Janet of All Trades

I look at every piece of jewelry and think I can make it some how, but once I start dissecting the process and the parts it doesn't turn out that way. It usually is far more involved than my skills will allow or the materials are cost more if I had bought the finished product. Until this weekend when I actually created something less than if I had bought it. I found this on www.jewelrysaga.com  and you can buy them in bulk and they are a leather twist with shell accent. I decided to use braided leather pieces that I split my self using a very dangerous but effective stripper. I had a large piece of this leather embossed with Alligator print (cost= $0) and stripped it into numerous pieces. Then I clipped it to my lap desk and braided a piece about 18" long. Next I knotted,glued and crimped the ends so that I could add my trinkets ($1.00) and buttons ($.50). Finished off with a Lobster clasp ($.50) and it was done. Not and exact replica, but close. It was so easy to make that I ...

I found a large stash of Neck ties at an Estate Sale this past weekend and I had to buy them since I had the perfect idea for an upcycle project. They were mostly from a long since closed store here in Buffalo,NY and I felt the need to preserve them as well as the tags. I started by washing them on gentle and removing them immediately and laying flat to dry. They came out a little disfigured but nothing that a little ironing wouldn't fix. Next I took a seam ripper and opened up the back to take out the interfacing. I did this for two reasons, it was discolored and had a little odor and it would be easier to sew without this bulk.  I next cut the tie into a piece 10" long and hemmed the edge. Then I sewed two pieces of velcro to each side to make my cuff. The last step was to sew on a few antique buttons and beads and my cuff was done. Wow! Looking at this I can't believe how it turned out!.But wait... I made a few more! Love this one.. Antique Maple leave button and golden...

Estate Sales are like treasure hunts, you never know what you are going to discover. The past weekend I found a few goodies that I thought where interesting. The clip on earrings I thought would make great pendants. I love this one since I have tiny purse made of the same material. A little sun for the end of the summer. These buttons are from a sale a few weeks ago. I love the large pearl button. A little bit of fabric and an antique button. So simple and cute! Enjoy! Linking up to party at: