Janet of All Trades

Sometimes you buy something at an Estate Sale and you don't know what you have until you get it home and look thru it. That is what happen to me a few weeks ago when I purchase a coffee can full of vintage wooden and bamboo beads.  Surprise! the beads are fun and remind me of summer camp, so I knew I needed to create a piece of jewelry with them.  I started with some Stretch Magic Cord in black and clear in 1mm thickness. I had never used Stretch Magic before and was happy to read that it is made in the USA and is very easy to work with. I first cut a piece about 12 inches long since I had decided to make a 7" bracelet and would need a little more on each end to knot. Now you will need to Pre-Stretch the cord as per the directions, which means stretching it about 2 or 3 times with one end in both hands. Then I started stringing my beads which is super easy and if you have a bead stopper it helps to keep the beads organized. After a few trial and errors with I figu...

Over the summer my husband and I have been to numerous Estate sales. We have not only bought interesting vintage pieces but we have learned a few things as well about these sale. I don't consider myself an expert at finding good deals or negotiating prices, but I have a few tips that might make attending estate sales and little easier and more rewarding. First don't be afraid to get dirty. Some of the best treasures are buried under a ton of other things. But make sure have some wet naps or hand sanitizer to clean up before you head to another sale. Secondly, go with a list of specific things you are looking for since you can be easily distract by interesting funiture,clothes and dishes, but thinking about how you will use them or how you will get them home.   Bring a small flash light since some lovey items hidden in dark basements and closets. It also helps for seeing in boxes and containers for hidden gems.   Lastly it's okay to offer a price for something, but mak...

I think I have problem. It might not be oblivious at first but it is getting bigger and bigger. It's not that I am a hoarded or compulsive shopper..  The key to my problem is.. I have too many pieces of jewelry and it is time to let others enjoy them. Each one is unique. And they are now all available in my etsy shop. http://www.etsy.com/shop/Janetofalltrades Enjoy!

I can't say love insects, but I certainly don't hate them either. They spread pollen, eat other harmful insects that destroy gardens and can bite you too. They're interesting and strange.  So when I was recently given a few books on Entomology and insect identification from my SIL Margie, this recycler knew just how to honor these strange and sometimes beautiful creatures. The images are odd and scary. But they were the perfect size for my recycling idea so I started cutting,glueing and using a little  Dimensional Magic and I created..  A few Insect Pendants! Just a few interesting bugs to hang around your neck. Maybe they will keep others away? Or maybe they will look good on Halloween! Enjoy