Pillowcase Refashion Round Up {Waste Not Wednesday}

I've been stupidly busy over the last week and haven't managed to prepare a Waste Not Wednesday Tutorial, but I hate to leave you without inspiration. So, whilst my head hits my pillow for a well deserved catch up sleep, here's a small selection of pillowcase re-fashions that have caught my eye recently.

Main Picture: Shirred Pillowcase Top on Craftzine Top Right: Repurposed Pillowcase Purses by KI's Things Middle Right: Little Girl's Pillowcase Dress on Re:fashion Bottom Right: Sleeper Bag on Martha Stewart

I promise that Waste Not Wednesday will be back with a 'homemade' tutorial next week, but until then my friends, wish me sweet dreams.

Still Inspired

I'm still being inspired by Something From (Almost) Nothing. So far we've started using up our metal embellishments, patterned paper scraps, ribbons, cardstock and page protectors - now it's on to stickers, flowers and buttons. There's some fabulous inspiration in the forums as well, so if you've ever wondered about taking one of Shimelle's classes, I can highly recommend it.

The last couple of weeks have been so hectic that I'm trying to catch up on the prompts before the class officially closes at the end of the month and, although I haven't been tackling the prompts in any kind of order, I've got a couple of layouts to share with you.

This first layout is a simple 6 x 12 layout using a photograph from our trip to Gloucestershire last summer. We got terribly lost, but as you can see, sometimes that's not such a bad thing! I used up some old Making Memories alpha stickers and a metal sticker embellishment - stash busting on a small scale.

And this layout? Well, it's been hanging around in my scrap room - unfinished - for almost a full year. It's a long story that I wanted to tell - a tongue in cheek look at my trust issues - but once I'd started it I didn't really know how I wanted to finish it. Since then, my scrapbooking style has evolved a little, but I'm glad to finally finish it off with lots of little flowers. It can now take it's place in my scrapbook album.

Does anyone else have layouts like that? Ones which linger around just waiting for some finishing touches? How do you decide which to leave and which to finish?

Come As You Are {Fashion Forward}

In the six months or so since the wonderful Katherine and I started Fashion Forward, we've had a blast discussing everything from little black dresses to white wedding dresses and pretty pastels to gleek chic. We've also enjoyed the posts put together by our fabulously fashionable regulars Cindy, Courtney, Krystle, Mel, Mae, Emily, Ana, Erika and Gem and, have discovered that they have become our friends.

And, importantly, we've discovered that following fashion trends isn't the same as finding your style or keeping it simple.

So, as Fashion Forward comes to an end, I wanted to leave you not with a 'fashionable' outfit, but with an outfit that is just 'me' - a classic black wrap dress, a colourful trench coat, a statement necklace, a beautiful bag and lustworthy shoes. This is me as I am. (Or at least as I would choose to be if I could afford those Louboutin shoes!)

This Is Me. As I Am. by OPCreative featuring (very expensive) Christian Louboutin Shoes.
Items in this set: Splendid Jersey Wrap Dress, £94; Pale Blue Military Mac, £49; Christian Louboutin Pigalle 120 Patent Pumps, £380; Fiorelli Levine Large Shopper Handbag £49 and Round Facet Stone Necklace, £18

If you're playing along this week, please leave a link so I can stop by and ooh and ahh one last time and so that I can draw one name at random for a little fashionable giveaway.

Make A Spring Scarf From Tights. Seriously. {Waste Not Wednesday}

Last autumn I came across a pile of old tights stuffed into my fabric drawer just waiting for inspiration to strike. Determined to make use of them, I created A Necklace Made From Recycled Tights Which Vaguely Resembles A Necklush. Rolls off the tongue, doesn't it?

After an autumn and winter full of tight wearing, I now have another pile of tights full of holes and ladders and thought that Waste Not Wednesday would be a good time to share my (re)construction methods - and, of course, you'll benefit from a few improvements.

You'll Need:

Tights - Use at least two pairs of tights for a lightweight scarf and add more for extra bulk.
Scissors - Pinking shears work particularly well, but any household scissors will work perfectly well.
Needle & Thread or Sewing Machine.
Sewing or Safety Pins.

1. Cut off the legs of your tights, just below the gusset - isn't that the most horrible word in the English language? Then cut off the toes (or on footless tights, remove the the bottom seam.) Keep these sections for use later on.

