Cool 2 Cast New E-Book and Product Review Blog Hop

Tags

Beadphoria, Bella Crafts Quarterly, Cool 2 Cast, Cool 2 Cast e-book, Cool 2 Cast ebook, Cool 2 Cast instructions, Craft Book Reviews, How to make your own pendants, Jewelry Book Reviews, Jewelry Making Book Reviews, Sculpey Molds, silicone molds, Suzann Sladcik Wilson

By Suzann Sladcik Wilson

Welcome, my creative friends! Recently, my colleagues at Bella Crafts Quarterly asked me to review their new e-book Cool 2 Cast -Tips, Techniques, and Ideas for Jewelry, Home Decor, and Embellishments.  I was also sent a sample of Cool 2 Cast to try out.

For those of you not familiar with Cool 2 Cast, this medium is a must try for jewelry makers. Cool 2 Cast allows you to make your own pendents and embellishments from molds or free form from texture plates or rubber stamps. It has a texture similar to plaster, but much more lightweight.

Some of the materials you will need to create Cool 2 Cast pendants.

Since I had never used Cool 2 Cast before, I was heavily relying on the instructions in the Cool 2 Cast e-book. I am happy to tell you that the instructions were very well written with lots of photographs for the steps. The book also includes lots of inspiration with numerous projects included.

Examples of large stamps, texture plates, and silicone molds you can use with Cool 2 Cast.

I decided I wanted to try my hand at making some pendants. From the book, I knew that I would need the Cool 2 Cast, silicone molds and a large sheet rubber stamp, bails, jewelry glue, some sand paper, paint and possibly a few embellishments.

The mold that I decided to use is a new one from Sculpey called Cabochon Shapes. I really like it. It gives you four different shapes in three different sizes. I also decided to use the clock rubber stamp from above to try a little free form molding.

I let my Cool 2 Cast sit for and hour and then released them from the molds. Then cleaned them up with 220 grit sand paper. As you can see, the results turned out very nice.

Here are a few of the samples of the finished pendents. I decided to make the clock into something with a steampunk theme. On three of the other ones, I decided to add Swarovski embellishments, because, well, who doesn’t like a little extra bling?! The little pink one was made with pink glitter paint. I might turn that one into a ring.

If you would like to order your own copy of the Cool 2 Cast e-book to create your own custom jewelry pieces, click here. You can see a list of blogs featuring other Cool 2 Cast and find out how to win your own starter set of Cool 2 Cast by clicking here.

What would you create with Cool 2 Cast? Is there one of the pendants that I created that you like best? Let me know in the comments!

Passion for Love Necklace using Jewelry Attitude

Tags

Craft Attitude, DIY Jewelry, image transfer for jewelry, Jewelry Attitude, Necklace Designs, polymer clay, Suzann Sladcik Wilson, Valentine's Day Jewelry

By Suzann Sladcik Wilson

Passion for Love Necklace by Suzann Sladcik Wilson using Jewelry Attitude

I admit it. This Valentine’s Day I think I have a new love. It’s name is Jewelry Attitude. This printable jewelry film makes creating your own custom images for jewelry so simple. Unlike other image transfer techniques for jewelry, you can use an inkjet printer. This is a bonus for those of us that don’t have a laser printer.

When I was designing the “Passion for Love” necklace, I knew I wanted something with a vintage feel. By using Jewelry Attitude by Craft Attitude, I was able to create custom pieces that really express that. Applying Jewelry Attitude onto polymer clay was pretty much effortless. You can use it on a wide variety of surfaces including resin, stone, metal, wood, fabric, and well, just about any thing else you would want to transfer an image onto!

Scroll down to find out the steps on how easy it was to create the Passion for Love necklace using Jewelry Attitude.

Some of the materials to make custom jewelry pieces using Jewelry Attitude

Materials for Custom Jewelry Pieces:

• Jewelry Attitude jewelry film
• Computer
• Printer
• Pasta Machine for Polymer Clay
• Sculpty Premo Polymer Clay in Frost White Glitter
• Scissors
• Clay cutting tool
• Heart shaped cookie cutter
• Oval Template
• Fine tipped permanent marker
• Extra Strength glue stick

Materials for Necklace:

• Custom Jewelry Pieces made with Jewelry Attitude
• Gold Beading Wire
• 8 gold 2×2 crimp tubes
• 1 gold rose toggle clasp
• 1 gold head pin
• 12 gold 3mm spheres
• 6 salmon colored crystal rondelles
• 5 vintage rose beads
• 28 light pink freshwater pearls
• Crimping Pliers
• Wire cutters
• Round Nose pliers

How To:

Use a pasta machine dedicated only to polymer clay.

