How to Make a Coconut Kissing Fish Craft Tutorial

We were on vacation in Florida for a couple of weeks and I came across these at a roadside stand on Pine Island.  I thought they were so cute that I just HAD to try it!  Luckily, our friend, Joe, who happened to be the recipient of the Recycled Flower Garden Art had a coconut lying around and gave it to me.  We cut some palm fronds and I brought it all back to Illinois.  The palm fronds didn't dry very flat, because they were in the car, but I think they worked out just fine.

You will need:

-  Dried coconut - I didn't prepare the coconut myself, but Joe said he found it and just left it out in the sun until it dried.
-  Palm frond -  cut it let it dry flat, if possible
-  Acrylic paint in various colors
-  Eye screw - I have a tendency to call it an "O" ring in the video (I don't know why), but it is an eye screw

Here is the video tutorial:

Directions:

1.  Drill a hole in the top of the coconut and screw in the eye screw.
2.  Paint the fish two different colors - one for the face and one for the back.
3.  Further decorate with paint and designs, I opted for polka dots because they are easy and fun!
4.  Trim palm frond and paint.
5.  Paint black circles for eyes and add eyelashes, if desired.
6.  Add white highlight on eyes.
7.  Allow to dry.
8.  If you are keeping it inside, you can leave it as it is.
9.  If you are going to hang it outside, spray with a polyurethane satin or gloss clear finish that is made to go outside.
That's it!!

Thanks for stopping by and Happy Crafting!!

Mona

Hey Everyone! I'm on Instagram!

Hi Everyone!  I'm on Instagram!  Come join me!  Find me at craftklatch and drop a note on one of my pics and I'll follow you back!

Mona

Make a Minecraft Necklace Craft Tutorial

I was asked by one of my YouTube subscribers to make a Minecraft craft.  Well, when she asked, I had no idea what Minecraft was.  She suggested I google it and I did.  This is what I came up with.  It's very similar to the One Direction necklace I made in my previous post.

You will need:

-  Picture of Minecraft, mine is on card stock
-  Resin clay - I used Envirotex's Jewelry Clay
-  Pigment powder
-  Mod Podge
-  Wax or parchment paper
-  Easy Cast resin

**Both the Jewelry Clay and the Easy Cast resin are made by the same company, Envirotex.  If you are having any trouble finding their products in your craft store, go to their website www.eti-usa.com and they have a listing of retailers that carry their products, both in the U.S. and internationally.

                                          Here is the video tutorial:

Directions:

1.  Trim your picture to the size you want.  Cover the front and back with Mod Podge.  I did three layers on each side, allowing it to dry between coats.
2.  Prepare the jewelry clay according to the package directions.
3.  Flatten your clay, working on parchment or wax paper.  You want the size of the flattened clay to be a little larger than your photo.
4.  Press the photo into the clay.
5.  Create a frame around the picture and smooth as little or as much as you would like.
6.  Create two balls and attach to the top of the frame and poke two holes into each, with a needle tool, or something similar.
7.  Brush the pigment powder on the front and the back.
8.  Allow to cure 12 to 24 hours.
9.  Brush off excess pigment powder.
10.  Prepare your resin according to the package directions and apply to the front of the picture.
11.  Allow to cure 12 to 24 hours.
12.  Tie a string or cord through the holes and you have a Minecraft pendant!

Thanks for stopping by!  Happy Crafting!

Mona

One Direction Necklace Craft Tutorial

I was asked by one of my YouTube subscribers to come up with a One Direction craft.  It took me a while to figure something out, but here it is:

I combined Jewelry Clay and resin to create this pendant.

You will need:

-  Picture of One Direction, mine is on card stock
-  Resin clay - I used Envirotex's Jewelry Clay
-  Pigment powder
-  Mod Podge
-  Wax or parchment paper
-  Easy Cast resin

**Both the Jewelry Clay and the Easy Cast resin are made by the same company, Envirotex.  If you are having any trouble finding their products in your craft store, go to their website www.eti-usa.com and they have a listing of retailers that carry their products, both in the U.S. and internationally.

