Beautiful Butterfly Necklace

Last year I shared this very easy statement necklace tutorial at Inspiration Cafe

I can't tell you how much fun I had creating this necklace... its so simple to make and so rewarding to see the finished results.

What you will need for 1 necklace:

A Pendant, Long Headpins, Beads, Chain, Jump Rings and a Clasp

 A pair of long nosed pliers and a pair of round nosed jewelry pliers.

If you don't have jewelry pliers, then just use the long nose pliers, your links won't be as rounded but that's okay!

How to Make the Necklace: 

(following the step by step photos)

1. Choose the beads you are going to use and lay them out.

2. Make sure you have enough headpins for the number of beads you will use.

3. Thread a bead onto a long headpin.

4. Bend the headpin at a 90 degree angle, on both sides.

5. Using the round nosed jewelry pliers bend the headpin back around to form a loop.

6. Repeat for the other side. Then make up all the beads and headpins

7. Attach the beads together by gently opening a loop and slipping onto the loop of the next bead. Alternating with pieces of chain cut to the length you like. There is no rhyme or reason to the design so have fun...

8. I attached my Pendant onto a jump ring, linking two beads.

9. Measure the beaded part of the necklace to ensure both sides are even. I like to make necklaces to measure 55cm (21.5 inches).

Attach chain to make up the required length and add the clasp.

10. Enjoy your new necklace

So pretty right? 

I have to admit I'm quite enamoured with it....

  

The necklace turned out so well that I just had to make another one, in beautiful Autumn colors

  

 I've actually ordered more of these pendants, just because I love them so much....

 I hope you are inspired to try your hand at one of these super simple necklaces...

Take care everyone,

xxx

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Square Domed Glass Pendant Necklaces

Hey Everyone, 

Hope you're all having a great weekend...

I've been playing with a new type of pendant and domed glass...And I wanted to show you how they turned out.

I would say my favourite by far, is the Flower Garden, I just love the happy Spring colours.

Take care everyone,

xxx

Champion Cheese Muffins

 I made these amazing muffins recently. They are that good, I have to share them with you..

Since they have cheese in them, there is no butter in the recipe.

Champion Cheese Muffins by Allison Holst from the book Marvellous Muffins

Ingredients:

200g (2 cups) grated tasty cheese ( I use Cheddar)
1 1/2 cups self raising flour
1/2 tsp salt
1 Tbsp sugar
pinch cayenne pepper

1 egg
1 cup milk

 Measure the grated cheese and dry ingredients into a bowl, mix lightly together to combine.

In another bowl beat the egg and milk until combined, pour into dry ingredients.

Fold the two mixes together gently, be careful not to over mix.

Spoon mixture into 12 medium muffin pans sprayed with non-stick cooking spray. 

Bake at 210 C (410 F) for about 12 minutes or until they spring back when pressed down in the middle and are golden brown.

Number of Servings: 12

 We had them for Sunday dinner with a salad. They are soooo delicious.

 You can add other ingredients like ham, finely chopped onion, peppers, chives etc to the mix. 

Serve them for lunch or a light dinner. Yum!

Take care everyone,

xxx

Linking To these great Parties:

http://thefrugalgirls.com/2013/02/chic-and-crafty-party-221.html 

http://www.thecountrycook.net/2013/02/weekend-potluck-55.html

Blingy Valentine Candles

Hey Everyone,

Hope you all had a great Valentines Day...

I made the easiest, cutest candles ever! 

I know there are loads of glitter candles around blog world, but I couldn't resist making a couple too...yup and blogging about it!

What do you need to do to make your very own??? Well a candle, glue and glitter....

Then....Cut a template out on a sheet of paper (I freehanded this one - no measuring involved)

Lay the template against the candle, 

thinly paint glue over the design and roll in glitter. 

Ta daaaa... I love an easy project!

I keep lids off the hot choc tins to use as bases for my candles, cute right?

 and I mixed standard green and blue glitter to get this turquoise -ish colour .

 

My little Valentines display in the kitchen... 

Happy Valentine's Day...

Take care everyone,

xxx

  

Partying at these great parties too...

Simple Wire Wrapped Pendant

 Hey Everyone,

I shared this post at Inspiration Cafe last month...

Another necklace I hear you ask? I know, I know, I'm more of a bracelet person myself, but for some reason I'm rocking the necklaces lately.

And this one is just so easy, its a great beginner's project and can be whipped up super quick as an accessory to match your new outfit or

as a last minute gift for a special occasion.

 

 What you need for 1 pendant:

A bead (tear drop is preferable but not necessary), 1 headpin, a length of 20 gauge jewelry wire, a jump ring, pliers and a chain

How to:

1. Thread the bead onto the headpin.

2. Bend the headpin at a 90 degree angle

3. Using round nosed jewelry pliers bend the headpin back around to form a loop. (note - you don't need round nose pliers, if all you have are the standard pliers - those work just fine too)

4. Cut off excess wire

5. Attach the jewelry wire onto the loop and secure (ignore the jump ring in this pic)

6 - 8. Wrap... it does not need to be neat - in fact its supposed to be random and fun. Tuck in the end of the wire and add the jump ring

9. Cute pendant! Now add the chain!

 I loved this one so much I made a whole bunch of them!!!

I attached 3 to a larger jump ring to make a small cluster pendant of sorts.

These little pendants are simple and striking enough to be worn on their own. 

I love this turquoise one - love it!!!

Once you start making these, you wont be able to stop. 

Be warned - they are addictive!  

If you have more beads of the same colour, this technique would look stunning if you were to make earrings! 

 

I really hope I've inspired you all today.... 

Take care everyone,

xxx

Inspiration Cafe is looking for guest posters. If you would like to guest please let us know, we would love to have you. If you would prefer a feature instead, feel free to drop us a line. New or old posts welcome.

10 Good Things about a Broken Arm

10 good things about having a broken arm (if you're a 5 year old girl...) 

1. You can ride the wheelchair like a champ in the hospital waiting room..... 

2. You get to do fun stuff like go to the movies..score!

 

 3. You can still play at the park with your siblings....

 

 4. And perform hair raising stunts just to freak Mum out....

5. You get to wear cool hearing protection when your cast is cut off...then you get to have 2 lollipops !!!

 

6. You can choose the colour of your new cast... purple is best for outfit co-ordination
 

7. You can play dolls and take up all the space you want.... then leave the dolls for someone else (aka Mum) to pick up!

 8. Your little sister will become your shadow and want to hold your "sore" hand all the time..

9. You can help Mum with her crafts...Yay? No? No...

 10. You're allowed to act like a diva and a Princess cos we know you only really have 1 arm!!  

 Again I'm not saying - go out and break a bone..... but.....

Its pretty cool when you're 5!!!

 

Take care everyone,

xxx