Guest Services: How to make matching jewelry sets

Welcome to the first of many guest posts on Dear Wallet, Cindy is thrift lover, second-hand picker, and jewelry designer from Sacramento, CA. She is currently in the process of starting her blog, so look for details coming soon on how to contact her! 

-Aria

So you found that perfect necklace to go with that perfect outfit, but alas, no earrings to match.  

Making your own jewelry can be the solution to this particular dilemma.  It’s fun, easy and cost effective.  Beads, findings (the metal parts that hold it all together) and tools can be found in specialty shops, online and at many big box stores like Joann’s, Beverly’s, Michaels’s and Wal-Mart.  The amber crystal beads that I chose for my earrings were purchased at my local specialty shop.  The total cost for the earrings including the crystals, findings and leverbacks came to under $5 .00. (A true win-win!) 

The first step is to select your components.  In this case I chose amber crystals in a medium size teardrops and tiny filler beads. To minimize frustration, play with different patterns and decide on an arrangement before you begin assembling. 

To complete this project I will need; 4 tiny crystals, 2 medium teardrops, 2 leverbacks, 2 headpins and 2 O rings.  

Next, thread the beads onto the headpin and using wire cutters, clip off the excess and curl the remaining wire into a loop. 

  

Some O rings are precut but these are not.  

This is easily remedied by making a small snip and slightly separating the ends just enough to slide the drop earring and leverback on.

 Twist back together and voile la!  You have a great pair of earrings.

Enjoy!

-Cindy

More jewelry design by Cindy:

All photos courtesy of Silver Daisies Studios.

INSPIRATION [color blocking]

Who doesn't love getting trendy styles without the trendy prices? Since I've been color blocking happy lately, I figured I would finish off the trend with an Inspiration post. My favorite part, is how custom this can be. Don't like the colors? Simply choose your favorites and have fun!

SKIRT: Find a cheap thrift skirt in your favorite color, grab some fabric dye (follow instructions on box) and put in a tub large enough to dip your skirt into, hang to dry and you have a fabulous color block skirt in your favorite colors!
HEELS: I love these! Grab some cute shaped heels from your local thrift, scuffs don't matter because you simply paint with nail polish, add glitter while its drying, cover with clear polish or modpodge for a fabulous bling look!
PURSE: Find a simple purse that you love the shape of, use painters tape to tape off sections and create those great blocks, using fabric paint, change up the colors. When its dry pull off the tape to reveal your masterpiece!
NECKLACE: Find a cheap chain necklace, or head to your local home improvement store chain section. They have an amazing selection in every shape, size, and even material. Choose your favorite-but beware as fun and chunky as a metal chain would be-it may get heavy quickly around your neck so choose wisely! Finish off by dipping sections of the chain into your favorite paint cans, let drip dry, and add jewelry fasteners to make it easy to get on and off, or make it long enough to slip on!

To find out more about these designer items, click the image to head to Polyvore! My estimated prices for creating are based on savvy shopping at your local thrift stores, and what items most have around their house! Questions about how to do something? Let me know! I'd love to help, or even make a tutorial for something if requested!

Guest Services: Color Blocking

Welcome to the new and improved 'Guest Services'. Every month I feature a guest blogger, interview, or feature great projects from other fabulous DIYers! Want to be featured, or know someone who deserves it? Let me know!

Since color blocking is a popular trend this summer I've decided to kick off with a few great color blocking projects that are sure to spice up your life!

Yarn Lampshade Tutorial by Vintage Revivals

This beautiful ombre shade made using yarn and hot glue! Love it! Perfect way to bring character, color, and the color blocking trend into your home!

Color Block Bolster Pillow by Sew4Home

I love this pillow, and it has found its way onto my to-do list! A comfy and functional way to add the trend to your home! Choose colors you already incorporate into your room, and this pillow can tie the room together as the finishing piece!

Backyard Bird Bath by The Culinary Cougar

Your backyard needs love too!  How about this bright bird bath! Made from terra cotta pots, painted bold bright color-this is the perfect way to make a splash this season!

Color Block Clutch by PS I Made This

Such a simple project, so easy, so custom and so cute! Perfect addition to any wardrobe, especially if you're not completely in love with the trend! Add this to your daily ensemble and people will be lining up to compliment your style!

Make sure you not only check out these tutorials, but their sites as well! Some amazing projects you just can't miss out on-click on the name or image to be brought to their site!

Summer Trends

This summer, its all about neon colors and bold prints. Pull your brightest tones out, for a bold color blocking wardrobe, pair with gold statement screaming jewelry and you will be the talk of the town! Need something a little subtler? Black and white are always a safe play-pair with a bright colored blazer, layer your accessories and you can't go wrong! Floral's are a strong contender this season in the trend circles, especially in dresses and pants!

Check out this beautiful gold statement find, a Betsey Johnson large dragonfly crystal necklace. Retails for $150, purchased for $20 on ebay!

I've said it before, I'm not much of a trend chaser, but I can't help it when I love something cute...and it just happens to be trendy! I've gushing over florals lately, so my trend wishlist this season starts with florals,  everything from jackets to tops, to dresses and shorts! Next on my wishlist is the colorblock, this girl loves color, so it just seems natural to pair a few bright shades together to make a bold statement. Last but not least is gold. Up until a few months ago I never would have looked at something gold, much less purchased it. But its been creeping up on me-and now its found its way onto my wishlist!

Click the image to head to Polyvore, to find out who makes these fabulous items!

What trendy items are on YOUR wishlist this season?