Madigan made... a new quote and a chandelier 'necklace.'
If you are new to this blog, I should probably explain that I change my chalkboard quote at the beginning of every month. (for prior months, read this recap)
Ok, this chalkboard change is a little early... but I changed the quote out for a few reasons. First, Valentine's arrives mid-month, so I wanted to enjoy this quote for a little longer than two weeks. Second, there is a Valentine's link party I wanted join this week.
You already saw the heart-shaped doily wreath earlier this month.
Ok, this chalkboard change is a little early... but I changed the quote out for a few reasons. First, Valentine's arrives mid-month, so I wanted to enjoy this quote for a little longer than two weeks. Second, there is a Valentine's link party I wanted join this week.
You already saw the heart-shaped doily wreath earlier this month.
My inspiration for this chandelier necklace came from a recent vacation with Mr. Madigan.
(Oh, did I forget to tell you we were on vacation? This clever blogger learned how to schedule posts ahead of time so you may not have noticed. :D )
When we were in Mexico this fall, we dined at a restaurant with this bejeweled tree in the middle:
(sorry about the fuzzy pictures... this was a really dark restaurant.)
Isn't it romantic? I loved the glass hearts dripping from the branches in varying sizes. The twinkling lights made it feel even more special. I immediately knew I wanted to use this tree as inspiration for a Valentine's project. My version is not nearly as dramatic or moody... but you can see my muse, right?
I strung this 'necklace' using two separate strands of glass beads. I also incorporated some red heart ornaments, too. (Can I tell you how excited I was to find these heart shaped ornaments and beads at the craft store?)
BTW: Making jewelry is surprisingly easy (and fun!). It is a great project for a beginner.
For a good, basic tutorial on how to string beads, I suggest reading this tutorial or this one.
Before I started stringing the beads, I added a jump ring to the rings at the top of each glass ornament.
Then using straight pins, I made a bunch of 'hanging' heart beads. I added a few beads to each pin and then used my round nosed pliers to twist a loop at the top.
With basic bead stringing techniques, I strung the beads along with the ornaments and hanging hearts. I made two separate strings of beads, a longer one and a short one so they would hang staggered.
For the larger strand, I made 3 separate sections with a jump ring at one end and a lobster claw at the other. For our chandelier, each section of that strand was 12 inches (or 36 inches in total length).
The shorter strand was 30 inches in length (it was one entire length of beads with a ring and lobster claw at each end).
After I hung both strands on the chandelier, I just loved it!
Do you see the resemblance to my tree from Mexico?
I do... every time I look at it!
Can I tell you what a sweet reminder it is?
Combine that 'necklace' with my doily wreath and a sweet quote about love...
and you have a simple display for Valentine's Day.
(I'm normally not a doily or beaded gal... but in these small doses, it works for this holiday.)
