Charm Bracelet Diva

More For Less and Lovin' It

noreply@blogger.com (Charm Bracelet Diva) — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 06:07:00 +0000

I don’t know about you but I get “blog ideas” all the time. They just appear in my head and nag at me. “Wow, that would be such a great DIY project!" Then I let the idea fester for days, weeks, ~~months even~~ or longer. I may even go out and buy the materials needed for the job. But I don’t DO it. “What if I mess it up? What if it turns out B-A-D?” Then I see someone else writing about it on their blog. And I end up kicking myself for not doing it sooner. How dare they rock the blogosphere with my idea? {Just kidding.} Ideas are out there and we all have them at different times and in different ways.

One such idea came to me recently while looking through a Ballard Designs catalog. I started noticing a bunch of stuff in it that I had either made and/or gotten somewhere else {can you say Goodwill?} for a fraction of the price. What a great blog post that would make, I thought! But other than folding down some pages and sticking a few post-it notes here and there, I didn't actually write about it. Cut to me reading my daily blog list of blogs I love and what do I see? Home Stories A 2 Z wrote the post! And of course it rocked. I let myself bum over it for like a ~~week~~ day or two and then decided to go ahead with my idea anyway.

First off, meet my fabulous Frenchy mega wall clock.

This thing is HUGE, people -- 23'' in diameter. I absolutely love it! I found it in the Home Decorators Collection catalog for $29.00 and free shipping. $29.00!!! It was out of stock {no wonder} and I had to wait a few months for it to come in but it was totally worth it. Today they're charging $40.00, which is still a good deal when you compare it to prices like Ballard's and Pottery Barn. Look.

Ballard Designs

Next up is something that I had thought was so passe'. Then I see a resurgence of them and I'm in love. Again. Topiaries.

Goodwill

Are you ready for theirs?

Ballard Designs

Next up is my all-time-favorite Parsons Chair.

Goodwill

{Yes, you read that right.}

Now theirs.

Ballard Designs

Uh, I just saved $275.00.

Here's a small {but satisfying nonetheless} home decor item that I'm very happy I broke down and bought.

Hobby Lobby 50% off sale.

Theirs.

Ballard Designs.

And last but not least, I've always been amazed at the price of designer name "corkboards" or "memoboards," and blackboards. I've made both, but today I'll just show you one to give you an idea.

Frame: Goodwill. Corkboard and jewelry my own.

Ballard Designs

Yes, there's even more I could share but frankly I'm pooped. Maybe another post should be in the making? I WILL say that it's very satisfying to know that you've saved so much money, and created something beautiful for your home at the same time.

I hope I've inspired some of you to get out there and find some thrifty bargains. And they don't have to be the spitting image of Ballard Designs' decor. They just have to be something that you love.

Have a great week, friends.

xoxo

One Kiss Valentine's Altered Candle

noreply@blogger.com (Charm Bracelet Diva) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 17:31:00 +0000

Okay so I lied. My last post went on about how I don't decorate for Valentine's Day. And I don't, really ~ at least not intentionally, anyway. But while taking photos for a soon-to-be-revealed post on a different topic, I realized that I had actually made something that for all intents and purposes could be considered a Valentine decoration. What do you think? Remember, I'm into subtle when it comes to V-Day.

I've been in love with with vintage papers, especially vintage sheet music, for a while now. I was lucky enough to score some great music books at local barn sales and flea markets recently and was looking for a way to use them. I knew I wanted to alter some candles like I did last Christmas, here, but just a tad differently. I wrapped burlap over the sheet music and added a heart locket tied on with jute.

I honestly wasn't thinking of Valentine's Day when I made this, but it kind of works, don't you think?

ONE KISS

One kiss, one man to save it for

One love for him alone

One word, one vow and nothing more

To tell him I'm his own.....

The song is "One Kiss," from the Broadway operetta "The New Moon" written by Sigmund Romburg and Oscar Hammerstein (1928). I scoured the book for some hint of a printing date but there was none! Suffice it to say that it's O-L-D. Oh, and did I mention that it's a Dollar Tree candle? Natch.

Inadvertent holiday decorating. It's worth a shot. You just never know what you're gonna come up with.

Hope you're all having a great week.

xoxo

I'll be linking up here:

Someday Crafts

Romantic Shabby Chic {Dollar Store!} Valentine's Decor

noreply@blogger.com (Charm Bracelet Diva) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 02:58:00 +0000

I'm not a big Valentine's Day decorator. True confession: I'm actually a NO Valentine's Day decorator. Until now. Have you seen these yet? I'm in love. I recently ran across a blog that introduced me to these lovely rose petal soaps, a la Dollar Tree ~ Polly at Motley Junket. Her first idea as to how to use them gave me inspiration of my own. She later added other ideas here. (Between you and me I think she's hooked....sshhhh, so am I!)

I can't imagine how I missed these, since the one place I frequent almost as much as Goodwill is Dollar Tree. Anyway, I brought some of these pretty things home and immediately used them to fill a vintage white ironstone bowl, a cloche and a vintage silver pedestal bowl. I'll probably do more with them later but I wanted to share them with you before Valentine's Day is just a sweet memory.

I liked the combination of pink and white, but you know me, I L.O.V.E.D. the white all by itself.

For more inspiration I did some research, a.k.a. googled, and came up with two other sites that have fab Dollar Tree flower petal soap ideas. One is The 36th Avenue. The other is Pleasant Home. Their ideas are genious and you've got to check them out. The only thing I don't understand is how these two posts were written in January and May of 2011 and I missed them altogether? Oh well, I'm just glad I found them now and can share them with you all.

Hope you've enjoyed my attempt at Valentine decor. I know it's not very elaborate but I prefer shabby chic (and frugal!) over commercial any day.

Have a great week.

xoxo

I'll be linking up here:

White Wednesday at Faded Charm

Charm Bracelet Diva Adds {At Home} To Her Repertoire

noreply@blogger.com (Charm Bracelet Diva) — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 05:46:00 +0000

Notice the new blog header?

