Media Mixage Monday - Make a stamped metal bracelet for a friend! New Video

I've always had a fascination for words, even when I was a little girl.  I loved to write and doodle. 

It’s always interesting to me where I get my inspiration.  I was reading through my facebook newsfeed and came across my cousin’s post about her little girl wanting to buy matching Mommy/Daughter jewelry.  A light bulb went off and I thought “Wow! I could make that with my dies and Artisan X-plorer!” and so I did.

For me creating is very personal, it’s a bonding experience with friends and family and many times, handmade gifts are what they receive from me. 

That’s why this type of jewelry really resonates with me.   There are so many fun shapes in the Spellbinders® MediaMixáge™ line I know you’ll have fun making your own special, personalized jewelry too! 

So in this video, I show you how to use metal alphabet stamps to create a metal stamped bracelet.  

I would LOVE if you would let me know how you liked this project, so please leave comments below :)

And don't forget to subscribe below so you don't miss any of the projects :) 

Click here to view the video on my youtube channel

More Jewelry Making videos - click here

How to make a Stamped Metal Wrap Bracelet

Designed by: Linda Peterson

MMM-001 Spellbinders® Artisan X-plorer™ machine

MD1-003 Spellbinders® Media Mixáge™ Rectangles One die template (used in project)

MM1-003 Spellbinders® Media Mixáge™ Copper sheet

MB6-006 Susan Lenart Kazmer for Spellbinders® Media Mixáge™ Turtles One brass blank

Miscellaneous beads and charms of choice

Alcohol based markers in colors of choice

Silk ribbon or cording of choice

Toggle or clasp

2 eyelets

Jump rings

Permanent marker

Crop-o-dile punch

Needle tool

Metal Alphabet Stamps

Ball peen hammer

Jewelry hammer with plastic end

Bench block

Nail file

Jewelry pliers

Optional dies suitable for this project:

MD1-001 Spellbinders® Media Mixáge™  Ovals One Die

MD1-012 Spellbinders® Media Mixáge™ Circles Three die

MD1-002 Spellbinders® Media Mixáge™  Squares One Die

Optional Brass Blanks suitable:

MB6-001 Susan Lenart Kazmer for™ Spellbinders® Media Mixáge™ Frames One

MB6-002 Susan Lenart Kazmer™ for Spellbinders® Media Mixáge™ Dresses One

MB6-009 Susan Lenart Kazmer™ for Spellbinders® Media Mixáge™ Hearts Three

Cut out a rectangle from the copper sheet using the #2 (with #1 being the smallest) Rectangles One die template using the Artisan X-plorer™ machine.

Lay die cut shape on to bench block.  Hammer flat with the plastic end of the hammer and smooth edges with nail file.

Draw a line down the center vertically with a permanent marker.  Draw a horizontal line for each line of the phrase you are going to spell out.

Position the alphabet stamp on copper die cut and tap firmly straight down with the hammer. Try not to tap too many times as this can distort your letter.  Repeat until word or phrase is spelled out.

Color over letters with permanent marker and let dry.

Sand the top of the copper with nail file, leaving only the black in the lettering.

Punch hole where desired with Crop-o-Dile and insert eyelet from the front. 

Flip over to back side and tap around the edges of the eyelet with ball peen hammer.  This will cause the sides to “mushroom” out so that the eyelet is securely in place.

Measure length of silk ribbon/cord.  It should be long enough to wrap around wrist three to four times.  Thread silk ribbon/cord through eyelet hole on front and up through the back on the opposite side.  Attach toggles/clasp with jump rings.

Embellishment

Gently hammer a texture into the small turtle using the ball peen side of the hammer.

Color with desired markers.  As markers touch each color they will blend and mottle.  Allow to dry.

Punch a small hole with needle tool where you would like your dangles to hang from.  Attach to bracelet with jump rings along with miscellaneous beads and charms. 

           

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Get into Fall with these fall projects

The leaves are just now beginning to turn bright colors here in southern Missouri.  I hope and pray we have a very colorful fall!  I'm so blessed to live in such a beautiful area surrounded by the Ozark Mountains.

I've collaborated with my friend Tiffany at Cool2Craft and have gathered some of my favorite fall inspired projects for you featuring projects from Tiffany, Heidi, Candace, Savannah and myself. There's really something for everyone from fall flowers, table decor, home decor and even jewelry making projects.  I hope this get's you in the mood for fall decorating.