2. By cutting into the edges, open each leg of the tights out to form a rough rectangle. Now cut each section into strips at least 1cm wide - if you're using tights with a thin denier, increase the width of your strips. And don't worry if the width varies a little or your pieces aren't straight - that will all be hidden later.

3. When you've finished cutting your strips, take each individual strip and pull gently on both ends. You'll notice that it stretches and also that it curls in on itself - this is the great part where all of the jagged edges and slight variations in thickness disappear!

4. Take each individual section and tie a double knot in the ends to form a loop. Trim the ends close to the knot for a neat finish and gather the cords with the knotted ends together.

5. Take the upper part of one pair of tights and cut out a large rectangle. Wrap this around the area of knotted ends and pin in place.

6. Join the sides of the rectangle together using a needle and thread or sewing machine, forming a tube around your gathered ends.

Tip - So that you won't sew through the cords, pull the wrap away from the knotted cords as you sew. This will also make the wrap a little tighter and will hide the knotted ends well.

7. Trim away any surplus material from the wrap. Then hide the stitching by simply turning the tube inside out - it's stretchy so it's super easy.

Make variations on this simple design by adding beads to the strips of fabric before you loop them, by plaiting the strips together before forming the scarf or by using a variety of colours. (And, if you'd like to see an example being worn, head over to I Speak Melsh to see my friend Mel wearing a version I made for her Christmas present!)

Keep the remainder of your tights (the tops and toes) for a future tutorial and don't forget to 'Waste Not, Want Not' by using up all the little scrappy ends to stuff your pincushions!

Feel The Earth Beneath Your Feet {Flickr Favourites}

There is something undeniably pleasurable about being able to take off your shoes and run barefoot across dewy lawns; the texture of soil between your toes and the feel of the earth beneath your feet.

*sigh*

1. Central Park, 2. Soil That Is Loved!!, 3. Tasting The Earth, 4. First Sign Of Summer

Head over to Artmind to see more Flickr Favourites chosen by Mitsy and Co. There's always new fantastic favourites to be found.

Casually Classic {Fashion Forward}

I've been so busy this last week the time I usually spend flicking through fashion magazines and sipping champagne (!) has instead been spent catching up the latest episode of Desperate Housewives and some well deserved sleep. So, this week's Fashion Forward is short - but still sweet!

I've been looking for the perfect spring/summer top to wear casually with jeans and a cute jacket - something I can wear for a lunch date with my mum; something I could wear shopping with my sisters; or something I could wear to the movies with some friends. It needs to be simple, but stylish and casual but classy. Eventually, I found it in the form of this beautiful Handmade Teal Twig Cowl from Recession. Isn't it glorious?

Since I don't wear them all that often, a fantastic pair of earrings will always make me feel special - and these Blue Rain Earrings from Fleur Fatale are just the thing to finish off a casually classic outfit. Now, I just need to start filling up my diary.

And, before you leave, a little news. Katherine and I have decided to bring Fashion Forward to an end. Much as we've enjoyed these last few months of shoes, shopping and solidarity, we'd like to spend our blogging hours creating some tutorials, crafty projects (and in Katherine's case, the odd vlog!)

We're hoping you'll join us for one last Fashion Forward next week when I'll be hosting a little giveaway. Oh and the dress code for our farewell party? Come as you are x

Edited: We realise just how much time it takes everyone to put together their posts and we're very grateful to everyone who's joined us. We will, of course, be staying in touch.

Edited (Even Later): And.....I forgot the Mr. Linky. Duh! This is what happens to me when I have no sleep!

Simple Spring Necklace {Waste Not Wednesday}

Rummaging through my beading stash the other week, I came across a bag full of plastic yellow beads - not the sort of thing I would normally go out of my way to purchase, so I have no idea where they came from. As I was stuffing them back into my beading box I had a sudden vision of finding them in about ten years, stuffed at the bottom of a box and finally deciding that it was time to throw them away. It made me feel a little sad.

Determined to make the most of them, I decided on a simple, strung necklace that's perfect for spring. So, for this week's Waste Not Wednesdays, we're going back to jewellery school basics with a project that's so easy you could make it with your kids during the Easter Break or whip it up whilst watching your favourite film.

I made one, very long necklace for versatility. I can wear it long, knot it or wrap it around for a layered look, but you may prefer to make a few separates. I also used what I had to hand, but you can change the look from pretty to elegant just by substituting the beads you use. It would look stunning made with some pearls!