Source: brainmotivation.tumblr.com via Brittany on Pinterest

Change. It can be scary for so many reasons.

Sometimes it's necessary.

Sometimes we avoid it.

Sometimes it's inevitable.

Source: a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net via Caroline on Pinterest

I believe this, the chaos part. Looking back on my life I can see that it rings true for all important milestones achieved....

leaving home

graduations

marriage

having babies

moving

And things have certainly been chaotic these past few months as I struggled to keep up with life, this blog and my crafty pursuits.

Source: tumblr.com via Emily on Pinterest

Over the past two and a half years I have become a different person. Different than the person who started a blog about making jewelry. I have become a vintage jewelry designer. And I have grown in other ways as well. My creativity blossomed under the tutelage of you, my blog friends. Your support, advice and incredible talent have actually spurred me on to become a better blogger, a better artist and, I believe, a better person.

In light of all that, I believe it's time to change my blog name

from

Charm Bracelet Diva

to

Charm Bracelet Diva {At Home} .

I hope this doesn't end up alienating anyone who is interested in the jewelry part. Don't worry, I'll still be making jewelry! But I'll also keep sharing my thrifty DIY and home decor projects. And my love for ALL things vintage.

Source: justbreathe831.tumblr.com via Heather on Pinterest

The winds are changing.

To my followers, thank you from the bottom of my heart!
I hope you'll stay along for the ride.

xoxo

Announcing the Tarnished Grace Collection

noreply@blogger.com (Charm Bracelet Diva) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 03:45:00 +0000

Well, now I've gone and done it. I've challenged myself to create a new vintage-inspired jewelry collection and I'm puttin' it out there for all of you to see. That way I'll be held accountable by someone other than myself. Lord knows, if I'm the only one I have to answer to, the collection might never get off the ground! It's kind of like telling everyone you know that you're going on a diet, in the hopes that you'll actually stick with it long enough to make a difference in your life. I really want to stick with this and create a collection that I will be proud to present to you. Here's my first piece.

VINTAGE SHEFFIELD PENDANT WATCH CHARM NECKLACE

I was so excited when I found the vintage Madonna and Child medal on one of my recent thrift store excursions. It really became my inspiration for the necklace. Now all I need to do is make more {10 or 15 times more} and throw in some charm bracelets for good measure. Then my Etsy shop will be open for business once again! My current collection of jewelry is for sale locally at:

Sensible Threadz

Clothing, Bedding and Bath

208 S. Kirk Road

St. Charles, IL 60174

Stop on by if you're in the area.

My traditional line of vintage jewelry is there, along with some of my vintage Words in a Bottle Necklaces, which I'll be putting in my Etsy shop soon as well! Just a peek....

NOBLE, MAGICAL...

LOVE, PRAISE...

SHINE, PRAY.......

Words to live by.

Have a great week!

xoxo

I'll be linking up here:
Ivy and Elephants
Common Ground
The Charm of Home

New Beginnings and a Darling Clay Tag Project

noreply@blogger.com (Charm Bracelet Diva) — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 02:01:00 +0000

Have you already created your first (or second or third) fabulous project since the new year began? Well, I haven't! Truth be told I did just finish a project (my first of 2012) but it has been a bear staying motivated to even finish it, let alone blog about it. Am I the only one? Sure feels that way as I read all my favorite blogs that didn't even miss a beat despite the holidays. Not sure how they do that....if anyone has any advice on that please spill it! Well, time for me to jump in. So here goes....

My first project of 2012 involves something I've wanted to try for a while. A while means 6 or 8 months ago. I saw some posts about it (can't recall where, sorry!) and thought, "I can do that!" And on the list it went. (You know the list. The list of projects-I-really-want-to-make-but-don't-know-when-or-even-if-I'll-ever-make-them list.) You've probably seen them, too. Clay tags adorning all sorts of home decor and gifts. I just loved them so here's my take on it.

Materials

2.5 lb. tub of Crayola Air-Dry Clay

small cookie cutters/cute little jewelry charms

any other litttle doo-dads/shapes from around the house you'd like to try

rubber and/or acrylic stamps

something to use to make the holes in the tags (I used a wooden skewer)

rolling pin

sculpting tools (I ~~stole~~ borrowed my kids' plastic Play-doh tools)

round object to use to as a template for the actual tag (I used a 1" round lip gloss lid -- really. It was just the right size.)

The clay costs around $7.00 at Michael's and JoAnn's. I of course used my 40% off coupon! I did some research on the Crayola site and Youtube but was disappointed in what I found by way of instruction and creative suggestions. Luckily it's pretty basic, so there's not much room for error.

Here's where you pay attention: Grab some clay and roll it into a ball. Flatten with the rolling pin (no thinner than 1/4" or it'll shatter when dry, trust me) and then use your round template to cut out each tag. The thicker the tag the easier it is to get it out of the cutter. Once the tags are cut out you can embellish them with your charms/stamps/doodads, then place the holes in the top for hanging and set them aside to dry. A word of caution here: (not that I did this or anything, mind you) if you make the hole too teeny weeny you won't be able to fit anything through it for hanging! Instructions say to wait 2-3 days for them to fully dry, depending on thickness. I found that 24 hours was enough for my small tags.

You can also paint them after they're dry but I really love the minimalist white look (surprise) so I left them as is and strung them with some natural colored organic string. My favorite is the "bee" tag, followed by the numbers tags. Both are very in right now. I just love them on all my glass cloches and Ball jars. I'm sure I'll come up with more ideas. What about you?

Now that project #1 of 2012 is under my belt I'm hoping project #2 will be a bit easier. A girl can hope, can't she? Here's a sneak peek at what I'm working on.

Can't wait to unveil the finished product!

Have a great weekend.

xoxo

I'll be linking up here:

The Charm of Home
Today's Creative Blog
Faded Charm

Family Affair

noreply@blogger.com (Charm Bracelet Diva) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 05:52:00 +0000

Source

Do you remember when you were a little girl and you'd sneak a peek into your mother's jewelry box, hoping that she wouldn't notice you had been there? I remember. I loved her amethyst necklace and matching earrings. I loved the religious baby jewelry she was holding onto for each of us to have as mementos in our later years. I loved the delicate cuff bracelets. And the pearls. Oh, the pearls.

