Mini Maze Book Album ~ Happy Autumn

From the archives.

This is my favorite time of year!

I made this little maze book a while back for a gift. I designed the covers using graphics from one of my favorite artists, Carolee Jones. At the time, I was starting to make paper beads so I added a matching removable paper bead bookmark.

They are so much fun to make, inexpensive and the ways to embellish and decorate are endless.

I watched this video to learn how to fold-cut-fold the twelve 3" x 3" maze pages from only one piece of scrapbook paper. Tricia Morris from Club Scrap makes the difficult-looking folds and cutting very easy.

Enjoy the change of season!

Have a great weekend :)
-Molly

Paper Clutch Purse

This is a favorite project that I came across recently. It was a paper clutch swap and this is the one I made.

Use the template to copy a front and back printed on 8.5" x 11" cardstock. I covered both sides of the templates with matching paper.

Template

The front and back is adhered to a color coordinated paper bag. Before gluing, I trimmed the top of the bag with decorative scissors and folded down the top, inside, to fit just below the handles.

As an afterthought, I used the cut-outs of the handles to make inspirational word tags and attached to the top with ballchain. Cutting the handles was the hardest part because I didn't have a good exacto knife. I later learned some of the better crafters first used a small circle punch to start the cut-out, then finished cutting straight across with a blade. (I know a machine will do it now, but this is the part of crafting where I prefer handmade to machine made.)

I embellished the clutch with large colored eyelets using a Crop-a-dile, added three strands of paper beads made with the same paper (coated with Mod Podge) and the layered paper flower. I added clear Swarvoski crystals to the front. I used a silver leaf pen around the word tags to try to hide my imperfection when cutting out.

As a swap gift I made a matching paper bead bracelet. My note to the recipient was inside the folded noteholder with the quilled flower on the front.

Reduce the size to make a little girl's purse for party favors or to decorate at a party. I made this Easter theme clutch for my 2-y/o granddaughter and personalized it.

I hope this inspires you to make something with paper today!

Enjoy :)

~Molly


P.S. Remember, imperfection adds character!

Little Bit Whimsical

This is a paper bead jewelry set I made for niece's oldest daughter (8). I thought it resembled Mary Englebriet's brand a little bit. I bought a journal at Michaels to go along with it and suggested she write down her thoughts, decisions, feelings, both good and bad, every so often. Then go back a few days later and read them to see their effect and importance ... and learn from it. I would have loved to learn how to journal at an early age :o)

I used a sheet from a Me and My Big Ideas paper pad.

-Molly

More denim paper bead jewelry ...

I know, I know ... if you have seen one, you have seen them all. BUT each set has differences and major improvements have been made in making the beads; stronger water-resistant finish, bead holes are hidden, better quality of charms- Jolee's, shiny finish, tarnish-free bead spacers, to name a few.

My niece rides Harley's and she wanted something strong and durable to wear with her biker wear. I made her this Gemini theme bracelet and matching long earrings. Check it out!

(click to enlarge)

Thanks for looking!
-Molly

Summer Paper Beads

Although my Etsy shops are temporary closed (cannot maintain at the time) I am making summer paper bead jewelry for a local home party given by a friend.

click to enlarge

These paper beads are made with paper resembling shimmering pool/clear ocean water. The details show up much better in person. Also, the focus bead is one of the largest I make for bracelets.

Thanks for stopping by to look!
~Molly

Making Paper Jewelry ... again!

First and foremost, I want to thank those who have kept in touch with me during my absence from blogging and social networking. Although my Etsy stores are temporarily closed and I am never on Twitter and hardly on Facebook -- I'm well and alive! I am very blessed at this time to be able to spend these months with my parents. The only problem is .. I have no extra time to spend online.

I have started to make more paper jewelry with a few new techniques. I found some fabulous spacer beads that cover up the bead holes. After practicing with different ways of rolling the paper, I created a brand a new shape that I plan to reveal at the CHA summer show in Chicago. It makes a very unique focus bead.

And the bestest news, is a friend of my Mother has offered to give me a jewelry show - a first for me. This particular friend stays busy running a company, so I will keep my fingers crossed that it does happen. She has a very large home to host the perfect party.

Meanwhile, I am loving working with bright summer paper colors. Lots of earrings are in the works, as well. The washed blue, frayed denim paper is still a favorite. This is a set I made for my cousin who lives on a ranch. I used the smaller round beads for a simple pair of dangle earrings. I hope she likes it :o)

click to enlarge

-Molly

Happy Autumn ~ Mini Maze Book Album

This is my favorite time of year!

I made this little maze book a while back for a gift. I designed the covers using graphics from one of my favorite artists, Carolee Jones. At the time, I was starting to make paper beads so I added a matching removable paper bead bookmark.
I watched this video to learn how to fold-cut-fold the twelve 3" x 3" maze pages from only one piece of scrapbook paper. Tricia Morris from Club Scrap makes the difficult-looking folds and cutting very easy.

Enjoy the season!
~Molly

Denim Paper Cha-Cha Ring

I need to be doing something crafty with my hands while watching TV, sitting with my mother, in a waiting room, flying. Recently on a flight from Texas to CHA in Orlando, I sneaked on a needle tool in my carry-on and made some tiny denim bullet and barrel beads using 1/8" by 6" strips of denim paper.

This is my cha-cha ring. It is full but lightweight and matches a cha-cha bracelet I made to wear at the 2010 NAQGCON next year.

Have a crafty September!

-Molly