Do-It-Yourself: Door Jewelry Organizer

Jewelry boxes may be pretty, but they are not always practical.

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Many women have a large collection of beautiful jewelry, but only end up wearing two or three pieces. It's easy to forget about a particular gorgeous necklace if it's tangled in the bottom of a jewelry box. Storing jewelry in a visible yet organized manner can pose a challenge. Creating a custom jewelry organizer that hangs on the back of a door keeps jewelry tangle-free and easily accessible.

Related Searches:Difficulty:Moderately EasyInstructions Things You'll NeedBulletin board or cork boardFabricStaple gunPushpins or furniture tacksNailsHammer2 sawtooth picture hangersSuggest Edits1

Turn the fabric with the right side facing down on your work surface. Center the bulletin board on top of the fabric. Attach the edges of the fabric to the back of the board with the staple gun, pulling it taut as you go.

2

Nail a sawtooth picture holders to each top corner of the board. Hold the board up to the back of your door and mark the locations of the holders lightly in pencil. Hammer two nails into the door and hang up the board.

3

Use pushpins or furniture nails to arrange your jewelry. Hang earrings and small bracelets at the top of the board to keep them out of the way. Place necklaces and larger pieces at the bottom so they have room to hang.

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How to Create Rhinestone Costume Jewelry

Costume jewelry often features shiny and colorful rhinestones.

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For most women, their first piece of jewelry was costume jewelry, or fake jewelry, which is typically made with non-precious materials. These baubles were created to give women an inexpensive yet beautiful alternative to genuine jewelry that is more pricey. You can add color and shimmer to your daily wardrobe by creating your own rhinestone costume jewelry. All materials needed to create costume bracelets, necklaces, rings or earrings can be found in craft stores.

Related Searches:Difficulty:ModerateInstructions Things You'll NeedHot glue gunClothIsopropyl rubbing alcoholPlastic braceletPlastic ringPlain EarringsRhinestonesTweezersHeadbandSuggest EditsCreating Rhinestone Bracelets, Rings and Earrings1

Dab a cloth in isopropyl rubbing alcohol. Use the cloth to wipe the plastic ring, bracelet or earrings to remove any residue or debris. Allow the jewelry piece to dry.

2

Apply a dab of hot glue to the back, flat surface of the rhinestones. Pick up each rhinestone using tweezers. Attach the rhinestone to the surface of the bracelet, ring or earring.

3

Add several rhinestones to each piece, or one larger rhinestone that will cover the entire plastic surface. Add rhinestones one at a time. Wait at least 1/2 hour to allow hot glue to dry before wearing your rhinestone costume jewelry.

Creating Rhinestone Necklaces1

The headband for your necklace should not contain any teeth or sharp edges on its interior. The ideal headband should be 1 inch in width. Soft, flexible plastic headbands make the best surface for attaching rhinestones. Place the headband around your neck to find the ideal size. It should be snug but not uncomfortable. The opening in the headband should be at the back of your neck.

2

Apply hot glue to the flat surface of each rhinestone and use tweezers to set rhinestones onto the exterior of the headband one at a time. You can set rhinestones side by side or leave space between them.

3

Allow hot glue to dry. If using a soft plastic headband, do not flex the headband much more than what is required to place the headband around your neck, or you may weaken the glue bonds.

Tips & Warnings

Soak a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and rub around the spaces between rhinestones to remove excess hot glue.

Do not substitute hot glue for super glue when attaching rhinestones to costume jewelry. Super glue will affect the appearance of rhinestones.

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DIY Glass Top Jewelry Display Case

Print this articleYou can make a glass top display case for jewelry by assembling a box from wood. To make the top, use the glass from a picture frame. Making the box you first need to determine the size of your case such as 12 inches by 14 inches. You can do this by first making all of the pieces for the box. Once done you can then begin assembly of your jewelry display case.