I would love if you would share your fall stories with me or suggestions for future videos! Leave your comments below :)

I share new videos every Monday  - so please be sure to subscribe to this blog and to my youtube channel so you don't miss any of them.

Can't see the play list?  click here



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Celebrate Fall and with a Free Jewelry Making Video - Fall Acorn Pendant

I'm so excited to share this "best of fall" project with you.  It's so simple to make and you'll only need a few tools.

If you're new to jewelry making or if you have any questions about completing this project, just leave a comment below and I'll be happy to answer them!

Happy fall!!!

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Mixed Media May - Get ready for fall and make these adorable paper pumpkins

Hello Everyone! Happy FALL! Finally - cooler crisp temperatures are here!

My most FAVORITE time of the year – mostly because of pumpkin pie!  I always get inspired this time of year because I love the cool crisp air how mother nature paints the landscape with gorgeous rich colors.  It’s not uncommon for me to dress up our dinner table with whimsical napkins and décor.  These little pumpkin place card holders are easy and quick to make with just a few supplies.  You’re guests will not only love them, but will love to take them home as a little momento of the evening. 

So today I'm showing you how to make adorable paper pumpkins from paper.  These are great place card holders but would be even cuter made from smaller circles and used as cupcake toppers!! ADORABLE! 

Hint:  These are make great party favors and also little photo holders.  Don’t you just love projects that are easy AND versatile?

Love this project?  Pin it! and share it! 

Can't see the video?  Click here

Project Dimensions: Varies

Spellbinders Supplies:

MMM-001 Spellbinders® Artisan X-plorer™ machine

MD1-012 Spellbinders® Media Mixáge™ Circles Three die

MD1-010 Spellbinders® Media Mixáge™  Hearts Two Die Template (optional)

MD2-004 Spellbinders® Media Mixáge™ Flowers One die template

MB3-001 Spellbinders® Media Mixáge™ Circle Hatpin – Bronze

S5-120 Spellbinders®  Fall Foliage die templates

Raffia

2 to 3 small buttons

3 – 4 x 4” squares of burlap (optional)

Dictionary paper or newspaper

Ink pad in a pumpkin orange color

Tacky Glue

22 gauge steel annealed wire (available at hardware stores)

Needle nose pliers

Round nose pliers

Wire cutters

Scissors

Cosmetic sponge

As a variation of shape use these same instructions but substitute the #3 Flowers One die template. 

Stack and fold for sheets of dictionary paper in half to create 8 layers.

Cut approximately 20+ circles from the dictionary paper using the #3 (with #1 being the smallest) Circles three die template.  (hint:  the more you cut the fuller your pumpkin) 

Apply orange ink with cosmetic sponge to both sides of circles

Cut approximately 1/8” off of the bottom of all circles to create a flat base

Fold circles in half

Stack all the folded circles and match edges.

Apply glue to the folded edges and press firmly for a minute or so with your fingers.

Release and the shapes will fluff and turn into a pumpkin.

Working off the spool create a loop with a long wire extention.  Bend the wire around the loop a couple of times and curl the remaining wire.

Snip off spool leaving approximately 3 inches of a tail.  Apply glue to tail and place in center of pumpkin for stem.

Create a coil with round nose pliers and leave a 3” extension.  Glue into the center of pumpkin. 

Optional:  cut three leaves of burlap using the Fall Foliage Red Maple leaf die.

Glue burlap leaves to bottom of pumpkin

Embellishments:

Cut a flower from the #2 flowers one die and ink

Pull the wire from the hatpin. 

Glue flower to back of hat pin and glue buttons to front center.

Create a small bow with raffia

Glue to front of the pumpkin to embellish.

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Mixed Media Monday - How to turn shrink plastic into fabulous looking rustic metal earrings - Spellbinders Media Mixage

I'm drawn to pieces that tell a story.  I believe that's why I like all things vintage and if they could - these pieces would tell us an incredible story.

When I look at these earrings, I remember my first trip to Paris with my friend and editor Marie.  We had just finished photography for my book Metalwork Jewelry.  She couldn't believe that I would just pick things up wherever I found them, even if they were on the side of the road, and use them in my artwork.  Well, after a week in the studio with me, she changed her mind.  While in Paris and just in front of the Eiffel Tower, I looked over to find her kneeling down, digging in the dirt with her keys to retrieve and old bottle cap.

