Tag: Beads

3D Nail Art: A Beginner’s Guide
by David Burgess on 0

3D Nail Art: A Beginner’s Guide

3D nail art is a fun and creative way to add some extra flair to your nails. If you’re new to the world of 3D nail art, don’t worry – it’s not as difficult as it looks. With a little practice, you’ll be a pro in no time.

Here’s a beginner’s guide to 3D nail art to help you get started:

1. Choose your design. There are endless possibilities when it comes to 3D nail art, so take some time to browse through pictures for inspiration. Once you’ve found a design you like, print it out or save it to your phone so you can reference it later.

2. Prep your nails. Before you start your design, make sure your nails are clean, filed, and polished. You’ll also need a base coat of nail polish to help the 3D elements adhere to your nails.

3. gather your supplies. In addition to your base coat of nail polish, you’ll need a top coat, a clear polish or gel, and the 3D elements you’ll be using for your design.

4. Create your design. Once you have all of your supplies, it’s time to start creating your design. Begin by painting your nails with the base coat, then add the 3D elements to your nails using the clear polish or gel as glue. Finish off your design with a top coat of nail polish.

5. Admire your work. Once your design is complete, step back and admire your handiwork. You can also take a picture of your nails to show off to your friends.

3D nail art is a creative way to add dimension and interest to your nails. It can be as simple as adding a few 3D elements to your nails, or you can go all out and create a full 3D design. If you’re a beginner, start with a simple design and work your way up to more complex designs.

Here are a few tips to get you started with 3D nail art:

1. Choose your design. There are endless possibilities when it comes to 3D nail art, so take some time to browse through pictures or nail art galleries to get some inspiration.

2. Gather your supplies. Once you’ve chosen your design, you’ll need to gather the supplies you’ll need to create it. This will likely include a base coat, top coat, polish, and some sort of 3D element like rhinestones, beads, or sequins.

3. Apply your base coat. This will help your polish last longer and prevent staining your nails.

4. Paint your nails. Once your base coat is dry, you can start painting your nails. If you’re doing a simple design, you can just paint your nails with a solid color. If you’re doing a more complex design, you may need to use a stencil or decal.

5. Add your 3D elements. This is the fun part! Add your rhinestones, beads, or sequins to your nails to create your design.

6. Apply your top coat. This will help protect your design and make it last longer.

And that’s it! You’ve now created a beautiful 3D nail art design.

Share on Read Full Story
Easy DIY Instructions to Make a Knotted Charm Bracelet
by Leland Richardson on 0

Easy DIY Instructions to Make a Knotted Charm Bracelet

I’ve received quite a few emails about the knotted Figaro sterling silver charm bracelet shown in my charmed jewelry article. This is one of my original designs from a few years back and I don’t know where similar ones are for sale.

I’ve decided to post the DIY instructions on how to make this sterling silver bracelet. Even for those with minimal craft or jewelry making skills, this bracelet is extremely easy to make.

1. Supplies and Tools List for the Knotted Charm Bracelet

I purchased all my supplies and tools from Fire Mountain Gems and Beads. You could also find most if not all of the supplies and tools at a craft store such as Michaels.

Here is your supplies and tools list:

*** Figaro sterling silver 2mm chain by the foot. I purchased mine from Fire Mountain Gem and Beads, which came in a five foot length.

*** 3-strand clasp in sterling silver. You could also use a silver-colored base metal.

*** 8 sterling or silver-colored split rings in the appropriate size for your clasp.

*** 2 sterling silver charms.

*** Split ring pliers.

2. Knotting the Sterling Silver Chain

Woman’s bracelets in the US are sized at 7.5 inches in length, including the clasp assembly. Depending on how tight you get your knots, knotting the chain will use up approximately 2 inch of chain per knot.

To make sure you have the needed length, I recommend you cut three, twelve inch lengths of sterling silver chain. Matching up the ends on one side, lay the three strands side-by-side and at the mid-point, knot all three strands together. Pull tight and use a pin or pick if need be to tighten the knot.

Do the same at the mid-point between the middle knot and end on both sides.

3. Attaching the Clasp

You’ll be placing the split rings on the oblong section of the Figaro chain. If need be use your wire cutters to remove any smaller links at the end of each strand of the sterling silver chain. Then using your split ring pliers, attach your chains to one side of the three-ring clasp.

Fire Mountain Gems and Beads has a great video on using split ring pliers. The concept is the same as putting a key on a key ring.

4. Adding Charms to the Figaro Chain

Trim the other side of the three sterling silver chains to the correct length for the bracelet, making sure to include the length of the clasp. My clasp/split ring assembly added one inch in length, so I trimmed my chain to approximately 6.5 inches, making sure that the oblong part of the chain was at the end of each strand. It’s better to trim so the bracelet is slightly longer than shorter if need be to properly place your oblong section of the Figaro chain.

5. Selecting Your Charms

Depending on what type of charms you are using, use a split ring or the built-in lobster claw to attach your two charms equally spaced between the three knots.

My charmed theme was phobias. I hate bugs and snakes, so I used a spider and snake charm. Plus there is plenty of room to add more charms in the future. I already had a 14K and diamond spider charm in my findings collection that I used for my phobia charm bracelet.

6. Making it Even Easier!

If knotting the Figaro chain is too much hoop-la for you, purchase a Figaro bracelet and add the charms to the oblong sections. If a lobster claw clasp is already attached to the charm, it’s easy to add and move them on your charm bracelet.

Share on Read Full Story