Related Searches:Difficulty:ModerateInstructions Things You'll Need12-inch by 14-inch picture frame4-foot 1-inch by 3-inch boardsWood glueClampsFinish nailsNail gun1/4-inch scrap plywoodCircular sawHingesEpoxyScrewsPower drillSuggest Edits1

Remove the glass from the 12-inch by 14-inch picture frame. Set glass aside.

2

Measure the 4-foot 1-inch by 4-inch board to 10 inches with the tape measure. Cut two pieces matching this length with the miter saw. Measure and cut two pieces measuring 14 inches.

3

Set the angle of the miter saw to 45 degrees. Cut a 45 degree angle on the left side and right side of the cut pieces of wood.

4

Apply a bead of wood glue to the edges of the cut pieces of wood. Assemble the wood into the shape of a box that is 12 inches deep and 14 inches wide. Secure the wood with clamps. Drive two finish nails in each corner with the nail gun. This is the frame for the jewelry case.

5

Measure a piece of scrap plywood to 12 inches by 14 inches. Cut the plywood to this size by using the circular saw.

6

Apply a bead of wood glue to the top of the wood frame. Set the cut piece of plywood on top. Drive the finish nails into the perimeter of the frame to secure the plywood.

7

Set the wood box with the open side up. Set the glass from the picture frame on top. Secure two hinges to the glass by using the epoxy. Allow 4 hours for the epoxy to dry.

8

Secure the hinges to the wood frame with screws using the power drill.

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How to Melt Copper in a Pouring Crucible for Jewelry Casting

Jewelry is made from many metals including gold, silver and copper.

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Copper is used to create beads, pendants and other jewelry charms, but in order to create them the copper must be melted first. Copper must reach a temperature between 1500 and 2250 degrees Fahrenheit in order to melt. Any cooler than that, the copper will not melt and any hotter and the copper will burn.

Related Searches:Difficulty:Moderately EasyInstructions Things You'll NeedPouring crucibleCopper - as much as needed to create your jewelry elementElectric crucible furnaceLeather glovesSafety gogglesSuggest Edits1

Put the amount of copper necessary to make your jewelry pieces in the pouring crucible.

2

Put on a pair of leather gloves and a pair of goggles to protect your eyes and hands.

3

Put the pouring crucible, with copper now in it inside the electric crucible furnace. Then set the furnace for 1500 degrees.

4

Watch the crucible in the furnace as the copper melts. When the copper is melted it is ready to be removed from the furnace and poured from the pouring crucible into the jewelry molds. Do not let it cool in the pouring crucible because it will solidify and need to be reheated.

Tips & Warnings

Because you are working at very high temperatures, you must take safety precautions to protect yourself. While working, wear closed toed shoes, long pants and long sleeves to protect your skin.

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How to Clean the Velvet Lining in a Jewelry Drawer

A velvet drawer liner is as decorative as it is useful.

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You can turn an ordinary wood drawer into a storage space for your delicate jewelry by lining it with velvet fabric. Velvet fabric, which features a plush nap, has a soft and smooth surface that will protect the jewelry items from the rough wood. A velvet liner will also give the storage space an elegant look. If the velvet liner gets dusty or dirty, you can clean it with a few simple techniques.

Related Searches:Difficulty:EasyInstructions Things You'll NeedLint roller or tapeSmall bowlGentle liquid dish soapSpoon (optional)Toothbrush or fingernail brushClean, soft clothSuggest Edits1

Go over the velvet lining with a lint roller to remove any dust, lint or other small particles. Wrap any type of tape, with the sticky side out, around your fingers, and use it to remove the debris if you don't have a lint roller.

2

Fill a small bowl with warm water. Add a few drops of gentle liquid dish soap to the water and mix the solution with your fingers or a spoon until suds form.

3

Dip an old toothbrush or a fingernail brush into the soapy water. Rub the brush gently into the velvet fabric to remove any stains.

4

Dab at the velvet with a clean, soft cloth to absorb the water and dry the fabric. Leave the drawer open to allow the fabric to completely air dry before replacing the jewelry.

