You can turn any appliqué piece or swatch of beaded fabric into jewelry in minutes. This project in particular is perfect for brides because of its clear crystals. A friend of mine who is a clothing designer gave me these beaded scraps, and I put them to good use. See what you can find to use!
Skill level: Easy
Time: 20 minutes plus curing time
Supplies
♦ Disposable gloves
♦ Two-part epoxy clay (white or gray)
♦ Protected work surface
♦ Wet wipes
♦ Beaded trim pieces, cut out and trimmed close
♦ Large and medium jump rings
♦ Nail polish and/or pigment powders to match the beads on the trim
♦ Earring hooks
♦ Chain
♦ Lobster claw clasp
Gay Isber
1. Mix your clay, then roll it into small balls. Place one ball at the top of each trim piece.
Gay Isber
2. Insert a small but sturdy jump ring into the clay and seal it in place by smushing the clay a bit with your fingertips. Add a touch of pearl powder to add a sheen if desired.
Gay Isber
3. Allow to cure. Add a touch of pearl nail polish if you want. The goal is to try to make the clay blend in as much as possible with the beaded fabric.
Gay Isber
4. Suspend the finished pieces from earring hooks to create earrings. Add many of them to a chain for a necklace.
Mike Mihalo