That love of old jewelry has followed me all my life, and I'm so glad that I've learned how to tap into that love and create repurposed vintage jewelry. My absolute favorite pieces to create are those that have elements with special meaning for the wearer. That's why I was thrilled to receive a request from an old family friend to create charm necklaces for her and 6 other women in her family (sisters and sisters-in-law). She sent me vintage pieces from her mother's jewelry box and let me create individual treasures for each family member.

I felt privileged to chronicle the life of my friend's mom. One necklace at a time.

I'm currently taking orders for custom-made vintage charm necklaces. Just e-mail me (click on the typewriter in my left sidebar or click on my Profile) and we can chat about what you envision for YOUR custom-made treasure.

There are DIY/home decor projects in the works. Can't wait to share them with you!

Have a great week.

xoxo

Social Media Icon Love

noreply@blogger.com (Charm Bracelet Diva) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 04:48:00 +0000

Okay, go ahead and say it. You just love my new social media icons in my sidebar. Such fruity colors, you say. I know, I say. I love them too!

Includes Pinterest!

Want to get them (and others) for your very own? You've gotta head over to StarSunflower Studios' blog and check out this post. I had wanted to do this for a while but was a bit intimidated. Not anymore! Susan shares lots of fun free digital downloads and even has an Etsy shop of digital goods. If you need help installing the icons, here's a great video tutorial.

I'm also pretty psyched that I figured out how to add a "Pin it" button to the end of my posts. For info on how to do that just go here.

Can't say that I've been very crafty lately, but I am pretty proud of my recent blog beautification! Little by little I'm hoping to transform this blog into more of an eye candy feast for you, my friends. A new header and blog name is in the works. I'm no digital goddess (understatement of the year there) but I've resolved to put my mind to it in 2012. Hope you'll stick around for the ride.

Club G.W., DIY and vintage bling will resume their respective places here at Charm Bracelet Diva. Just as soon as I can stop patting myself on the back for installing these yummy social media icons!

Have a great week!

xoxo

Out With The Old, In With The New

noreply@blogger.com (Charm Bracelet Diva) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 22:05:00 +0000

I swore I wasn't going to do this. But after reading everyone's Best of/Favorites List of 2011, I said what the heck. So I'll be sharing a few of my favorite projects from 2011, along with the top three most popular posts for the year. I do hope you get to check them out if you haven't seen them already.

Here are the three most popular posts.

Ballard Designs Wanna Be Gilded Chalkboard

Pottery Barn-Inspired Book Bundles

Shabby Chic Stamped Candle

And here are some of my favorite projects of 2011.

(Ya better strap in, I couldn't decide!)

Floursack Monogram Pillow

French Script Goodwill Lampshade Re-do

Stencilled Vintage Thrift Store School Chair

Goodwill Mirror Re-do

Burlap Coffee Sack Bench Reupholstery and Paint Job

Vintage Burlap Monogram Wall Art

St. Therese of Lisieux Charm Necklace

Vintage Fleur-de-lis Charm Bracelet

Vintage Sheet Music Charm Bracelet

It saddens me that I've shared so little of my vintage jewelry designs this past year. I guess the home decor/DIY bug got the best of me. I do want to keep up the thrifting, repurposing, painting, etc., but I also want to get my jewelry design mojo back again! I will say that what once was Charm Bracelet Diva really did become Charm Bracelet Diva {@ Home}. And that's OK. As a matter of fact, don't be surprised if there's a (minor) blog name change in the works for the new year! And maybe even a blog format change. (No, not Wordpress! Just a more professional look.) Regardless of what's in store, I hope you'll all follow along and continue to inspire me with your comments, friendship, talent and kindness.

It's been a great year, friends. Here's to an even better 2012.

Happy New Year!

xoxo

I'll be linking up here:

The Charm of Home

French Country Cottage

Uncommon

REJOICE

noreply@blogger.com (Charm Bracelet Diva) — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 20:03:00 +0000

And the angel said unto them, fear not: I bring you good news of great joy, which shall be to all mankind. For unto you is born this day in the city of Bethlehem a Savior which is Christ the Lord. Luke 11, 10-11.

(Taken from The Bible in Pictures, c. 1904)

Christmas Blessings

2011

xoxo

Handmade Super Easy Lemon Sugar Scrub

noreply@blogger.com (Charm Bracelet Diva) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 01:53:00 +0000

Okay, so I've given you a hint or two about some homemade Christmas gifts I was working on (with the kids) to send to family and friends. I'm finally getting around to sharing the details of one of them. With Christmas rapidly approaching (and just coming off an awful 24-hour bug, on the heels of my son's 36-hour bug) I'll be somewhat sparse with the details, but feel free to e-mail me with any questions.

I got my inspiration from an old post by Under the Table and Dreaming (May 3, 2010 post).

I changed it up a bit, but it's essentially the same.

Ingredients

2 1/2 c. sugar
1 c. extra virgin olive oil
1/2 oz. bottle scented essential oil (I used Lemon Verbena)
Half-pint Ball jars (or any jars of your choosing)

This recipe ended up filling 6 half-pint jars. You can use more sugar and olive oil for more jars, mixing as you need to. Also, feel free to add more olive oil if the mixture seems too, well, scrubby.

Just mix the sugar and the olive oil, adding about 2/3 of the bottle of ~~insert whatever scent you use here~~ Lemon Verbena oil. You really want it to smell good! Lemon is one of my all-time favorite bath product fragrances. Here it is mid-mix.

It'll look better in the jars, promise!

I used these darling jars.

And you want to include some type of spoon or scoop. Here's what I used.

Can you guess where they're from? Dollar Tree to the rescue once again.

The spoons came with these cute ice cream serving bowls. Three bowl/spoon sets for $1.00. Mr. CBD drilled some holes in the spoon handles and I tied them around the outside of the package.

And here they are wrapped for giving. I rubber stamped "Lemon Hand Scrub" on premade tags.

