Blogger Challenge: Studs and Pearls

StudsandPearls-HeaderStuds and Pearls is a DIY fashion blog owned by Kirsten Nunez. As a New Yorker and longtime lover of crafting, she’s inspired by everything from music to food to nature. She is currently working on publishing her first DIY fashion book.

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Chunky Chain Necklace and Rhinestone Hair Tie
Contrary to what most people may think, elastic can be used for more than holding up your bottoms. This underrated craft material can be incorporated into accessories in just a few steps. My favorite uses for elastic include quick and easy necklaces, and snap free hair ties. Check out how I made both projects, below!

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Supplies:
***chunky lucite chain, measurement provided in box***
***gray elastic, measurement provided in box***
– Flat backed rhinestones
– Scissors
– E6000 ChunkyChainNecklaceandRhinestoneHairTie02

1) Cut the elastic so that you have two strands, with one strand measuring about 11 inches.ChunkyChainNecklaceandRhinestoneHairTie03

2) Take the longer strand and tie the ends of the elastic to the ends of the chain.ChunkyChainNecklaceandRhinestoneHairTie04

3) Glue rhinestones to the elastic. Let dry completely.

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4) For the hair tie, fold the 11 inch strand of elastic in half. Tie and glue the rhinestone embellishments. Let dry.

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Layered Gold Necklace (and bracelets!)
I’ve always had a soft spot for anything gold and minimal. This necklace features a tier of bright gold cord, creating an eye catching yet simplistic look. The natural curve of the cord is ideal for a neck piece, making this project so much easier than it actually seems.

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***gold cord, measurement of material that was provided in the box***
– Brass chain
– 6 head pins
– 6 bead caps
– 8+ 6mm jump rings
– 3-in-1 jewelry pliers
– Optional: ***gold thread*** and ***multi-faceted flat backed rhinestones***

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1) Cut a strand of gold cord measuring 9.5 inches. Cut a second strand, measuring slightly longer. Cut a third strand, measuring slightly longer than the second.

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2) Insert a head pin through the bead cap. Trim down and create a loop. Glue the bead cap onto the cord’s end.

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3) Repeat on all the ends of the cord.

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4) Join all three ends with a jump ring. Repeat on the other side.

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5) If desired, glue rhinestones to the bead caps, or wrap the ends with gold metallic thread.

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6) Attach chain to both sides.

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7) Attach a jump ring and a clasp to the ends of the chain.

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8) For the bracelets, take any leftover gold cord and add bead caps to the ends, as you did in Steps 4 and 5. Connect with jump rings and jewelry claps.

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Rhinestone Tassel Pendant
I’ve always found multi-faceted rhinestones to be absolutely gorgeous. Depending on the angle of the light, various colors will shine through. With this project, you can wear a rainbow colors.

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Supplies:
– ***gold metallic thread***
– ***multi-faceted rhinestones***
– Clear nail polish
– Scalloped 25x18mm cameo setting
– Scissors

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Tip: Plastic jewelry tweezers may make it easier to handle the rhinestones.

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1) Apply a small amount of clear nail polish to the setting. Add rhinestones, one by one, starting along the outer edge.

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2) Continue until the setting is filled with rhinestones. Add another layer of clear nail polish on top to secure.

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3) Let dry completely. I love how the colors in the multi-faceted rhinestones show at different angles!

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4) For the tassel, wrap thread around your fingers as shown above. Tie the top end with a
strand of thread, and cut the bottom to create an instant tassel.

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5) Attach to the bottom of the setting.

Textured Coin Purse
I adore this project because it uses trim and ribbon in an unconventional way. I’m constantly working with different types of fabrics, so I thought – why not use the trimmings as fabric? By sewing the ribbon and trim together, you can create a custom made “panel” of material to work with. All you need is a chic gold carabiner to top it off.

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– ***pink satin ribbon, measurement of material provided in box***
– ***weaved trim,
– ***gold carabiner***
– ***metallic pink ribbon***
– 7 inch zipper
– Fabric scissors
– Straight pins
– Sewing machine (not shown)

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1) Cut two lengths of trim of about 15 inches (when folded, a bit longer than 7 inches) and a length of pink satin ribbon (same measurement) The 7 inch zipper can be used as a guide, but the finished coin purse will be smaller than this.

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2) Unfold the trim and ribbon. Pin the trim and ribbon, “right” sides facing each other. Look closely to see the pins in the above photo.

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3) Sew along the edge. I’d recommend using a zig zag stitch, as a straight stitch may not hold the weaved trim in place.

4) When sewn, the trim and ribbon will look a little like this on the “front” side.

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5) Pin the trim to the other edge of the ribbon, right sides facing each other.TexturedCoinPurse07

6) Sew.

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7) The back side, when sewn.TexturedCoinPurse09

8) Fold in half, and trim down the sides. Trim the zipper, if needed.TexturedCoinPurse10

9) Pin one half of the zipper to one side of the coin purse (or what will be the coin purse!)TexturedCoinPurse11

10) Sew.TexturedCoinPurse12

11) Sew the other half of the zipper to the other end of the coin purse. This may be a bit awkward, so take your time while maneuvering the material.

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11) If you cut your zipper, sew a few hand stitches at the end to serve as a stopper. Machine sew down the end and bottom to close up the coin purse.

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12) Insert the carabiner right through the trim.

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Your coin purse is good to go! You can also use it to store jewelry while traveling.

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