Friday, August 30, 2013

Kumihimo Beaded Bracelets Tutorial

 Today I'm going to show you how to make Kumihimo Beaded Bracelets. You'll remember that my August project as a Prima Bead Team Blogger was Kumihimo. I made few different designs and I'll share how to make each one. It's all in how you set up the beads on the loom.





Let's get started:

To begin, you may want to review how to make a Braided Kumihimo Bracelet.  This tutorial does not cover each specific step like the Braided Kumihimo Bracelet does. I will just show you how to add the beads into the bracelet. 


When you start your bracelet, you will want to begin by making a Kumihimo braid. You will make the braid just long enough {about 1/4"} for your end cap to be glued on to. Then it's time to start adding beads.


Step 1: When you pull your top right string off of the loom, slide a bead up the string.

Step 2: Slide the bead all the way to the center hole in your loom. Make sure you tuck it under the {turquoise} string.

Step 3: Then place your string in the next available slot to the right at the bottom of the loom.

Step 4: Repeat with the left bottom string. Slide the bead up and to the center of the hole, making sure it is tucked under the turquoise string.

Turn the loom and repeat the process. When you have your bracelet the length you want braid a 1/4 inch or so without beads so you can add your other end cap on.

As I'm typing this up, I 'm realizing how hard it is to describe what to do. I hope the pictures help explain what I'm having a hard time explaining.  If you have any questions, please ask! I am more than happy to help.

Now for the fun part! I'm going to share how I got the different designs in the bracelets.

 For this bracelet with the gold speckles in it, I strung 6 of the strands with turquoise beads and two with gold beads. The picture below shows the two strands that I used for the gold beads. I didn't want them directly opposite each other. I think that would have made it more uniform looking rather than random.

And my favorite of the two - the spiral bracelet.

This was really easy. You string 4 strands with turquoise and 4 strands with gold. Place two strands of turquoise directly opposite of the other two strands of turquoise. Do likewise with the gold. Here's picture of what I'm talking about.

Have you tried Kumihimo? Have you discovered how to make any cool designs? I'd love to hear about it and try my hand at different styles.


Now, just in case you're wanting any of the exact supplies I used, here's the list.
Kumihimo Round Disc

Sparkly Blue Bracelet:
Metallic Blue Cord
6mm Glass Rondelle Metallic Blue Beads
Metal Findings Mix - Silver

Turquoise and Gold Bracelets:
Brown Cord
Acrylic Rondelle Turquoise Beads
Acrylic Rondelle Gold Beads




Other Kumihimo Posts:
Kumihimo Beaded Bracelets from Prima Bead
How to Make a Kumihimo Bracelet {or Anklet}
Embroidery Thread and Seed Bead Bracelets



I am a Prima Bead Blog Team Member. I am also an affiliate of Prima Bead. I receive product from Prima Bead. In return, I create jewelry pieces from that product, and share about them through my blog and other social media outlets. All opinions expressed in this post are mine.

Monday, August 26, 2013

Terrific Tuesday #78


My favorites from last week:


Pom Pom Pen by the Crafty Blog Stalker. This is so fun! Why did I never think of it?


Chocolate Pie by Elaine's Sweet Life. YUM!!
$12 Pallet Clock by Little Bit of Paint. LOVE this!







Now let's see all the terrific things you've been up to.

1. Link up!  No shops, or link parties please.

2. Comment, comment, comment

3. Grab my button or add a text link.



Friday, August 23, 2013

How to make a Kumihimo Braided Bracelet (or Anklet)

Make a round friendship bracelet or anklet using Kumihimo, a Japanese braiding technique. It's super easy. Grab your favorite colors of thread, a Kumihimo disc and you'll be whipping up a new friendship bracelet in no time.

how to make a kumihimo bracelet
Today I'm going to share with you how I made this Kumihimo Braided Bracelet/Anklet. Don't be intimidated by this. It's so easy - my 11 year old even made one for her friend.

How to Make a Kumihimo Braided Bracelet (or Anklet)

There are many ways you can use Kumihimo in jewelry making. I like to add seed beads to my friendship bracelets. Also see my more traditional Kumihimo Beaded Bracelets and how I set up different patterns for the beads.

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my full disclosure policy for details. 

Supplies needed:




My favorite thing to use for the string in a Kumihimo project is embroidery thread. I love it because I always have some on hand from other projects. Plus there are so many colors, you can really customize the bracelet to be exactly what you want.

