Spring Colors!

I'm so excited it is spring that I'm starting to use some brighter colors.  Here are some examples of newer pieces I've made that sing spring to me.  What colors say spring to you? 
--Kathy

 

(If you like these pieces, check out my etsy shop, PajegoArtHouse.etsy.com.)

How To Make A Cord Necklace

Periodically I need to make cord necklaces for my pendants.  This is how I make them...

What you'll need:

2mm nylon cording--you can get this at Hobby Lobby, JoAnn's, or online.  Look in the ribbon section.  I like to use black, but you can get some great looks from other colors.

Closures (AKA "End Crimps")--you can get these at Hobby Lobby, Michaels, or online.  I usually like to get them from Michaels, and I like the silver ones.

Barrel Clasp--you can get these at Hobby Lobby, Michaels, JoAnn's, online (etc.).  I prefer barrel clasps because I find they are easy to open and close, and when you buy a pack, the pieces in it are more likely to fit/work right than regular clasps.

Pliers -  For this project, I like to use flat jewelry pliers.

Now you're ready to go.


Step 1:
Cut your cording to length.  I usually like to make 18" necklaces, so I cut my cording to about 17 1/4".

Step 2:
Place one end of the cording into the closure (end crimp).  Be careful not to put the cording up by the loop.  Using your pliers close one side at a time over the end of the cording.  This takes some practice so if yours look smashed at first, don't give up.

Close up the other side too.  Both ends should be finished off.

Sometimes some of the cording will fray and peek out from the closed metal.  If this happens, just use a razor blade and cut it off (being careful not to cut the actual necklace cord or scratch the metal).

Step 3:
Using your pliers, open the loop on one side of the barrel clasp and hook it onto one end of the cord.  Then close up the wire loop so the clasp is secure.

Do the same thing to the other side of the clasp and necklace cord.  When you've finished, the necklace should make a complete circle.

Step 4:
Slide your pendant onto your necklace cord.  Voila!

We would love to see what pieces you make with your necklace cords, so send it pictures or comments.  Happy Creating!

Love Those Cameos

Cameos have been used as jewelry since as early as the 3rd Century BC.  They often have contrasting colors and feature lovely relief designs.  Since I love cameos, I've decided to start making them out of ceramic for jewelry.  I thought it might be fun to change them up a little from the traditional look, so I've decided to add bulkier backgrounds and use fun colors.  I've got fantasies of lime green, light blue, red, etc.  Here are some I made using watermelon colored glaze, white glaze, and pink glaze.  I've paired them up with some other handmade beads for unique sets.  Do you wear cameos and how do you like them--traditional or funky?