DIY Chain Bracelet

One of my very first handmade jewelry projects was a chain bracelet. In fact it is one of my best selling jewelry pieces! So today I'm going to share with you how you can make your very own.

You'll need: 2 pair of Needle nose pliers; wire cutters; 2, 4, & 6mm open jump rings; chain; clasp of choice. (You should be able to find all of these items at your local craft store)

1. First you want to measure your choice of chain. (Tip: When making for myself I just wrap the chain around my wrist & mark the point where the chain meets)

2. Use your wire cutters to cut the length of chain at the point of your mark.
*If you are working with a heavy large link chain, use your pliers to seperate and remove the link just after your mark by grabbing each side of the split in the link & twisting in opposite directions until the opening is big enough to remove the link*

3. For multi strand bracelets, use that 1st length of chain to measure and cut the remaining lengths of chain. (I used 8 strands for my bracelet)

4. Take your jump ring (4, 6, or 8mm depending on the size of you chain) and open using your pliers by grabbing on each side of the slit and twisting in opposite directions.
(Tip: Never open jump rings by pulling apart, this distorts the shape of the rings & makes it difficult to close them properly)

5. Add one end of your chain lengths to your jump ring (I added 4 strands per jump ring),
DO NOT CLOSE YOUR RING YET.

6. Add that same jump ring to one of the loops in your clasp. After you have added the clasp, use your pliers to twist the jump ring back into its closed position.

 7. Repeat steps 4-6 on to attach the other end of the the first set of chain lengths, as well the remaining chain lengths.

8. At this point you can consider your bracelet finished, or depending on the type of clasp used you can attach a short extender chain.

"Missy" Multi-Chain Bracelet

That's it! You're done.... You can add pieces of rhinestone chain (also at the craft store), charms, beads, or whatever you can imagine to bring as much of "you" as you'd like into this project.

"Shabby Chic" Mixed Chain Bracelet

Now... go forth & create!

*All bracelets pictured are my own work available in or previously sold from my online boutique at http://www.provocativExpression.com

DIY: Tie Dye Jeans

DIY: Tie Dye Jeans

 

Get that high priced designer look at a fraction of the cost! Similar to True Religion, Current/Elliot, J Brand and other super expensive luxury brands. If you're like me, then the idea of a haute look minus the high price tag sounds delightful.

Here's a tutorial I found that can make that possible. All you'll need is:

 

A bucket

A pair of old jeans

Bleach

Thick rubber bands

Rubber gloves.

 

Soak your jeans in cold water and then wring them out.

 

Bind the jeans with several rubber bands. The rubber bands will prevent the bleach from penetrating the fabric (i.e.: the more rubber bands, the less bleached areas).

 

Using your gloves, do a 50/50 mix of bleach to water in your bucket. Submerge the wrapped jeans into the bleach-water mixture for 15-20 minutes.

 

Once you're happy with the color, safely dispose of the bleach-water and rinse the jeans in cold water. Let your jeans dry and wash them separately from your other clothes.

 

If you try this tutorial tell about your finished projects, I'd luv to know how it works out for you!

 

Special shout out to - Here Is Now for the fabulous tutorial. 

 http://hereisnowsource.blogspot.com/2012/04/diy-tie-dye-jeans.html

 

Enjoy!

Happy Holidays!

Glam Accessories for NYE 2013

NYE 2013 checklist:  Outfit  √
                                  Shoes  √
                                  Clutch √ 
                                  Accessories????

I know you put a lot of thought and effort into your NYE 2013 look, so why "chintz" out on your accessories?

Don't! Get your exclusive handmade designer jewelry/acessories from ProvocativExpression.com

These are just a few of personal fav's, but there's more to choose from & I'm uploading new styles often.

Visit my online boutique today to get what compliments your look and/or personal style.

HAPPY NEW YEAR! from Provocative Expression, & remember to party responsibly.

ProvocativExpession.com Look Book Collage

ProvocativExpession.com Look Book Collage

 

Styled by my 8yr old budding fashionista Airynne.

A cute lil ensemble featuring apparel and shoes all priced under $50 (with the exception of the halter top), and handmade jewelry pieces available at my online boutique at www.ProvocativExpression.com.

Thanks for looking!