I got the Merry Christmas label download from eighteen25. (If they look familiar it's because I used the exact same ones for my homemade snow globe soaps last Christmas!) First I printed, then cut them out and glued them onto cardstock. And for a little glitz I brushed them with Mod Podge and a sprinkling of glitter.

And today they went out in the mail. I just love getting packages at Christmas, don't you?

xoxo

I'll be linking up here:

Ivy & Elephants

House of Hepworths

The Shabby Creek Cottage

Sneak Peek and a Giveaway Winner

noreply@blogger.com (Charm Bracelet Diva) — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 03:31:00 +0000

Today I thought I'd share with you a sneak peek at something I've been working on as a Christmas gift for friends and family.

I'll leave it up to your imagination. What do YOU think it is? I'd have to say that this one is truly one of my favorites. We've been working on a few things I'll be sharing with you over the next couple of days.

But right now I'd like to announce the winner of my 500 Follower Holiday Giveaway. Before I do, I just want to thank you all for your support and very kind comments. I'm glad you all liked the goodies so much and I wish you could all be winners! That said, Random Number Generator picked No. 49, Jenn from How to Make Hair Bows! Congrats, Jenn! I'll be mailing them straight out to you once I receive your address.

Faux grainsack pillow

Vintage paper handmade ornament

Again, I wish you ALL could have won. Thanks for entering and I hope you're all having a GREAT

I -can't-believe-it's-almost-Christmas weekend! (Only 8 days away, people!)

xoxo

Christmas Caramel Waffle Sandwich Cookies - For Eating and For Giving

noreply@blogger.com (Charm Bracelet Diva) — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 05:49:00 +0000

Source

This has become one of my favorite holiday cookie recipes. I use vanilla flavored pizelle cookies and they are marvelously mouth-watering! Just thought I'd share.

Ingredients

4 tablespoon(s) unsalted butter
1/2 cup(s) packed light brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon(s) ground cinnamon
1/3 cup(s) heavy cream
24 oval Belgian butter waffle cookies
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Directions

Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the brown sugar and cinnamon and cook, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Bring mixture to a boil and stir in the cream. Boil for 2 minutes (the mixture will bubble up into an even light-colored foam).

Transfer the mixture to a bowl. Refrigerate until it's slightly cooled and spreadable, about 30 minutes.

Spread half of the cookies with 2 tsp each of the cooled caramel; sandwich with another cookie.

GIVE IT: Trace a cookie onto a piece of cardboard, cut out, wrap in foil and place at the bottom of a cellophane bag . Stack cookies on top; tie bag closed with a ribbon. To make a gift tag, cut a 2-in. circle from white paper and a 1 3⁄4-in. circle from red paper. Glue red circle over white, punch a hole, slide one end of the ribbon through the hole and knot.

Per cookie: 192 cal, 2 g pro, 24 g car, o g fiber, 10 g fat (6 sat fat), 36 mg chol, 52 mg sod

I'll be making mine over the next few days. I can taste them already!

Don't forget to enter my Giveaway HERE!

Time runs out tomorrow, Dec. 16th, at midnight.

Good luck!

xoxo

We Interrupt This Broadcast With Breaking News

noreply@blogger.com (Charm Bracelet Diva) — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 20:01:00 +0000

Sigh.

That's me, breathing a sigh of relief. Because I've decided to s-l-o-w down. With the holidays rapidly approaching, I've decided to put my weekly Club G.W. party on the back burner while I put my energies into focusing more on my family and what this holy season really means.

That's not to say that I don't have gifts to make and mail, and school parties to plan, and crafty Christmas projects I'd like to get my hands on and then blog about! It just means that I'm not going to feel guilty if a day goes by and {gasp} it doesn't involve blogging. Sometimes you've just got to let go.

Right now I'm working on a large custom order for vintage charm necklaces that are due in time for Christmas. Once that's done I will rest a bit easier. Then maybe the gift making and tree decorating and wrapping and baking and shopping will all fall into place. Don't worry, I'll still be sharing some more Christmas ideas, just at my own pace. And I'll be announcing the winner of my 500 Follower Holiday Giveaway this Saturday so if you haven't entered yet, there's still time!

Go HERE to enter! And good luck!

I hope you get a chance to s-l-o-w down soon, too. Rejuvenate. And we'll ALL hit the ground running in 2012!

xoxo

Easy DIY Retro Silver Garland Christmas Wreath and Giveaway!

noreply@blogger.com (Charm Bracelet Diva) — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 06:09:00 +0000

If you read my recent DIY mercury glass tutorial, {here}, then you noticed that there was a very cool silver retro wreath in the background of that photo shoot. I thought I'd share how easily {and cheaply} I put it together. All in all I was quite pleased with how well it turned out.

All you need:

Bare wreath, any type (Goodwill $1.49)

Dollar Tree ball ornaments, any colors (6 for $1.00)

Dollar Tree one package silver garland (only comes in one size)

(I had to supplement this with a 15 foot silver garland from Target)

One sparkly Dollar Tree reindeer ornament (2 for $1.00, love them!)

and some wide Christmas ribbon (40% off coupon Jo-Ann's.)

Oh yeah, and a glue gun!

I just wrapped the garland around the wreath, not even bothering to glue it down. Then I tucked the two ends into it as I wrapped it all around and around. Strategically place your ornaments first to see how to best space them. Then go to town with that glue gun. The fuzziness of the garland hides any imperfections. Finally, cut a piece of wide coordinating/matching ribbon and loop it over the top. Hang in your favorite spot. Stick the reindeer in it, Done. I'm loving how fluffy it is.

We're enjoying it. Now if we could just get those trees (we have two) decorated!

And don't forget to enter my 500 Follower Holiday Giveaway here.

Giveaway ends Friday, December 16th.

Good luck!

xoxo

I'll be linking up here:

Savvy Southern Style

Homemaker On a Dime

500 Follower Holiday Giveaway is HERE!

noreply@blogger.com (Charm Bracelet Diva) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 04:32:00 +0000

I'm so excited to be sharing this special giveaway with you, dear readers! I'm giving away two things that some lucky reader will {hopefully} receive just in time for Christmas! It's a thank you for the gift of friendship that you've given me, not to mention your following, sharing, commenting, partying, supporting, the list goes on and on. I sincerely thank you all. So first off, I'd like to share a faux grainsack pillow I made especially for the giveaway.

Everyone loved the one I made a while back so I thought I'd make another one to share! I can't get enough of them. Just the right touch of vintage French to add to your decor.

In addition, this season I've fallen in love with vintage paper ornaments. So in keeping with the spirit of Christmas I thought I'd share one made by yours truly. I love the look on this kind old Santa's face, don't you?

**GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED**

There are M-A-N-Y ways to enter. But be forewarned: Each entry needs a separate comment!

1. Leave a comment on this post.

2. Become a follower and leave a comment telling me you've become one. If you're already a follower just leave a separate comment telling me so.

3. Share the giveaway on your Facebook page.

4. Tweet about the giveaway.

5. Like Charm Bracelet Diva on Facebook.

6. Follow Charm Bracelet Diva on Twitter.

7. Put the giveaway button in your sidebar.

8. Blog about the giveaway.

Oh my gosh, 8 chances to win! {Did I really say that?} Get busy people!

This giveaway is open until midnight December 16th to U.S. residents only. Good luck!

**GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED**

xoxo

Club G.W. No. 23 and Features

noreply@blogger.com (Charm Bracelet Diva) — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 03:24:00 +0000

It's that time again, time for your bestest pitter-patter finds and re-dos. I'm sure you're all busy with Christmas craftin' and preparations {I know I am} but we all need a break. So why don't you take a load off, grab a cuppa and visit these featured divas. Then you can join in this week's party!

Joyful Thrifter @ Joyful Treasure Hunting

I'd be Joyful, too, if I scored this bin for $3.00. Can you say Porch Sale?

Town and Country Gals @ Walnut & Vine

I LOVE this vintage tartan plaid tin. Would fit right in with Christmas decor!

Jen @ Recycled Treasures

$3.00 must be the lucky number this week. Great price, great re-do. Go, Graphics Fairy!

Ladies, grab yourselves a "Featured" button!

{I know, this button is HUGE! Grab the right sized one from my top right side bar!}

All three features are newbies this week, so stop on over and say hi!

Time to party.

Party Rules

Please link back to your post and not to your blog's main URL.

Please mention the party somewhere in your post or place the party button on your sidebar. That way others can find out where the party is and join in!

I'd love for you to become a follower so you don't miss the next party!

And be sure to visit the other party guests!

Don't forget to Like me on Facebook and Follow me on Twitter.

xoxo

Snow Globe Soap Tutorial

noreply@blogger.com (Charm Bracelet Diva) — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 06:25:00 +0000

Since there's been SO much interest in this post over the past year, I thought I'd re-post it here for you today. I'd still say it's one of the best home made gifts I (we've) ever made.

Okay, so I was trying to figure out what to do with my kids while they're home for the entire week before Christmas (and after, but that’s another story…) when I came across Alphamom’s post on snow-globe soap. I was sold on the absolute cuteness factor as well as its' relative ease on the kids’ crafting scale, so I decided to go for it.

Here’s what you’ll need:

Bar of white hand soap (3 for $1 at The Dollar Store)

Ice cube tray(s) (2 for $1 at the Dollar Store)

Small plastic toys that’ll fit into ice cube trays ~ I picked up little Santas and snowmen for 60% off at Michael's.

1 glycerin brick ($10 at Michaels’, I got it for $5 with my 50% off coupon)

1 bottle blue soap dye

1 bottle soap fragrance (I chose cinnamon ~ yum!)

Glitter

Vegetable peeler

Pyrex measuring cup or any glass bowl

Toothpicks

PRE-MELTING FUN

Here’s where the kids come in. Give them each a bar of white soap and a vegetable peeler. Have them “peel” the soap into curly-ques for later use as a snow floor.

I have to give equal time here to all three chickadees who were instrumental in the making of these snow globes!

In the meantime....

Step 1

Cut the glycerin into chunks, along the lines already provided in the brick itself. Our ~~best guess~~ scientific method proved that 4 blocks created enough melted wax to fill 5 ice cube tray slots. Place in Pyrex measuring cup or any glass bowl.

Step 2

Microwave on high for 1 minute. If it’s not totally melted, stir with a metal spoon and reheat for a few seconds until all is melted.

Step 3

Add 2 drops (AND I MEAN ONLY 2 DROPS) of coloring, and at LEAST 2 drops of scent to the mix. The more the scent-ier, if you know what I mean! I wanted a real strong scent so I just p-o-u-r-e-d it in! If you put in any more dye the globe will turn out REALLY blue. Like so.

Yes, I know Santa looks like the Abominable Snowman here. Needless to say we're keeping this one for us.

Step 4

Pour the mixture into each slot of the ice cube tray, leaving about a quarter inch open at the top. Sprinkle the glitter into each slot, and swirl with a toothpick to mix it around in the slot.

Step 5

WAIT 5 MINUTES. You should see the mixture starting to “gel” and getting thicker.

Step 6
Carefully place your plastic decoration into each slot, and make sure to place them UPSIDE DOWN (because the bottom of your cube will become the top later).
Step 7
Now sprinkle some ~~grated soap~~ “snow” as the next layer of the cube, but only a little, because if you use too much snow the cube will not stay together at pop-out time. I used it VERY SPARINGLY. Then use more melted glycerin to top off the cube.

Now place in the freezer for AT LEAST A HALF HOUR to solidify. Take the tray out of the freezer and pop the cubes out as you would real ice cubes. And VOILA! Pretty petite snow globe soaps!

These are great hostess gifts as well as great little surprises to send to family near and far. That’s what we’ll be doing. Ssshhh….

To wrap, place in clear plastic bags and tie with glitter pipe cleaners. I got the label template from eighteen25. And off they go!

I hope you crafty people have fun with these ~ it's all in the giving, right?