I recently ran across an inspiration board on Pinterest that was all about rusty metal and turquoise patina.  I loved the colors together and the way that the patina seemed to dance on the metal. 

I thought these colors were just gorgeous for fall and since I love all things old and worn, I decided to have a play and Explore Beyond  at creating my own rustic metal shapes.  I love that I have a sense of control, yet at the same time, each piece was unique in its own way. 

I hope this tutorial really inspires you to explore unconventional ways to use conventional materials.   There’s so many ways to incorporate this into your mixed media artwork and jewelry.  Have fun!

 

Faux Rusty Metal from Shrink Plastic 

Project Dimensions: Varies

Spellbinders Supplies:

MMM-001 Spellbinders® Artisan X-plorer™ machine

MD1-001 Spellbinders® Media Mixáge™  Ovals One Die

MD1-012 Spellbinders® Media Mixáge™ Circles Three die

MT1-005 Spellbinders® Media Mixáge™ Grate Works Three texture plate

Shrink plastic - Graphix, Inc Inkjet Printable Shrink Film

Dark brown acrylic paint

Gilders Paste® Patina

Heat tool

Tweezers

Heat resistant work surface (such as a fire brick or metal tray)

Jump rings

Earring wires

Cosmetic sponge

Drill with a 3/32” drill bit or size of choice

Block of scrap wood

Optional supplies:  charms, feathers, vintage finds, additional colors of acrylic paint such as copper, bronze, gold, 1/8” circle hand punch

Note:  I drill my holes with a drill because I can place the holes exactly where I need them.  Sometimes the holes shrink too small when I punch them before heating.

Cut your shapes from shrink plastic using the Circles Three and Ovals One die templates of choice.  Don’t throw away your negative space as this can be used for the focal base for a pendant if desired.  (note you may punch holes into your shapes at this stage with a 1/8”  hand punch)

Place your plastic shapes onto a heat resistant surface.  Apply heat.  As the shapes melt, they will curl up and then flatten back out again.  Use long tweezers to protect your fingers from getting burned.

While the plastic shapes are still hot, stamp them with the texture plate with firm pressure.

Paint with acrylic paints and allow to dry.

Apply Gilders Paste with your finger or a cosmetic sponge as desired.

Place shapes onto a block of scrap wood and drill holes

Arrange shapes and attach as desired with jump rings.  Add embellishments and earring wires.

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Meet me in St. Louis and Take Me Out to the Ball Game!

Just a quick note and invite if you happen to be in St. Louis!

Friday thru Sunday, I'll be teaming up with Spellbinders Paper Arts and the Michaels Craft Tour in St. Louis, MO!

So head out to the ball park with the family, see a Cardinals game and join us for some crafty fun!

GO CARDS!

For more info click on the Semi Truck above :)

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Handbag, Shoes and bling perfect for the red carpet - EMMYS inspired!

A couple of Monday's ago, Spellbinders and I kicked off a month long event celebrating their walking the red carpet at the Emmy awards with a video tutorial featuring my "Evening at the Emmys" glam earrings (to view the post and video click here)   It's a special honor for Spellbinders and really for crafting in general as the stars will get a glimpse into our work of creativity!

My friend Beck Beattie, from Australia, took inspiration from the video and created the perfect compliment to my earrings!  I just love what she did! And she did a great tutorial - so check her out on her blog for the how to and get your glam on! - CLICK HERE

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Mixed Media Monday - Welcome Fall with this Copper Sunflower Barnwood sign - How to

I love fall -with the cool crisp air, and the beautiful array of colors, it is by far my most FAVORITE time of year!  I also love combining my art with objects of personal meaning.  So, when I stumbled across this old piece of barn wood at the family farm, I knew It had to come home with me so I could give it new life.  Now, it’s been upcycled with some gorgeous copper flowers and greets everyone at the door who comes to visit.  It’s just the perfect touch for my fall décor!

