Thanks, I Made It

DIY Knotted Leather Pearls

2015-05-28T07:00:00.000-04:00

Ready for something easy? This project just takes two materials and requires nothing more complicated than knowing how to tie a knot! This is piece is also incredibly versatile-- you can wear it any number of ways as a necklace or wrapped around your wrist for a bracelet. Read on for the how-to.

DIY Inspiration: Wrapped Pearls

2015-05-26T07:00:00.000-04:00

Hi friends! I hope you're well-rested after the long weekend. Mine was the perfect balance of relaxation and being productive-- a long bike ride, brunching, and some overdue crafting! My sister requested a long pearl necklace like the ones below, so I've rounded up a few similar styles using big pearls and knotted leather cord. I'll be sharing my ultra-easy DIY project soon, but until then, I'm sharing my inspiration!

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DIY Wrapped Crystal Bracelet

2015-04-29T07:00:00.000-04:00

I've got an easy one for you today! This simple project is the perfect way to play with bold, bright colors and is a fun mix of textures with acrylic rhinestones in setting combined with crafty embroidery thread. Blank cuffs like these are incredibly versatile and easy to embellish any way you choose, like this DIY wrapped crystal bracelet! Read on for the ultra-fast how-to!

DIY Marble Necklace

2015-04-09T07:00:00.000-04:00

Okay, okay. It's not really marble. But as I mentioned earlier this week, you can get the marble look with another stone, howlite. (Fun fact-- howlite is easily dyed all the colors of the rainbow to imitate other stones, like turquoise. For a serious throwback, check out howlite beads in this DIY spike necklace!) There are many fun tutorials out there for marbleized DIYs, but they often require messy mixing and swirling of clay or paint. Instead, I chose a no muss, no fuss approach, letting the natural texture of the beads achieve the marble look! I love the end result-- a simple graphic combination of marblesque black and white howlite beads with wood beads I hand painted for the right shade of grey. Read on for the easy how-to!

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DIY Inspiration: Marblesque

2015-04-07T07:30:00.000-04:00

Unless you under a rock (har har), marble is everywhere. As the background to your favorite Instagrammer's carefully arranged morning latte and scone, taking over Pinterest with marble contact paper crafts... it's hard to resist the luxe look of the swirled black and white stone. I've also noticed marble's doppelganger, the stone howlite, popping up more and more in jewelry, like these pieces I've rounded up below. Howlite beads are easy to find, a simple way to get the marblesque look for less. I grabbed myself a strand of howlite beads and can't wait to share how I used them!

Vita Fede bracelet | Gemma Redux necklace | BaubleBar earrings

Lele Sadoughi bracelet | Rebecca Minkoff earrings (25% off your purchase in Shopbop's spring sale!)

DIY 3 Ways: Thrift Store Art

2015-03-17T07:00:00.000-04:00

I'm starting to get a bit fidgety in my apartment. We've been in the same spot for almost three years: the couch feels too teeny, the gallery wall too boring... so I'm beginning to itch for a few changes, yet I keep putting them off for a "someday" apartment. But, when I think about how much I hate moving and how much uncertainty there is in renting, I might as well embrace small changes in my current situation, right?

Up first? Fresh art! There are so many great ideas for ways to spruce up sad oil paintings relegated to your local Goodwill, from paint-by-numbers to the dipped-in-paint look. Here are a few favorites I found for thrift store art. Happy decorating!

DIY Name Art from Lana Red

DIY Thrift Store Art from Scott Erickson Art

Chalk Marker Neon Pop Art from East Coast Creative

DIY Cone Back Earrings

2015-02-26T07:00:00.000-05:00

Ready for a simple trick to double your earring wearing possibilities? By making these DIY cone backs, you can give your basic stud earrings a bit of edge! This project is so ridiculously easy, that it fall under "why didn't I do this sooner?" category. I think the only thing that held me back was the rubber earring backs. Amazon Prime is a godsend-- I used it to quickly get a pack of these earring backs in time for weekend crafting, along with all the other random odds and ends I need but can't get to the store for thanks to my cast and crutches.

Read on for how to spice up your plain pearls in 5 minutes flat!

