Handmade gifts! Oh, what fun it is!
Holiday greetings from The Earring Whisperer, Loralee!
Along with earring making… pin makin’ is also my favorite thing to do!
Here are a few I’ve just made for the holidays! Some were orphans, or singles, and some I’ve separated from a pair (always a hard decision…lol!)
From left to right, here are the artists: 1.) Lampwork peppermint drop, by Amanda Craigmyle. 2.) Beaded-bead, by Songbead; Ceramic elf shoe, by KiyoiDesgin. 3.) Ceramic barn, by Jubilee . 4.) Glittery Moon, by Gaea. 5.) Christmas tree, by KiyoiDesign. 6.) Ornament, by Gaea. 7.) Kitty charm by Azalea of Green Girl Studio.
A closer look O_O
You can find a wide variety of pins in all sizes and finishes on Etsy or a craft shop.
…and I know there is already an “everything dish” of charms and beads on your worktable!
♥
Let’s make a pin!
One of my absolute favorite bead-makers is Foxpaws. I have chosen to take one of my precious earrings pairs and separate them! I found these little vintage bells and thought, how sweet they would be along side one.
Step-by-step:
*Note: In the second row of photos, you can see I stopped winding the wire and added a jump-ring. You can stop and restart adding wire at any point. Never worry about running out of wire while winding – it’s easily added. Also, if you’re not comfortable working with long lengths of wire, feel free to cut it.
Supply List:
- 2″ pin from Etsy.com
- You’ll need approx 24″ of 26g or 24g wire.
- 1 open jump-ring. Size of the ring will depend on your charm hole distance and opening size.
- 1 deer charm by Foxpaws
- 4 brass bells from charmsgalore.etsy
Tools:
- Chain nose pliers
- Flush cutters
♥
Hope you’ve found a little gift inspiration here today! I would like to make a special note on one of my favorite charms, made by Azalea, of Green Girl Studios. For the last couple of years I’ve picked up a few of her charms at her Mom’s Booth at Bead & Button. To me, this pin symbolizes the sweetness of Christmas.
Merry, Merry!
Loralee xo
Loralee Kolton – artful in beads
Erin
December 15, 2017 at 11:39 pmSuch sweetness all around! I alwa6s make a point of buying Azalea’s charms. Just came across the one I bought thus year…a cow! I love the dark grunginess of the pins and the wealth of unique art beads you own. Super fun project! Enjoy the day! Erin
Divya
December 16, 2017 at 8:59 amThe pins are beautiful, particularly the finished one in the tutorial
Ann Schroeder
December 16, 2017 at 9:55 amI LOVE these pins!! Each one is so sweet and lovely. OMG, I didn’t see Azalea’s charms at B&B because I definitely would have gotten some. It is so wonderful! But thanks for the heads up; I will look for them next year and hope there are some there. You know all the best makers! Meanwhile, I see a pin in my future. Thank you so much for the tutorial!
Loralee Kolton
December 16, 2017 at 10:50 amHi, Ann! Thank you so much xo . When you go to the booth they are usually in a small dish to the far left. Or just ask 😀 . Hopefully she’ll be making more! Hint* Hint* Azalea 😀
Inviciti Jewelry
December 18, 2017 at 11:23 amLove them all! fantastic work, my friend!
Lynda Carson
December 18, 2017 at 8:06 pmWhat a unique and adorable way to highlight some very special beads…sure to be treasured as gifts!
m
December 21, 2017 at 7:32 amEveryone can wear a pin– I loved wearing one in NH on my winter coat or sweater. Fun to attach one to a gift. Have to find a place for one in FL!!
Loralee Kolton
January 8, 2018 at 11:25 amLooks like Florida got some snow this winter so now you have a place for a pin…lol