Monday, March 4, 2013

DAY ONE of {I could make that March}

Welcome to Day 1 of "I could make that" March!  I am so excited to have you here and to get started on this fun month long series!  If you missed what this is all about, allow me to explain:  One day after another one of my crazy pinning "episodes" (if you love Pinterest as much as I do, then I am sure you have them too), I realized that I have a TON of pins that I never actually make.  This held especially true in my clothing/accessories board.  In this case, I often pinned items that were hundreds of dollars (which I would never buy) and thought to myself "I could make that!".  Well my friends, the time is here for me to actually make these items.


This challenge isn't just for me you know- it is for you too!  I hope that you draw inspiration not just from my specific crafts (although maybe I will save you some money!) but from the challenge itself.  Take this time to look at your pins, choose some projects that you have previously set aside and get working on them!  I want to hear about your progress as well.  Send me links to your finished projects and link back to my page from your own website.  Let's get this challenge out there and encourage other crafters to get stuff done!

{Enough Talk... Ready to Start?}
Now that the introductions are over, check out our FIRST "I could make that" March project:

  {That's me!  A big thanks to my amazing husband for taking some "on the body" shots for us}

{The Inspiration Pin}
There were actually 2 sources of inspiration for this one.  The first was of a snake pendant that I saw at Jo-Ann Fabrics:
 
{via}

Then, when I went to search Pinterest for others like it, I found this beautiful one as well:

 
{via)


I was in love... I had to make it!

{My Version}
I used clay for my necklace and it was super easy. I also decided to make my snake a little more "slithery" and to be holding onto a bead (sort of like he grabbed a field mouse or something... morbid I know...)

 
 
{STEP ONE}
If you're a long-time follower, you know I love my Sculpey Bake Shop Clay.  It's sort of my new addiction.  I have made a bracelet, earrings and "Peeps" Placecard Holders plus this craft all from one block of it (and I still have some left over!) 

Aaanyways, roll out a thin line of clay and shape as desired.  Next, use a toothpick to make a hole through the head for the necklace chain to string through.  Make sure it goes all the way through and that it is large enough for your chain.  This must be done before baking!

{STEP TWO}
Using some metallic paint (I used Deco Art brand), cover the surface of the clay.  Let dry.
{STEP THREE}
Press seed beads into the clay.  I suggest making a small divot with a toothpick first- this makes it a little easier to guide the beads without them falling all over the place.  This is also the time to add your larger bead into the tail.  The clay is still flexible at this point so make it snug.

{STEP FOUR}
Bake as directed by the instructions listed on the clay packaging.  When you remove from the oven it will be hot (and flexible) so allow it to cool before picking it up.  I added the eyes at this point with a Sharpie marker.  This can be done when painting or at the end, it doesn't matter.

{That's it!  Check out the Detail Shots}
{Love that rose bead!}

{Your Turn}
What do you think?  Are you happy with Day One of "I could make that!" March?  What about my twist on the snake necklace?  
What are YOU working on for this challenge?  I really want this to be a group event, so please keep me updated on your projects and give me feedback on mine! Can't wait to hear what everyone is up to!
Happy Crafting,
Kelsie Ann


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4 comments:

  1. Your snake necklace is great and one of a kind Love that you are using your pinning idea. I am going to try and use some of mine as well..especially card and layout ideas.

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    1. So glad to hear that you're joining along in the fun. Definitely link up to me, I can't wait to see what you get accomplished!

      Happy Crafting,
      Kelsie Ann

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  2. Just what you need... more big jewelry! Its very cute, though <3

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    1. I don't know if it's a good or bad thing that you know me so well. At least it's not as big as my vintage roadrunner!

      Kelsie Ann

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