Inspiration: Cone Back Earrings

2015-02-24T07:00:00.000-05:00

Things for me have come a grinding halt thanks to an unexpected surgery on a tendon last week. While I'm hobbling around the house with my cast and crutches, I hope to do at least a little crafting! I'm looking forward to sharing a DIY very soon inspired by these cone-backed earrings. I especially love the pearl and spikes-- they take "business in the front, party in the back" to a whole new level!

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DIY 3 Ways: Colorful Keychains

2015-02-18T07:00:00.000-05:00

Among the extra mittens, tangled headphones, and hangry-preventing granola bars all swimming around the bottom of my bag, my keys are often impossible to find. I think a bright, colorful keychain like one of these would do the trick to add some much needed color to everyday and help me keep track of them! (PS- past keychain DIYs here and here!)

Wooden bead keychains from Be Crafty

Color blocked keychains from the Crafted Life

Colorful carabiners from the Curtis Casa

DIY Color Block Necklace and Book Giveaway

2015-02-10T21:33:00.001-05:00

Hi friends! Today I'm excited to share one of the new projects from my book DIY Statement Necklaces. This DIY necklace is a breeze to make and it's colorful stones perfectly channel how I'm feeling ready for spring (or at least, vacation-- look out Puerto Rico). If you like this tutorial, it's one of the 35 necklace projects from the book and read on for a chance to win your own copy of DIY Statement Necklaces!

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DIY Statement Necklaces (I wrote a book!)

2015-01-29T07:00:00.000-05:00

When things were getting quiet around here this summer, it was in part because I had a big project in the works-- I wrote a book! DIY Statement Necklaces: Create Your Own Customizable Jewelry-- For Less! published by Adams Media is shipping now on Amazon and is officially out February 1!

It was a whirlwind project working with the tight turn around, but I've put together 35 projects (about half new and half updated past Thanks, I Made It projects), a guide to supplies, and appendix on where to buy materials for your next necklace project. With chapters on beaded, chain, cord and ribbon, designer-inspired, and special occasion necklaces, there's something for everyone and for all skill levels. Here's more from the description:

"It's time to make a statement with these stylish necklaces!

Stand out from the crowd with the beautifully bold jewelry in DIY Statement Necklaces! Featuring step-by-step instructions and photographs for 35 one-of-a-kind necklaces, this jewelry guide shows you how to transform your entire wardrobe--without spending a fortune. Best of all, each chapter includes quick tutorials on how to customize jewelry materials to create eye-catching statement necklaces that reflect your taste and style.

Whether you're looking to brighten up your everyday attire or sparkle in your little black dress, DIY Statement Necklaces helps you craft striking, designer-inspired jewelry without breaking the bank."

I'm so excited about the birth of my little book baby and have to pinch myself to make sure it's still real! Stay tuned for a project or two from the book, but in the meantime, you can order your copy now from Amazon or Barnes & Noble.

DIY Delicate Necklace

2015-01-27T07:00:00.000-05:00

Perfectly understated, this DIY delicate necklace is easy to make, and I'm so excited to layer the whispy gold chain with a turtleneck or chunky knit sweater. I love the eye-like shape of the navette crystal connector I used here, but you can find them in other cuts, like rectangle, round, or square. The important trick is finding the right size jump rings to go with your chain. I recommend going to a bead store to buy in person to make sure you have sizes that fit with the links of the chain.

Inspiration: Decliate Necklaces

2015-01-22T07:00:00.000-05:00

Wanted: whisper-thin, easy-to-wear necklaces with a just a glimmer of a crystal, like these dainty pieces. With the right supplies, easy to DIY, don't you think? Tutorial coming soon!

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DIY 3 Ways: Hair Elastics

2015-01-15T07:00:00.000-05:00

After my post on Tuesday of DIY hair elastics with hardware, I've been thinking about 1) how to use the rest of my elastic and 2) what other ways can I embellish the humble hair tie? Turns out I'm not alone. Check out these other bloggers' different takes on how to elevate a simple elastic. Pull back your hair in a pretty pony, because it's time to get down to business!

