Jewelry Making Tip One

Ok, so I've been asked to share a few tips for those who want to start making their own jewelry. First, I must say that I am by far a hobbyist who loves learning so what I know now will change as I grow in the craft. But over the next few weeks I'll release one tip a week. Open discussion on the tip is encouraged.

My first tip is planning vs inspiration:
Many times as I peruse a bead store or craft store I see a bead, charm, or a bit of wire that inspires me. This can be a prefect way to create, if you have everything on hand at home to complete the piece. It's taken me almost two years of adding little bits and pieces to my supplies that a moment of inspiration doesn't hamper my creativity. But when I first started I wasn't so lucky. I'd forget the other items, buy my beads and head home ready to start. Only once there I'd remember all the other things I needed. Then I'd spend another few trips to the stores or Amazon trying to collect all the pieces I need. But by the time I have it all my inspiration is waned a little or even worse I've moved on. This can be devastating if you do it over and over. Eventually you can loose focus on creating completely.

So here's my tip, be inspired but also plan out what you need to complete. If it's a semi-precious beads do you have wire findings, pliers, spacers or complimentary beads, wire, and a planning board? If it's the latest colored seed beads do you have a pattern, bead thread, matching clasp, or even enough beads? When you see that bit of inspiration stop and think for a second. Ask yourself how you want to use it then rattle through what you need and what you have at home. If you need a little bit of inspiration on how to use what's got your fancy take a second to look at a jewelry magazine or how to book. Once you know what you like and you have what you need then go and create.

Side note: Many times I need to go to multiple stores or websites to gather all the pieces I need for a complicated piece. But for me that's half my fun as a crafter. Its also why I have storage boxs full of pieces waiting for that last little bit I see in my mind what I want to create and what I need. I also collect and store bits and pieces that catch my intrest until I have a need for them because I am so selective. But it is so much a downer to get all the beads and stones but not have the findings and wire because I forgot to plan out that part of piece. It always fustrates me to be ready to work but not able. So when you hit inspiration take a moment to plan, I know I do. Below is an example. I had a lot of of seed beads, but it took finding the right base wire to bead around to make this piece. At another store I found the right crystals to highlight the pattern.



- FKB Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

When It's Cold, Stew Over Chili

Today is a cold winter day, the type were schools declares a snowday. It's also the type in which a slower cooker full of chili just makes you feel better. So today's recipe is my Easy Slow Cooker Chili.

Chili Recipe:
1 Large Can Tomato purée
1 Large Can Diced Tomato
1 Small Can Fire Roasted Tomato
1 Can Corn
1 Bag Kidney Beans
1 lb Ground Beef
1 Chopped Onion
Salt
Pepper
Garlic Salt

I love to season my ground beef and then brown it in the skillet, taking care not to over work the meat. Add all the cans of tomatoes and corn to large crock pot. Add browned beef. Finely chop a onion. I love to season the onion with salt, pepper, and garlic salt. With a little of the Beef grease still in the skillet, brown the onion until they are just turned soft. Add it to crock pot. Add kidney beans, which you should have soaked over night or boiled till soft. Close up the crock and cook on High for 3 hrs or low for 6 hrs.



The heat, peppers and paprika normally found in chili is found in the can of Fire Roasted Tomato. I love this product since it adds depth without me doing a lot of extra work or buying special peppers I only use once on a while. But if you want use the real stuff for a hotter spicer and fresher taste.

To serve my chili I like a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of cheese and a few fishy crackers on the side. Why don't you try it and see what you think.

FKB Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Holiday Bulb

Like a crazy person I've been beading bulbs left and right until I came down sick again. But now that I'm well and have so little time left before my hubby's FRG auction and my Etsy Holiday showcase I'm going even more bulb crazy. Add on I've got two orders of custom bulbs requested.... But I have to say I'm quite happy working on them. My kids are even helping out by painting the little heart bulbs.

But in celebration of my Etsy show case on December 16th, I'm going to sponsor a giveaway of my favorite bulb.
To win one red & white heart bulb you must comment on this post about what your favorite Christmas ornament is. On December 16th each comment will be entered in a drawing and a winner posted. If you choose to be unknown in the comment but win the bulb I'll need you to contact me via my Facebook page: Crafted By Faith.