents is a trends that is carrying over from last year. Color is definitely back! Swarovski and Pantone have both introduced pallets that will bring pops of color into your jewelry designs.

Tomorrow, we will look deeper into the Mixed Media and Cross Crafting trend in beading. You might be surprised to see what materials jewelry makers are using and who in the crafts industry is looking to market to beaders!

If you have any questions about beading, or jewelry business marketing tips, please feel free to contact me at 224-305-3321 or Suzann@Beadphoria.com. Always happy to share the joy of beading with you, Suzann Sladcik Wilson of Beadphoria.com and BeadphoriaBoutique.com.

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Beadphoria for Designer Crafts Blog Hop: Holiday Card with a Suprise Inside Using Easy Earring Card Punch

Tags

Beadphoria, beads, Christmas Cards With Beads, Christmas Cards with Gifts Inside, Christmas Earrings, Easy Earring Card Punch, Hand Made Christmas Cards

By Suzann Sladcik Wilson of Beadphoria, Inc.

Disclaimer: I do not claim to be nor have I ever been a paper crafter. My apologizes to my paper crafting friends for my humble attempts made during this project. LOL!

Happy Monday, Everyone! It’s hard to believe that the holidays are just around the corner. We start to think of the special people in our lives that we might want to remember by giving them a token of thanks. The project I have for you today not only lets you send someone a holiday note of appreciation, it also enables you to give them a gift at the same time!

Consider making a personalized greeting card for a friend or loved one this year.

This project is a great way to up those scraps of paper at the end of a roll and snippets of ribbon you may have laying around. For the front of Holiday Card, I used leftover wrapping paper and brown velvet ribbon. The Gift tag was made using a Friskars punch, 6mm Swarovski Crystal bicone, 12mm Gold Sparkle bead, and 8mm vintage pearl, strung on Soft Flex Copper Metallics wire.

While the front may be beautiful, inside a glamorous surprise awaits!

Imagine the delight on the face of your friend or loved one when she finds a gorgeous gift inside!

The inside of the card was assembled by using Christmas Rub-ons from Stampin’ Up, off white card stock, scrapbook paper, an Easy Earring Card Punch, and a pair of custom made Christmas Earrings by Suzann Sladcik Wilson. By using an Easy Earring Card Punch, the card enables you to include a pair of custom made earrings. It really is a fun and unexpected way to give a gift!

Close up of Christmas Earrings by Suzann Sladcik Wilson

I have written about the Easy Earring Card Punches in an earlier blog post and how much I enjoyed them. This holiday season, you may want to have some greeting cards made with the Easy Earring Card Punches on hand for your customers to purchase. It will save on wrapping for your clients, and boost your sales, too!

I hope you have enjoyed our project. Now, don’t forget to hop around the other blog posts in the Designer Crafts Connection by clicking the box on the left hand side. You might even find a give away or two! You can even find the Designer Crafts Connection on Facebook now, so stop by and “like” us today!

If you have any questions about beading, or the Easy Earring Punch Kit, please feel free to contact me at 224-305-3321 or Suzann@Beadphoria.com. Always happy to share the joy of beading with you, Suzann Sladcik Wilson of Beadphoria.com and BeadphoriaBoutique.com.

Beadphoria on Fave Crafts Radio this Wednesay November 2 @ 2pm Central!

Tags

Beadphoria, Craft Radio Programs, Crafting Radio Shows, Fave Crafts Radio, FaveCrafts.com, Jewelry Making Radio Shows, Pat Sloan, Simple Beginnings: Beading, Suzann Sladcik Wilson

Beadphoria is excited to announce that Beadphoria Founder and CEO Suzann Sladcik Wilson will be a guest on this Wednesday, November 2 at 2pm central on Fave Crafts Radio. Host Pat Sloan will be interviewing her about beading trends, her upcoming book Simple Beginnings: Beading, and various other jewelry making topics.

This lively lifestyle program treats listeners to creative ideas and featured guests and reporters who offered creative tips, project ideas, product reviews, tips about projects on FaveCrafts.com and so much more. It’s all about discovering the crafter in you! Archived podcasts can be streamed directly from the FaveCrafts.com website or downloaded for free through iTunes.

Pat Sloan is a quilt artist, fabric designer, author, speaker and teach who has been sewing since she was a child and she has been quilting for over 14 years. Several years ago Pat started teaching quilt making to others and then turned her skills to pattern designing. She has had her designs published in many national magazines, has written many books on quilting and has designed several lines of fabric for P&B textiles.

We look forward to sharing the Joy of Beading with you today on Fave Crafts Radio!

Beadphoria Designer Blog Hop: Westcott, Duck Tape, and Velcro Jewelry Box and Giveaway!

Tags

breast cancer awareness, breast cancer awareness jewelry, breast cancer survivor, cancer awareness jewelry, Duck Tape Projects, westcott scissors

By Suzann Sladcik Wilson

*This month’s Blog hop project is dedicated to my mom Regine Sladcik, who is an inspiration as a 32 year breast cancer survivor, and to Beadphoria’s dear friend Debbie Goldwater who left us too soon 3 1/2 years ago at the age of 43.*

What does a Jewelry Designer do with Wescott Scissors, Pink Duck Tape, and Velcro? No, it’s not beginning of a bad joke. Instead, it is a fantastic way to stretch creativity and help in the fight against Breast Cancer.

Going into this month’s challenge, I knew it was going to be, well, a challenge! Using these products as a jewelry designer is totally out of my realm. When I received my package of Duck Tape, I was not only impressed with the tape, but also the box it came in. I knew I wanted to do something with it, but what?

Looking at all that pretty pink, black, white, and, yes, GOLD Duck Tape, Pink Velcro, and beautiful Westcott Scissors, inspiration suddenly struck. Why not make a travel jewelry box? Something that if a woman needed to bring her jewelry with her to the hospital, it could be transported safely and elegantly.  The Duck Tape would make the box gorgeous, the Velcro could hold the jewelry in place while being moved, and the Westcott non-stick scissors made cutting the super sticky tape a breeze!

Here is how the front of the box turned out.

Travel Breast Cancer Awareness Jewelry Box by Suzann Sladcik Wilson, Beadphoria

When you open the box, the real treasure is revealed!

Inside of Travel Breast Cancer Awareness Jewelry Box

On the inside of the box, I glued a small mirror to the top of the left hand side. Underneath, I place 3 rows of Velcro to hold numerous pairs of earrings, rings, or pins. I also included a little message to remind the owner that, even though they are fighting an ugly disease, YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL!

On the right hand side, I glued a full sheet of pink Velcro to the bottom of the box. The fuzzy side was on the top. What is nice about using the full sheet, is that you can secure various types of jewelry in different arrangements. The small pink Velcro strips used to hold down items to the large sheet are, believe it or not, Velcro plant ties!

I hope you have enjoyed my project. Make sure you hope around to all the Designer Craft Connection blogs by clicking on the badge on the left hand side of this page and see what they have made. When you are done, stop by the Westcott Blog and leave a comment. You have a chance to win this extremely generous package:

Prize Package From Westcott

If you want an extra chance to win, stop by the Westcott Facebook Page and leave a comment there, too! Good Luck!

Special thanks to Marisa Pawelko for coordinating this challenge. It’s been fantastic working with you!

If you have any questions about beading, or jewelry business marketing tips, please feel free to contact me at 224-305-3321 or Suzann@Beadphoria.com. Always happy to share the joy of beading with you, Suzann Sladcik Wilson of Beadphoria.com and BeadphoriaBoutique.com.

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