Here is the video tutorial:

Directions:

1.  Trim your picture to the size you want.  Cover the front and back with Mod Podge.  I did three layers on each side, allowing it to dry between coats.
2.  Prepare the jewelry clay according to the package directions.
3.  Flatten your clay, working on parchment or wax paper.  You want the size of the flattened clay to be a little larger than your photo.
4.  Press the photo into the clay.
5.  Create a frame around the picture and smooth as little or as much as you would like.
6.  Create two balls and attach to the top of the frame and poke two holes into each, with a needle tool, or something similar.
7.  Brush the pigment powder on the front and the back.
8.  Allow to cure 12 to 24 hours.
9.  Brush off excess pigment powder.
10.  Prepare your resin according to the package directions and apply to the front of the picture.
11.  Allow to cure 12 to 24 hours.
12.  Tie a string or cord through the holes and you have a one of a kind pendant!!

Thanks for stopping by!  Happy Crafting!

Mona

How to Make a No Sew Bow - Craft Tutorial

Making a bow for a barrette is easy!

You will need:

-  Ribbon
-  Hot glue
-  Barrette blank
-  Faux pearls and clear seed beads (optional)
-  Small piece of wire

Here is the video tutorial:





Directions:

1.  Cut your ribbon to the length you want.  Kind of do a rough fold to get an idea of the size.
2.  Fold your piece of ribbon in half and crease it.
3.  Fold one half just over the middle line and put on a dab of hot glue.
4.  Repeat with the other side.
5.  Gather the middle together and secure it with a small piece of wire.
6.  Take another piece of ribbon to wrap around the middle and hide the wire.  Tack one end to the middle of the bow, wind it around and tack the other other end.
7.  If you want to make a double bow, like I did, repeat the process.
8.  If you want to dress it up with beads, string the beads on fishing line and tie it to the barrette blank.
9.  Hot glue the two bows together and then hot glue it to the barrette blank.

That's it!  Easy peasy!!

Thanks for stopping by and Happy Crafting!!

Mona

Pendant and Earring Set Craft Tutorial

I was perusing the clearance section at Hobby Lobby and came across the fun pieces I used in this craft.  The pendant blank and the things shaped like suns or flowers (I have no idea what they are called) were both found in the clearance section.  Yay!

You will need:

-  Clip on earring blanks
-  Pendant blank
-  Metal things shaped like flowers or suns
-  Jewelry Clay - the clay I used is from Envirotex
-  Pigment powder
-  Clear crystal
-  Super glue

Here is the video tutorial:

Directions:

1.  Prepare your clay according the package directions.  Split into three balls.  Two smaller balls for the earrings and one larger ball for the pendant.
2.  Put the balls on their respective jewelry blanks and pat them down into the shape you want.
3.  Take the sun/flower shaped things and gently press them onto each of the pieces.
4.  Dust each of the pieces with the yellow pigment powder.
5.  Set aside to cure for 12 to 24 hours.  I clipped the earrings onto the side of a bowl, so they would not be leaning on anything and become misshapen.
6.  When cured, brush off the excess pigment powder.
7.  Glue on the crystals in the center of each sun/flower.

That's it!  You are done!!

Thanks for stopping by and Happy Crafting!!

Mona

Golf Ball Sun Craft Tutorial - Great Recycling Craft

I have all kinds of golf balls, but I'm not a golfer and neither is my husband.
After picking out the good balls and giving them to the golfers we do know, I still have a bucket full for crafting.  If you have watched my other videos, or looked through my tutorials, you will see have a few golf balls crafts in there already.  The bucket is still full, so expect more!!

Since Spring wants to spring, but hasn't yet sprung around here, I thought everyone needs a little sun in their lives.

You will need:

-  A golf ball
-  Golf tees
-  Eye screw
-  Glue - hot glue is fine for inside, but if you want it outside use an E6000 or similar glue
-  Yellow spray paint

Here is the video tutorial:

Directions:

1.  Drill a small hole into the top of the golf ball (I know there is no actual top, it's round, but you know what I mean).  The hole does not need to be deep, it just needs to be started and the eye screw will easily screw right in.  Screw in the eye screw.
2.  Glue the golf tees onto the golf ball.  I did not put them up right next to each other because I didn't want there to be an awkward space, so I left a little room between each, so I could better position the last one.
3.  Spray paint it yellow.

That's it!  Super easy!

Thanks for stopping by and Happy Crafting!!

Mona

How to Make a Snail Charm Craft Tutorial

I had a piece of the Envirotex Jewelry Clay left over from another project, so I decided to turn it into a little charm.  A snail charm.

