Friday, April 26, 2013

WhimseyBox-Stop Pinning, Start Making

I have fallen in love! I stumbled across this website called Whimsey Box, and it is quite possibly the greatest thing ever! I'm 99% sure you might fall in love, too! I'm so excited to be sharing this!

What is WhimseyBox?

WhimseyBox is great investment for DIYers and crafters. For just $15/month, they ship you DIY & craft supplies, project instructions & ideas, a collectable art print, and the WhimseyBox (which is reusable, by the way!). And each month you get something different, based off of your interests! If you click this link you will receive $5 off your first box!
Copyright © 2013 Whimseybox

What else does WhimseyBox offer?

Even if you don't subscribe right away, you can still join and get your own member page. Here, you can post projects, link to your blog, twitter, and pinterest, and communicate with other DIY and Crafters.There is also a community project page where you can view projects that other members have posted!

Convinced yet?

Check out this awesome video from WhimseyBox that shows you exactly what it's all about!


Does it get any better???

It sure does! If you are interested in subscribing, I'm here to offer you $5 off your first box! Just click here and subscribe (make sure they know I sent you) and you'll get your first box for just $10 (did I mention that includes shipping? Because it does!) 

What are you waiting for?

Go check it out! If I haven't convinced you yet, I'm sure their website will!
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Wednesday, April 24, 2013

DIY Clipboard Revamp

Ever since I picked up an upcycled clipboard at a garage sale (years ago), I knew that I was going to make one myself. I found another plain old clipboard in our garage, and decided to have a go. 

 I made this little beauty with Scrapbook paper, Washi Tape, Ribbon, and Stickers. I'm thinking of adding rhinestones and a button or two, but I don't want to over-do it.


Well, That's it! If you want to see more custom clipboards, check out my clipboard board on pinterest!


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Monday, April 22, 2013

Japanese 12-in-2 Chain Maille Bracelet

Japanese 12-in-2 Chain Maille Bracelet

During my trip to Gladwin a few weeks ago, I found myself making a chain maille bracelet because I forgot to bring the materials for my current project. I haven't made any chain maille since my freshman year of high school, but it's like riding a bicycle; once you learn, you never forget. So today I'm sharing a tutorial showing how to make this bracelet. While taking these pictures, I've realized that I need a camera, BAD. Please excuse the horrible lighting and focus, I'm using a cell phone camera!
Japanese 12-in-2 Chain Maille

Time and Materials


For a 7 1/4 in bracelet:
Project Time: 1-2 hours
Tools & Materials:

  • Jump ring opener (optional)
  • Needle nose pliers
  • 211 4mm jump rings
  • 113 5mm jump rings
  • Lobster Claw

I use the jump ring opener to save time, energy, and nails.
Just hold one side with pliers, slip in in a notch, and twist open.

Making the basic form


Step 1- Open a large ring, thread 12 small rings on it, then close. Open a second large ring, and thread it through the same 12 small rings on the first large ring. Close the second large ring. 
The second large ring should lay on top on the first large ring.
Step 2 - Thread a third large ring through 2 small rings from step 1. 
 Step 3 - Thread 4 small rings on to the large ring from step 2 and close the large ring. Thread a forth large ring through the same path as the 3rd large ring. 
Step 4 - Thread a 5th large ring through the next 2 small rings from step 1, and 2 of the small rings added in step 3. Add 2 more small rings, close. Thread a 6th large ring through the same path as the 5th.

 Step 5 - Thread a 7th large ring through the next 2 small rings from step 1, add 4 small rings and close. Thread an 8th large ring through the same path as the 7th. 
Step 6 - Thread a 9th large ring through the next 2 rings from step 1, the 2 closest rings from step 5 (leaving 2 rings empty), and add 2 more rings. Thread a 10th ring through the same path as the 9th. Repeat step 4. Thread the last 2 large rings through the last 2 rings from step 1, the 2 rings left over from step 3, and the rings added to the 11th and 12 large ring. Add 2 more small rings before closing and threading the last large ring through. 

Adding more "flowers"

 Step 7 - Thread another large ring through the 2 empty small rings left over in step 6. Add 6 small rings, close, and thread another large ring. Thread 2 more large rings through the 2 middle empty rings, adding 10 more before closing. Now you can finish the second flower. 
*Make sure to leave 2 empty small rings  on the  petal directly across from the previous connecting petal.*

Continue adding flowers until you get the length that you want. I make 8 flowers to get a 7 1/4 in. bracelet. Add a large ring to the last 2 empty small rings on one end of the bracelet, and a lobster claw the other.

There you have it!



I hope you enjoyed my tutorial! I'm still getting the hang of it!
Check out these other awesome chainmaille designs!


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