1. Soften your polymer clay using a pasta machine and roll out your clay on the thickest setting.

Shapes cut from polymer clay.

2. Cut your shapes using heart shaped cookie cutter and the oval template. Place holes in your shapes using either your clay cutting tool or a toothpick.

3. Bake your pieces for 30 minutes at 275 degrees.

4. Open a new document in your word processing software. Paste a flower image onto your document. Copy the image so you have three flower images. Make two of the images 1.5 times larger than the original.

5. Write the word “Passion” over the smaller image and “Je t’aime” onto the larger image.

Sheet of Jewelry Attitude film

6. When printing your image remember these two things:

1. Print onto the shiny side of the Jewelry Attitude
2. Set your printer so that the images are reversed.

7. Let the printed images dry.

Trace your cookie cutter and oval template onto the Jewelry Attitude film.

8. Trace your heart and oval shapes onto the Jewelry attitude film.

Cut shapes from the Jewelry Attitude film.

9. Cut out your shapes from the Jewelry Attitude film.

Polymer clay pieces covered in Jewelry Attitude.

10. Apply glue to your polymer clay pieces. Remove the paper backing from the Jewelry Attitude film and apply it to your polymer clay pieces. Use your clay cutting tool or a toothpick to pierce the film where the holes are.

11. String and crimp a small section of beading wire through the top left hand hole of your heart. Place one gold sphere, one rose bead, and one gold sphere onto the wire.Crimp the end of your wire to the bottom hole of one of the oval components.

12. String and crimp and longer section of beading wire to the oval piece that you connected to the heart. String on one crystal rondelle, three pearls, a crystal rondelle, one gold sphere, one rose bead, one gold sphere, and crystal rondelle, 11 pearls, and one gold sphere. Attach one half of clasp and crimp.

13. Repeat steps 11 and 12 on the right hand side of your necklace.

14. Onto a headpin, place one gold bead, one rose, and one gold bead. Make a loop with your round nose pliers at the top of your headpin. Thread the bottom hole of the heart through the loop. Wire wrap the loop closed. Cut off any excess wire with wire cutters.

Make sure you hop around and see all the other great projects made for Valentine’s Day using Craft Attitude.

Monday Jan. 27 – Gloria Uhler

Tuesday Jan. 28 – Wendy Crafts

Wednesday Jan. 29 – Candie Cooper

Thursday Jan. 30 – Suzann Sladcik Wilson

Tuesday Feb. 4 – Jonathan Fong

Wednesday Feb. 5 – Marjie Kemper

Thursday Feb. 6 – Anita Houston

Friday Feb. 7 – Trudi Sissons

Beadphoria for Designer Crafts Connection: Something New – Bezel Effects from ImpressArt

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Beadphoria, Bezel, Bezel Effects, Bezel Effects Kit, Bezel Effects Product Reviews, DIY pendants, ICE Resin, ImpressArt, Jewelry Product Reviews, Make Your Own Pendants, Suzann Sladcik Wilson, Theresa Cifali

By Suzann Sladcik Wilson

Golden Blossom Necklace by Suzann Sladcik Wilson using Bezel Effects by ImpressArt

Happy New Year Everyone! I hope this new year brings you lots of new and exciting things. A something new and exciting I would like to share with you this month is Bezel Effects by ImpressArt.

Bezel Effects Kit

When my fellow designer, Theresa Cifali, asked me if I wanted to try out the new Bezel Effects kits, I jumped at the chance. I looked forward to trying a technique completely new to the jewelry making world.

Inside of the Bezel Effects Kit

A big plus I noticed when I opened the Bezel Effects kit is that the instructions are printed on the inside flap of the kit. No losing the pesky instruction sheet here! Also, there are samples of what the effects look like when dried.

Bezel Effect Kit Components

The Bezel Effects Kit contained everything I needed to complete 4 projects:

• 3 Paints – 1 in the moon effect and two in the Prisme effect
• 3 pipettes to drop the paint into the bezels
• 1 package of Ice Resin by Susan Lenart Kazmer
• Measuring cup and wooden stir sticks for the Ice Resin
• 3 gold bezels
• 1 pair of silver earrings

Bezel Effects Pendants by Suzann Sladcik Wilson

I tried a little experimenting when I made my pendants. One thing I learned is the paints have a mind of their own. Where you drop you paint may not be where it stays, but that is what makes the effects turn out so cool. For the pendant in the center of the photograph above, I tried to place the paints in three separate stripes. As you can see, the paints ended up shifting. I still like how the end result turned out.

The paints take 24 hours to dry and then 6-12 hours for the resin on top to cure. You also want to make sure that your projects are somewhere that they are safe from being disturbed during the two drying times.

There is a wide variety of colors in each of the Bezel Effects, which makes customizing your pendant easy. The Bezel Effect web site (http://www.impressart.com/bezel-effects/) also has bezels, Ice Resin, and project inspiration available.

That is my “something new” for the New Year. What new thing will you be trying this year? Don’t forget to hop through using the Designer Crafts Connection Blog Hop and see what favorite and new techniques everyone else is doing.

Wishing you all a year filled with joy, good health, prosperity, creativity, success, and lots of friendship!

Etchall Blog Hop – Seeing Stars 4th of July Necklace

Tags

Etchall, Etched Jewelry, How to etch glass, jewelry for 4th of July, patriotic jewelry, Soldered Glass Pendents, Suzann Sladcik Wilson

By Suzann Sladcik Wilson

Seeing Stars 4th of July Necklace by Suzann Sladcik Wilson. Etchall etching cream was used to create the stars on the glass of the pendent.

For months now, I have wanted to take my soldering in a new direction. I wanted to try etching the glass, but was afraid of the harsh chemicals that I thought you needed to create the designs. Little did I know until this month’s DCC blog hop that there was an answer to my fears in the form of Etchall! Etchall etching cream does not contain the hazardous acids that many other etching cream do. This also means there are no noxious fumes. Etchall cream can also be used over and over again, which is not the case for its competitors. Check out this tutorial to see how easy it is to use Etchall to make an impression on the glass you use for soldering.

With just a few supplies, you can make your own custom pendent

You will need the following:

• Etchall Etching Cream
• Etchall Etchmask
• Etchall Squeegee
• Two glass slides
• Scissors
• Star Paper Punch

Instructions:

1. Lay one glass slide onto the back of the Etchall Etchmask and cut a piece of the mask slightly larger than your glass slide.

Glass slide with star mask waiting to be etched.

2. Using your punch, cut out star shapes in your mask. This will create your stencil.

3. Once you have punched out the stars for your stencil, carefully pull the backing off and press onto the glass slide. Rub the squeegee over the stencil to make sure all areas are laying flat against the glass.

Patiently waiting while Etchall does its thing!

4. Pour cream along long edge and spread with your squeegee, covering all exposed areas. Wait 15 minutes.

5. After the 15 minutes are up, use your squeegee to return unused portion of cream back into the bottle.

6. Rinse well underwater to remove remaining cream. Remove stencil from glass under running warm water.

Glass slide with etched stars.

7. Your stars are now permanently etched onto your glass!

Etched glass with scrapbook paper, another slide for the back, and copper foil tape.

8. Cut out a piece of scrapbook paper of your choosing to fit between the pieces of glass. Wrap with copper foil tape.

Finished Seeing Stars soldered pendent by Suzann Sladcik Wilson

 9. Finish your pendent by soldering around the copper foil and adding a jump ring.

Beadphoria for Designer Crafts Connection: “Butterfly Wishes” Necklace

Tags

Butterfly Jewelry, Butterfly Wishes, Designer Craft Connection, DIY jewelry Making, Jewelry By Suzann Sladcik Wilson, Metal Stamping Jewelry, Mother's Day Jewelry, Suzann Sladcik Wilson

By Suzann Sladcik Wilson

Welcome back, Beadphoria friends! Today we bring you our monthly participation in the Designer Crafts Connection Blog Hop. The theme for this month is “Wishes”.

This month is also Mother’s Day. A beautiful way to “wish” a happy Mother’s Day to the special woman is your life is with this gorgeous “Butterfly Wishes” Necklace.

Butterfly Wishes Necklace by Suzann Sladcik Wilson

I designed the butterfly pendent in the center of the necklace by stamping the word “wishes” using the “Bridgette” lowercase metal stamps from ImpressArt. At the end of the word, I decided to add an extra wish by stamping another butterfly using the ImpressArt stamp Butterfly Swirl #2.

Close up of the pendant on the “Butterfly Wishes” Necklace by Suzann Sladcik Wilson

While I was researching Butterflies and Wishes, I wanted to share a couple of legends that I discovered. These would be great to include in a Mother’s Day card, or to accompany the necklace at anytime.

The first is from the Native Americans.

Native American Legend about butterflies and wishes.

Another sentiment was a blessing that would work nicely.

An Irish Blessing

May the winds of the butterfly kiss the sun.

