I was browsing a local hardware store for some hooks last week and happened to walk by the electrical wire and chain link department.  Ordinarily, I never give those aisles a second look, it’s typically your mundane chain link and boring wire, but at my local Orchard Supply & Hardware they had about a dozen reels of chain link labeled ‘decorative’ that actually looked attractive enough to create something with.  I spied some brass plated and smallish silver link chain and all I could think was, you know what, those would make some cool looking bracelets.

Jewelry or handbag quality chain link is available from a lot of places and at all price points, but at that moment I was completely absorbed with the idea of making something pretty out of that decorative chain link from a home improvement store.  Plus I’m all about statement jewelry these days, I’m rarely drawn to dainty pieces anymore.  So here’s my latest crafty somewhat quirky creation: link bracelets made with decorative chain found at a hardware store.

To make these, you actually need some decent looking chain link, I happened to spy several that were pretty cool at my local OSH.

You’ll also need some pliers and some jewelry making supplies too, specifically lobster clasps and smaller jump rings to pull it all together.  Glass beads add a little class to the edginess of the oversized (and cheap!) chain link.

Cost per bracelet: Lobster clasps $2.79; jump rings $2.79, glass beads $5.99, 1½ ft chain link $2.  

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Greetings everyone and happy weekend!  Today I’m so excited to have a special guest sharing some simple techniques for decorative gilding with an inspiring Easter craft.  Please welcome Matthew Mead, the stylist and photographer behind Holiday with Matthew Mead, and author of his most recent publication: Flea Market Finds.

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Here’s Matthew with some fantastic tips on gilding!

“I have always collected vintage gilded items. There is a warmth and glimmer about accessories with a touch of gold that make an interior feel a bit more sophisticated and special.  In my new book Flea Market Finds we celebrate classical decorating with a story titled “Greek Revival” which highlights items that have been embellished with gold to feel like relics of the past.

 

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Hey everyone, thanks for all the thoughtful comments on the purpose filled home post, I’ve read every one, I really appreciate your fantastic insight!  I finally got that patch of sun I was waiting for all weekend long, so I was able to get my hands dirty with some new plantings for the front porch. 

I replaced the dying Italian cypress with these pretty blue Potato Bush topiary trees and some ‘Glamorama’ pansies.  Out of storage came the outdoor medallion pillows I’ve had for two summer seasons (found at a local garden department).  The striped ones are these Esther pillows found on sale at Joss & Main.

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Hello all happy Sunday, just popping in to share a few of the highlights from this past week’s Spring Craft Link Party, enjoy the creativity!

Alphabet stamps transform a plain pitcher into a personal memento with this quote pitcher project by Crafty Scrappy Happy.

Wood stain plus painter’s tape led to this original art on plywood over at Welcome to the Mouse House.

Yarn and rope combine with these clever colored coil containers by Craftberry Bush, a great Anthropologie knock off.   

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