12 Crafts of Christmas {Jewelry}

Today is a 3-for-1 special!  And I am so excited about it.
Today is also the day that I’m debuting my wicked awesome vlogging skillz. (heh.)

First up is my favorite: Ribbon & Pearl Necklace & Bracelet

Black grosgrain ribbon

Pink Double Ruffle Gingham Ribbon

I’d seen a ribbon and pearl bracelet in an local up-scale boutique, but kind of choked when I saw the price tag.

And so I sat down and did what I always do: scoured google for directions.
I tried several different tutorials before settling on what I think was the easiest and most descriptive.
(If you have a few moments, you should really check out her tutorial archives.  Great stuff!
She also has an etsy store with some fabulous vintages finds!)

These necklaces may look super-fancy, but you only need five things: pearl beads, ribbon, needle & thread and scissors.
Having a measuring tape or ruler helps, but isn’t completely necessary.
I’m willing to bet that most of you have at least 3 of those things in your house right now.

Even though Transient Expression had a great tutorial, I decided to do a play-by-play video.
I always learn faster when I see and hear rather than when I’m just reading.

(Side note:  I obviously didn’t learn much in high school math.  Ignore the sine/co-sine rambling
and really ignore me when I say to cut it at a right angle.  Do not cut it at a right angle.  Just cut it diagonally.)

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The second jewelry craft: Felted Wool Ball Necklaces

Handmade Wool Balls & Shiny Ribbon

I love the big, chunky jewelry look and the textures you get with this!

First you’ll need to make your felted wool balls, which takes a little time, but it’s fun and easy to do.
(This would be a great fun thing for pre-teen girls to do!  You could even make a whole party out of it!)

For this project you will need:  warm/hot water, dish soap, and felting wool(or wool roving)

You’ll have to watch the first video to learn how to make the wool balls.
The second video gives details on how to make the necklace with the wool balls you made.

For the necklace, you’ll need: the wool balls you made, embroidery thread, a large bore needle,
crimp beads, needle nose pliers, ribbon and scissors

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And finally: Decorative Button Clip-On Earrings

This one doesn’t have a video to go with it.  Sorry.  I’m lame.
(I’m actually probably more lame for making the videos than for not having one for this.)
(But let’s pretend that you loved the vlogging, ok?)

My Nana doesn’t have pierced ears, but loves earrings.
Do you know how hard it is to find small, delicate clip-on earrings???

So a while back when I was searching for fun crafts to make with my kids,
I came across a blog that made rings out of buttons.
(Unfortunately, I seem to have lost the link to that.)
And when I started coming up with my Christmas gift list,
I thought “I could make earrings like those rings I saw!”

All you need is a package of clip-on earring bases like these(I used silver), 2 decorative buttons, wire cutters and glue.
(I used Simple Fix-It, which is my new favorite go-to glue,
but you could probably use any adhesive like Gorilla Glue or even hot glue.)

Turn the buttons over and, using the wire cutters, clip off the little piece that you’d normally use to sew it on.
Make sure that the back is fairly flat.  You may need to file it down juuuuust a little.
You can use sand paper or a nail file to do that.

Next you’ll use your glue to attach the button to the flat surface of the clip.

And you’ll want to hold pressure for a little while until the two are firmly attached.

The glue should be completely dry and immovable after a few hours.
(I waited overnight before touching them.)
And you end up with this:

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Want to see more of my crafty creations?

Check out the other 12 Crafts of Christmas:
Week One: Silhouettes
Week Two: Personalized Wall Clocks
Week Three: Glass Etching
Week Four: Fancy Fingerpaint Art
Week Five: Freezer Paper Stencils
Week Six:  Tie-Knot Fleece Blanket
Week Seven: Jewelry: Ribbon & Pearl Bracelet, Wool Ball Necklace, DIY Button Earrings
Week Eight: Chalkboard Paint Ideas: Glasses, Chalkboard, Candle, Love Box
Week Nine: Frugal Finds
Week Ten: Personalized Pendants
Week Eleven: Edible Edition

None of the links listed above are affiliate links.  I don’t make a dime off of any of it.
I simply linked to each of the products that I used when making my crafts.

9 Responses to 12 Crafts of Christmas {Jewelry}
  1. punkinmama
    November 15, 2010 | 12:04 pm

    Way to go with the vlogging! That is something I don’t think you’ll ever see on my blog, unless it’s someone else in front of the camera!

    Can’t believe how much variety you’ve had in your gifts so far… looking forward to all that is to come! 🙂

  2. Mary @ A Simple Twist of Faith
    November 15, 2010 | 2:33 pm

    Wow, I really like the first necklace, very upscale!

  3. Liz Sanders
    November 15, 2010 | 3:30 pm

    You did an excellent job! More things for me to try, and I know what to do for my grandma who doesn’t have pierced ears either!
    I just know my sister-in-laws would love one of these necklaces.

    I’m all for more Vlogging from you! I loved it!

  4. Lennye S
    November 15, 2010 | 8:06 pm

    Bridget, I love the clip-on earrings! Brilliant. There was an article in Blueprint magazine a few years ago that showed how to make rings out of buttons, but I think I like the earring idea better.

  5. Doll Clothes Gal Pal
    November 16, 2010 | 6:51 am

    This is very nice! I might try these out later. 🙂

  6. domestic extraordinaire
    November 16, 2010 | 4:16 pm

    I can several of these in my future. Now I am wondering if I have the beads.