DIY Jeweled Hair Elastic from Small Things Blog

DIY Wooden Bead Hair Twists from Design Mom

DIY Chain Hair Tie from Elle Frost

DIY Hardware Hair Elastics

2015-01-13T07:00:00.000-05:00

Oh hi, everyone! It's been a while, but I really enjoyed recharging over the holidays and now 2015 has started in full force. Despite the busyness of the new year, I put together a fun project I couldn't wait to make. I saw a set of hairties at Madewell while shopping over the holidays, and loved how the now-basic elastic hairband was accented by a geometric shaped bead-- a hex nut! If you've been reading Thanks, I Made It for a bit now, you know I love using hardware in jewelry and accessories. (Need examples? This bracket pendant, these popular bracelets, and this necklace). Their really easy to make, with only two materials. Plus, these DIY hair elastics look just as cute around your wrist as they do around your ponytail!

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Last Minute DIY Gift Ideas

2014-12-18T07:00:00.000-05:00

Okay people... one weekend separates us from Christmas. If you're anything like me, you went into a bit of a tizzy this week trying to cross off last minute people on your list. If you have a few more gifts to go, why not whip up a few wearable homemade presents? Here's a small sampling of some of my favorite projects from this past year. I've been embracing simplicity this year, and so have been sharing tutorials that are a breeze to make by requiring only a few materials or not a lot of time, meaning they're perfect for this crunch time leading up to December 25th. I find bracelets and earrings are easy to gift, so here are a few favorites, plus a fun key chain for everyone in your life, guys and gals alike. Enjoy! (See more after the jump.)

DIY Cord and Chain Bracelets

DIY Box Chain and Crystal Earrings

2014-12-16T07:00:00.000-05:00

Last week, I shared a few ideas for box chain and crystal earrings. Inspiration struck because I was cleaning house on my Pinterest boards, exactly what I need to be doing during this insanely busy time of year. I was particularly taken with the Anthropologie earrings, mixing geometric chain with a bit of sparkle. No longer available to buy, I made my own in silver tone and baguette (rectangle shaped) crystals. Need a simple pair of earrings for holiday festivities? Then look no further. These are a cinch to make and you'll be done in 10 minutes, tops!

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Inspiration: Box Chain + Crystal Earrings

2014-12-11T07:00:00.000-05:00

For holiday jewelry, I'm all about this combo of box chain and crystals, with a both a touch of sparkle and a little shine. Whether for studs or long earrings, box chain is an interesting alternative to regular link chain, plus its flat sides make it easy to work with when attaching to a crystal! A few of these earrings are no longer available online (but I'll still share sources below), which means it's time to DIY!

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Bloglove: December

2014-12-09T07:00:00.000-05:00

While you're hunting around the Internet for do-it-yourself ideas for holiday decorating and gifts, here are a few blogs that have caught my eye. Check them out for some fresh inspiration for before or after the holidays-- enjoy! (PS- past bloglove posts here.)

Giveaway and Tutorial: "Beautiful Bracelets by Hand"

2014-12-03T07:00:00.000-05:00

Hello! Things have been quiet around here as I spent the Thanksgiving holiday relaxing and shopping with my family, so there hasn't been much crafting! But, I was recently sent a copy of Beautiful Bracelets by Hand:Seventy Five One-Of-a-Kind Baubles, Bangles, and Other Wrist Adornments You Can Make at Home by Jade Gedeon, and wow-- is it gorgeous! Filled to the brim with DIY bracelet tutorials, the book is also full of useful information about DIY basics and supplies. I also loved that the projects range in complexity-- from the extra simple to let's-bust-out-the-power-tools.

As someone who loves working with vintage materials or reworking different kinds of jewelry components (like this DIY bracelet project or this necklace), I was especially drawn to her entire chapter devoted to "Bits + Pieces," those gorgeous materials you collect like a magpie to eventually use one day, like buttons, brooches, and buckles. I was invited to share a tutorial from the book, and think this Crystal Clear Bracelet, from that chapter, made from chandelier crystals would be the perfect piece of holiday sparkle. (Want a matching necklace? Check out this DIY crystal necklace!)