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Handmade Jewelry Braided Necklace

Print this articleMany children enjoy crafts that involve making jewelry by hand. While some jewelry crafts can be quite involved, such as making beads from clay and similar activities, making basic jewelry such as bracelets, anklets and necklaces is ideal for young children. Handmade necklaces, which are always a popular option, make the perfect rainy-day craft. Braiding lengths of jewelry cord and other materials, which kids can master with practice, adds interesting detail to these projects.

Related Searches: Materials

Handmade braided necklaces can be made from a wide variety of materials. Jewelry cord can be purchased in different colors and is the material normally chosen for making items such as necklaces. If you do not have jewelry cord on hand, braided necklaces can be made easily using household materials such as yarn and string. Lengths of leather cord in shades of brown lend a different, more rustic look to braided necklaces; necklaces made from leather cord could, for example, be paired with a classroom unit on Native Americans.

Braiding

Braiding is a simple skill that children will be able to employ in a wide variety of craft activities. Take three equal lengths of jewelry cord and cross the strand on the left over the strand in the middle, so that it becomes the new middle strand. Next, cross the strand on the right over the newly-formed middle strand, and pull the lengths of jewelry cord tight. Repeat this process, crossing the strands over one another and pulling them taut, until you reach the end of the cord.

Procedure

To create a handmade braided necklace, take three equal lengths of jewelry cord, or your preferred material, and tie a knot approximately two inches down from the top. Tape the jewelry cord to a hard surface such as a table and braid the three lengths together until there is only two inches of jewelry cord remaining. Tie another knot to secure your braided necklace; the extra length at either end will be used to secure the necklace around your neck.

Pendants and Beads

Add detail to handmade braided necklaces by threading pendants or colorful beads onto the braid before tying it around your neck. Add a number of colored beads in an interesting pattern, such as that of the rainbow, or choose a pendant that represents something important to you, such as your faith, astrological sign or favorite animal. Necklace pendants and beads can be purchased from craft stores.

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How to Make a T Bar Jewelry Display

Print this articleCreating jewelry, whether for your own personal collection and gifts or to sell at craft fairs, provides a relaxing outlet for your creative energy, but it also leaves you with a good amount of bracelets and necklaces that need a home. Keep all those colorful accessories organized on a homemade t-stand. Set the t-stand on top of your dresser to store your own personal jewelry collection, or use it at craft fairs so customers can easily see the goods you have available.

Related Searches:Difficulty:EasyInstructions Things You'll Need10-inch long, 1 1/4-inch diameter wooden dowelRulerPencilDrill1-inch wood-boring drill bit6-inch diameter, 1/2-inch thick wood plaqueWood glue1-inch diameter, 9-inch long wooden dowelRagAcrylic paintPaintbrushSuggest Edits1

Find the center of the 1 1/4-inch diameter wooden dowel's length using a ruler. Make a small dot at the center with a pencil. Drill a 1/2-inch deep, 1-inch diameter hole at that center point using a wood-boring bit.

2

Find the center of the 6-inch diameter, 1/2-inch thick wood plaque, and make a small dot with your pencil there. Drill a 1/4-inch deep, 1-inch diameter hole at the mark.

3

Put a generous amount of wood glue in each hole. Insert each end of the 1-inch diameter wooden dowel in one of the holes. Use a rag to wipe away any excess glue that squeezes out from the holes. Let the wood glue dry for an hour.

4

Sand the t-stand to remove any rough edges and create an ideal surface for paint to adhere to. Paint the stand with a thin layer of acrylic paint. Let the paint dry for an hour. Paint a second thin coat of paint on the stand for complete coverage. Let the second coat dry for two hours.

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How to Clean Lacquered Jewelry

Inexpensive costume jewelry often features a lacquer finish.

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Lacquer is a polymer-based coating that some jewelry makers use to add a shiny finish to earrings, pendants and other costume pieces. Lacquer helps protect the finish and seals in color so that the piece will wear well. If you clean a lacquered piece with an abrasive cleanser, you risk damaging both the finish and the jewelry piece itself. Thankfully, the same shiny finish the lacquer imparts to jewelry also makes it easy to clean without resorting to chemicals or rough brushing.

