CraftyHope: May 2023

Jesse James Beads Tutorials

I believe that I've mentioned a time or two here that I'm a Design Ambassador for Jesse James Beads. Basically, that means they send me beads, chains, pendants, and findings from their shop; and I make beautiful things with some of it that I share. For the most part, that sharing is on either Instagram or YouTube. But, there's no reason I shouldn't make sure you see what I've made either.

First, here's the latest Jesse James Beads unboxing of the pretties that I received.

From there, I created this pair of earrings that were full of hearts and flowers, perfect for Mother's Day at the beginning of the month. You can watch how I made these in this Instagram Reel.

After that, I created a really beautiful necklace with a full tutorial on YouTube.

And, most recently, I shared another Instagram reel on making these super sparkly earrings.

And, there's more coming from Jesse James beads this summer. Watch their Instagram, Facebook page, and especially the Jesse James Secret Stash Facebook group for more details coming soon.

Pretty Filigree and Bead Bracelet

I really enjoy participating in the Pirate Pretties Jewelry Challenge each month as it encourages me to use materials and combinations I wouldn't have previously considered. This challenge comes from Angela, and this is the second year I've participated. While the monthly theme last year was birthstones, this year we're using color combos that Angela has set. In addition, she has a choice of metals, a project type, and an optional fun element that should be included each month. This month, the color combo is Peach and Pearl White, the metal choice is copper or silver, the project is a bracelet, and the fun element is filigree. These are the materials I gathered for the challenge.

Now, I haven't done much work with filigree as a setting for anything, but really wanted to try - especially once I found the glass cabochon. I let the camera roll as I experimented with the design of my bracelet, and am thrilled with the results.

You can watch all my experimentation in my DIY Copper Filigree Bracelet video on YouTube.

I cannot believe how beautifully this bracelet came together, and that's evident in my reaction when you watch the video.

You can find more participants and makes from this challenge by searching #PiratePrettiesJewelryChallenge on YouTube. That's also one of the options in how to participate. Also, Angela has a Facebook Group where she sells beads but also encourages you to share your monthly makes in a comment on her reveal.

If you have any questions about the making of this bracelet or Angela's challenge, please ask away!

Thrifty Thursday Haul

I've backed off on some of my thrift shopping lately as I have plenty and really just need to use it. But, I did find a few things at a thrift store and a few more at an estate sale in the past week or two. I'll share a peek at both hauls with you here, but if you're interested in seeing it all in more detail, I do have a video (at the bottom of this post).

This first little set was found at a local thrift store.

And, these treasures came from a large estate sale.

Like I said above you can learn more about what all this is in the Thrifty Thursday haul video.

If you know what some of the questionable items are or have any questions for me about these hauls. just give me a shout!

May Art Challenges and Inspirations

It's time again for me to share some of the challenges and inspirations that will help me create over the course of the month. I hope you'll join me in a few of these!

I would be remiss if I didn't mention my own challenge #CraftyHopePrompts. This is a weekly mixed media challenge in which each Monday, I pull three prompts and create a prompt card from an old playing card. Then, each Saturday, I make another project with those same prompts. The videos explain how you can play along, but I welcome any questions you have about this project.
The reveal that's coming up the next soonest is the monthly Pirate Pretties Jewelry Challenge from Angela. The reveal date is the 15th. This year, the theme of the challenge is "Double Color." You can learn more about the challenge in Angela's video. This month, the two colors are Peach and Pearl White. We are to make a bracelet using copper or silver and the optional fun element of filigree. You can upload a video with the hashtag #PiratePrettiesJewelryChallenge and/or share your make in the Pirate Pretties Facebook Group.
The Honey Do List is another jewelry-making challenge. It comes from Sarajo and Eric of SJ Designs Jewelry. Each month, Eric gives Sarajo a photo that he's taken. The photo is to be used as inspiration for one or more jewelry designs. Sarajo shares this photo on her blog so we can all be inspired too. The reveal date this month is May 29th.
My friend, Nina Ficket, has a Clean Slate journal series in which you simply work in a junk journal sometime during the month and film it. With all the other prompts and inspirations, this is a bit of a palette cleanser for me and often just what I need.
Lastly, I'm not promising anything, but Index Card a Day (ICAD) often begins on June 1st. This is a 61-day challenge from Tammy of Daisy Yellow that usually has daily prompts and weekly themes (all optional). If you're curious you can watch my ICAD creations from last year in my ICAD 2022 playlist on YouTube. Or, just do a search for ICAD. Or, ask me any questions you may have. Though, this ICAD page on the Daisy Yellow blog probably answers most your questions. This is a fun daily challenge. And, it will probably start the same day the 100-Day project ends. How about that!?

That's all I've got right now. And, that's probably plenty!

But, definitely let me know if you've got any fun inspiration to share.

I know I could always use as much as I can get.

Mixed Media Videos from April 2023

Holy smokes, y'all. I blinked and April was at an end. Did it fly by for you too? Here's a quick roundup of the art journaling and mixed media art videos I posted over on YouTube in April, in case you missed any of them.

Per usual, I'll first share my makes from my own #CraftyHopePrompts challenge. The videos each explain this challenge if you're unsure what it is.