Alaskan Glass Beads

Glass Beads are fairly inexpensive in Alaska, because they are made by the native people and sold at local street fairs and craft stores. Much of the native costume and garb still uses glass beads in it's decorative design.

I made the following multi-strand glass necklace and earring while visiting Alaska. The hardware for the pieces came from the local WalMart and the beads came from a Saturday Morning street fair. Each Strand was strung individually and then gathered together at each end of the necklace through one bead.

Peonies are meant to bring Good Luck!

It is not crafty...but it is good to know! There are more than 30 different species of peonies and many thousands of cultivars. The genus is native to Europe, Asia, and western North America. Their large, brightly colored flowers and delicious fragrance are truly magnificent, coming in all different colors. In Asian culture Peonies are thought to bring good luck!

Thank You Cards: Take One

I bought the pre-folded cards at AC Moore, and then used button style brads, as well as tape ribbon to apply the additional layers of card stock. Finished it off with a "Thank You" stamp.

I did not follow a template for these...but if I did it again I would use a template from inked endeavors, for a more finished look.

Unique Bead Bracelet...Perfect for Summer

The directions for this bead bracelet are somewhat detailed, I will provide upon request. I recently took a class (jack of all trades, master of none) on how to make this style of bracelet. This particular bracelet was completed on a 10 hour flight to Alaska. I am providing a photograph of the supplies used as well as the final product.

These bracelets are finished off with a strong magnetic clasp (hidden by the fringe of the beads) which makes taking them on and off a cinch!

Crafty Gift from a Fellow Crafter!

Hallmark has a line of magnets out for just about everyone in your life! This week a crafter friend of mine brought over a little magnet of love to brighten my day.

I have bought other magnets from the same Hallmark line, and they have been a huge hit with friends and family.

What will they think of next!?

I was introduced to this cyper enhanced blast from the past from a fellow blogger. It is not exactly a craft per-see...however I believe it was hours and hours of toys like this which developed my craftiness in later years!

Introducing On-Line Lite Brite!
(I am including my late night creation)

Baby Shower Favors

Here's what you'll need:

• Black Staz-On Ink
• Sharpie Markers
• 2x2 tiles (from Home Depot)
• Acrylic Sealer
• Gorilla Glue
• Magnets (can get at HD also)
  

Cut the tiles apart with sharp scissors, but be careful not to nick the edges. Stamp images in black Staz On ink. Then, color images with Sharpies. Then, you use the acrylic sealer to seal the images. I used a glossy finish (versus matte finish), just because that's what I already had. Make sure to spray several VERY LIGHT coats (like a fine mist that you just let fall onto the tiles, the Staz On will still run if you get too much sealer on at once). After a few light coats, you can go a LITTLE heavier. I usually do about 4-5 coats of sealer. The sealer isn't really required, but if someone touches the magnet with wet hands, the StazOn ink will run. I glued mine on with Gorilla glue.

These little tiles make a fun gift! I put mine in little organdy bags that I found at Michael's in the bridal section.

This craft came directly from my crafty friend Terri and her craft blog at Inked Endeavors! For more of her crafts click here