Upcycled zipper charm bracelet tutorial

Use an old zipper to make a new charm bracelet.  This is a great teen or tween crafting idea.  This is such a simple project that is terrific to make during those snow days when there is nothing to do.  I’ve used word charms but you can use any sort of charms you like. For a super upcycle, you can remove a zipper from an old piece of clothing or just purchase a new zipper.

Supplies:

7-inch metal zipper

Oval jump rings

Large crimp bead for clasp

Lobster claw clasp

Medium jump rings

Charms of choice

Lighter or stop fray fabric glue

Scissors

Needle nosed pliers

Instructions:

1.     Cut the fabric close to the zipper with scissors.  Use the lighter to run over the edges to keep it from fraying, or you can use stop fray fabric glue and let it dry.

2.     Using the needle nosed pliers attach the crimp bead fro the clasp to the non-opening end of the zipper.  Squeeze it tightly.

3.     Open a large round jump ring twisting to open rather than pulling apart.  Add to the crimp bead and then add the lobster claw clasp.  Close the jump ring, twist to close.

4.     Add a second jump ring to the zipper pull.

5.     Using oval jump rings twist to open and add the desired charm.  Attach to the zipper and twist back to close.  Continue adding charms down the length of the zipper. 

Horse show hair bows for lead line and short stirrup

You can make Horse show hair bows for your favorite little girls quickly and easily using Bowdabra bow maker.  Styles change on the Horse show circuit just as they do with all fashion.  The current trend at the moment is for lead line and short stirrup competitors to wear their hair in braids accented with beautiful bows.  

These Horse show hair bows can cost over $30 but you can make them for pennies with the Bowdabra.  

Visit Bowdabra for the full tutorial today.  

Happy trails from Bowdabra and Make it easy crafts

Gift cards, yea or nay?

What did you buy this Christmas for that tween who acts and dresses like she is 25; or how about the teen that only speaks in monosyllables?  I mean seriously how do you figure out what to buy for someone whose sole communication is limited to yes and no…mostly no? How about Sister June’s tots from Florida that you aren’t even sure if they are 6 or 9?  We won’t even discuss Auntie Bertha from Phoenix who you haven’t seen since you were 6 or 9? 

I bet you opted to buy a gift card. Consumer reports states that gift cards are the worst gift you could give.  Why?  Store cards don’t have fees like bankcards but they are sometimes inconvenient since you can only use them at that particular store. A huge percentage of cards remain unused moldering away in drawers and wallets and some simply forgotten. 

Then we come to deciding which store to get that gift card from. Someone I know loved Bath and Body works and they received a gift card to Bed bath and beyond.  Ok, both have the word, bath in their names, and they are both nice stores. It is just a minor mistake but Bed bath and beyond happened to be 40 miles further than the other store so, yes, it went unused.

While Cards from malls and those issued by banks like Mastercard, Visa, and American express seem like a good idea they come with purchase fees up front.  In addition after a year of inactivity they subtract an amount every month so that a $25 card can become worthless in 10 months time!  Lose that card and you will pay a hefty fee to get another or more commonly you are simply out of luck.

The Mall cards I’ve seen literally come with a huge booklet in tiny print of stipulations, rules and limitations.  Personally I don’t even read the manuals that come with electronic equipment so I sure as heck am not going to spend my time reading that!

In conclusion if you want to give a gift to someone and you just don’t know what to get them, give them a check or cash.  There are very creative ways to turn cash into a gift that keeps on giving.  And if you get a gift card be sure to spend it--quickly!

So…your opinions are welcomed –gift cards, yea or nay?

There are lots of ideas to make money a gift in itself...search Pinterest for tons of ideas. This star tutorial is an easy one that you can make in any denomination...

Five dollar star

Check out my tutorial for the Sculpey sitting duck figurine.  My husband who is definitely a man's man and doesn't really say much about decor or crafts, walked in and looked at the clay mallard sitting on the shelf and just smiled.  He told me,  "that's your best design yet".  And coming from him, that was a real compliment!

Happy Spring everyone!  It's almost 70 degrees and finally sunny!

Sitting duck tutorial on Make it easy crafts

Only two more weeks till the day you can show how much you care!  I'm featuring these free printable Valentine cards on Make it easy crafts.  Instructions for making presentation envelopes too!

Click for tutorial

Enter to win a pair of Breast Cancer awareness drop earrings

To recognize the Breast Cancer Awareness Month of October I am giving away a pair of Sterling silver ear wire drop earrings.  Low entries so be sure to enter today!  And if you are a DIY'er there are free instructions to make a pair yourself too as an added benefit!

Breast Cancer Awareness earrings