~ Happy Holidays ~

Silver and Blue Christmas For You: I'm Changing My Style

noreply@blogger.com (Charm Bracelet Diva) — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 18:02:00 +0000

Silver and blue is all the rage for Christmas this year. I'm sure you've seen it in magazines as well as in your favorite stores.

For me, the Dollar Store, Target and Club G.W. have done it again! Whaddya think?

I've always been very traditional in my taste with regard to Christmas decorations. But this year I've been itching for a change. A short time ago I never would have associated the colors silver and blue with Christmas. But somehow it works. And I'm really liking it! It isn't rocket science by any means, but I thought that maybe my project might give you an idea or two for your own holiday decorating!

Absolutely love this bird! (Confession: she's from Target and cost $3.00. One of my more expensive purchases!)

So, here's what you'll need:

One plain candle (Target 2 for $6.99)

One bottle acrylic paint of your choice

Epsom salt for the candle (Sorry, I forgot to take a picture, but you probably already have this around. If you don't, I know you can get it pretty inexpensively in grocery stores and pharmacies.)

Mod Podge
Glitter
Blue sparkly snowflake ornaments (Target, $1.00 for 4)
Glass bird ornament (Target $3.00)
Pedestal for display (I made mine around Easter time, you can see how here.)
Silver tray for display (Club G.W.)

Dollar Store:
Silver Balls that come in a plastic tube (6 for $1.00)
2 pkgs Blue and White Snowflake Glitter Picks (I pulled the wooden picks out and saved for a later project) ($1.00 per pkg of 4)
White snowflake ornaments (6 for $1.00)
Cost: $7.00 for items that actually had to be purchased.

The hardest part (and I use the term "hardest" loosely here) is painting the candle. Just place a rubber band around the candle in the top third of it to serve as a painting guide, then paint only the bottom third. You'll only need one coat and and it should dry rather quickly. Then spread the Mod Podge over the painted part of the candle ONLY, and roll it in Epsom salt for that sparkly, snowy look. Once that dries you can do the same with the Mod Podge on the top half, only sprinkle that part with glitter. Candle done!

Place the candle in the middle of your pedestal and place the ornaments all around it and on the silver tray beneath. I attached the bird to one of the styrofoamy (word?) glitter pick snowflakes. I thought it had the whole bird bath thing going for it. And I could see this done up in so many different color combinations. I'd love to see yours if you try it!

I ended up placing some vintage silver glass ornaments in the bottom of my pedestal. And I think I'll try a very simple plain homemade burlap table runner once I get some time to make it! Wishful thinking, I guess.

Now don't forget that Tuesday's Club G.W.{Goodwill} with Charm Bracelet Diva party is still going on here. Please stop by and join us!

Finally, remember when I mentioned that I was floored to have reached 500 Followers and that a giveaway was in order? Well, get ready cause it's coming! There are a few items, lovingly handmade by me, that might just be yours in time for Christmas! Stay tuned so you don't miss the chance to enter!

Until next time,

xoxo

I'll be linking up here:

The Shabby Creek Cottage

No Minimalist Here

Hookin' Up with Hepworths

Show and Tell Friday

Someday Crafts

Club G.W. {Goodwill} with Charm Bracelet Diva No. 22

noreply@blogger.com (Charm Bracelet Diva) — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 05:08:00 +0000

Hello again! Time has really gotten away from me so this will be a quick post to get this party going!

Although I'd love to, I'm too rushed to share a find today (sorry!) but I DO have to share a few features, right?

Melissa @ Shabby Love

Claire @ Bless My Nest

Lauren @ West Furniture Revival

Lina @ Fancy Frugal Life

Grab a Featured button from my sidebar, and let's link up for this week's party!

Party Rules

Link up your thrifty finds, and your thrifty find re-dos.

Please link back to your post and not to your blog's main URL.

Please mention the party somewhere in your post or place the party button on your sidebar. That way others can find out where the party is and join in!

I'd love for you to become a follower so you don't miss the next party!

And be sure to visit the other party guests!

Don't forget to Like me on Facebook and Follow me on Twitter.

Can't wait to see what you've got this week!

Till next time

xoxo

Are You An Early Bird?

noreply@blogger.com (Charm Bracelet Diva) — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 16:19:00 +0000

My Shutterfly family Christmas card 2010

Are you an early bird? When it comes to sending out your your Christmas cards, I mean. Well, I hope not! Because, personally, I love receiving those cards in the mail as late as the week before Christmas, right up until Christmas eve. It really helps put me in the Christmas spirit.

Last year we decided to use Shutterfly for our family cards, and were thrilled with our experience. That's why I was happy when they contacted me again this year to review their online cards. The selection is practically endless and the prices reasonable (especially when they're running one of their sales so check them out!).

Below are just a few of my favorite cards, as well as a great gift idea.

Coastal Wishes

We usually end up using a beach scene.

Classic Holly Frame

Black and white is classic.

Extra Sweet Tidings

Look at those colors!

With Love

I'm a sucker for monograms.

Photo Jewelry

I'm loving the charm bracelet idea. {Not a big surprise there, I guess.}

I can't wait to pick out this year's card and get started. Now if I could only settle on what photo to use......wish me luck.

xoxo

In the spirit of full disclosure, Shutterfly is providing me with a small number of complimentary cards in exchange for this review. However, the stated opinions are my own.

{Gasp} Christmas Countdown DIY Mercury Glass

noreply@blogger.com (Charm Bracelet Diva) — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 03:27:00 +0000

Yes, the {Gasp} is for, "Can it really be time for DIY Christmas decor inspiration already?" Like it or not, I believe the answer to that one is "Yes." So I'm getting on the bloggy bandwagon right now and sharing the first of many DIY Christmas decor ideas/projects/inspiration in the weeks to come. I hope you'll join me! Today's tutorial: DIY Mercury Glass.

I abide by the notion that this blog is about being r-e-a-l. So I'm telling you up front that this project was a r-e-a-l pain in the butt. I mean it. Let me start off by saying that I've recently come across more than a few DIY mercury glass tutorials in blogland. I ended up trying three different ones, and essentially mashing them all up together because I wasn't really satisfied with any one method alone. Hopefully I can spare you some pain by sharing how I did it. Not saying that my way is the best way, mind you. Just that it's the best way that worked for me.