Calculating how much thread you will need


To begin, decide how long you would like the finished bracelet. Then multiply that by 4 and add 12 inches. You will cut four strands at that length. {Two strands of each color}

For example, I wanted my bracelets 7 1/2 inches long. 7.5 X 4 = 30.  Then 30 + 12 = 42. So I cut two strands of cream thread and two strands of turquoise thread that were 42 inches each.

calculating how much cord is needed for kumihimo bracelet

Setting up the Loom


Find the middle of your threads and tie them together with a small piece of string. Then tie on a weight of some kind. You could use a heavy bead, a small toy, whatever you can find around the house.... I found this little gauge that had a hole in it, not sure what it's for, but it worked well for this.

adding a weight to the thread


kumihimo tutorial

Braiding with a Kumihimo Loom

Step 1:

Pull your thread up through the hole in the center. Place one strand {turquoise} on each side of the N and S. Then place one strand {cream} on each side of the W and E.

Step 2: 

Grab the turquoise thread that is on the right of the N. Pull it out of the loom and place it in the next available space to the right of the S {Space 14, if you can read those small numbers}

Step 3: 

Now grab the turquoise thread to the left of the S and place it in the next available space to the left of the N. {Space 30}

Step 4: 

Turn the loom so the E is at the top.

Step 5:

Grab the cream thread to the right of the E and place it in the next available spot to the right of the W.

Step 6: 

Grab the cream thread to the left of the W and place it in the next available spot to the left of the E.

Step 7: 

Turn the loom so the S is at the top and repeat all the steps.

Step 8: 

Continue until the braid is as long as you would like it to be.

Finishing the Bracelet

When you are finished take each of turquoise threads off the loom and tie them in a knot right up next to the braid. Then repeat with the cream threads.

After the first few turns your threads will no longer line up with the letters, just continue the pattern.

To finish it off I just tied it in a knot after it was on my ankle. I'm planning on wearing it the rest of the summer.


So what do you think? It's pretty easy, isn't it?

Want to make more bracelets? Try these:


Kumihimo Braided Bracelet

Yield: 1
Author: Rachel
Estimated cost: $15
prep time: 5 Mperform time: 45 Mtotal time: 50 M
Make a round friendship bracelet or anklet using Kumihimo, a Japanese braiding technique. It's super easy.

materials:

  • Embroidery Thread or Kumihimo Thread

tools:

  • Kumihimo Loom
  • A weight
  • Scissors

steps:

Calculating how much cord you will need
  1. To begin, decide how long you would like the finished bracelet. Then multiply that by 4 and add 12 inches. You will cut four strands at that length. {Two strands of each color}
  2. For example, I wanted my bracelets 7 1/2 inches long. 7.5 X 4 = 30. Then 30 + 12 = 42. So I cut two strands of cream thread and two strands of turquoise thread that were 42 inches each.
Setting up the Loom and Braiding on the Loom
  1. Find the middle of your threads and tie them together with a small piece of string. Then tie on a weight of some kind (a heavy bead, small toy - anything to add some weight to it)
  2. Pull your thread up through the hole in the center. Place one strand {turquoise} on each side of the N and S. Then place one strand {cream} on each side of the W and E.
  3. Grab the turquoise thread that is on the right of the N. Pull it out of the loom and place it in the next available space to the right of the S {Space 14, if you can read those small numbers}
  4. Now grab the turquoise thread to the left of the S and place it in the next available space to the left of the N. {Space 30}
  5. Turn the loom so the E is at the top.
  6. Grab the cream thread to the right of the E and place it in the next available spot to the right of the W.
  7. Grab the cream thread to the left of the W and place it in the next available spot to the left of the E.
  8. Turn the loom so the S is at the top and repeat all the steps.
  9. Continue until the braid is as long as you would like it to be.
Finishing the Bracelet
  1. When you are finished take each of turquoise threads off the loom and tie them in a knot right up next to the braid. Then repeat with the cream threads.
  2. After the first few turns your threads will no longer line up with the letters, just continue the pattern.
  3. To finish it off, put it on your arm or ankle and tie the ends in a knot.
Kumihimo bracelet, DIY kumihimo, DIY kumihimo bracelet, how to make a kumihimo bracelet, kumihimo tutorial,
Created using Craft Card Maker

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Fruit Pizza Cookies

My sister called me the other day. She was going to make Fruit Pizza that day. It's one of those desserts that I love, but had forgotten about. I just couldn't let the summer pass by without making some for my family too.

fruit pizza cookies


I decided this time to make them in individual cookies. I thought it would make portion control easier. No more cutting off a huge piece of the pizza. Sadly, it didn't work for me. I just ate multiple cookies instead. The good news is they are a delicious and refreshing dessert. The bad news is my waistline is not getting any smaller. Am I the only one with no self control?

Want to make some? I used my mom's Best Sugar Cookies Ever recipe.

You may also like Grandma's famous chocolate chip cookies, or these cake mix snickerdoodles. For even more cookies: Visit our Best Cookie Recipes page.


If you would like to make a traditional pizza, spread cookie dough evenly out on a cookie sheet or pizza pan and bake for about 25 minutes. Frost and top with fruit.


