Sugarplum Collection Teething Necklace Review + Coupon Code!

Mamas oh mamas, do I have a treat for you today.  As you may know, I review products on Fridays and those products have ranged from items for yourself, baby, to craft with or just to make life easier. Today I am reviewing a product that I use almost ever single day and it has a double purpose- it's stylish for me and it's useful for my son (in several ways).  It's like the swiss-army knife of motherhood fashion.

[Disclaimer:  I have received free product in exchange for a review.  I am in no way obligated to write a positive review and all opinions are my own.]

{Photo via Sugarplum Collection}

Sugarplum Collection Silicone Teething Necklace
Over a year ago I was introduced to the idea of using a teething necklace.  My son would grab a hold of my hair while he was nursing and boy did that little guy have some strength behind that YANK!  My mother in law bought me a few teething necklaces for him to grab instead and ever since then I was hooked.

Did you realized they could be used that way?  It's true... despite the name, they aren't just useful for teething.  Almost every breastfeeding mom I have talked to says that their child grabs at something while they nurse.

{Apparently they are fun to pull on even when not nursing!}

How do Sugarplum Collection's necklace stand out above the rest in this area?
Shop owners Brittany and Diana have a variety of sizes and shapes for you to choose from when creating or purchasing a necklace.  I have the "Neutral Beige" design and I love that it has 3 different sizes of round silicone beads plus more hexagon silicone beads as well.  The variety of shapes and sizes keeps little hands busy and occupied.  They also come with a nylon cord with breakaway clasp which is nice because if babe decides to pull really hard, the necklace pops off without strangling you first!  I have an older teething necklace (different brand) that has such a loose clasp that it comes off every time I pick up my son and it gets pinched between us.  As odd as it sounds, I was happy that Sugarplum Collection's clasp is strong enough to hold up through daily wear and play yet still pops off when it needs to.

So... are they good for teething too?
You bet they are! The silicone beads are firm yet give just a little so that they cushion babe's teeth when they are hurting.  On the necklace I have, the range of bead sizes and shapes offer a variety of pieces for my son to chew on so that he can find the one that soothes him best at that moment. It's the perfect teething product because it's always with me and I don't have to dig through the diaper bag to find it!

{Getting my son's hair cut and the necklace is right within his reach- no digging around trying to find something to keep him occupied}

A lot of people don't realize this, but the teething necklaces need to be 3rd party tested to meet CPSC safety requirements. Sugarplum Collection's components and finished design are 3rd party tested. That means they have certificates proving that the components are in fact free from harmful chemicals and that the designs meet safety requirements as well.

What does all that mean?  It means that the materials are safe for your baby to put in their mouth!  As I mentioned above, they are also made with a nylon cording and I have never worried about the beads falling off or coming loose.  Not all materials are created equally, so go with a certified company such as this one to keep your baby safe.

They look great too!
Sure, style isn't quite as important as your child's safety but if you can "have it all" why not?  I found Sugarplum Collection while searching etsy for a specific color scheme.  I really wanted something that had a creamy theme to it with a touch of pink.  When I found one with the hexagon bead I was IN LOVE. This necklace is everything I was looking for.  It looks great with so many of my outfits, but I really like it with whites, cremes and dark grey too!

So if you've got a little one that nurses, is teething or if you just want a stylish necklace that your babe can tug on without worrying about broken jewelry or choking hazards these are a MUST HAVE.  Sugarplum Collection has so many colors, bead shapes and designs in their necklaces (even different color options for the nylon cord) that you are sure to find one you have to have.  Here are just a few from their etsy shop:

...and this one is my other favorite.  I think I'll be making another purchase to this shop again!

Here's the special treat for EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU.
Instead of hosting a giveaway where there is only one winner, Sugarplum Collection has offered to give everyone who uses the code "KELSIE" at checkout 15% off!  Make sure you place the order through their website  www.thesugarplumcollection.com for the code to work!  How awesome is that?

To keep up on new products, get future deals and to give them some love, don't forget to "like" them on Facebook and "follow" them on Instagram!  (Psst... they don't just have teething necklaces, they have shoes, bows, suspenders and more accessories for your little one).  Check out their website to take a look around.  I was so surprised by all they had!