Related Searches:Difficulty:EasyInstructions Things You'll NeedOld soft toothbrushMild soap or dish detergentSoft towelsSuggest Edits1

Bring the jewelry to a sink for easy access to water. If your jewelry pieces are very small, make sure the drain is partially closed before you begin.

2

Dip the toothbrush in warm water and add a dot of detergent. Gently brush all surfaces of the lacquered jewelry, including clasps and crevices.

3

Hold the jewelry under warm running water to rinse.

4

Pat dry with a soft towel.

5

Lay a clean towel on the counter top and spread the damp jewelry on it to dry completely. Leave the jewelry overnight for best results; putting it in a jewelry box while it is still damp could damage the finish.

Tips & Warnings

Simply wiping the jewelry with a soft cloth after you wear it will help maintain the shine of your piece.

Apply hairspray before you put on your jewelry; hairspray can cause buildup and require frequent cleaning.

You can use toothpaste in place of soap if desired.

Don't use acetone-based cleaners on costume jewelry; it could melt the finish.

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How to Display Your Homemade Jewelry for Showing

"The way to display homemade jewelry depends on the type of jewelry you are displaying, the color of the item and the space you have for showing." class

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How to Make an Enclosed Jewelry Organizer

Recycle an egg carton by spray painting it and storing jewelry inside.

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Unorganized jewelry can cost you money in terms of broken or missing pieces. You might not be able to fix twisted or tangled chains and end up ruining a favorite bracelet or necklace. Organize your jewelery in enclosed and hidden containers for an out-of-sight solution to stray pieces of jewelry on top of your dresser. Your jewelry will last longer, and you will be able to keep coordinating pieces of jewelry together.

Related Searches:Difficulty:Moderately EasyInstructions Things You'll NeedEgg cartonSpray paintSuggest Edits1

Spray paint a cardboard egg carton and allow to dry completely.

2

Insert the egg carton carefully into your drawer. Leave the top and bottom attached.

3

Use the egg sections to store earrings, bracelets, rings and necklaces. Use the upside down top side to store bigger pieces that will not tangle.

Tips & Warnings

Use pretty, vintage teacups and saucers, matching or not, picked up from thrift stores or yard sales. Store these in a drawer, out of sight. Keep jewelry out of sight in these.

Store jewelry in the "cupcakes" of a tin for another option. Spray paint the tin if desired.

Buy mini baggies that zip close in various sizes at craft stores to keep matching jewelry sets together. If you need to travel, you can grab a baggie without having to dig for your matching jewelry. Punch holes at the top of each baggie, insert on a large key ring and store in a hidden spot in a closet or drawer. The baggies will also keep jewelry from scratching each other.

You can use foam egg cartons but the paint will not hold quite as well.

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How to Clean My Epiphany Clad Jewelry

Print this articleThe Epiphany collection of platinum clad jewelry, sold on the QVC shopping channel and catalog, includes a range of rings, bracelets, necklaces and earrings. This jewelry typically has cubic zirconia or other synthetic or simulated gemstones. This fashion jewelry should be cleaned regularly, as you would clean any platinum jewelry, to keep its luster and shine and remove any lotion, dirt or smudges. Cleaning your Epiphany jewelry takes little to no time and should be done whenever you notice your jewelry looking dull.

Related Searches:Difficulty:Moderately EasyInstructions Things You'll NeedWaterAmmoniaLiquid measuring cupBowlClean paper towelSuggest Edits1

Measure 1 cup of room temperature water and pour it into a bowl.

2

Measure out 1/4 cup to 1 cup of ammonia, depending on the jewelry's condition, and pour into the bowl with the water. Regularly-cleaned jewelry will need less ammonia than jewelry worn regularly for weeks at a time without cleaning.

3

Place the jewelry in the bowl. Allow to soak for 20 to 30 minutes.