 You will need:

-  Envirotex Jewelry Clay (go to their website at www.eti-usa.com to find seller internationally)
-  Pigment powder
-  Stamp
-  Stamp ink pad

Here is the quickie video tutorial:

Directions:

1.  Roll the clay into a small ball.  Working on parchment paper or wax paper, flatten it out.
2.  Make a hole using a pin, pen, needle tool, etc. if you want to use it has a charm.  Take pigment powder and dust the front and the back.  Dust off any excess on the front.
3.  Ink up your stamp and press it into the clay.  Carefully pull it out.
4.  Let it set 12 to 24 hours.

That's it!!  Now you have a fun charm.  You can make them for zipper pulls, backpack charms, wine glass charms, necklaces, bracelets, etc.!!

Thanks for stopping by!  Happy Crafting!!

Mona

Blinged Out Bobby Pins Giveaway!

I promised one more giveaway and here it is!!  I'm giving away the bobby pins with the Swarovski Crystals!

This is open internationally and if you are under the age of 18 and you win, you must have permission from your parents to send me your address, so I can send the bobby pins to you!

You can enter right here:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good Luck!

Mona

Blinged Out Bobby Pins Craft Tutorial

I found these cute bobby pin blanks at Hobby Lobby!  I love Hobby Lobby!!

You will need:

-  Bobby pin blanks
-  Jewelry Clay - I use Envirotex Jewelry Clay
-  Swarovski crystals
-  Pigment powders

Here is the video tutorial:

Directions:

1.  Prepare your clay according the package directions.  You won't need very much.

2.  Put equal amounts into each bezel on the bobby pin and pat into place.

3.  Attach the crystals by placing them into the clay and giving them a gentle squish.
4.  When all your crystals are in place, take a soft brush and brush the powder all over the clay and crystals.
5.  Allow it to cure for 12 to 24 hours and with a soft brush, brush off any excess pigment powder.

That's it!  Now go show off your pretty hair accessories.  You don't have to worry about anyone having the same thing because they are one of a kind, handmade by YOU!!

If you are having any trouble finding the Jewelry Clay, go to www.eti-usa.com and they have a listing of where you can find their products internationally!

Thanks for stopping by and Happy Crafting!!

Mona

Ring and Pendant Giveaway!

I told you I'd have another one and here it is!!  I'm giving away the ring and pendant set.  This is open internationally so go enter!!  Good Luck!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Pendant and Ring Jewelry Clay Craft Tutorial

I just created a pendant and ring set.  I wanted it to have a bright, fun and maybe a little retro look.

You will need:
-  Jewelry Clay - I use the Envirotex Jewelry Clay
-  Pendant and ring blanks
-  Round connectors
-  Crystals
-  Pigment powder

Here are the video tutorials:

Directions:

1.  Take equal parts of Part A and Part B of the jewelry clay and blend until a uniform color.
2.  Apply the clay to the pendant blank and the ring blank by rolling it in a ball and patting it down.
3.  Apply the connectors.
4.  Apply the crystals
5.  Brush on pigment powder
6.  Allow to cure for 12 to 24 hours
7.  Brush off excess pigment powder and you are done!!

That's it!  Thanks for stopping by and Happy Crafting!

Mona

It's a GIVEAWAY! Owl Pendant

I don't know if anyone noticed, but I just passed the 200 video upload mark on YouTube.  Yay!!

It was a milestone for me, so I wanted to celebrate.  I appreciate all my subscribers and the kind and supportive comments you make!  Thank you each and everyone of you!  If you keep watching, I'll keep crafting!

I'm going to have more than one giveaway and you can enter all of them, multiple times!  Double Yay!

I'm hoping you can all help me gain a little more exposure by Pinning, Tweeting and sharing my videos!

The giveaway is for the Owl Pendant:

You can enter to win it here:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good Luck and Happy Crafting!!

Mona

Mom Charm - Mother's Day Gift Idea Craft Tutorial

Mother's Day will be here sooner than you think!  Here is a cute charm that can be used as a pendant, part of a keychain, bookmark, etc.

