vintage floral statement necklace...

I made it through Round 1 of One Month to Win It...phew! :)
Thanks to all those who voted.  Stay tuned for Round 2 next week.


In the meantime, here's the tutorial for my vintage floral statement necklace...

***

Week 1 Challenge - use vintage graphics from The Graphics Fairy

When I checked out all of the gorgeous vintage graphics The Graphics Fairy has to offer, I knew I had to create a piece of jewelry.  (The images are so beautiful I wanted to wear them!)  I remembered those Shrinky Dink charm bracelets people used to make and was thrilled to discover that there is now printable Shrinky Dink.  I had to try it.  However, I hate wearing bracelets... so I made a bold statement necklace instead.  I love how it turned out!

First, I chose the images I wanted to use--Stunning French Fan & Postcard with Floral Spray.  I cropped/resized the images on my computer, then printed them on a sheet of Shrinky Dink according to package directions.   Then, I cut my floral shapes out and punched holes so I could add jump rings later. 

Next, I baked my pieces (once again, following package directions).  I put them in the oven one at a time, so I could monitor their progress individually.  Once they were done shrinking, I pulled them out, covered them with a sheet of parchment, and placed a heavy book on top for a few seconds so they would be nice and flat.  Finally, I added my findings, a chain, and a satin bow just for an extra dose of femininity... as if a necklace of roses isn't girly enough. :)

Now I get to wear these beautiful blooms around my neck.  This lovely necklace turned out so well, I can't wait to make a few more!

floral bobby pins...

Like I've mentioned recently, I'm working on all kinds of new stuff for my accessories shop on Etsy.  (Christmas is coming!) 

I'm pretty much madly in love with these bobby pin sets...

These are a great for pinning back bangs or short layers.  It's a simple and classy way to wear a flower in your hair and I've got multiple color pairings available.

Now I need to get some more blank pins, because I'm planning on making about a million of these for myself!

candlestick topiary tutorial...

 this is a great project for valentine's day, but could easily be adapted to suit any season or decor just by switching out the flowers.  (personally, i think it would look so cute in a little girl's room or on a vanity table.)

supplies:

candlestick - thrift or dollar store finds work great!

styrofoam ball - mine's about 3 inches, i think.

silk flowers - once again, the dollar store usually has some.  (but these came from joann's.)  get twice as many as you think you'll need!  i originally got 2 bunches but ended up needing 3 1/2.

craft glue of your choice

ribbon

1. attach your styrofoam ball to the candlestick.  you could use hot glue or epoxy...but i'll let you in on a little secret.  i just stuck mine on with double stick tape.  that way i can switch out the top if i want or take it off for easier storage.

2. pull the flower heads off your sprig, leaving the bottom stem attached.  (see photo.)  squeeze some glue onto the stem. then, starting at the base of your ball, shove the stem of your flower firmly into the foam.

3. continue this process, placing the flowers in rows as you move up the ball.

4. once your ball is completely covered, tie a ribbon around your candlestick.

that's it! 

it's not a complicated project, but the result is so pretty.

add it to a little valentine's vignette for a romantic look.

happy crafting!