4

Remove the jewelry from the bowl. Place on a paper towel and allow to air dry completely.

Tips & Warnings

Clean your jewelry in the evening and allow it to dry overnight if you wish to wear it every day.

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How to Clean Affliction Jewelry

Print this articleOwners of "Affliction" jewelry will likely want to keep it in peak condition, which requires regular cleaning. Affliction jewelry is a brand of jewelry created by the clothing company of the same name. The company focuses on clothing and jewelry with a dark and artistic theme, mostly marketed towards sports and hard rock communities. The intricately designed jewelry is made of sterling silver and includes a variety of rings and necklaces. To clean Affliction jewelry, treat it as you would most sterling-silver jewelry.

Related Searches:Difficulty:Moderately EasyInstructions Things You'll NeedClean, lint-free clothMild soap, such as dish soapSoft towelBaking soda or toothpasteClean dishSoft brush, such as a toothbrushSaltPotAluminum foilPlastic spoonStrainerSuggest Edits1

Wipe the sterling silver with a clean and lint-free cloth every time you use it to ensure that the jewelry is not tarnished by oils on the skin.

2

Wash the sterling silver in warm, soapy water. Rinse the jewelry thoroughly to remove soap. Dry it with a soft towel.

3

Choose whether you will use toothpaste or baking soda to polish the sterling silver. Either works well. With baking soda, you should put a tablespoon in a bowl and add water to it until it has the consistency of toothpaste. Mix the concoction so it does not have clumps of baking soda.

4

Place either the baking soda or toothpaste on the silver and spread the paste with a cloth, covering the entire piece of jewelry with the polisher. Use a soft brush to reach hard-to-reach areas. After covering the jewelry, place it on a clean dish or towel.

5

Rinse off the silver with warm water, starting with the first piece of jewelry that you started cleaning. Use a brush to remove any residue from crevices.

6

Dry the jewelry completely after rinsing it to ensure that spotting does not appear.

7

Clean the most tarnished pieces of jewelry using a solution of 1 part baking soda, 1 part salt, 1 part liquid dish soap and 64 parts water. Line a pot with aluminum foil, then add all the components and mix them with a plastic spoon.

8

Put the pieces of silver jewelry into the pot and place the pot on the stove, with the heat turned on low. Bring the pot to a boil, and then remove it from the heat. Let the pot sit for 4 to 6 minutes.

9

Drain the mixture with a strainer and rinse the jewelry off with warm water. Dry all the jewelry using a soft, clean towel.

Tips & Warnings

Tarnishing is a natural process that cannot be stopped entirely.

Do not use toothpaste or baking soda on other types of jewelry, since they may be damaged.

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How to Do Embossing on Sterling Silver Jewelry

Create various designs embossed on sterling silver jewelry.

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Sterling silver is combination of 92.5 percent pure silver and 7.5 percent copper. Both pure silver and copper are soft metals, so sterling silver is also malleable and suitable for embossing. You can emboss items such as sterling silver pendants, dangle earrings or any items that are made of silver sheets. Start with easy projects such as basic geometrical shapes and move on to more complex embossing projects as you gain experience.

Related Searches:Difficulty:ModerateInstructions Things You'll NeedTracing paperStylus, pencil or knitting needleFeltTapeMetal stampsBench blockHammerSuggest Edits1

Sketch your design on a piece of paper and if needed, scale it down to fit the size of your jewelry.

2

Copy the design on a piece of tracing paper.

3

Place the jewelry on a soft surface such as a piece of felt or foam. Tape the jewelry onto the felt.

4

Tape the tracing paper to the back of the jewelry piece and use your stylus to trace the design on your silver jewelry. If you don't have a stylus, use a sharpened pencil or a metal knitting needle (size 0 or 1).

5

Remove the tracing paper and reinforce the design and create a deeper outline.