And find your shoulder to light on.

To bring you luck, happiness and riches.

Today, tomorrow and beyond.

I hope you enjoyed our “Butterfly Wishes” Necklace. Remember to click on the Designer Crafts Connection Logo on the left to find more great “wish” related crafts.

To all the Beadphoria readers out there, whatever you wish is, may it come true!

Beadphoria for Designer Crafts Connection Blog Hop: Window Into My Heart Polymer Clay Pendent

Tags

Designer Craft Connection Blog Hop, polymer clay, Suzann Sladcik Wilson, valentine s day, Valentine's Day Jewelry

By Suzann Sladcik Wilson

Window Into My Heart Polymer Clay Pendent by Suzann Sladcik Wilson

Welcome, my creative friends, to this month’s Designer Crafts Connection Blog Hop! This month we are feelin’ the love with Valentine’s Day themed projects. Today we are bringing you a project that is sure to warm the heart of anyone that receives it.

Our “Window Into My Heart” Polymer Clay Pendent is quick to make and beautiful to wear. Here are the materials you will need to make it:

Materials:

• Black Jump Ring
• Stayz-On Ink in Black
• 1″ x 1″ glass square
• Stamp for inside heart
• Polymer Clay  – Premo Accents in Red Glitter
• Heart Shaped Cookie Cutter – for polymer clay use only!
• Pottery knife or blade
• Clay Conditioner or Pasta Machine for Polymer Clay use only!
• Oven for Baking Polymer Clay

Project Alternative: You can personalize the glass with a special date or name using permanent markers.

For more inspiration to expand your creativity the Valentine’s Day, make sure to click on the Designer Crafts Connection Blog Hop button on the left hand side. Thank you for stopping by, and we wish you a Valentine’s day filled with joy and love!

Beadphoria for Designer Crafts Connection: Handmade Glittering Ornament Necklace

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bead, beading, Christmas Jewelry, Christmas Necklaces, Handmade Christmas Jewelry, Handmade Holiday Jewelry, handmade jewelry, Handmade Pendent, Lightweight Jewelry, make your own jewelry, mixed media jewelry, Necklace Designs, Ornament Jewelry, Ornament Pendents, Suzann Sladcik Wilson

By Suzann Sladcik Wilson

Glittering Ornament Necklace by Suzann Sladcik Wilson

Welcome back, creative friends! Today we are bringing you a necklace that is easy to make, but hard to keep your eyes off of. The best part of the whole piece? No one will ever guess that is almost totally made from materials from the holiday decorating aisle.

The small “beads” are made from a garland meant for a mini tree and the larger white “beads” are created from decorative holiday filler. A small glass ornament with a removable top becomes the perfect centerpiece for this festive stunner. Because the “beads” are made out of foam, the necklace is light enough for anyone to wear.

Here’s how to make your own!

Close Up of Ornament Pendent by Suzann Sladcik Wilson

Tools:

• Snowflake Mini Punch
• Bead Reamer
• Crimping Pliers
• Wire Cutters
• Round Nose Pliers
• Chain Nose Pliers

Materials:

• Garland for mini tree
• Holiday Decorative Filler
• 1.25″ Iridescent Round Ornament
• Shimmering Paper in Silver, Gold, and White (One Sheet Each)
• Toggle Clasp – large round
• 22″ of Beading Wire
• 2 – 2mm x 2mm Crimp Tubes
• Silver Colored Jump Ring

Instructions:

1. Using snowflake paper punch, cut approximately 40 snowflakes from each of the three pieces of paper.
2. Remove the silver cap from the ornament. Insert the snowflakes into the glass part of the ornament. HINT: A pair of tweezers may make it easier to put in the snowflakes into the ornament. Replace top when all snowflakes have been placed.
3. Next, swing open your jump ring using the round nose and chain nose pliers. Feed the jump ring through the ring on the top of the ornament. Swing the jump ring closed using the same pliers. Your ornament pendent is now complete!
4. For the smaller gold and silver “beads”, snip the wire of the mini tree garland. Remove the spheres from the wire for use in your necklace.
5. To make the larger white “beads”, pierce 10 of the the decorative filler rounds using your bead reamer to create a hole to be able to string them onto your necklace.
6. String one silver, one gold, one silver, one white, one gold, one silver, one gold, and one white. Repeat pattern one more time.
7. String one silver, one gold, one silver, one white, one gold, one silver and one gold.
8. Place your ornament pendent onto your wire.
9. Repeat steps 6 & 7 in reverse order to finish the other half of the necklace.
10. Attach your clasp using the crimp tubes and crimping pliers. Cut any excess wire.
11. Wear your necklace to your next holiday event to really shine!