You'll Need:

A selection of plastic or light weight beads - they do not have to be the same size, shape or colour.
Beading elastic or thin sewing elastic thread.
Superglue.
Scissors.

1. If you are working with a spool of beading elastic or sewing elastic, start threading your beads directly onto the spool. This will allow you to decide on the length of your necklace at any time and will also stop the beads from falling off one end as you thread them onto the other!

Tip - If you aren't working on a spool, you could always tie one end of the elastic to a chair, door handle or big toe (!) so that you can concentrate on your threading.

2. Continue to thread your beads onto the elastic - perhaps alternating beads of different sizes or colours - until you have a necklace of the desired length or run out of beads.

3. When all of your beads have been threaded, cut the elastic from the spool leaving at least five inches of elastic at each end of your beads.

4. Bring both ends of the elastic together and tie a surgeon's knot into the elastic. Tighten the knot so that it nestles between two of your beads, then add a small amount of superglue to the knot.

5. When the superglue has dried, trim the ends of the elastic, then carefully pull the elastic so that the knot slides into one of the adjacent beads.

Tip - To finish off my necklace, I found a scrap piece of ribbon in a similar colour and tied it in a bow around the beads. This is also a perfect way to keep your necklace lengths together if you wrap them.

As always, I'd be grateful for any feedback or questions about the tutorial and if you do have a go at making something I feature let me know, I'd love to stop by and have a look!

Archer Hairline

I'm sneaking in a layout for the current All About Challenge which ends today. (I know, I know, but the laundry!) The Design Team came up with an excellent theme - personality - and many of them chose to base their layouts on the results of personality profiles such as Myers Briggs. Whilst I do have several Myers Briggs stories to tell (the result of working in careers and training) I really wanted to create my little layout based on my results of the What's Your Type? quiz I found a while ago via How About Orange.

By taking you through a short series of questions (via a highly entertaining video, I might add) you are told which typeface suits your personality - and I came out as Archer Hairline. Once you've worked your way through the quiz yourself, you'll have the option to see the results and 'personalities' of other typefaces, so I won't spoil it by telling you what my results mean.

I've printed out a small sample of the typeface and added it to an old library card pocket and I've journalled about the results on a series of tags which I can hide away. Taking my inspiration from one of Tara Anderson's designs for the Something From (Almost) Nothing class, I've used several strips of scrap ribbon along the bottom of my layout and added a handmade ribbon rose. I love that the layout has a basic structure but that the ribbons break across the edges - a little like my personality type.

Cityscape (Or Should That Be Scrap?)

Just a quick post and run this morning. So little time and so much laundry! But, I did want to show off my latest scrapbook page inspired by the Something From (Almost) Nothing. It's another page made using paper scraps - mainly what I had lying around on my desk (and, um, floor!)

The class has been very inspiring. I'm enjoying putting together my pages; trying new styles and techniques. It's good just to take my time with each page and really rummage through the products that I have. Normally, I try to finish my pages quickly as I like the satisfaction of finishing them in one sitting, but I'm finding that by giving myself a little more time I'm enjoying the process a lot more and my ideas have time to form properly. I always thought I didn't have the 'proper' stash to do the layouts I wanted to. I just never gave myself time to really hunt it down or find alternatives.

As a result, I'm now much happier with my finished pages - and I'm much happier with my meagre stash. And, of course, it's great to finally scrap the photographs that have been neglected.

Folksy Charm {Fashion Forward}

I honestly don't understand my sudden fascination with all things 'folk art'. I know that woodland motifs really became quite popular during the last year and, although I caught onto that trend pretty quickly, it's taken my tastes quite a while to catch up.

Folksy Charm by OPCreative on Polyvore.com

Items in this set:
1. John Lewis Amy Duvet Covers, £25 available from JohnLewis.com; 2. Gold Deer and Bird Silhouette Necklace, £9.90 available from PlasticLand; 3. Folk Art Flower Design Poster, £7 available from Zazzle; 4. Folk Art Birds Stencil, £11 available from The Artful Stencil; and 5. Little Modern Birds Pillow, £40 available from Nimli

I'm going to blame the fact that I've spent a lot of time reading the Martha Stewart website this week - maybe there's some subliminal advertising going on - but it probably has more to do with the beautiful sets of home tours featured.

That's probably why most of my choices for this week are for the home, though I did manage to squeeze in the most adorable necklace.

If you're playing along with Fashion Forward this week, leave your link below so that I can come and check out what you're oogling this week. You know I love a good oogle.