6

Turn the jewelry piece on its back and emboss the spaces between the lines you traced. Use a rounded object, such as the back of a paintbrush or a pen, and perform circular movements until you create the desired effect. The amount of pressure you need to apply depends on the thickness or gauge of the material. If you are working on a 30-gauge sheet, you don't need to apply a lot of pressure. If the silver jewelry is slightly thicker, you will have to apply more pressure.

7

Create embossed effects using metal stamps representing small designs. Place the jewelery item on a hard surface such as a bench block. Work on the back of the pendant or earring. Adjust the stamp and hit the back of the stamp once or twice. Use a 16-ounce or heavier hammer. Emboss the spaces between the outlines created by the stamp using the technique described in Step 6. The embossed design will be visible when you turn the jewelry piece on the other side.

Tips & Warnings

Before you emboss your silver jewelry, work on cheaper materials such as a piece of tin foil or a copper sheet to experiment and get used to the technique.

Select sterling silver items that are made of sheets. The ideal thickness of silver sheets for embossing is between 30 gauge and 20 gauge. Lower gauge silver is thicker and more difficult to emboss.

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All That Glitters: Gilded Antique Jewelry

A vintage piece of jewelry is a great way to awaken an older era to a new look.(photo: Hemera Technologies/PhotoObjects.net/Getty Images)The wheel is always spinning, and the past is constantly inspiring us. Jewelry can stand the test of time.

— Joshua Seth, editorial stylistVintage and vintage-inspired jewelry give a nod to the past and bring a touch of glamour to the present. A vintage brooch pinned to a sweater or a sparkly vintage pendant worn with your favorite black dress instantly elevates an outfit from blase to chic. No matter your budget, you can easily incorporate vintage jewelry into your wardrobe.

Why Vintage?

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Painting on Copper Jewelry

can give your items a unique look.

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Copper jewelry has a stunning a look that makes it unique among medals. Painting on copper can enhance the look of jewelry you make or buy, with the painted surface's often looking wet and glass-like permanently. If you've never painted copper before, doing so is much like painting other metals, with the strictest requirement simply being to allow the copper a long enough time to dry. is the same process used to paint portraits on pieces of copper.

Related Searches:Difficulty:Moderately EasyInstructions Things You'll NeedSteel woolLacquer finish spraySuggest Edits1

Rub your jewelry with sandpaper or steel wood in order to prime it.

2

Spray the jewelry with two coats of a lacquer finishing spray, allowing it to dry between coats. This will give you a surface to now paint on, and will protect the copper from oxidation.

3

Use oil paints to paint on the jewelry. Painting in thin layers will allow the copper to show through, giving your jewelry a distinctive look.

4

Allow your jewelry to dry for at least 24 hours.

5

Spray your finished product once again with the finishing lacquer to protect your design.

6

Wait for the finishing lacquer to dry, and then start wearing and enjoying your jewelry.

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Handmade Art Jewelry and Felting

Natural felt made from wool is best suited for these crafts.

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Combine the techniques of handmade jewelry and felting into wearable art. Felt fabric itself can be used or wool roving, which is cleaned and combed wool that is ready for spinning into yarn, can be formed into felt pieces to be worn. Most of the projects are simple enough for beginning crafters to accomplish on their own.

Related Searches: Beads

One of the simplest ways to craft felt into jewelry is to fabricate felted beads. Wad together a handful of natural wool roving in your favorite color or add several colors together. Dip your hands into warm water and then rub the wool in your hands. Pull the wool into a rope and cut it into thick pieces with a pair of scissors. Roll the pieces onto a bar of soap and rinse with hot water. Shape it into a ball to finish the bead. Thread the beads onto embroidery floss or thin cord to fashion a necklace or a bracelet.

Scraps

Utilize scraps of felt into a handmade necklace. Cut your scraps into different sizes of squares and rectangles between 1/2-inch wide to 3 inches wide. Punch out a small hole in the center of each piece. Thread a leather or silk cord alternating through the felt fabric and metallic-colored beads. Secure a clasp on the end of the cord to create a felt necklace or bracelet.