Fruit Pizza Cookies


You can add whatever fruit you want, I personally LOVE it with strawberries. So yummy!

What is your favorite fruit for fruit pizza?

 MORE COOKIE RECIPES


Fruit Pizza Cookies

Fruit Pizza Cookies

Servings: 36
Author: Rachel Nielsen
Prep time: 30 MinCook time: 8 MinTotal time: 38 Min
Fruit pizza cookies are a fun twist on a classic treat.

Ingredients

Cookies
  • 1 c. butter or margarine
  • 1 1/2 c. sugar
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 t. vanilla
  • 3 1/2 c. flour
  • 2 t. cream of tartar
  • 1 t. baking soda
  • 1/2 t. salt
Topping
  • 1 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese, softened
  • 1 (12 oz.) carton of whipped topping
  • 1 c. powdered sugar
  • fruit

Instructions

Cookies
  1. Cream butter and sugar.
  2. Add eggs one at a time and beat well.
  3. Stir in vanilla.
  4. Add dry ingredients and mix well.
  5. Chill thoroughly, 3-4 hours or overnight.
  6. Roll out on a floured board and cut out.
  7. Bake at 375 for 6-8 minutes.
Topping
  1. Mix cream cheese with mixer until smooth.
  2. Add whipped topping and powdered sugar and mix well.
  3. Frost cooled cookies with topping. 
  4. Top with desired fruit. Store in refrigerator.

Nutrition Facts

Calories

150.41

Fat (grams)

6.14

Sat. Fat (grams)

3.81

Carbs (grams)

22.23

Fiber (grams)

0.42

Net carbs

21.81

Sugar (grams)

12.57

Protein (grams)

1.90

Sodium (milligrams)

82.67

Cholesterol (grams)

29.13

Nutrition information is generated automatically and is not guaranteed to be correct.

fruit pizza cookies, fruit pizza sugar cookies
Dessert, Cookies
American

Monday, August 19, 2013

Terrific Tuesday #77


My favorite from last week:

 Refinished Coffee Table by Little Bit of Paint. I LOVE the look of dark stained wood paired with white. Therena did a beautiful job. Head her way to see how she built in the lower shelf.

Kit Kat Cookies by Life with the Crust cut off. Kit Kat's are one of my favorite candy bars. These cookies look so yummy!

Sofa Table Revamp by A Mommy's Life... with a touch of Yellow. Another great makeover - she has a thorough step by step.  I'm itching to get to a few more yard sales before the season is over so I can find me a sofa table to redo.






Now let's see all the terrific things you've been up to.

1. Link up!  No shops, or link parties please.

2. Comment, comment, comment

3. Grab my button or add a text link.


Friday, August 16, 2013

Kumihimo Beaded Bracelets from Prima Bead



Kumihimo Beaded Bracelets

So for the August project as a member of the Prima Bead Blogger Team, I was sent a box full of Kumihimo supplies. Here's what Prima Bead sent me:

Kumihimo
The first thing I saw when I opened the package, was the spools and the loom. I didn't have a clue what they were and what I was supposed to do with it. For a full day and through the night I panicked. How am I supposed to blog about this strange stuff? How am I going to make anything worth blogging about? I was starting to wonder what I'd gotten myself into.

The next day I dug into it. And guess what? It's really not hard at all. In fact, my 11 year old daughter even made a braided bracelet for her friend. Once I got going, it was kind of addicting. Every Friday for the next three weeks, I'll be showing you how I made the different bracelets. So be sure to check back for the tutorials.

The first bracelet I tried was a solid beaded bracelet.  One thing I learned: Don't braid too long at the beginning before you add the beads or at the end. In fact, I'm still working on that, but I'm getting better.



Kumihimo Beaded Bracelets

The next bracelet I tried was this blue bracelet speckled with gold beads. I did end up buying some bronze findings. I'm one of those people who don't like to mix my metals. I couldn't bring myself to use a silver clasp with the gold beads. This was really easy to create this look. It's all in how you string the beads on. I'll be sharing exactly how I created this look soon.

Kumihimo Beaded Bracelets

The next bracelet I made started out as an accident and ended up being my favorite of the bunch. I wanted to make a tutorial of how to do Kumihimo and so I grabbed different colored embroidery thread so it would be easier to demonstrate through pictures. I ended up loving how it looked and started playing around with adding beads only some of the time. I'm so excited about how it turned out. I entered a beaded bracelet using this method into my county fair and got a blue ribbon! A tutorial is in the works for this bracelet as well.

I also made a braided anklet with the same colors of thread.

Kumihimo Beaded Bracelets

 The last bracelet I made was this spiral bracelet, with the blue and gold beads. Another easy method that I'll be sharing soon.


Kumihimo Beaded Bracelets

Here's the schedule for my Kumihimo tutorials:
Sept 6 - Embroidery Thread and Seed Bead Bracelets. 