Stash Busting With Shimelle {Scrap Sunday}

Shimelle's new class - Something From (Almost) Nothing - started earlier this week, but I didn't really have opportunity to act on the wonderful, stash busting prompts until last night. Inspiration and enthusiasm was at an all time high though and for a couple of hours I was unbelieveably productive! Here's the evidence -

Our stash busting prompts were all about using up our metal embellishments and our paper scraps. Since, I feel totally at home using up my paper scraps, I hauled out my box full of teeny, tiny (but glorious) scraps of paper and sorted through it looking for some scraps that would co-ordinate with a photograph of my parents - one I've been meaning to scrap for a long time!

Everything, except the base cardstock came from my scrap collection - including the leftover rub-ons and three little bits of bling that have been hanging around since last year. I added some stitching and some of my favourite scrap flowers to give the layout a little bit of depth and I'm really happy with how 'sunny' it feels.

Feeling really spurred on by completing the layout, I thought I'd tackle metal embellishments. Since the embellishments I used were things I use most of the time anyway, I decided to give myself an extra little challenge to make some cards.

I've never made cards before and, for some reason, I didn't feel all that confident. I mainly used the scraps that were left over from creating my layout (bonus points?) and added just a couple of embellishments - pins and brads - to give the cards a finished look. And, I'm so happy with the results that I'll definitely be making more cards.

What do you think folks?

Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!

I am currently feeling especially thankful - and I would like, very much, to give thanks where it's appropriate.

Let's start with an absolutely ma-ha-hassive "Thank You" to the people who follow my blog or leave comments on my posts. Whether you're an old or new follower, a regular commenter or a lurker, I want you to know that you're very much appreciated. You're what makes this blog worthwhile.

You Make My Heart So Happy Cards available from Carol Lee Designs.

I'd like to say "Thanks So Much For The Support" to everyone who has commented, e-mailed or blogged about my Waste Not Wednesday tutorials. Your feedback has been fantastic and it's really spurring me on!

And I also need to say "Thank You', You're Fantastic!" to the lovely, lovely bloggers who have dedicated a blog award to me and my 'Obstinate Pursuit'. I know that some of you gave me those awards a long time ago - but I haven't forgotten - I just haven't been able bring myself to 'toot my own horn'. However, your appreciation has been noted. I love you all, very much.

Quick & Easy Ribbon Roses {Waste Not Wednesday}

Every crafter that I know has an absolutely massive stash of ribbons. It doesn't matter if they're a scrapbooker, a card maker, a jewellery designer or even a ceramicist, there is something about being a crafter that make us hoard pieces of ribbon as though the world depended on it. So, whether you have a stash of beautiful rolls of ribbons or a few choice pieces saved from the gifts you received at Christmas, this quick and easy tutorial is made with you in mind.

You'll Need:

Ribbon - That's it! Honestly!

While many of the tutorials covering how to make traditional ribbon roses require a needle and thread, craft wire or florist's tape, none of these are necessary.

A variety of lengths can be used, but for your first few attempts use a piece at least 20 inches long. Once you are used to the technique, you'll be able to make roses from smaller pieces of ribbon.

1. Start with the ribbon flat in front of you with the shiny or patterned side face down.
2. Fold one edge of the ribbon over the other to form a right angle in the centre of the ribbon.

3. Fold each end of the ribbon across the right angle fold to build a stack of folded squares. There's no need to keep this stack perfectly neat. (Perfectionists, you know who you are!)

4. Stop folding when you have about an inch of folded ribbon squares and a couple of inches of unfolded ribbon on each end.

5. Let go of the folded squares and you will see that the ribbon forms a 'spring' shape. You're doing well!

6. Hold on to one end of the ribbon firmly and gently (very gently) begin to pull the other end of the ribbon. The folded squares will start to bunch together and you'll see that the ribbon starts to form a rose shape.

7. When the rose is a satisfactory shape and size, stop pulling on the ribbon.

Tip - You might find that the first couple of times you pull on the ribbon too hard. The ribbon rose will unfold and you'll be left with a length of ribbon. Although it's a little annoying, you've not really lost anything. Start again and pull a little less hard. No problem!

8. Keeping hold of the centre of the rose, turn it over so that the loose ends of the ribbon are facing upwards. Press firmly in the centre of the rose and, with your other hand tie a small knot in the back. Again, don't pull your knot too firmly or you may pull your rose out of shape. Tie another knot to secure the rose form. That's it!

