Halloween banner tutorial! It'sFREE!

To kick off  the Halloween season and get you in the mood to decorate I've decided to show you how to make a banner I made today while getting ready for Glitterfest.  Before I started making it I thought why not document the steps, so here you go.  Enjoy and just know that I am not endorsing any specific products or for that matter getting paid to.  It's to jump start the spooky season and inspire.

to make this:

 YOU'LL NEED:

BLACK STAMP PAD
SPONGE
PAGES FROM AN OLD BOOK (I USED A OLD GERMAN BOOK)
STENCILS
BLACK CARDSTOCK
MATTE MEDIUM
EYELETS
EYELET SETTER AND HOLE PUNCH (I USE A CROPADILE)
WIRE

Start stenciling the pages by rubbing the sponge onto the black stamp pad, hold the stencil onto the page and rub onto it.  Note : I tore the pages in half.

 Do this 5 more times with different stencils.  Check out this site:

Cut 5 rectangles of black card stock.  What ever size your pages are make the black card stock 1/2 inch larger on all sides.   In other words if your pages are 6 1/4 x 4.75 the black card stock would be 6 3/4 x 5 1/4.  **These are the actual dimensions of my banner pages.
Take the matte gel medium and apply to the back of the pages.  Attach to the black card stock.  Apply more medium onto that.  Make sure every centimeter is covered with matte medium so that there is no lift.

Do this to all five pieces and let dry thoroughly.  When they have all dried sand if you like for a distressed look with sand paper (or block).

As an option, use a corner punch.

Then punch holes is the upper corners:

Add eyelets (I dyed mine with black ink and then lightly sanded them ):

ALMOST DONE.  Now take some wire ( I used 22g annealed steel)

String the wire onto the pages.  I made a loop on each end to hold it in place.  ENJOY!
Show me yours!!!

New classes for Winter!

Hello Creative Ones!  Check out my new events and classes for this winter (make sure you scroll all the way):

Saturday Sept.22, 11-3p
GARDEN OF BEADEN in Upland has invited me to participate in their last weekend of the annual bead shop hop!  I will be doing fun and affordable make and takes through out the day with kits available to purchase as well as bringing some of my wares.  Hope to see you there!



Saturday Oct. 13, 10-4

GLITTERFEST!!!!Santa Ana,CA.  YAY!  I love Glitterfest and will be in my regular spot by the stage.  If you don't know what GF is it's a fantastic REAL (nothing from CHina) handmade altered art and mixed media show with several very,very talented artists' selling their wares!   Come early!!  





Saturday & Sunday, Oct.20,21
Bead Gallery in Mira Mesa,Ca (N.San Diego)  has invited me back to teach 2 workshops! 
Saturday Oct. 20, 11-5p $100:  Starfish Bracelet!  All new class that you will love!  No experience necessary and I supply all the materials!  Just bring basic soldering equipment and jewelry pliers.

Sunday Oct.21, 12-3p $75 includes all supplies: TUBE BEAD EARRINGS.  Learn how to make these gorgeous earrings!  These tubes have so many uses for all your jewelry making and are so easy!  All materials supplied.





Saturday Nov.3, 11-4p Mariposa Necklace
Whimzy, Irvine Ca.  $100 includes all supplies
Yet again, a brand new class!  I love this necklace and I think you will too!  Learn some of my tricks to turn a seemingly non jewelry item into a show stopping focal!  All levels welcome

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 10, 11-5P $85
BEAD GALLERY, MIRA MESA,CA
HEART LOCKET

 Learn how to make this soldered heart locket complete with a working open/closing action!  This is my own design and there is no other class out there like it!  New types of decorative soldering, bezel construction (with out fire!) and hinges will be taught.

Saturday Nov.17, 11-5p $110
Gilding the Lily, Fullerton CA
BOHEMIAN CHIC BRACELET! 

Brand spankin' new class for beginners and advanced soldering!  All materials supplied.  Just bring soldering equipment and jewelry pliers!