Locket

Construct a needle felt locket to wear around your neck. Cut out a piece of felt fabric that fits into a gold or silver locket on a chain. Sketch out a design to add wool roving. Press a small piece of colored wool roving onto the felt and stab it with your needle felting tool to keep it into place. Add more wool roving and stab it with the tool. Spray on water with a drop of mild detergent to keep the needle felting in place. Squeeze a drop of glue into the locket and push the felt piece inside.

Brooch

Design an image for a felt brooch on scrap paper. Cut it out and use it as a template on a piece of felt fabric. Decorate the felt with an embroidered blanket stitch around the felt, which is a type of decorative edging. Glue on beads or stitch on felt applique to the larger piece of felt. Once the felt piece is finished, sew on a brooch pin to the back of the felt.

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How to Make Sioux Indian Designs in Jewelry

Print this articleSioux Indians celebrate animal spirits and nature through jewelry designs. They use hairpipe bones, beads and antlers to make patterns that symbolize their spirituality and tribes. The decorative designs are used to tell stories. Some of the jewelry pieces like the chokers were also used to protect the jugular vein and neck during battles. The tribe believes that the spirit of the animal the bone is taken from offers protection from various illnesses. Some of the animal designs carved in the Sioux jewelry include buffalo, bear and eagle. The tribes made chokers and bracelets using bones, beads and sinew strands.

Related Searches:Difficulty:Moderately EasyInstructions Things You'll NeedCraft knifeShell button4 sinew strandsAwlSpacer beadsPony beadsHairpipe bonesSuggest Edits1

Determine and find the design you will use on the piece of jewelry. Check Native American history books or websites for ideas. Use a craft knife to carve a primitive buffalo, eagle or bear into the shell button.

2

Tie an overhand knot in the sinew strands. The knots should be about 9 inches from the end of each sinew strand.

3

Use an awl to make a hole in all the spacers. The sinew strand will be passed through these holes.

4

Place a spacer bead in each sinew strand.

5

Put four pony beads in each sinew strand. Use different bead colors to get a variety of looks. Add a hairpipe bone and three more beads on every strand. The beads should be placed close to one another.

6

Tie another overhand knot at the end of the sinew strands.

7

Use an awl to make a hole in your eagle, bear or buffalo carving. This hole will be used to pass the sinew strands.

8

Pass the carved design through the four sinew strands.

9

Put another four pony beads in each sinew strand. Repat the color patern from the other side. Add a hairpipe bone and three more beads on every strand. Place all beads close together. Make an overhand knot at the end of each strand.

10

Pass all the four sinew strands on the right side through a large bead and make an overhand knot. Repeat this process for the strands on the left side. Passing the strands through the large bead secures them in place. The large bead can also be used to secure the piece of jewelry around your neck or wrist.

Tips & Warnings

The number of sinew strands used on the jewelry pieces can vary. A chocker or bracelet can have up to eight sinew strands.

Exercise extreme caution when using teh awl. Do not let young children attempt this craft without adult supervision.

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How to Clean Jewelry With Alka-Seltzer

Keep your jewelry sparkling by cleaning it with Alka-Seltzer.

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Over time, jewelry tends to lose its shine. Engagement rings and gem stone studded necklaces go from glittery to dingy with wear and exposure to the elements. Rather than sending beloved pieces of jewelry away to be cleaned and polished or purchasing expensive cleaners, household items found in a medicine cabinet, such as Alka-Seltzer, help erase a layer of grime and make your bling look shiny again.

Related Searches:Difficulty:Moderately EasyInstructions Things You'll Need1 Glass6 to 8 ounces of water2 Alka Seltzer tabletsClothSuggest Edits1

Fill a small drinking glass with 6 to 8 ounces of cool tap water. Make sure there is about an inch of room between the top of the water and the top of the glass because the Alka-Seltzer will make the water fizz and overflow if there is not enough space.

2

Open up a packet of two regular Alka-Seltzer tablets. Drop the tablets into the glass of water.

3

Immediately add the jewelry into the fizzing glass of water and Alka-Seltzer. After the tablets have dissolved, let jewelry soak for an additional 10 minutes.

