DIY Jewelry Fun with Michaels "Pemberley" Collection
A few weeks ago, I attended SNAP Conference in Salt Lake City. It's an annual event that brings together creative and lifestyle bloggers to learn, meet with sponsors, and network. Since I normally work at home either banging on a keyboard or throwing paint and ink around, my typical daily wardrobe is decidedly un-glamourous. (Think sweatpants and souvenir t-shirts.) So attending an event that is populated partially by fashion bloggers? Well, that had me hyperventilating. The pressure was on to step up my game!
Accessories are a big part of finishing any outfit, and I decided to wear my portfolio by making some of my own jewelry for the event. I had fallen in love with the new Pemberley collection from Michaels' house brand Bead Landing the moment I saw it. It turned out to be a perfect match for some of my new SNAP outfits, and after a shopping spree at my local Michaels store, I got down to creating.
Pemberley necklace
For this necklace to go with a lace top, I wanted a romantic look. I mixed the Pemberley collection with another recent Michaels jewelry collection, a boho chic collection called "Gypsy Desert". A lot of the elements mix surprisingly well with the heavily vintage Pemberley.
Pemberley necklace close-up
Supplies:
Bead Landing "Pemberley" Chain
Bead Landing "Pemberley" Charms (rose & green drop)
Bead Landing "Gypsy Desert" feather charm
Bead Landing "Gypsy Desert" quote charm
Bead Landing magnetic clasp
Bead Landing jump rings (7mm)
The necklace design is easy to assemble. It's just a collection of charms that are arranged in various lengths of cascade. I made the rose charm into a drop pendant by attaching it to the end of some leftover chain before attaching it partway down the green drop pendant.
Pemberley necklace construction
Opening and closing jump rings (and chain link) is the only skill required to make this project!
May is National Arthritis Month, and you may have noticed a special kind of clasp on the supply list above. I suffer from minor arthritis-like symptoms due to my lupus. Traditional jewelry clasps are difficult for me to do as a result. Magnetic clasps, like the one below, are much easier. If you are a crafter with a loved one struggling with arthritis, you might consider offering to use your skills to replace their jewelry clasps with easier to fasten magnetic ones!
Magnetic necklace clasp
I loved the Pemberley collection so much, though, that I couldn't stop with making one piece! I also used it to make a gift for my SNAP secret sister. For this Pemberley necklace project, I used two different kinds of chain to make a double stranded necklace.
Pemberley double strand necklace
Like the necklace above, the charms on this one are just an arrangement of cascades of varying lengths. The only skills needed to assemble this are the ability to open and close jump rings.
Pemberley double strand close-up
Supplies:
Bead Landing "Pemberley" Chain
Bead Landing "Pemberley" Pearl Chain
Bead Landing "Pemberley" Charms (rose, drop & sewing themed)
Bead Landing "dream" charm
Bead Landing magnetic clasp
Bead Landing jump rings (7mm, 4mm)
For a beginning jewelry maker (or anyone looking to make a quick and easy project) working with a coordinated collection of jewelry findings is a perfect way to create a beautiful project. I have plenty of leftover elements from these projects. What will I make next? I can't wait to decide! Maybe a matching bracelet...
