1st Wedding Anniversary Present

Posted on Nov 11, 2010 in Paper Bead Creations | 4 comments

Did you know there is a list of what is customary wedding presents?  Do not be offended if your hubby gets you wood for your 5th wedding anniversary it is what is appropriate 🙂  I thought it is fun to know these things, the list that follows are made of materials ever increasing in intrinsic value.

1st  Paper

2nd  Cotton

3rd  Leather, Leather like material

4th  Silk, linen, rayon, nylon, synthetic silks

5th  Wood, decorative accessories for home

6th Iron

7th  Wool, copper, brass

8th  Bronze, electric appliances

9th  Pottery, china, glass

10th  Tin, aluminum

11th  Steel

12th  Linen, Silk

13th Lace

14th  Ivory, agate

15th  Crystal, glass

20th  China, porcelain

25th  Silver

30th  Pearl, personal gifts

35th  Coral, Jade

40th  Ruby, garnet

45th  Sapphire, tourmaline

50th  Gold

55th  Emerald, turquoise

60th Diamond

75th  Diamond, Gold

(Taken from An Old Fashioned Keep Book)

Paper being the chosen First Wedding Anniversary on this list, I made “paper pearls” out of frosted scrap book paper in silvery white to mimic the translucence of pearls.

Expensive pearls are usually hand knotted on silk thread, to give that impression, I put 8/0 white opal seed beads in between and they almost look like knots in between.

I found these vintage perfume bottles at a thrift store that just opened beside my shop, they are my Christmas present to my sister Joann, she collects them.

How about pink pearls?

Cloisonne With Paper Beads

Posted on Nov 10, 2010 in Paper Bead Creations | 1 comment

It can be a challenge sometimes to find the right paper to make black paper beads, gift bags such as this Guess paper bag makes nice beads.  They just have the right thickness and gloss to it.

The beads are about 1/2 inch at the base and 18 inches long

Do you use bead caps with your paper beads?  It is a nice way to finished a bracelet and to hide the holes of the paper beads is using bead caps.

The red cloisonne bead is such a nice contrast with the black paper beads

I can see wearing them with a red sweater and maybe matching earrings

Black Calla Lily Pendant

Posted on Nov 9, 2010 in Our Green Version | 9 comments

The photograph in Acacia’s latest catalog of black matte onyx pendant and pearls is what triggered my new addiction to polymer clay.  I had to make it with paper beads!  I don’t know if I want to spend the $49.00 I’m sure it is all worth it but I thought I can make it using black fimo clay.

I used Japanese origami paper and cut it into 1/4 inch by 8 inch strips

I strung a 3mm swarovski on a head pin and the paper bead then connect them to a chain.

The calla lily is my first attempt with polymer clay, I made a mistake of not sanding it, I can see smudges of my thumbprints on it, I will do better next time.  For now, I’m happy with the result.

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Polymer Clay and Paper Beads

Posted on Nov 8, 2010 in Paper Bead Creations | 7 comments

I try to practice ordinary courage everyday by doing little things that I normally “hate” or “scared” to do.  I have been  drooling over yummy polymer clay creations on youtube and admiring the work of several talented artists.  It can be scary sometimes to try new things don’t you think?  I know I feel this way because of fear of failure.  What if the outcome is disappointing?  Well, here I am taking the plunge and I want you to see it.

I learned from my research on polymer clay that there are two things you MUST do: condition your clay really well (I just conditioned the clay for these cup cakes by hand) and sand it after to take out smudges like thumb prints.

Now that I have by feet wet might as well take a bath right?  🙂  I am not going to do a tutorial on polymer clay because there are a lot of experts out there and you can just go to youtube and you will know what I mean.   I love the fact that polymer beads are fun and a good mix with paper beads, that being said I am coming up with another polymer clay project to go with paper beads.

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Paper To Paper Bead Idea #8

Posted on Nov 7, 2010 in Paper To Paper Bead Ideas | 19 comments

Double sided patterned paper is Paper To Paper Bead Idea # 8.  You are getting two color coordinated paper beads in one sheet of paper!  Talking of  casual chic on a shoe string, you are getting two sets of jewelry that can be coordinated; worn together or mixing the two color beads together.

The measurement for the triangle strip: 1cm x 12 inches (the dimension of the paper is 12 x 12).  The paper I am using is available in your craft stores or scrap booking stores.

One side has a beautiful pattern of red and white and the back side of it is a pretty bronzy color.  Here it is as earrings:

This would be great as presents, something inexpensive, hand made and a conversation piece.

I used really inexpensive findings as well, the firepolished crystals also complemented the beads…

Two sets of jewelry for under $10.00

Sophia of  Chez Sofia inspired me to try polymer clay, if you go visit her site you will know what I’m talking about.  Here I am jumping in on another addictive craft.  My excuse?  They are the perfect match with paper beads.