****DIY Adjustable Wire Bangles****

As I've mentioned before, the fiance and I have visited Newport, RI almost every year for the past 9 years.  Some may think its about time to find a new vacation spot but for us it never gets old.  Yes we run into some of the same people and yeah nothing new (in terms of retail) has really popped up over these years.  But one major change has been the ever increasing Alex and Ani store.  What was once a very small location sandwhiched between a souvenier shop and great little boutique that carries a decent sized Ralph Lauren selection for men blossomed into two level boutique (year 4 or 5) and has now taken over the sovenier shop and half the retail space of the boutique.  Its absolutely amazing and wrist after wrist all you see is an Alex and Ani.  Its pretty much like the new Pandora.  

Intrigued the first time I came across the store, I wandered in only to wander right back out after seeing how beautifully simple the bracelets were and how scary the prices were on a few of my favorites.  Now I know they aren't Tiffany's prices and I'm pretty sure some of those heavily charmed Pandora bracelets cost about 30 Alex and Ani's but for me it just didn't seem fair and once I returned home to my needle nose pliers and wire cutters, I got right down to business.  (DIY after the jump)

****Prickly - Thorn Stud Earring DIY****

With all the neon and pattern mixing going on this summer I've found myself drawn to simpler accessories....studs in particular.  After going a bit overboard at one of my favorite bead stores a few months ago my go to pairs have been rough, uncut amythest or quartz nuggets but when I saw the thorn earrings by Lee Hale I promptly removed whatever was in my ear and got to making a pair for myself. 

WHAT YOU NEED:

• Polymer clay
• Clay knife/ Xacto
• Earring posts (I used 6mm ones but I would definitely opt for a 4mm diameter so that your clay thorns don't have to be so thick)
• E6000
• Wax paper
• Gold spray paint

WHAT TO DO:

• Break off a piece of your clay and soften it up
• Flatten it out a bit and then cut out two triangles
• Keeping one side straight, slowly begin to create a curve on the other side
• After shaping it to your liking go ahead and bake it.  I normally bake mine at 150 degrees on wax paper.  I normally keep checking it until its not flexible and then I know its done.
• Once they cool off go ahead and spray paint.  I haven't used a can of spray paint since my last job as a visual assistant and even then I wasn't superb but I found the Krylon brand to be much easier to use.  It went on extremely light and misty offering up a really even coat.
• Let it dry and spray the other side
• Glue the golden thorns to the earring post then let dry overnight
• All you have to do now is wear 'em out

****DIY Lanvin Raffia Earrings****

I have a twisted love affair with affair with Barneys.  Being that I am not a frequent charger (rather not one at all since I don't have any) nor am I attached to any significant amount of wealth, my frequent trips to their locations and website always end with me empty handed.  I'll touch, dream and even try on but very rarely to I splurge.....even upon entering their outlet locations and seeing Balmain at an additional 40% off the already steeply discounted goods. However I still go back time and time again.  While browsing the jewelry section online one day I put tons of images into DIY Inspiration folder and my first project up is my version of the lovely Raffia Mask and Flower Earrings from Lanvin.

THE INSPIRATION:

WHAT YOU NEED:

• Raffia
• Pearls, Gemstones or any other smaller beads you have 
• Jump Rings
• Eye Pins
• Earring Posts
• Needle Nose Pliers
• Wire Cutters
• Round Nose Pliers
• Scissors
• Jump Rings

WHAT TO DO:

• Begin cutting off small sections of the raffia and tie around your jump ring

• Continue until whole jump ring is covered and their is very little give between strips. 

• Now keep going until 4 jump rings are bursting with raffia

• Trim those wild ends

• Use another jump ring to attach two of the raffia circles together.  

• Gather your chosen beads and get to adding a bit of glam

• Attaching the beads can be difficult depending on how thick the raffia base is but a little bit of trial and error with your round nose pliers will help you find the right width of the loop  
• As you attach your  beads, take some time to fluff up your raffia and create the right amount of character

Just about all of these supplies were already hiding out in my various craft boxes so that is why I chose to use all black raffia.  I will definitely be making another pair using lighter colors and different beads.  As with so many DIY's the possibilities are endless so get creative and have fun if you give it try.  Also feel free to send over some pics of your project and I will definitely showcase them!!!