You will need:

-  Jewelry Clay
(The clay I use is from Envirotex and if you are having trouble finding it, go to their website at www.eti-usa.com and they have a listing where their products are sold.)
-  Small rubber stamps - I used an M and a flower in place of an O
-  Pigment powder - if you don't have pigment powder, use eyeshadow!
-  Dye ink pad - black

Here is the video tutorial:

Directions:

1.  Prepare your clay according to the package directions and roll it into a ball.
2.  Working on parchment paper or wax paper, squish the clay down into the shape you want.
3.  Ink up your stamps and press them into the clay and carefully remove.
4.  Repeat with until you spell out MOM
5.  Give the ink a few minutes to dry.
6.  Poke a hole into the top
7.  Brush on the pigment powder - front and back
8.  Allow to cure for 12 to 24 hours
9.  Brush off any excess pigment powder

Now you have a pendant, or a great charm to decorate with!!

Thanks for stopping by!  Happy Crafting!

Mona

Glass Micro Beads and Resin Charms Craft Tutorial

As I mentioned in my last post, whenever I make too much resin for a project I am working on, I just pour the excess into a mold and then I have clear charms that I can play with.

I came across my bottle of micro beads and I wondered how well it would work if I used them on the back of the beads.  I thought it might add some interesting texture.

You will need:

-  Resin charms - I used Easy Cast Resin and some molds I had
-  Nail polish
-  Micro beads
-  Glitter
-  Top coat nail polish

Here is the video tutorial:

Directions:

1.  Take your resin charms and you will be working on the back/flat side.
2.  Take your clear topcoat and apply it to the back of the charms.  While wet, sprinkle some micro beads into the wet top coat and allow to dry.
3.  If you want to add glitter, you would add another topcoat and sprinkle in the glitter and allow to dry.
4.  Take your nail polish and paint it over the beads and/or glitter.
5.  If you think it needs an additional final dark coat, apply that as well.
6.  Finish with a topcoat or a thin layer of resin.
7.  The stones will have a matte finish on the clear side.  You can leave it, if you like it.  If you want the colors and textures to pop, apply either a clear topcoat, a Triple Thick, or a thin layer of resin to the top.  It shines it right up!

Now you have these cool charms!  You can make pendants, keychains, add it to a pretty ribbon and turn it into a bookmark!

Thanks for stopping by and Happy Crafting!

Mona

Crackle Nail Polish Resin Charms Craft Tutorial

I often make too much resin when I am working on a project and I don't like to waste it, so I will pour any extra I may have into resin molds.  Then, I have some resin pieces for another craft!  Yay!

 
You will need:

-  Resin pieces - I made them from a mold and Easy Cast resin.



-  Crackle nail polish
-  Nail polish in any colors you want
-  Nail polish clear top coat

Here is the video tutorial:

Directions:

1.  Create your resin pieces and allow to fully cure.
2.  Remove resin pieces from mold.
3.  Working on the back side of the resin piece, apply your clear top coat and allow to dry.
4.  Apply the crackle polish and allow to dry and crack.
5.  Apply the color nail polish of your choice.
6.  Apply either clear top coat for additional protection, or paint on a thin layer of resin and allow to cure.
7.  Apply clear top coat of nail polish, or thin coat of resin to the front to shine it up.  Allow to dry.
8.  Either drill a hole into the piece, or glue on a jewelry bail.

Now you have a beautiful resin charm!!

Thanks for stopping by and Happy Crafting!!

Mona

Crystal and Jewelry Clay Pendant Craft Tutorial

I was making another project and made a little too much clay.  I couldn't let it go to waste, so I made another pendant!!

You will need:

-  Jewelry bezel
-  Jewelry Clay
-  Swarovski Crystals or something similar
-  Pigment powder
-  Tweezers

*  Wearing gloves is suggested and I have found using baby powder cornstarch on the gloves works perfectly to prevent the clay from sticking.

Here is the video tutorial:

Directions:

1.  Take equal parts of A and B of the jewelry clay and mix together per package directions.
2.  Roll it into a ball and put it on the bezel.
3.  Gently pat the ball down until it fits into the bezel.  I made mine mounded, but you could certainly have it flat.
4.  With tweezers, add each individual crystal.  Place the crystal on the clay and give it a gentle push to make sure it has made full contact with the clay and will stay in place.
5.  When all of the crystals have been applied, brush pigment powder over the whole thing and let it cure for 12 to 24 hours.
6.  When cured, use a soft brush and brush off all the excess pigment powder.