This is ideal for adding a little something to your gift wrap quickly and easily, but if you'd like your ribbon to be a little more robust then simply stitch through the centre of rose to secure - this is the perfect time to add a few beads or sequins.

Ways To Use Your Roses -

I've made a whole jar full of these roses, using a variety of different ribbons and organzas and keep them on hand to add to gifts, mini-albums and scrapbook layouts. You could also add brooch back, use them to embellish some old shirts or add them to a pearl necklace for a fresh look.

Whatever you choose to do, you now have no excuse to leave those poor, neglected pieces of ribbon stuffed into your craft closet! As always, I'd be grateful for any feedback or questions about the tutorial and if you do have a go at making something I feature let me know, I'd love to stop by and have a look x

Craft Room < 3 {Flickr Favourites}

Late last August I spent a week or so re-decorating the old study, turning it into my very own craft room. I organised all of my craft items and stashed them away ready for creative projects, but I still haven't decorated the walls, or displayed any of my creations. It feels a little bit functional.

So this week, I've been looking for some inspiration and have spent a couple of happy afternoons trawling through the Pretty Organised Group on Flickr 'oohing and aahing' over some of the craft rooms featured. Believe me, it's hard not to feel a little envious!

1. My Home Office, 2. My Craft Room, 3. To-Do-Dish, 4. Redecorating

Grab yourself a well deserved cup of tea and then head on over to see Mitsy & Co at Artmind for more Flickr Favourites. It's one of my favourite afternoon activities.

Fit For Fashion {Fashion Forward}

Regular readers of Fashion Forward might remember that I recently discussed how the thought of a stunning new outfit has been keeping me motivated in my quest for health and fitness. There's nothing quite like the promise of a slinky new dress - and the body to fit in it - to keep you're training programme on track.

Over the past month or so I've been walking every day, increasing either the speed, distance or duration of my walks, in an effort to feel fitter and healthier. I'll be honest, the inches are not exactly dropping off me, but I know that will come later - when I start running. Later on today!

So, instead of reading fashion and interior design magazines or scouring the internet for the latest indie designers, I must confess that I have instead spent the week reading Runner's World and, as a result, my choice of footwear this week is a little different. Sorry!

I already have a pair of functional Asics. They are, in my opinion, the dream running shoe. They're light, soft and unbelieveably comfortable - but they are made solely for road running and my true love is cross country running. There is something very freeing about lacing up a pair of trail shoes; heading out of the door and across the fields or along the coastline with only nature as a companion.

So, as a little incentive, when I'm able to run five miles continually, I'll be buying a pair of these beauties - Asics Gel Trail Attacks, and heading for the hill. Just saying. In case anyone fancies joining me!

If you're playing along this week, please add your link below. I'm fairly certain everyone will be dying to get away from my training plans and would love to see pretty dresses and fantastic shoes as standard!

Stashed Away {Scrap Sunday}

A couple of week ago, I decided that it was time to spring clean the craft room and sort through some of my craft stash. Over the winter, the room had become a bit of a dumping ground and all the surfaces - including the floor - were covered with leftovers from previous projects. I spent a whole day sorting, sifting and re-organising and found a lot of stash that I'd completely forgotten about. I love that. It's a bit like finding a £10 note in the pocket of a coat you only wear occasionally!

However, I realised just how much stash I have that I bought when I started scrapbooking - stamps, chipboard flowers, eyelets, brads and patterned papers - that don't really suit the style of scrapbooking I've come to think of as 'my style'. And, although I'm making a huge effort to use up some of my craft stash in my Waste Not Wednesday tutorial series, I've been wondering how I'm going to use up my stickers, my pile of sheet music or my box full of sequins.

Luckily, I have some truly wonderful friends! After a week of suffering from horrid headaches, the lovely Mel from I Speak Melsh cheered me up by signing me up for Shimelle's new scrapbooking class - Something From (Almost) Nothing. What a welcome surprise!

The class is designed to help you use up your existing stash and some of the sneak peeks look absolutely divine. I am so excited - the class looks fantastic and I'm thrilled that Mel and I will be doing the class at the same time. It will be so nice to meet up, work on our prompts, swap stash and eat cake. Eating cake is obligatory and has become the foundation of our friendship!

Class starts on Wednesday. In the meantime, I'm sharpening my pencils, covering my exercise books and wondering if there'll be any cute boys in class!

