Hello bead peeps!
Welcome to my first ever “Late Night in the Studio with Erin” video! I am not a very tech savvy person but I thought I would give a live video a shot, inspired by Heather’s Bead Table Wednesday and all the fun the Miss Candie Cooper shares with us on her page. This was totally impromptu… like it was 10pm and I realized I hadn’t written this project up as promised, I was beyond tired and shivering all the way in this deep freeze we are in in Wisconsin, I had no makeup on and the worst lighting in a studio anywhere and more loot than I know what to do with, but I thought, why not? I have to apologize for the state of my studio, but to pretend it isn’t always like this would be a lie (and if you saw the mess that was just at my fingertips, or to my right or left, or even on the floor right behind me, I am sure you would be appalled!) I promise that this is at the top of my very long to do list for the new year (which might make for an entertaining, if not downright embarrassing video subject!) If you like the idea of videos, let me know. I would love to do more of this sort of thing, so if there is anything that people want to learn from me……….or if you hate the idea of videos, just be kind to me in the comments! 😉
So here is my project – Merry & Bright Bookmarks – and the instructions are below in case you don’t want to listen to me blather on and on and on……..
Merry & Bright Bookmarks
Materials:
- Metal tags, 4 x 1 1/2″ (the ones I used were etched gift tags from Target but you could use copper or brass sheet metal, or how about pieces of old cookie tins for a colorful alternative)
- Colorful cord, about 14″ (I used silk cords from Marsha Neal Studios, but you could use baker’s twine or waxed linen)
- Assorted art beads with larger holes
- Craft wire, 6″, 22 gauge
- Fold the cord in half and pass through the hole on the top of the metal tag. Tie a lark’s head knot.
- Fold the piece of wire in half.
- String the bead onto the wire, holding the tail end so it doesn’t slip out. Open the wire a bit to allow the cord to pass through. Pull the wire with the cord through the bead.
- Repeat Step 3 for the remaining beads.
- Tie an overhand knot at the top of the beads to secure. OPT: if the hole is too large you should tie an additional overhand knot on top for a larger knot to prevent the bead from slipping.
Tuck in your favorite reader’s book gift for them to enjoy the whole year though!
I am feeling generous so in the spirit of giving…..I will send one of these bookmarks to a lucky reader just for answering one of these two questions….
If you think that you might like to see more “Late Night in the Studio with Erin” videos, what would you like to learn from me? 😉
or
If you don’t want to be treated to any more “Late Night in the Studio with Erin” videos, tell me what is the best handmade gift you ever received? *<]:-}}}
Winner will be announced after Christmas.
Heather Powers
December 20, 2016 at 1:31 pmLove the video Erin!!! Make more, I like feeling like I get to visit you from one messy studio to another! Thank you for this project. I'm going to make one for my dad with a quote.
Kathy Lindemer
December 20, 2016 at 3:13 pmI would love to see a video of how you put an image on polymer clay and brass component like you did on your "seek beautiful moments" focal or "reindeer focal.
thecolorofdreams
December 20, 2016 at 10:21 pmPlease make more videos. What an excellent project – I could see actually making the bookmark with older kids. I am going to Target tomorrow to look for those tags. You voice is so calming and relaxing. You have so many talents in jewelry making, I would love to see you making beads and jewelry projects.
Sharon Piatek
December 21, 2016 at 3:31 amLoved the video! Yes, please do more! Its like sitting and chatting with you in a beautiful bead room. I am adding this project idea to my surprise gift ideas! I would live to see/learn how you make your beautiful large hole faceted beads used here.
bairozan
December 21, 2016 at 8:34 amA hand embroidered silk blouse – I still have it and it is one-of-a-kind. Just a fun fact – I made some velvet ribbon and bead dangle bookmarks back in 2011 as Christmas gifts for family and friends and someone suggested I started making jewelry – so I did 🙂
Kristen
December 21, 2016 at 11:01 amThe video was very good! I would love to see more projects for beads other than jewelry. I too have a crazy amount of beads and these bookmarks look great. I have been thinking about making prayer and scripture tags for my church and adding beads is such a wonderful idea! Thanks for the give away.
Kristie Cecil
December 21, 2016 at 11:38 amGreat job on the video. More late night videos would be fun to see. I just don't have any suggestions at 5:30 in the morning.
Seven Wild Winds by Jeryl
December 21, 2016 at 2:18 pmThe bookmarks are a wonderful idea! I would love to see more of your videos on anything, I'll soak it up like a sponge! I would also like to see transfers to polymer clay! Thank you for sharing this!♡♡♡ -Jeryl
Kathleen Lange Klik
December 21, 2016 at 7:36 pmYes, please make more videos! Loved this one, what a sweet idea for a gift. Love Target too, one of my favorite places to shop! I especially enjoyed the part where you leaned into the camera and said "I have so many beads"! Or the part about your studio being like a little museum. It was humorous and comforting at the same time because you are not alone. 🙂
Thanks for sharing your creativity with us Erin. You and your ideas are always inspiring! Happy Holidays!
Terri Del Signore
December 23, 2016 at 4:17 amLove this idea!!
Rebecca
December 24, 2016 at 12:37 amI adore this video! It's so lovely to see your face and hear you in person. Lovely. I would love to learn whatever you wanted to share.
Ann Schroeder
December 24, 2016 at 12:52 amI would love to see more Erin videos! Thanks for this one. It gave me a fun idea for a necklace!