On today’s show, everything is about pumpkins! Fall is finally here and I’m so excited to share this new craft with you. Bohemian tribal jewelry is very in style right now. Oxidized (aged) silver mixed with gold is all the rage. This is a quick and inexpensive way to make bib necklaces and statement earrings.
Color and design are the most important aspects of jewelry making. Materials don’t need to be expensive if the color and design are pleasing. Here are a few ideas to get you started! Obviously, you can make a more intricate necklace than the ones shown. My job is to give you some easy projects you can make in an hour for less than $10. As always, if you need some jewelry findings, I will send you some free of charge if you live in Mass. Everyone else pays a few dollars in shipping. The info is at the bottom of the page.
Okay, here’s what you need to make the jewelry:
SUPPLIES
Pumpkin seeds
Pea & bean soup mix
Felt (or sturdy fabric like denim)
E-6000 glue
Scissors
Metallic spray paint
Tape
Jewelry findings
INSTRUCTIONS
Wash and dry pumpkin seeds. 
Pour out bean soup and separate them starting with the large beans first. 
If you separate the beans by size, it goes a lot faster. The small peas will be last. 
Use shipping tape and place stripes with the sticky side up on a box or grocery bag. The beans will stick to the tape so you can spray them fast. 
Spray paint the beads and seeds. 
Allow them to dry for a good hour, then remove them and repeat the process on the other side. 
Any kind of pray paint will work. 
Take a piece of paper and draw a U shape about 6-8 inches wide. 
The bib width varies on your design. 
Here are two templates for you to use. 
#2 
Trace the template onto your felt fabric. and cut the felt. 
On the bottom, glue the pumpkin seeds with E-6000 glue. 
Glue the next layer. 
Add accent silver beans. Use ample amounts of glue! 
Design #2 Place larger beans in the center and work outward. Pattern templates are below. 
Continue to add silver and gold seeds and beans. 
Allow the glue to dry over night. 
Glue ribbon on the top ends. You can add another layer of fabric to cover your raw edges if you wish. 
To make earrings, cut a shape. 
Glue on the seeds and beans. Template ideas below. 
Glue on the findings. You can cover the backs in decorative fabric or paper and seal with Mod Podge if you like. 
Designing a pattern: Start with a cross, then draw a circle around it. 
Next put an X through the cross. 
Start adding shapes. 
Expand and draw more shapes. 
Finished design. You can use this as a template for the medallion pendant or the center of your bib necklace. 
Earrings design: Start with a cross, then an X. 
Add shapes on each side of the center cross. 
Add more shapes. The X and the cross help you to center your design. Then you can replicate this on your felt. 
Here are new fashion jewelry pieces I imported this month from India. You can see how we can replicate the shapes and styles. 
You can see how we can take these designs and use the seeds and beans to created something similar. 
Here is an example of a solid 22k gold necklace set from India. You can see how this design can be replicated. 
You can spray paint the seeds any color. You can use gold fabric or paint the felt gold. You can use glitter, beads, rhinestones or pearls to fill in the negative space if you wish. The sky is the limit on this craft. I wanted to show you how quickly you could make something fun with the kids for Halloween or for yourself!
Let me know if you have any questions or need supplies. I have a storeroom full of this stuff, so I’m happy to share with you. Call or text me with questions at: 413-512-3714. I’m available by phone from 2-10pm daily. Leave a message if I don’t answer or text me. Email me at: [email protected]
Send me your halloween photos and I’ll post them!
Happy crafting!
Big hugs and sparkles,
Malena
Creative Consultant for WWLP Mass Appeal Channel 22
