12 Days of Christmas :: Day 3 - Merry & Bright Bookmarks

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

1. Fold the cord in half and pass through the hole on the top of the metal tag. Tie a lark's head knot.
2. Fold the piece of wire in half. 
3. 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.
4. Repeat Step 3 for the remaining beads.
5. 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.

On the 3rd Day of Christmas: Art Bead Bookmark

Books, books, books! Who doesn't love books? No one around here, that's for sure. This beaded and braided bookmark is my holiday gift for family and friends this year. What a perfect time to share my project with you! 

Handmade bookmarks make quick and easy gifts for just about any reason or season. I made this one in less than 30 minutes. They look great holding your place in your favorite novel OR even better, your favorite beading book!

Materials:

1 daisy ceramic lentil bead

1 blue/green “mermaid” ceramic bead

120 yellow transparent size 8 seed beads

11’ of orange 4-ply Irish waxed linen cord

Tools:

Scissors

Ruler

Macramé board and T-pin

Tip: Pin your work to a Macramé board to keep even tension on the cords as you braid.

Directions:

1: Cut the linen cord into six 22” pieces.
2: Form an overhand knot at the end of 1 cord. String 20 seed beads. Repeat step for the remaining 5 cords.

3: Bring all six cords together and form an overhand knot after the seed beads. Use all six cords to string the daisy lentil bead; form an overhand knot after the bead.

4: Pin the last knot to the top of the macramé board with the T-pin. Separate the cords on the board so that you have 2 cords on the left, 2 cords in the middle and 2 cords on the right. Braid the cords for about 11" and remove from the board.

5: Use all six cords to form an overhand knot. Use all six cords to string the mermaid ceramic bead and form an overhand knot. Trim ends to ½” and fray.

Resources:

Daisy lentil: Golem Studio. Mermaid bead: Gaea. Linen cord: Ornamentea. Seed beads: LBS.

On the 8th day of Christmas: Book Tales

Book Tales

When my son was in 2nd grade we made these Book Tales using waxed linen thread and leftover beads for his classmates for Valentine's day in lieu of the traditional store bought cards and candy attached. This is a great project to make with your kids and you can use just about any beads you have lying around to clear off your beading table (and I know you can use the room!). These make great teacher gifts and are super to have on hand for anytime that you need a quick thank your for someone.

{Find beads with holes that fit the stringing material you will use!}

Start with a handful of beads. 

They can be any type from wood, resin metal or even art beads.

Don't forget spacers, charms and bead caps, too!

Gather a few yards of some stringing material, 

like suede cord in fun colors or waxed linen thread. 

You will need about 15" per Book Tale.

Start by stringing beads in any pleasing order you like onto your stringing material.

Tie knots in between the beads to secure them. End with a knot.

Leave about10-12" in between the beads and 

string a smaller section of beads for the opposite end.

Be sure to test that your knots are large enough 

so that the beads don't slide off!

{A variety of beads...lampwork glass, marbelized wood, ceramic, glass and stone}

Tuck these Book Tales into a favorite book, or add it to a gift certificate to your favorite local bookseller.

{Lampwork bead from Julsbeads on Etsy}

If you know someone who is matchy-matchy, or someone who doesn't read,

tie a shorter length of cord onto a jump ring and add that to a key ring for an instant gift!

 Enjoy the day!

Erin Prais-Hintz writes about all things that inspire her at Treasures Found::Inspiration Is Everywhere. Her jewelry designs are one-of-a-kind made one-at-a-time. She collects quotes and dust and invites you to send her your favorite (quote - not dust!) to enjoytheday@tesoritrovati.com. Check out her brand spankin' new website at Tesori Trovati.