Stretchy Bracelets

Stretchy bracelets seem to be popping up everywhere these days. I find myself drawn to the ones that are all one type of bead, with one standout bead or clasp.

While perusing one of my favourite jewelry websites, Stella & Dot, recently, I found these adorable Mini Soiree stretchy bracelets ($12-$18 each). I wanted them, immediately. Problem? They are for kids, and are insanely a tad too small for my wrist. Seriously, can these get any cuter?

They have a grown up version, but they don't come in the fun colours that the kidlet ones do. Bummer. Major bummer. Not to mention that these will cost you $36 each!

I hit up a local craft shop and found some glass beads on clearance that I love the colour of. I couldn't find any crystal beads so I picked up some cute twisted wire beads instead...they were sparkly enough for me. After a trip to grab some stretchy string and crimp beads from the Dollarama (hello!) and I was set. After 20 minutes of work I ended up with three super cute bracelets for less than $18...TOTAL!

I am so excited to wear them, they are perfect for summer! C'mon summer!

And here is my little Butter, totally wiped after a long evening of catching up on her favourite blogs!



Out of My Comfort Zone

Ok, so I am known to be a bit stingy. I am not ashamed to admit that I like to save a buck...or ten.That's why I am always game to try and recreate something I've seen online or in a catalogue. And I don't limit myself to furniture, I have an affinity for jewelry, too! Problem is, I don't really now the first thing about making jewelry....so it's really a trial and error kind of process. Mostly error.

My first foray into creating jewelry was when I saw this ring on Etsy. I loved that it was quirky and unique, but I wasn't about to pay $89.00 for it.

Unfortunately, THIS was the result of my attempted recreation. We didn't do an officially weigh in but the 'guesstimate' was 2 lbs. Yikes! Failure!

Kristel G

Even though my first go didn't work out as I'd hoped, when I saw this necklace from Grace Jewelry, I thought I had to try to redeem myself and avoid paying the $45 they were asking for it by making my own.

I found some beads and chain online at Artbeads.com and ordered what I'd need. I eagerly waited for the postman and, two weeks later, my package arrived. Right away, I knew I had made a massive miscalculation. The beads I ordered were only about half the size I thought they'd be, and one of the chains was also much more dainty than I figured it would be. Anyhowdydoody, I was determined to make it work!

Here's my version of the necklace...and it only cost me $23!

I like it. It's not as chunky as my inspiration, but that's okay. For half the price of the original, I can totally live with it!