Sorry about the lack of photos but I was so consumed with making these suckers that I was too busy and/or frustrated to be bothered with taking any! I only have befores and afters. Hopefully my instructions will be enough. Any questions, just shoot me an e-mail or a comment!

Supplies

Krylon Mirror-Like (Spray) Paint
cheap glass containers
vinegar
spray bottle
paper towels
black acrylic paint (any small plastic bottle will do, you don't need much at all)
cotton balls

For starters you'll need a can of Krylon Like-Glass Mirror (Spray) Paint. I couldn't find it at Michael's, Jo-Ann's or Hobby Lobby so I ordered it from Amazon. (I've since learned that you might just find it in Michael's floral department, so look there first!)

I also picked up some really cheap glass containers from the Dollar Store.

I initially followed the instructions on the can: I sprayed the outside of the glass with a few light coats of paint, letting it dry about 1 minute between coats. Yes, this was my first misstep. Then I sprayed the newly dried painted glass with a light spritzing of water and let the water do it's magic on the paint. So far so good. But after this part I thought that maybe the coating was a bit too see through and that maybe I should have been spraying the i-n-s-i-d-e of the glass? I had even mentioned this to my daughter prior to spraying, but did I heed my own advice? Of course not.

Realizing the error of my ways, I then painted the inside of the glass (following the can's instructions), after which I sprayed the inside with a combo of one part vinegar to one part water, followed by wiping down random areas with a wet paper towel, soaked in the water/vinegar solution. Problem was, I wiped too hard and too much paint came off! I had to respray the inside! Lesson: use a gentle touch when wiping down areas on the inside of the jar.

Finally, once the inside was dry, after about 10-15 minutes or so, I put some black acrylic paint on a cotton ball and gently rubbed down random areas on the inside of the glass, leaving a light black/grayish smudge. It was this step that seemed to make the most impact visually.

CAVEAT: The paint is really thin and really runny on the glass. I had a hard time managing to avoid lots and lots of runny, drippy marks on the glass. I did a lot of swirling, and swirling and swirling, trying to spread the paint around the inside of the jar as opposed to just having a veritable dripfest. Good luck with that. Also note that I didn't even try the glass jar with the lid. Since it was a bit more dimensional than the smooth jars I was afraid the paint would not adhere very well to it. Perhaps one day I'll test my luck on that.

Compared to store prices, I'd say I paid a total of about $4.50 a jar, plus ~~blood, sweat and tears~~ labor. Truth be told, next time I'd just as soon buy some already made. Does that make me a terrible DIY-er? It's not that I'm not proud of my little accomplishment. It's just that life is short, ya know?

And that Christmas wreath behind the glass? I made it recently and will share it with you soon! Hope you've enjoyed my little tutorial. And if you have any similar stories to report I'd love to hear them!

Don't forget to join in Club G.W. {Goodwill} No. 21 here.

And Happy Thanksgiving!

Until next time,

xoxo

I'll be linking up here:

House of Hepworths
The Shabby Creek Cottage
Feathered Nest Friday
My Shabby Streamside Studio
The Charm of Home

Funky Junk Interiors

The Shady Porch

Tuesday's Club G.W. {Goodwill} with Charm Bracelet Diva No. 21, Features and a Holiday Wish

noreply@blogger.com (Charm Bracelet Diva) — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 02:25:00 +0000

YOU CAN JOIN IN THE PARTY AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST!

I can't believe it's almost Thanksgiving. Because that means it's almost Christmas. And that means another year has managed to fly by. How DOES that happen? I'm partly excited and partly overwhelmed at the thought of it all. And so another holiday season begins...............

I want to thank all the well wishers who sympathized with my recent Internet troubles. It's a real drag to have to deal with it when you're a blogger. Fingers are crossed as I type this....now on to features and the party!

I'm loving that the first three features are new faces to the party. Be sure to stop by all four features and say hello!

Rachel @ Acts of Life

Okay, this is one of the coolest things I've ever seen. Yes, I know I'm pathetic that way. But just look at the color! Seriously, I was longing for a vintage scale for quite some time but just couldn't seem to find one that's reasonably priced. Then Rachel shares this great e-bay find of only $15.00 (by her sweet hubby, no less!) and I was motivated to give e-bay a look-see. Somehow {?} I got involved in an auction for a vintage scale and what do you know? I got it! For $11.50. I can see how people get seriously addicted to e-bay. But that ~~probably~~ won't ever happen to me, of course. Stop by and say hi to Rachel. Tell her I sent you.

Denise @ Pink Postcard

What do you get when you combine Goodwill, some white paint and a little Pier One inspiration? This gorgeous thrifty lamp redo. I'm loving me some pink right now! Stop on by Denise's blog for a tutorial and feel free to drool over her fabulous white living room!

Heather @ Tattered and Fray

Can you say ROOKWOOD? Heather hit the jackpot with this Club G.W. find, one of the best I've seen yet! This girl knows her stuff, too. She nabbed up this authentic Rookwood pottery beauty for a mere $2.99. She says it's worth several hundred dollars! Cha-ching! I want to go Goodwill shopping with HER!

Vanessa @ Home Sweet Butterfly

Nothing like a 50 cent garage sale mirror to get those creative juices flowin'. Vanessa really put her personal stamp on this one! (No pun intended.) Go on and give her some blog lovin' and check out this crafty redo.

Anita @ Cedar Hill Ranch

I know I've featured my friend Anita and her amazing shabby chic Texas ranch at least once before but I can't help myself. I mean, look at that porch! Stop on over and she'll share with you an amazing transformation of an old run-of-the-mill chandelier into a spectacular shabby chic chandy. Best part: it was free, thanks to her infamous friend Peggy who I REALLY want to meet. (I think Peggy's like her thrifting angel or something. Here's to wishing I had me one of those....).

Party time!

Party Rules

Link up your thrifty finds, and your thrifty find re-dos.

