Changes to this Blog + New Website. Like my Tutorials? Please read this!

I wanted to let you know that there would be a few changes happening around here. 

I have started a new website for everything tutorial related.  There's a brand new tutorial over there:  Wire Wrapped Skeleton Key Headband Tutorial.

Tutorial website:  KimberlieKohler.com

Another change:  I'm married and my name is now Kimberlie (Burkhart) Kohler!

There is a new Emerging Creatively Tutorials Facebook Page (it's VERY new with no information, but don't worry, that will change!)

The B.B. Bellezza Facebook page for my jewelry updates.

My Twitter account (now @BBBellezza) will be switching to the name Kimberlie Kohler soon.  I will include tweets about everything I’m doing including both new jewelry and tutorials.  It’s me, lol, so it’s whatever is happening in my life at any given moment.

I already have 2 separate newsletters:

For Handcrafted Jewelry, B.B. Bellezza

For Tutorials, Emerging Creatively Tutorials

So, make sure that if you are interested in Tutorials, to make the switch over to the new website so you keep getting great information.  And if you're interested in my handcrafted jewelry, stay right where you are!  If you are interested in recycling tips and ideas, you'll find them in both blogs depending on the information.  (If they are tutorial related, they'll be at KimberlieKohler.com)

Also - I'm still working on the Kimberlie Kohler website, so it's not so beautiful yet and there isn't a simple button to click to follow, but if you sign up for my email newsletter, I'll make sure that you you get updates!  (I'll be changing the look somewhat of this blog, too.)

If you are interested in all I do, sign up for both newsletters and follow both blogs!  :)

If you are confused, let me know in the comments below and I’ll try to un-confuse you! 

Also note:

Everything that I have posted thus far on this blog will remain here, and all my posts up to this point have also been transferred to the new website. 

From this point on, however, posts will be in their perspective websites.

Tutorial: Flower Made from an Old Pattern

Supplies and Tools:

•  An old sewing pattern (or tissue paper)

• Scissors

• Wire + Wire cutters

Step #1

Cut out 4 pieces from the old pattern.  I made cute little flowers, so my pieces were 3 1/2" x 2 1/2".

Step #2

Fold up the pieces together, accordion - style.  (see photo)

Step #3

Cut curves on the ends.

Step #4

Cut 2 notches in the exact middle of the pieces - do not cut all the way through.  (It will be more clear in the next photo.)

Step #5

 

Wrap the wire (or you can use string) around in the notches.

Step #6

Separate each layer of the pattern pieces, starting in the middle pulling up the layer toward the middle.

Step #7

Continue pulling up the layers, one - by - one.

I plan to make a lot of these and putting them on branches for centerpieces.  You can put them anywhere you can wrap the wire around!

Get free tutorials right in your mailbox by signing up for my Emerging Creatively Tutorials Email List (and get a free tutorial when you sign up!):   Tutorial Newsletter Sign Up

New Tutorial Available: Hardware Fabric Cuff Bracelet

Learn how to make a Hardware Fabric Cuff Bracelet!

Make this unique bracelet using worn denim and leftover hardware.  Denim only gets better with age, so when you outgrow or have ruined your jeans, save them!  Cut around the worn parts to make this bracelet.

This bracelet is great for people with metal allergies - no metal touches your skin!

All you need to  know already is how to sew in a straight line.  I'll teach you everything else!

The Hardware Fabric Cuff Bracelet is just $5.

(Note, if you want to learn how to make several different types of cuffs and get ideas for customization, try my Fabric Cuff Workshop!  Just $15)

With all my tutorials, if you get stuck, you'll have my email for help!

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I now have a pattern store on Craftsy!  Craftsy makes things easy and smooth.  After you pay for your tutorial, you can immediately download it.  On etsy you had to wait for me to email your pattern, which could be within 24 hours.  Unless I get feedback that convinces me otherwise, I'll be listing my tutorial/patterns on Craftsy from here on out.

Enjoy!

Tutorial: Canvas Earring Holder

Especially since starting my 52 Weeks of Handmade Earrings project, I have realized I need a better storage solution for my earrings.  Up until now, they were just in a drawer, hopefully pairs were close to each other.

I came up with a better solution:

Canvas Earring Holder Tutorial

Materials:

• Canvas
• Tissue Paper
• Mod Podge
• Scissors
• Lace or Ribbon
• Hammer
• Nails
• Floral Wire

 

Step #1

Prepare your canvas.  I don’t have photos of what I did because I had already started this for a different project when I had the idea for the earrings holder.

I used a 8” x 10” canvas, though in the future I would use a larger canvas to fit more earrings (I used what I had around.)

To get the effect above, I used tissue paper.  I just added a thick layer of Mod Podge to the entire canvas and around the sides. 

I crinkled the tissue paper and started placing it on the canvas, wrinkling it and places as I went along.  If you happen to rip it, just add more tissue paper.  You won’t even notice when you’re done.

{update} I did a video for a Canvas Necklace Holder and showed how I did the tissue paper on the canvas.  It's at the beginning of the video.

You can see how I went all the way around the canvas edges.

 Then let the canvas dry completely. 

Once it’s dry, trim any excess tissue paper.

 

Step #2

Cut out several pieces of lace or ribbon.  Cut it to fit across the canvas with extra to wrap around the back and be secured in the back.

I cut out 6 pieces, but ended up only using 5 of them.  When designing, consider your earring collection.  I have a lot of dangly earrings, so I need more room between rows of earrings.

Step #3

Take the first piece of ribbon or lace and pull around the back.  Hammer a nail through the lace or ribbon into the wood from the canvas.  Attach both sides. 

Make sure that your nails are not longer than the thickness of the canvas or they will poke out of the front.

 

(View from the front.)

Step #4

Continue securing all the ribbon and lace.  Trim off the excess ribbon or lace.

 Step #5

Hammer in 2 more nails toward the top of the canvas.  Don’t hammer them in all the way.  This will secure the wire to hang the earring holder.

Step #6

Cut off a length of floral wire and twist around the nails on each side.

Step #7

 Hang up, fill up with earrings and enjoy your organized earrings!!

 

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