DIY Friday: Gemstone Keychain

My keychain round-up from earlier this week was a lot of fun to put together but it got me thinking about making a unique version of my own.  I had some chunky blue agate stones lying around that didn't work out for another project, so I decide to use them here! You'll also need some chunky metal chain, a keychain ring, some jump rings, a jumble of thin chain, and 20 gauge wire.

Let's get started!

Start by cutting making a loop in one end of the wire and wrap around base to finish.

Drop your stone down onto the wire and repeat the same step above (loop with wrapping) to finish.

Open a jump ring and slip it through the top loop of your stone and through one end of the chunky metal chain. Close.

Attach the key ring to the other end of the chunky chain.

Cut varying lengths of the small chain and thread them onto an open jump ring.

Attach the jump ring with fringe through the loop at the top of your gemstone.

Open another jump ring and loop the bottom ends of the small chains onto the ring and then close the ring through the loop on the bottom of your stone. 

Attach your keys and enjoy!

Let me know what you think and if you're going to try this keychain DIY! 

If crafting or time aren't on your side, I also have lots more of these for sale --> $15 :) Email me if interested! joliejouel@gmail.com

DIY Friday: Sparkly Ombre Bracelet for Fall

This DIY is inspired by my friend Lauren who made a similar version of this bracelet for herself with bright beads. Her bracelet inspired me to make a sparkly ombre bracelet in colors that are perfect for the Fall. Or if you're a mermaid.

I actually have more of these beads and would be happy to sell a few of these bracelets to use up the leftovers. Email me if you're interested in buying your own Sparkly Ombre Bracelet!

You will need:
- 12-14 sparkly beads in various colors
- flat nose pliers
- snips
- 2 crimps
- 2 crimp covers
- 2 horseshoe shaped wire guards
- 1 clasp
- 1 jump ring
- beading wire

Step 1:
Thread one end of your wire through the crimp, the guard, and out the other side of the crimp.

Step 2:
Loop the end of the wire back through the crimp for extra hold. Squeeze the crimp shut, cut off the excess wire, and cover with a crimp cover.

Step 3:
Sort out the order of your beads and lay them out. I choose to fade from light to dark.

Step 4:

Start stringing them on!

Step 5:
Repeat the same crimping steps to finish off the bracelet as you did to start it (steps 1 - 2) but this time slip your clasp on to the wire guard before going back through the crimp.

Step 6:
Be sure to leave approximately the length of one bead between the last bead and your crimp cover. If you do this too tightly, the beads will look beautiful all in a row, but wont have room to bend and curve around your wrist.  Giving the beads "one bead length" to move into the round bracelet shape is imperative! 

Step 7:
Attach a jump ring to the other end of the bracelet and close it off.

The finale:

No time to DIY your own? Email me to purchase this one! It's the perfect accessory for Fall :)