4

Take your jewelry out of the Alka-Seltzer solution. Use a cloth to wipe excess moisture away.

Tips & Warnings

Do not use flavored Alka-Seltzer or other varieties of the medicine because they may have artificial colors and dyes, which will not effectively clean the jewelry.

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Related SearchesReferencesReader's Digest: 12 Home Products for Cleaning JewelryReader's Digest: Clean Your Home With Alka-SeltzerResourcesSavvy Brown: Alka Seltzer Jewelry CleanerPhoto Credit Comstock/Comstock/Getty ImagesRead Next:

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How to Clean Silver Jewelry That Has Turned Brown

Engraved or etched jewelry requires detailed polishing or submerging.

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You open your jewelry box and instead of seeing your favorite silver necklace, you find a browned chain. Tarnish occurs when silver is exposed to hydrogen compounds which are found naturally in the air and other materials such as latex, wool and rubber bands. Corrosive salts, oils on your skin and in certain foods, also create tarnish. While tarnished silver appears initially gray or dull, an accumulation of tarnish turns silver yellowish-brown and eventually, brown or even black. Removing tarnish from your silver jewelry isn't difficult, but does require specific steps to ensure complete and thorough restoration of your sparkling silver.

Related Searches:Difficulty:Moderately EasyInstructions Things You'll NeedCotton swabsNitrate glovesClean spongeCotton ballsMicrofiber towelSuggest Edits1

Put on your nitrate gloves. Unlike latex or rubber, handling silver with nitrate gloves won't add additional tarnish.

2

Rinse your silver jewelry under cool running water to remove any surface contaminants, such as dust, grit, hairspray. Removing these substances beforehand lets the polish focus on dissolving the tarnish instead of the surface contaminants.

3

Dry your silver jewelry with a clean microfiber cloth. Unlike terrycloth, rags or paper towels, microfiber won't scratch or irritate the surface of your jewelry.

4

Pour a dime-sized amount of silver polish on your clean, dry sponge and rub an inch of the jewelry using back and forth motions. For every 15 seconds of polishing, stop, rinse and wring the sponge. Apply new polish and repeat until no tarnish remains in the 1-inch section. Washing and rinsing your sponge prevents you from rubbing tarnish-causing substances back into the jewelry as you polish. Repeat Step 4 over the entire piece of jewelry.

5

Flatten the head of a cotton swab by squeezing the cotton between your fingers. Apply a few drops of polish and clean the etched or engraved areas using the same back and forth motions. Replace the cotton swab every 15 seconds as in Step 4.

6

Remove any remaining polish from your jewelry by wiping down the entire piece using a warm, damp cotton ball. Pat the jewelry dry with a clean area of the microfiber towel.

Tips & Warnings

Prevent future tarnish buildup after polishing by storing your silver jewelry in a leather pouch or zip-seal plastic bag.

It takes perseverance to remove brown tarnish, don't be discouraged if you need 45 minutes and an entire bag of cotton swabs.

Never soak or submerge your silver in any substance unless you're a professional jeweler.

Never use household items in place of a professional polish. Common cleaners like baking soda, dish soap and toothpaste are too abrasive for silver jewelry.

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Related SearchesReferencesKai Jewels: Silver Tarnish and Removing Tarnish from Silver JewelrySociety of American Silversmiths: Silver CarePhoto Credit Hemera Technologies/PhotoObjects.net/Getty ImagesRead Next:

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How to Do a Casting of a Real Leaf for Jewelry

Leaves are natural beauties that come in many shapes and sizes, and they can be shaped into organic, element jewelry that is sure to attract attention and compliments. There are a number of ways to transform leaves into jewelry, ranging from an electromagnetic process, which causes a metal such as copper to cling to the leaf itself, to sealing the leaf in a blob of clear resin. Plaster can also be used to cast real leaves to create jewelry. The lost wax method can create casts that are then filled with metal, or the plaster casts themselves can be turned into pendants.

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