Project Note: You may want to seal your “beads” to make sure the glitter stays on your necklace instead of the glitter “decorating” your holiday outfit. 😉

Thanks for stopping by today! Make sure to check out all of the other handmade holiday ideas by clicking on the Designer Crafts Connection blog hop button on the left. Wishing you a creative holiday season filled with joy and peace!

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

Tags

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

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 http://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 Project: Soldered Halloween Pendents and Treat Bag Tags

Tags

bead, beading, beading design, beading techniques, creative beading, Halloween Favors, Halloween Jewelry, Halloween Pendents, Halloween Treat Bags, Jewelry By Suzann Sladcik Wilson, jewelry design, jewelry making, make your own jewelry, Martha Stewart Halloween Scrapbook Paper, Microscope Slide Jewelry Pendents, Mod Podge, Necklace Designs, Soldered Glass Pendents, Suzann Sladcik Wilson, www.Beadphoria.com, www.BeadphoriaBoutique.com

By Suzann Sladcik Wilson

This party treat bag tag can also be used as a pendent for a necklace to be worn long after the party is over.

Today is the last day of summer and tomorrow fall officially begins. Our attention is now turning toward the next holiday that is a little over a month away – Halloween! Scary, isn’t it?!

If you are planning a Halloween celebration, you can easily create these personalized treat bag tags that will be treasured long after the party is over. Slip the tag onto leather, cord, or other stringing material and it magically becomes a pendent for a necklace that can be worn any time of year!

The back of the treat bag tag displays different image, letting the wearer have two different looks from the same necklace. By Suzann Sladcik Wilson

These treat bag tags/Halloween pendents will be an extra special treat for your guest and are simple to make with almost no tricks to it. Check out the tutorial below to conjure up your own.

All the materials you will need to make your Soldered Halloween Pendents and Treat Bag Tags

Materials

• Soldering Iron
• Heat Resistant Surface *Tip* Remnant large ceramic tile works well.
• Copper Foil Tape – 1/4 inch wide
• Gel Flux & Brush
• 2 Microscope Slides
• Lead Free Solder
• Sterling Silver Jump Ring
• Bone Folder
• Hemostats
• Tweezers
• Martha Stewart Halloween Scrapbook Paper
• Scissors
• Third Hand
• Letters from magazines to spell names
• Mod Podge w/ brush
• Krylon Craft Paint Pen in Black

1. Trace an image you want to use from the Martha Stewart Halloween Scrapbook paper using a microscope slide and pen.
2. Cut out your image. Make sure your image fits inside the glass. Trim off any paper that extends past the edges of the slide.
3. Apply the letters from magazines to spell the name of your guest on your paper using Mod Podge. *Tip* Rub the shovel end of the bead tweezers over your letters to ensure they are laying flat.
4. Place your piece of paper with the name between two slides.
5. Wrap copper foil around the edges of your slides. Make sure your slides are in the center of the tape. This will ensure that the copper tape will be even on both sides.
6. Press down the tape onto the slide with your fingers. Use your fingernail to press down the corners. Rub the tape with a bone folder to ensure the tape adheres tightly.
7. Brush flux gel onto the copper tape covering in completely. The flux is what helps the solder adhere to the copper foil tape.
8. Lay your pendent on a heat resistant surface. Use your soldering iron to pick up a small amount of Lead Free Solder. Skim the tip of your soldering iron with the solder over the copper tape on the front of your pendent. Once the solder has cooled, repeat on back.
9. Use your tweezers to hold your pendent on the heat resistant surface so you are able to solder around the edges in the same manor you did the front. You may need to do more than one coat to build up the amount of solder you like.
10. Once you are finished soldering around the edges, use a third hand to hold your pendent so the bottom is flat against your heat resistant surface.
11. Grasp your jump ring with your hemostats. Brush the bottom of the ring with flux so it will easily attach to your pendent.
12. With one hand, use your hemostats to hold in place the jump ring on the center of the top of your pendent. Use your soldering iron to slowly melt the metal on either side of the jump ring. You will know it is attached when you feel the jump ring “drop” into the metal.
13. Remove the hemostats from the jump ring and let the pendent cool before removing from the third hand.
14. Color the silver solder black using the Krylon Craft Paint Pen to give the pendent a more festive look.
15. Tie onto your Halloween Treat Bags for your guests to enjoy!

If you have any questions about beading, or the Soldered Halloween Pendents and Treat Bags, 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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