Connectors & Reptiles

It just occurred to me that I was so excited to start digging into my box from Cousin Corp with the new "Second Skin" line that I took LOTS of pieces off packages before getting pics! Ruh roh!

So, the one piece I did want to show you in relation to yesterday's bracelet project is this 6 hole connector.

The one I used yesterday was in a brushed brass tone, while the package shown here is in a silvery tone.

I used one of the end pieces by knotting the hemp cord to the side with the 6 loops and added a magnet clasp to the other side with one loop. Perfect!

I also wanted to share one of the other fun pieces with you...these little snakes... aren't they adorable?

If I ran into a real snake, I think I would freak out a bit.

However, this bead snake is GREAT!

Simple Knotted Bracelet

After seeing Deb's comment from Beetique on yesterday's post, I thought I'd post this bracelet project using a great Cousin Corp pendant today.

I'll follow up the next couple days by showcasing the actual pieces and parts that went into creating it.

You should be able to click on the photo to get a closer view.

The new "Second Skin" line of beads from Cousin that will be in Joann stores at the end of November include MANY components that are not for people who want to be incognito or fly under the radar!

They are big, "out there" pieces that will get noticed. Rather than use this great pendant on a necklace that, as the wearer, I wouldn't be able to enjoy, I challenged myself to create a bracelet. :)

I LOVED lacing the holes at the bottom of the pendant with this brown hemp cord. The perfect Second Skin product to finish up the side with hemp cord is a 6 hole bar clasp, NICE!

I'd love to hear your thoughts!!

Bracelet Worthy?

Wow, what a great pendant! That shot of red is perfect!

So, want to take a stand? Think this fairly large pendant is bracelet worthy?

I will give you a tiny little hint...I have a project to share. :)

This piece will be in Joann stores at the end of November as part of the Cousin Corp's new "Second Skin" line.

Love it!

Art Deco...I'm a Fan!

For many years I loved things with geometric designs and when I began going to flea markets and auctions realized my heart belonged to Art Deco.

Of course my first thought upon seeing this component was "oh yeah, great bracelet focal bead!"

AND, these colors are great because they can be worn with black or brown! Nice...

This particular package actually comes with TWO of these pieces so you can make something for yourself and for a friend! Isn't it nice how that works out as we approach the holidays? :)

So, tonight kicks off the November bead extravaganza which translates to me sharing all the great pieces and parts I received from Cousin Corp for November!

The cool thing is this new line, called "second skin," will be in Joann stores at the end of November and available through Primabead.com.

Stay tuned for the inside track! Yay!

Craft Night Success!

Oh my goodness, look what I found at a Meijer store yesterday morning! An entire wall of Cousin products...wow!

I've never seen so many of them in one place before!

It was a blast, but I kept thinking the store people were keeping an eye on me because I was dawdling for so long! :)

I still hadn't created a prototype for a project I was going to teach last night, so this was like hitting the mother lode! 

Here's what I decided on...

A Pendant, ribbon clasps and some pretty ribbon. Yes, this Meijer store had several aisles of craft products, nice!

Cutting the pendant loop off was the first order of business so this could be made into a bracelet.

I used to think I was being selfish by only wanting to make bracelets because I can't see what's around my neck and I can see what's on my wrist whenever I want!

Now I just expect that to be my first instinct...Oh, I can make that into a bracelet!

We looped the ribbon on either side, crimped down the ribbon clasps and added a magnet clasp for ease in getting this bracelet on and off. What do you think?

Update:
Here's a quick pic of the closure, hope this helps! :)

Bring on the Inspiration!

Yay, happy weekend! Here's a bit of inspiration to get your creativity flowing!

We're starting off with Carmi's wool kumihimo bracelets....NICE!

Carmi's Art/Life World 
Carmi uses a very unique wool to craft kumihimo bracelets. 

About.com Jewelry Making
Catching up on some book reviews, Tammy finds one with tons of great pictures showing how to make bead and wire jewelry.

Art Bead Scene
Take a tour of some of the jewelry that was inspired by last month's painting inspiration. 

Beading Arts
"Metal Month" comes to an end on Beading Arts, but it leaves with a BANG! 

Resin Crafts!
Resin Crafts blog has a two part series on how to use tissue to cover an open space in a pendant. 

Switching Gears...what's next?

Alright! I have a day off tomorrow, yay!

I am excited about preparing the craft that I will be teaching at my overnight craft adventure with friends and family on Saturday night. Right now, I don't even have a glimmer of an idea.

Once I get everything out and make a mess all over the place, I'm sure it will come to me!

For me, that's when everything starts clicking! :)

Until I figure it out, I thought it would be fun to share a Cousin Corp project called "Girl's Night Out." Instructions can be found here.

I love the fun and colors and think they would be great for winter! Enjoy!