****Simple Chain Cage Ring DIY****

Even though the trend has been floating around for sometime now, I am still smitten with the idea of encasing one my digits in some heavy metal.  Forever shopping for a new cage ring, I came across one and instead of hopping to buy it I immediately decided to turn simple DIY.  What was the inspiration you ask??

Its from Triskaidekaphobia's most recent collection and although this baby is to die for, at $160 per ring its quite the budget breaker.  No worries though, a little chain and about 10 minute was all I needed to recreate the idea.  Read up on all the details below and don't forget to also check out the rest of the collection from Triskaidekaphobia as the pieces are pretty lust worthy.

WHAT YOU NEED:

• 2 different chains
• Pliers
• Ring sizer (optional)

NOW DO THIS:

1. Wrap chain around your finger above the knuckle making sure the fit is snug. Connect the two ends.
2. Wrap chain around the same finger below the knuckle again making sure the fit is snug. Connect the two ends.
3. Measure out two pieces of chain that will run along both sides of your finger.  You want to make sure that the distance is short enough so it doesn't hang to low getting in your way  but long enough so that you can bend your finger.  This may take some adjusting and readjusting until it feels comfortable.  
4. Attach to the two rings created in steps 1 and 2.

This is so easy and looks really cool on. 

Happy DIYing and see you next post..

****Hardware Obsessed - DIY****

Cheesy??

Sure but lately I've been after awkward and chunky jewelry pieces and while strolling through the hardware store with a friend one day I felt like this typical door hinge would make a great pendant.  Its super easy to do and the variety of hinges was pretty decent so when you have some time make a quick trip to your local True Value/Home Depot/Lowes and head straight to the hardware department.  Perhaps a tip would be beneficial here too.....try to to look like you know exactly what you're looking for.  If you do take the help that will undoubtedly be dolled out to you please be prepared to explain why you need a door hinge to each person who walks by  and wonders why exactly is it taking so long to pick out a door hinge or, if you end up like me, why do you need to hold up the against a chain...lol

Like I said, it is pretty simple but I just love the way it turned out and can't stop  wearing it.

Happy DIY'ing

****Sorry Mr. Binns - DIY****

 As I was simultaneously trying to figure out what I will be wearing out tonight for appetizers and drinks with my boyfriend, listing a few new pieces on Etsy and catching up on all the Blogger/Tumblr/Pinterest posts I came across this simple yet perfect necklace from Tom Binns.  I loved it until I saw the cost $70. Yeah that's pretty nominal in comparison to other pieces we drool over everyday but why pay that when you could DIY it and pay under $5.

USE THESE:

• pliers
• long gold chain ( $1 necklace from dollar store - trashed the pendant it came with)
• large safety pin ($2 at craft store)

DO THIS:

• Bend safety randomly.  You many need to used two pliers depending on how thick your safety pin is
• String chain through safety pin
• Wear out proudly

It doesn't get any simpler than this ladies..

****Set It And Forget It - DIY****

Its Monday afternoon, I got out of work at 5AM this morning and I'm still trying to wrap my head around the fact that even with four items on a shelf, an associate can still manage to count it wrong.  

MIND BOGGLING

So with that, I can't be bothered with to much mind usage today meaning a very simple DIY post that I'm in love with.  Its as easy as the title suggests and similar to that infamous infomercial.  Shall we..

YOUR LIST:

• Stones (various sizes will look best I think and I used dyed howlite)
• Plain cuff
• E-6000
• Thin gauge gold wire

DO THIS:

• Add a dab of glue on to the stones and position on cuff
• Let this sit overnight
• Once dry wrap with wire and tuck end underneath stones(wrapping it around itself) or inside bead holes
• Wear out and accept compliments like a pro

I told you it was simple. Now I'm probably gonna go back to sleep for a bit before I have to go back to work.  

P.S. I'm offering FREE SHIPPING on Etsy purchases shipping within the US if you like Naughty Baubles on Facebook!!!!