Project Dimensions: Varies

Spellbinders Supplies:

MMM-001 Spellbinders® Artisan X-plorer™ machine

MMM-202 Artisan X-plorer™ Raspberry spacer plate

MD1-007 Spellbinders® Media Mixáge™ Circles One die template

MD1-006 Spellbinders® Media Mixáge™ Shields One die template

ES-006 Spellbinders® M-Bossabilities™ So Trendy 

ES-013 Spellbinders® M-Bossabilities™ Harlequin folder

4 sheets MM1-003 Spellbinders® Media Mixáge™ Copper sheet

MB2-001S Susan Lenart Kazmer for Spellbinders® Media Mixáge™ Circles One – Silver bezel

Small gears

Tacky glue

Lighter or candle

Pliers

Optional:  old barn wood, rusty chain, staple gun, tiny tacks or nail brads, hammer

Cut 12 copper circles each of the #3 and #2 (with #1 being the smallest)  Spellbinders® Media Mixáge™ Shields One die template using the Artisan X-plorer™ machine.

Hold a petal with pliers and apply heat to under side with lighter or candle.  When color begins to appear, remove heat.  Practice a little to achieve random color and patterns.  Repeat this step to apply a heat patina to all petals.

Place large shields inside the desired embossing folder.  Sandwich the embossing folder between the base plate and the raspberry spacer plate and pass through the

Artisan X-plorer™ .  Repeat for the smaller set of flowers using the M-bossabilities Harlequin folder.

Cut a copper circle with the #3 Circles one die template and glue it inside the corresponding bezel.

Turn the bezel over, apply a generous amount of glue and begin arranging your petals in a clockwise pattern, applying the smaller flowers first and finishing with larger flowers.  Allow to dry.

Glue gears and other desired embellishments to the inside of the bezel.

Add to your desired base.

I used a piece of barn wood from the family farm as a base.  I attached the flowers using small tacks/nail brads and stapled on the chain.  

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Mixed Media Monday - Walking the Red Carpet at the Emmys! Create your own Glam Earrings + giveaway info

So excited because today is the kick off to a huge event over at the Spellbinders blog in celebration of walking the red carpet at the EMMYS!   All month long, Spellbinders will be hosting fun events and giving away lots and lots of great prizes!

With that being said, I'm honored to be a part of this kick off celebration with today's Media Mixage Monday and showing you how to bling out brass to create a stunning pair of Glam Earrings

Spellbinders Supplies:

MMM-001 Spellbinders® Artisan X-plorer™ Machine

MD2-004 Spellbinders® Media Mixáge™ Flowers One die template (optional)

MB6-004 Susan Lenart Kazmer™ for Spellbinders® Media Mixáge™ Flowers One Brass Blank

MM1-003 Spellbinders® Media Mixáge™ Copper sheet (optional)

2 large silver loops

2 small silver flower links

4 large antique brass beadcaps

Eight 4mm clear crystal bi-cone beads

Two flat backed 4mm crystals

Two 22mm faceted bead of choice

2 crystal rondel spacer beads

Jump rings

Two earring wires

Six headpins

Small length of cup chain (crystal studded chain)

2 part epoxy clay (can also use air dry or polymer clay)

2 part epoxy glue

Round nose jewelry pliers

Flat nose jewelry pliers

Wire cutters

Planishing or chasing hammer

Flat hammer

Dapping tool set

Bench block

Wire brush

Jewelry polishing cloth

You can also make these earrings from copper or aluminum using the Spellbinders® Media Mixáge™ die templates of your choice.

Place the smaller brass blank onto a bench block and polish with a wire brush.  Continue polishing with jewelry cloth until you reach a nice shine.

Use the ball side of a planishing or chasing hammer, tap the blank with the hammer to give it a texture. 

Place the textured blank into the largest section of the dapping set and tap with the corresponding punch to dome and curve the flower into shape.  Repeat  with the next smaller section until you have the desired curve.

Form a small pea size ball of epoxy clay in your hands.  Press a flat back crystal into the middle

Position it inside the flower center and wrap with cup chain.

Glue the silver flower link on top of the larger loop link with epoxy glue and allow to cure.

Add beads to headpins to create dangles and attach to loop assembly with jump rings.

Glue brass flower to earring assembly with 2-part epoxy and allow to cure.

Attach ear wire.

Repeat this process with larger flower brass blank for pendant.

Now, here's how to win free stuff! -  Check the Spellbinder's blog for their fun events and enter their contests.  I'll post info on my personal blog and facebook as well.

It's going to be a fun month  - I just know it! :)

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