I am a Prima Bead Blog Team Member. I am also an affiliate of Prima Bead. I receive product from Prima Bead. In return, I create jewelry pieces from that product, and share about them through my blog and other social media outlets. All opinions expressed in this post are mine.


Wednesday, August 14, 2013

How to Distress Paint without Sandpaper

How to Distress without Sandpaper
Ever since I made my DIY Menuboard, I was looking for something else to paint in my kitchen. I also wanted to try a technique I'd heard about. You see, whenever I use sandpaper to distress my projects, I seem to sand off more than just the top layer. Sometimes that's ok to see a little bit of wood underneath. But this project the original paint did not match the new paint at all. I definitely did not want to sand through the top layers of paint.

I've had this mail organizer forEVER. Remember when moose were really in? Or was it just me trying to find decor to go with all the taxidermy my husband keeps bringing home?

 It was time for a makeover.

How to Distress without Sandpaper

I began by spray painting the whole thing black. This was the color I wanted to show up after distressing. The trick to this method is petroleum jelly. more commonly known as Vaseline. Using your finger, rub a very small amount of vaseline over all the places where you want to distress. I went over the edges. Then I hit a few spots in the middle.


How to Distress without Sandpaper

Now spray paint your top color on top and let it dry completely. The paint will bubble up a little where you've added the vaseline. You can kind of see it where the arrow is pointing.

How to Distress without Sandpaper
Now I literally grabbed a paper towel and gently rubbed over where I had put the vaseline. The green paint came up like magic leaving it distressed with hardly any work at all. This was so easy and I love the chippy look. I'll definitely be using this method again.

How to Distress without Sandpaper

I decided that it needed a something more. So I decided to stencil. You may remember this stencil - I've used it on my game cabinet and my bench/chest.

How to Distress without Sandpaper

Here it is back in use.

How to Distress without Sandpaper

How to Distress without Sandpaper


In the interest of keeping it real I'll give you a look from a distance. This is the junk spot. I try to keep up with it, but with the kids home all day long - there seem to be a lot of messes to clean up.

How to Distress without Sandpaper
Much better! Now if only it will stay that way.

Monday, August 12, 2013

Terrific Tuesdays #76


My favorite from last week:

Easy Kitchen Art by Dorothy Sue and Millie B's too. So cute and super easy too. Go check it out.



Improv Sewing Machine Cover by Windsor & Main. I really need to make one for my sewing machine.

Pretty Paper Basket by Crafty Journal. Another easy project that turned out so cute.






Now let's see all the terrific things you've been up to.

1. Link up!  No shops, or link parties please.

2. Comment, comment, comment

3. Grab my button or add a text link.



Thursday, August 8, 2013

Chocolate Lava Cakes - From the Archives

Chocolate Lava CakeThese Lava Cakes are SO easy. Serve them with a scoop or two of vanilla ice cream and prepare to be in heaven. Click here for my original post and link to the recipe.



 For those of you who are new: In an attempt to be able to spend more time with my kids for the summer, and not too much time on the computer, I'm sharing something from my first year of blogging each week. I'll just have a picture or two and direct you to the original post for the tutorial. 




Wednesday, August 7, 2013

Sapphire Dangle Earrings



Introducing Sapphire Dangle Earrings made from Stainless Steel Elegance products from Prima Bead.

Want to make your own? 

Supplies needed: 
12 Curved Tube Spacers
2 Fishhook Earwires
2 Eye pins
12 Head Pins
16 Jump Rings
Chain
1 strand Aqua Glass Mix
Let's get started:
How to Make Sapphire Dangle Earrings

 Begin by gathering your supplies and inserting your beads onto your pins. You can see above that I've already formed my loop on my large bead.

How to Make Sapphire Dangle Earrings

Next form a loop at the top of your curved spacers.

How to Make Sapphire Dangle Earrings
Using a jump ring attach your large bead to your earwire.
How to Make Sapphire Dangle Earrings
Attach your chain to the bottom of your bead with a jump ring. I added 5 links of the chain. 
Sapphire Dangle Earrings
Attach a curved spacer piece to each link of the chain using a jump ring. Also, add one to the jump ring that attaches the chain to the earring.
Repeat to make your other earring. 
Sapphire Dangle Earrings


Be sure to check out my Jewelry Tab for more jewelry projects.
I've been thinking of opening an Etsy shop. I'm going to be making a lot more jewelry than I'll ever be able to wear. Is there any interest? Would you be interested in purchasing this style earring? Of course I could make them in a variety of colors. I'd love to hear your thoughts and comments on this.



 I am a Prima Bead Blog Team Member. I am also an affiliate of Prima Bead. I receive product from Prima Bead. In return, I create jewelry pieces from that product, and share about them through my blog and other social media outlets. All opinions expressed in this post are mine.