Crystal Clear Bracelet, from Beautiful Bracelets by Hand:Seventy Five One-Of-a-Kind Baubles, Bangles, and Other Wrist Adornments You Can Make at Home by Jade Gedeon

Chandelier crystals do a beautiful job of refracting light—as they’re meant to, of course. This bracelet will infuse your look with a spark of razzle-dazzle and a cool vintage vibe. Look for crystals that still have their head pins intact. Choose a clasp size that best coordinates with the scale of your crystals. You will need more jump rings if using smaller crystals.

Tools and Materials:

•5"–6" (12.7–15.2 cm) length of chandelier crystals (ours are 1" [2.5 cm] across)

• Three 10mm round jump rings, 16–18 gauge

• Seven 6mm round jump rings, 16–18 gauge

• One lobster clasp (ours is 25mm long)

• Head pins (optional)

• Wire snips

• Chain-nose pliers

• Flat-nose pliers

• Round-nose pliers

Using the round-nose pliers, grasp the end of a head pin wire and roll it around the plier nose to form a closed loop. If the pins are excessively long, you may need to trim them.

Begin linking your crystals with the 6mm jump rings. Be sure to keep everything parallel.

When all the crystals are linked, attach the clasp to one end with two 6mm jump rings.

Attach the three 10mm jump rings to each other and then attach to the other end of the bracelet with a 6mm jump ring.

This is what it should look like on the back.

Shine on!

As a holiday gift to you Thanks, I Made It readers, you can win a copy of Beautiful Bracelets by Hand! Simply leave a comment below by December 10, 2014, and one (1) random winner will be chosen. Sorry, my lovely international friends, the contest is only open to readers in the US and Canada. Don't forget to leave a way for me to contact you, if you win!

DIY Jump Ring Bracelets

2014-11-25T07:00:00.000-05:00

Every holiday season I like to make a batch of bracelets in easily customized colors. Last week I shared some inspiration for DIY bracelets, and decided the jump ring bracelet was the perfect use for materials I had. You could use whatever cord you have in your stash, but I chose some silk rattail cord. Only needing two materials and no tools (only scissors to cut the cord), this project is incredibly easy!

DIY Inspiration: Giftable Bracelets

2014-11-20T07:00:00.000-05:00

With holiday giving around the corner, now's the time to start planning your projects! I plan on making a batch of bracelets in different colors to give to my girls. I'm inspired by these different styles for easy, customizable bracelets, all which would translate well into a DIY project. Now, which one to pick?

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DIY Around the World: Portugal

2014-11-18T07:00:00.000-05:00

I love that blogging gives us the amazing opportunity to connect with people across the global over shared interests, like DIY! I'm channeling my international interests into posts about DIY in other parts of the world, and hope you love learning about the growing global DIY community as much as I do. (Find previous installments here!) Today, we're headed to Portugal with the charming DIY blogger, Daniela of Curly Made.

Daniela wearing her DIY chain necklace makeover

Where do you live? What is your city like?

I live in Lagos, a small seaside city in Algarve, Portugal, known for the great weather and amazing beaches that attract tourists from all over the world, especially in the summer.

DIY Glitter Earrings

2014-11-13T07:00:00.000-05:00

Like I mentioned earlier this week, I'm so excited to have a leg up on the holidays with this DIY! Inspired by these Kate Spade earrings, what I love about this version of DIY glitter earrings is using rhinestones in setting. By taking the stones out for the glitter, then popping them back in, the result is polished, rather than a big glittery blob.

While I used what I had on hand, with my stash of rhinestones and earrings backs (a DIYers equivalent of a well-stocked pantry!), you can easily pick-up a pack of jewel earrings on the cheap and open up the prongs the same way.

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DIY Inspiration: Kate Spade Glitter Earrings

2014-11-11T07:00:00.000-05:00

I've never been one who's on top of her holiday game (there's usually a mad scramble mid-December), but once I saw these Kate Spade earrings, I knew what I was going to make for gifts this holiday season! I know DIY glitter earring tutorials abound online, but I'm excited to share my twist in a project this week. It's never too early for glitter!

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