Bead-alicious {My Creative Space}

I've been busily making jewellery this week, so my creative space has been full of beads, buttons and beautiful findings. (Please check out the Bead & Button Bracelet Tutorial I did yesterday!)

There is nothing which makes my heart skip a beat in quite the same way as the completion of a piece of jewellery - and I've finally finished a beaded bracelet that has been on my 'crafty to-do list' since the end of last year. In all fairness, the winter light has made it very difficult to work with such teeny, tiny seed beads but now that the spring sunshine is filling my house with golden sunlight, I have no such excuses!

The bracelet is a beautiful combination of iridescent seed beads and small crystals, worked in a netting stitch, with two 'cord tangling' needles! I honestly don't know where I find the patience. I certainly don't display such fortitude when I'm cleaning the house! However, the bracelet is a pattern chosen by my lovely friend Cheryl and, since she's been quite ill recently, I thought I'd get on with it and make a little something to help cheer her up. We had quite the conversation earlier in the week while she tried to measure her wrist whilst still on the telephone.

As it's a while since Cheryl's seen the pattern, I'm not 'revealing' the finished bracelet. I'm hoping that she's forgotten what it looks like (it has been long enough, after all) and that it will still be a little bit of a surprise when she sees it. Though I do have another little something up my sleeve. No telling!

If you'd like to show off your own creative space, or just have a peek at what everyone else has been creating this week, head on over to Kootoyoo for more My Creative Spaces. I'll be checking them out as soon as I get back from creating (havoc) with my crafty pal Mel :)

Bead & Button Bracelet Tutorial {Waste Not Wednesday}

Last week, I briefly introduced the concept of Waste Not Wednesdays. Each week I'll be trying to make something beautiful or useful (both if I'm lucky) from my car-boot hauls, hand-me downs and from the leftovers of previous crafty projects. Just think of me as a modern day Womble.

I was planning to start with a completely different project, but I distinctly heard a plea for a something that would start to make a dint in our burgeoning button collections - and who am I to refuse?

You'll need:

* Buttons - I found shank buttons easier to attach, but any will work.
* Beads - Choose a selection of beads leftover from other projects, or fill with smaller buttons.
* Jewellery pliers and wire cutters.
* Headpins and jump rings - just a few.
* A 'charm' style bracelet or length of chain with sizeable links and a closure fitting.

1. Start by counting the number of links on your bracelet chain, then choose a corresponding number of beads and buttons. Lay them out along the bracelet chain - without attempting to fix them in place. Re-arrange the beads and buttons until you find the arrangement pleasing to your eye - it may help to start with a large focal bead or button in the centre. (As above.)

2. Open the central link of the chain using the pliers and attach the button directly onto the chain link by 'threading' the chain through the shank fitting. Close the link securely.

3. Continue to attach your buttons to the chain using the same method, leaving empty links between the buttons if necessary. (As in the first picture above.)

Tip - Sometimes, the shank fitting of the button may be a little too tight for the chain link to pass through easily. Don't force it through or you may risk damaging your buttons. Instead, 'thread' a jump ring through the button and then attach this to the chain link.

4. Once you have buttons attached along the length of the bracelet, try wrapping it around your wrist. Check the drape and 'fullness' of the bracelet and, if you feel that it needs extra beads or buttons, spread it out and decide where to add your extra beads and buttons.

5. To add your beads 'thread' the beads onto a headpin.

6. Using your pliers, form a loop at the top of your headpin and then snip off the excess with your wirecutters.

Tip - If you don't have any wirecutters, instead of forming the loop first, grasp the headpin firmly with your pliers about 1cm above the topmost bead. Bend the wire back and forth until it snaps. Now use your pliers to form a small loop closure.

7. Open the loop closure slightly and add the headpin to a chain link. Close the loop securely.

8. Continue to add additional beads and buttons to the chain until you are happy with the drape and fullness of the bracelet. Now sit back and admire your work.

And, would you look at that? After all that, there still seems to be plenty of pretty bits and pieces leftover. Ah shucks!

I'm hoping that you'll join me for Waste Not Wednesdays on a regular basis as there will definitely be more beads and buttons where these ones came from. And fabric. And cardboard boxes. And old jam jars. And....oh. Ahem!

I'd be grateful for any feedback or questions about the tutorial (and hints on what you have in your stash and would like to put to good use) and if you do have a go at making something I feature let me know, I'd love to stop by and have a look x