That's it!  You are done!

If you are having trouble finding the jewelry clay, go to the website www.eti-usa.com and click on the BUY tab.  They have a listing worldwide where it can be purchased.

Thanks for stopping by!  Happy Crafting!

Mona

Crystal Jewelry Clay Ring Craft Tutorial

Here's another Jewelry Clay craft!!  This time, I wanted to try putting the crystals on a ring!

I do love the colors!

You will need:

-  A ring blank - I bought one with elastic so it would fit just about anyone.
-  Swarovski crystals
-  Jewelry Clay
-  Pigment powder

Here is the video tutorial:

Directions:

1.  Mix the jewelry clay per the package directions.
2.  Roll into a ball and pat it into place on the ring.
3.  Apply the crystals to the ring.
4.  Dust with pigment powder.
5.  Allow to cure for 12 to 24 hours.
6.  Brush of pigment powder with a soft brush.

You are done!  Now you have this beautiful fashion jewelry that is one of a kind!!

If you have any trouble finding the Jewelry Clay, go to www.eti-usa.com.  They have a list of  where it can be purchased worldwide.

Thanks for stopping by!  Happy Crafting!

Mona

Swarovski Crystals and Jewelry Clay Pendant Craft Tutorial

I have fallen in love with the jewelry clay!!  Here is my latest creation:

You will need:

-  Jewelry bezel
-  Jewelry Clay
-  Swarovski Crystals or something similar
-  Pigment powder
-  Tweezers

*  Wearing gloves is suggested and I have found using baby powder cornstarch on the gloves works perfectly to prevent the clay from sticking.

Here is the video tutorial:

Directions:

1.  Take equal parts of A and B of the jewelry clay and mix together per package directions.
2.  Roll it into a ball and put it on the bezel.
3.  Gently pat the ball down until it fits into the bezel.  I made mine mounded, but you could certainly have it flat.
4.  With tweezers, add each individual crystal.  Place the crystal on the clay and give it a gentle push to make sure it has made full contact with the clay and will stay in place.
5.  When all of the crystals have been applied, brush pigment powder over the whole thing and let it cure for 12 to 24 hours.
6.  When cured, use a soft brush and brush off all the excess pigment powder.


That's it!!  Now you have a beautiful, sparkly pendant!

If you are having trouble finding the jewelry clay, go to the website www.eti-usa.com and click on the BUY tab.  They have a listing worldwide where it can be purchased.

Thanks for stopping by!  Happy Crafting!

Mona

Metal Flower Pendant - Jewelry Clay and Jewelry Resin

I am new to the jewelry clay and I love it!!  This is my second project and I'm starting to get the hang of it.

They recommend using gloves and then putting olive oil or talcum powder on the gloves, so they clay won't stick to the gloves.  I have been using olive oil, but in later projects I have starting using baby powder cornstarch.  It works like a charm!!  So that is what I will be using in future projects and if I had to do it over again, I would have used it on this one.

You will need:

-  Jewelry bezel - I purchased this one at Hobby Lobby
-  Metal flower sticker - I purchased this one at Michaels
-  Jewelry Clay
-  Jewelry Resin
-  Pigment powder - alternative is eyeshadow
-  Talcum powder or baby powder cornstarch

Here is the video tutorial:

Directions:
1.  Prepare your jewelry clay according to the package directions.  Quick instructions:
Take equal parts of A and B and mix together until it is a uniform color.
2.  Put the clay into the bezel and move it around until there is a thin layer across the bottom of the bezel.
3.  Put the metal flower into the clay and give it a gentle push, so the clay can grab onto it.
4.  Take a brush and pigment powder and brush it all across the piece.  Allow the clay to cure for 12 to 24 hours.
5.  Take a soft brush and brush off any loose pigment powder.
6.  Prepare your jewelry resin according to the package directions and pour over the metal flower until the bezel is full.
7.  Allow to cure for 12 to 24 hours.

That's it!!

If you are having any trouble finding the Jewelry Clay or the Jewelry Resin, go to www.eti-usa.com and click on the BUY tab.  They have a listing of where their products are available internationally!!

Now you have a fun accessory that would be perfect for yourself, or as a gift!

Thanks for stopping by and Happy Crafting!!

Mona