Thanks for stopping by.  Which design is your favorite?

Happy Crafting,
Kelsie Ann

Wood Disk Necklace Pendants- Natural Beaty in a Whole New Way!

Oh what a neat little project I have for you today and to think- it almost never was!  I had a whole different post planned until I realized I was missing a crucial piece.  Oops! Time for plan B.  Oh wait, I don't have a plan B.  This week has been a crazy one (good crazy though, I got a new job in my field of interest, that is with a christian founded company and with awesome people!  More on that another time.) so I didn't have my normal list of backup craft options.

Then suddenly it hit me!  What are two things I love more than almost anything?  Rustic outdoorsy stuff and jewelry.  And so, my friends I bring you....

Wood Disk Necklace Pendants!

Are you as excited as I am?  They are super easy to make too.

Find a branch that is about 1 inch wide.  Cut into pieces about 1/8- 1/4 inch thick (whatever thickness you want on your necklace) and smooth if desired.  I left mine rough but I dig that rugged look.

Let your creativity run wild!  I made one with (my new favorite) color of blue and a heart negative to let the wood show through.  I used a vinyl heart and peeled it off when the paint was dry.

{That's the vinyl before I painted over it}

{I prefer the sides unpainted so that I can see the bark... I love this!}

I painted another one gold and dipped the edge in blue glitter.  My husband may not care much for glitter but he has to admit... this is pretty cute!

Have you ever tried wire wrapping?  I hadn't but took a go at it for the next two pendants.  First a green one:

{I am loving the bead in the middle.  It looks like a bug or something hanging out on a mossy tree!}

... then a bare wooden one:

{A long bead that I got years ago from the Earth Festival sits perfectly atop this bare wood piece}

Each piece was covered in Mod Podge to seal it up after the colored paint was applied.  The bare wood one was also covered in Mod Podge to give it a finished look.          

{Your Turn}
Would you sport these done-up wood disks this summer?  I love having a piece of nature so close to me and having it be so fashionable!  It's a win-win!  What are some ways that you would decorate yours?

Happy Crafting,
Kelsie Ann

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

LINK LOVE! Linked up to: Every Day is an Occasion

  

How To Make Resin Jewelry

I told you all that I was addicted to jewelry making.  My plan was to make a different project using resin (which I will do in a later post!) and then before I knew it, I was gathering supplies for a necklace.  I guess it is time for me to accept that I have a problem- but until then, let me share my adventures with you!  Check out these resin necklaces that I made.  They were super easy to do and hardly take any time at all (except for letting the resin dry)... take a look:

{let me tell you, the pictures do not do justice to how awesome these are!}

{It's easy to do}

For each necklace, you only need three materials: (plus a chain if you don't already have on)

  {I was just going to do the vinyl "love" at first, but when I mixed up extra resin, I decided to break out my Martha Stewart Tinsel Glitter that I won at a link party on Every Day is an Occasion.  Thanks Jill for the awesome glitter!}

Next, add your vinyl to the pendant piece.  Mix up your resin (follow the instructions listed on the packaging) and let dry.  That's it!

{this shape is from a set of 4 called "decorative circles" by Karla Dudley and can be found in the Silhouette store.  I cut this at 1/2 inch from vinyl and it cut beautifully!}

If you choose to do glitter, here is what I learned:  When you drip the resin on top of the glitter it will just form a bubble on top of it.  You must mix it around together if you want the resin to smooth out over the whole piece.  I mixed it all together inside the pendant and it turned out just fine.

{Your Turn}

What would you put inside your necklace?  Or... would you make something else?  A charm bracelet, earrings or something non-jewelry?  I am excited to experiment with resin more and see what all I can create!

Also, don't forget to check out my co-worker Shana's blog, Crafts Queen!  I had no idea I was working with another craft blogger!  She is so creative and loves to take her own spin on craft projects, so don't miss the opportunity to check her out. I can't wait to see what she works on next, so give her some blog love and support our crafty sister!

Happy Crafting,
Kelsie Ann

LINK LOVE!  Linked up to: Every Day is an Occasion

Ring in the New Year BLOG HOP!

