Jewelry Making

DIY Jewelry, Beads And Patterns

Michaels Dream Tree Challenge Update

by

Ready-made ornaments ready to hang on the tree.I’ve been busy this week working on my Dream Tree entry for the Michaels Stores challenge. Jewel-tones and treasures are my design inspirations.

Ready-made ornaments waiting ot be hung on the tree. I added a few strands of colored lights to the pre-lit tree and then set to work tackling the treasure box tree skirt idea for hiding the tree stand. Mom donated a box to the cause. Made of light-weight wood, it was easy to cut out the bottom and make little slots for the feet fit to fit using a Dremel Multi-Max tool.

This repurposed storage box makes a great treasure box tree skirt! I started adding ornaments I purchased with the gift card from Michaels next. Celebrate It brand ornaments, ribbon and Christmas picks are on sale 50% off now as well as Ashland Christmas stems and bushes. Get this week’s ad for more savings.

My fluffy helper getting things out of the bag and ready for the tree.

I had plenty of help getting everything out of the bags and ready to put on the tree.

Craft supplies to create handmade tree ornaments. Some of my cherished ornaments are ones that have been handmade. I bought a stash of craft supplies at Michaels to create some new ones this season. Glass etching cream from Martha Stewart Crafts, Celebrate It clear glass ornaments, FloraCraft foam balls and sequins are just some of the goodies.

Celebrate It clear glass ornaments ready to be turned into heirloom ornaments.

Galss etching cream and glitter paint from Martha Stewart Crafts.

Foam balls ready to be decorated into handmade treasures.

Sequins and pins make sparkly ornaments.Don’t miss next week’s reveal of my Michaels Dream Tree and inspiration for handmade ornaments coming up next!

Comments

Have you read?

Book Review Wednesday: Bead Jewelry Making For Beginners

There is something very satisfying about bead jewelry making. It is one of those crafts that feels easy to start, but still gives you that lovely “I actually made this” moment when you finish a bracelet, necklace, or pair of earrings.

This week’s Book Review Wednesday pick is Bead Jewelry Making for Beginners, and unlike the trinket dish book where I was torn between our polymer clay and jewelry sections, this one sits very neatly here on Jewelry Making. Beads, findings, clasps, wire, earrings — no category confusion this time.

This looks like a useful beginner-friendly book for anyone wanting to move beyond simply stringing beads and start understanding how handmade jewelry actually comes together. Things like choosing beads, adding clasps, using findings properly, and making pieces that sit nicely are the little details that can make a beginner project feel much more polished.

I always think bead jewelry is a lovely craft for quick handmade gifts too. A simple bracelet, pair of earrings, or beaded necklace can be made fairly quickly, and it is easy to personalise with favourite colours, birthstones, charms, or leftover beads from the stash. And yes, if you have ever tipped a packet of seed beads across the table, you already know this craft comes with its own tiny chaos.

This book would suit new jewelry makers, teens, handmade gift makers, or anyone who has a bead stash tucked away and wants a little guidance getting started. Pair it with a basic set of jewelry pliers, beading wire or stretch cord, clasps, jump rings, and a bead mat, and you are ready to go.

My Shellie-style take? Bead Jewelry Making for Beginners looks like a practical, approachable starting point for anyone wanting to learn simple beaded jewelry techniques without feeling overwhelmed.