Please link back to your post and not to your blog's main URL.

Please mention the party somewhere in your post or place the party button on your sidebar. That way others can find out where the party is and join in!

I'd love for you to become a follower so you don't miss the next party!

And be sure to visit the other party guests!

Don't forget to Like me on Facebook and Follow me on Twitter.

Can't wait to see what you've got this week!

Well, dear bloggy friends, I hope you'll all join in the party this week. More importantly, though, I hope you all have a warm and blessed Thanksgiving. Oh, yeah, and that you get the wishbone, too.

Till next time

xoxo

Burlap Monogram Wall Art

noreply@blogger.com (Charm Bracelet Diva) — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 02:33:00 +0000

I am SO happy to be writing this post! I know I said our internet problems were over a few days ago but I was WRONG! We lost our internet connection again for the umpteenth time and it was more than frustrating. I'm not going to jinx myself by celebrating or anything here, but the fact that I'm writing this post should tell you something. Now on to more pressing matters!

I picked up this beauty at Club G.W. a few months ago for $2.99, not knowing what I'd do with her but knowing that I'd think of something! From a distance she looks OK, but up close and personal you could tell that she needed a small facelift.

Trust me, really.

The picture doesn't reflect it, but it really wasn't the kind of chippy, shabby that I love. It was just yuk, a very dull white. It actually looked more dirty than anything.

I loved it for the shape, details and the sweet back side of it.

See what I mean? Pretty cute. Anyway, it had no back or anything, so I had to figure out what I wanted to do with it. At first I was going to make it a small corkboard. But that would have been somewhat of a pain since the cork would have to be really thin to fit in there and there was no original backing with it.

In comes Wal-Mart. Did you know that Wal-Mart is selling fabric again? I know I mentioned it here when I bought some cotton duck material for my grainsack pillow. But even better than that, they're selling B-U-R-L-A-P for $2.97 a yard! That made my thrifty frugal self very happy.

First I applied two coats of Krylon white spray paint. Once it dried, I then proceeded to do a rubbing of the back of the frame in order to create a template for the backing.

I then traced the rubbing onto a piece of old corrugated cardboard I had left from another old frame, and cut it out. Once I had the oval backing completed, I cut out a piece of burlap to fit over it. I used spray adhesive to attach them to each other. Add one fabric adhesive monogram I got on clearance at Jo-Ann's and voila.

What do you think? I know I've been saying this a lot lately, but, I love it! I really do.

I think it goes well with some of my other burlap decor, too. Right now it's hanging next to the fireplace, but I think it's too small for that wall. Perhaps the newly remodeled powder room is just the place? I'll share that later.

All told, I'm thinking it was $5.00 well spent. And you?

Have a wonderful weekend! And don't forget to check back on Moday night for Tuesday's Club G.W. with Charm Bracelet Diva!

xoxo

Tuesday's Club G.W. {Goodwill} with Charm Bracelet Diva No. 20, Features and a Burlap Stool Revamp

noreply@blogger.com (Charm Bracelet Diva) — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 04:11:00 +0000

YOU CAN ENTER THE PARTY AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST!

The last few weeks have been a real pain without internet, printing capabilities, etc. but I think we're finally out of the woods. I'd share the details here but they'd just bore you to death. So, on to more interesting things!

Back before my husband and I got married (this December it'll be our 16th!) he purchased this darling little country-style footstool. The original fabric was a county-style print, later reupholstered by me sometime after we wed. I remember scoring a pile of "tapestry" squares at a flea market, and I put most of them to good use, as evidenced here.

Like all good things, the life of this baby had come to an end. I was tired of it. Tastes change over the years and we have to roll with it, lest we get stuck in, say, the 80's (!). And there's nothing better than already having the materials at hand and breathing new life into them. So watch and learn.

First I removed the old cushion cover, but not without some struggle. I used a screwdriver to pull up the staples and a pair of pliers to pull the staples out of the wood.

For some reason, there were 60, yes, 60 staples in all.

Once that was done, I just used the old cover as a template for the new one.

And the best news of all? Jo-Ann's is selling a printed burlap! {Thank you Betsy at
Coastal Colors!} There are two styles. One has an old key stamped all over it and the other is more of a French postcard/script look which I love. I chose that one. And the rest is history.

What do you think? I love it!

And yes, I painted the thing, but then what did you expect? I used Benjamin Moore Cameo White and lightly distressed it. I'm thankful for my good fortune in snagging up the fabric. Maybe you can, too! (It was $7.99 a yard so I used my 40% off coupon and the fabric for this stool ended up costing about $2.40.) Okay, I'll stop gushing now.

Last week's party was full of great finds and re-do's. Once again you all amaze me. And believe me, I'm so glad that there are other people like myself out there who love to thrift and repurpose! You inspire me each week to be better and do more. So let's see a few fabs from last week.

Tammy @ Beatrice Banks

Now this is a girl who loves a good chair. Her estate auction Louis chairs are beautiful just the way they are! Her post is filled with chair eye candy, so drop on over and say hello!

Deborah @ Confessions of a Craigslist Junkie (love that name!)

Her DIY mercury glass tutorial using Club G.W. glass is so fabulous that I've already bought the spray paint to do-it-myself! Thanks, Deborah!

Vicky @ Decor & Harmony @ 4290

Vicky loves to transform furniture, and she doesn't quit till she gets it right! So be sure to check out these little lovelies.

Thanks again, ladies! Now grab a Featured button and wear it proudly!

<br /> <a href="http://charmbraceletdiva.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac135/kmoms3/clubgwbutton2-2-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br />

Party time!

Party Rules

Link up your thrifty finds, and your thrifty find re-dos.

Please link back to your post and not to your blog's main URL.

Please mention the party somewhere in your post or place the party button on your sidebar. That way others can find out where the party is and join in!

I'd love for you to become a follower so you don't miss the next party!

And be sure to visit the other party guests!

Don't forget to Like me on Facebook and Follow me on Twitter.

Can't wait to see what you've got this week!

Link away!

xoxo

I'll be linking up here:

Whisperwood Cottage