Hello and Happy New Year!  I can feel it already, 2013 is going to be a good one.  For starters, let's welcome you to the Ring in the New Year Blog Hop, where myself and eight other bloggers are teaming up to share some awesome crafts with you.  If you have just stumbled upon this blog hop you can follow along by starting at Ribbon's and Glue. If you have been following along you should have come from My Paper Love.  Isn't this fun?

The idea behind this blog hop is to use something "new" that we got for Christmas.  I decided to make a piece of metal stamped jewelry with my new metal stamping kit and supplies!  I am already addicted to this fun, fun craft.

Only a few supplies are needed to make this:

{Santa knew exactly what I wanted this year}

My mom even bought me this "mini mannequin" jewelry holder for Christmas- what a perfect way to display my new necklace!

Those are my initials stamped into the necklace.  I still get giddy when I put an "S" on the end of my name. (For those of you new to the blog, I just got married this summer, so I've got a new last name!)  I also forgot to pick up head pins or something to hang the beads from so I simply tied them on- and it looks great!

Thanks so much for following along!  There is a lot more creativity ahead, so keep checking out the other blogs in the hop...

Your next stop is A Piece of Life's Pie.

The next blog post will be up on Friday, January 4.

Happy Crafting,
Kelsie Ann

LINK LOVE! Linked up to: Every Day is an Occasion
 

One More Thing: Did you notice the blog has received a makeover?  What are your thoughts on it?  We are trying to make it as user friendly as possible, so please give me honest feedback on what you like or don't like.  We are also on FACEBOOK now too, so check it out and "like" us!

Shrinky Dinks Aren't Just For Kids Anymore!

Hello again, my friends!  Remember me saying that I was going on a trip to Alaska?  (If you missed it, see here)  Well I'm here now and am not able to bring you my craft posts.  Don't fret though, because I've got a guest blogger taking over my blog for the week.  Now everyone welcome Laurie to Cut, Craft, Create.  See you all on here again SOON!
With Love,
Kelsie Ann

Hello everyone!  I am Laurie and I'm excited to be filling in for Kelsie this week.  See the cool necklace pictured above?  I made that for Kelsie and she liked it so much that she asked me to post a tutorial for it.  You would never guess it, but it's made out of shrink plastic (that plastic that we used to play with as kids.)  Remember how you would look through the oven window and watch it magically shrink up? Well, I discovered you can buy the plastic plain without any designs printed on it and you can design your own unique jewelry.  It comes in many forms:  colored, clear, matte, and even printable plastic that you can print on using any inkjet printer.

I used the matte finish shrink plastic for my necklaces.  Cut out whatever shape you want your necklace to be.  You can use a paper cutter, or a punch, or just plain old scissors.  Keep in mind that the plastic will skrink to about 1/3 to 1/2 its original size and becomes 9 times thicker.  I like to use DecoArt brand Dazzling Metallics Paint to color the plastic.  There are several different colors to choose from and it works well because it's thin and if you try to use too thick of a paint, it will just peel off when it shrinks.  I also like it because it sparkles and makes the necklace look sort of metallic.  You will want to use a light color.  Just brush it on both sides of the plastic with a foam brush.  I have also used alcohol inks to color the plastic.

I then stamped a design on the painted plastic using a rubber stamp.  Don't forget to punch a hole in the plastic BEFORE you bake it.  It will be much too hard after it comes out of the oven to try to punch a hole in it. 

Follow the directions on the package for heating in the oven.  The particular brand I used only took 3 minutes at 300 degrees.  After it comes out of the oven, insert a jump ring through the hole and hang it on a chain.  And that's it... SO SIMPLE!  Here are a few examples of some I made today.  I jazzed them up with some sparkly beads I hand on hand.  I made a snowflake...

And a flower...

And another flower...

Ok... I really like flowers :)  The mettalic paint doesn't really show up well in pictures, but believe me it is really sparkly.

I want to thank Kelsie for letting me fill in and I hope you enjoyed my project and are inspired to create your own necklace, or charm bracelet, or embellishment.  The possibilities are endless!