Postage Stamp DIY Bangle Bracelet

I've been enamored by diy bangle bracelets for awhile. I'm a sucker for quirky jewelry (clearly). First, I searched the internet for pictures of postage stamps. I stuck with nature-themed ones, primarily flowers and birds. 

Click to enlarge.

I printed that sheet and cut them out.

Then began using Modge Podge to attach them to a wooden bangle bracelet.

I used several layers of Modge Podge, which makes it shiny and slightly textured and helps seal the piece so the paper doesn't get wet.

Plant for more beautiful streets, yo.

I'm highly amused by the end result.

The Answer to Life

This is the best necklace ever.
I own the most fantastic piece of jewelry that ever existed.
I've just made the most excellent purchase in the history of etsy.

All true, but your words rub salt in the wounds you're about to inflict.

Guys, LOOK!

I don't even remember how I found Coryographies, but it was immediately clear that this was the shop of a genius. A friend gave me an etsy gift certificate for my birthday, and I used it to ask Cory to make me a custom bookcase necklace based on The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. Cory came up with the paint job for the bookcase itself, which, as you can see, is fantastic.

I asked her to include "Don't Panic," 42, a teapot, a half lemon, a pot of petunias, and, of course, a towel.* She was able to squeeze it all in, and it's glorious and perfect. She seems to be taking a short break at the moment, but I highly recommend checking out her jewelry once she's back. She has some great necklaces in stock (Sherlock Holmes!) as well as being open to custom orders.

*Those of you who are getting ready to blast me for using an image from the movie and not the book, calm down. Both the books and the movie are fantastic. It's a rare thing in the world, but I maintain that the movie is a good addition to the Hitchhiker universe and not a Hollywood piece of crap.

Bird's Nest Necklaces

Yesterday, I went to a friend's house for a Craft Afternoon. We made necklaces that we had seen on Pinterest.

They are awesome.

Between the two of us, we made ten of them. I'm planning to give one to my mom, one to each of my two sisters, keep one, and I still have a fifth whose destination is unknown.

I'm wearing one today.

The tutorial we used is here, and they really were pretty easy. We had a couple different gauges of wire, and both worked. The thicker is a bit harder to bend, while the thinner is a little harder to get to stay where you want it to, but I liked the look of both of them. I think these will make great gifts!

Update: I gave the Mizzle to my mom, and she loves it. She called to tell me how many compliments she received when she wore it. Score.

Jewelry that Means Something

I don't have much expensive jewelry. When we meet with our insurance guy, he always asks me about jewelry. "Do you have enough coverage? How much do you think your jewelry is worth?"

Um, I don't need a separate policy to cover my jewelry. Most of it is handmade. Almost all of it is inexpensive. I like it that way.

There is a lot of awesome, handmade jewelry out there, and I love supporting people who are creating their own pieces.  Much of my stuff has been bought from a friend of a friend who makes her own jewelry. Sadly, she doesn't have a website. However, I'll bet that if you go to a local craft fair, you'll find someone like Valerie who makes and sells beautiful jewelry at great prices.

I bought this Buddha pendant for $8 in 2007 and still wear it a few times a week. The metal chain (which I bought for $4.50) has turned brown, and someday I'll get around to replacing it. I bought this from an etsy seller that's no longer selling, but there are lots of great pendants on etsy.

I bought this for a friend for Christmas for $8.95 from SunshowerCreations. I think it's gorgeous and may end up buying one for myself as well.

Andrew bought me this nerd necklace for Christmas. It was $6.95 from Pieces of Me Pendants. Like the Buddha necklace, it's made from a Scrabble tile. I love this necklace and am constantly amused by people who think that "nerd" is an insult.  I'm proud of my nerdiness--so proud that I'll wear a Scrabble tile proclaiming it for all to see.







This is my most recent purchase. It's from SpiffingJewlery. She and her husband cut and bend the aluminum, custom stamp it with whatever you want in your choice of fonts, and give you forty different color options. This cost me $28.00, including shipping. It's astounding to me that such labor-intensive awesomeness is so affordable.


She hand stamped it with Eight Noble Truths. I need lots and lots of reminders. Lots and lots.

I love jewelry that reminds me of who I want to be. The inexpensive pieces I've bought make me so much happier than a piece purchased from a mall jewelry store.* They say things about me, and in some cases even help me as I strive to be the person I want to be.

*I assume. I suppose I can't say that for sure since I don't really buy pieces from a mall jewelry store. Still, it seems like a pretty safe assertion to make.