Forever New halter top
$84 - forevernew.com.au

Stretch skinny jeans
$45 - lavishalice.com

I came across this blog post and thought I'd share.

There are lots of reasons to buy handmade and this blogger hits some great bullet points. I'll post it here for your convenient perusal....

Best Reasons to Select Handmade Jewelry

by Yu Qing

Handmade jewelry is beautiful and offers consumers a unique, worldly jewelry option. Handmade jewelry is growing in popularity for a variety of reasons. Handmade necklaces, bracelets, rings and earrings are exceptional and interesting, and in many cases, handmade fashion jewelry is environmentally friendly. If you are looking for the perfect piece to accessorize a trendy new pair of jeans or your favorite organic cotton dress, consider these fun options.

Why Wear Handmade Jewelry?

1. Enjoy quality: Handmade jewelry is a high-quality product because it is crafted individually. Artisans take time to concentrate on each piece they create, making fashion jewelry selections such as handmade necklaces, earrings, bracelets and rings very high in aesthetic value.

2.  Revel in exclusivity: Handcrafted jewelry is meaningful because each artisan makes small quantities. You are unlikely to run into someone wearing the same piece or wind up giving a piece of jewelry that someone already has. Because handmade earrings, necklaces and bracelets are a product of the craftsman's skill, each piece of handcrafted jewelry is truly unique. Artisans are not restricted by machine designs or popular trends, making it possible for them to push the artistic envelope. It's hard to beat the exclusivity of handcrafted baubles.

 

3.  Support artisans: Buy handmade jewelry to support an artisan, who generally has fewer resources than large manufacturers. Your support will allow artisans to continue sharing their craft with others. Not only will you own a beautiful piece of world jewelry, but you will also encourage an artistic movement and help artists live their dreams. Handmade rings, bracelets and earrings give artists a chance to practice their craft and express their creativity. Jewelry crafted by artisans in underdeveloped countries also helps support local economies.

 

4.  Care for the environment: Buying handmade products is almost always more environmentally friendly than purchasing mass-produced items because artisans are less likely to deplete major resources. Mass production often calls for an exhaustion of resources, while handmade items are generally created more conservatively. Because artisans produce handmade jewelry in smaller quantities than large companies, there is less transportation, storage and packaging involved. Many jewelry artisans focus on using recycled and sustainable materials in their jewelry designs. -End-

These are just a few reasons to select handmade but some of the best reasons. Below is the link to the original blog post. Thanks for stopping by!

http://www.overstock.com/guides/best-reasons-to-select-handmade-jewelry

Change Your Thinking & Change Your Life!

Want vs. Desire...

One could argue that they mean the same thing & that wouldn't be necessarily incorrect. But when it comes down to changing the undesirable circumstances of your life which word you use may play a HUGE role! As I understand it the universe picks up on our thoughts, words, and vibrations and answers us based on what it is that we put out there. Some call it; faith, some call it; laws of attraction, karma and so on.

Regardless of what we choose to call it the premise is all the same. You have to be very mindful of your thoughts and you words, as they have absolute power over your day to day life. Thoughts are the energy that powers ultimate outcomes of our daily lives.

I read a quote the other day that said "Thoughts are energy. They are real and they have real power", and I've never read truer words.

Anywho, lets get into the purpose of this whole post so that you too can start changing the way you think and inherently change your life!

The universe reads the use of "want" as: a lack or deficiency of something. When you focus on your "lack" that is what is returned to you, more lack. That thing you "want" becomes like a dangled carrot, always just out of reach. The universe reads the use of "desire" as a request of sorts. So when you focus on what you desire you essentially draw it to you.

It was explained to me like this.... If you have a pure thought for more than 17 seconds it connects to a corresponding thought for 17 seconds and so on until your thought process has reached or exceeded 64 seconds. At that point the universe goes to work on WHATEVER that thought was. If that thought was "I'm broke" guess what? You'll stay broke!

Focus your thoughts on what you desire. Envision your bank account with a six figure balance! See yourself with your husband/wife! Imagine yourself unpacking in that dream home! WARNING: be careful not to project your thoughts and desires in a future tense. It is important that you consider your desires as if they are true right now, future tense keeps them just that, in the future.

I am working hard to break the habit of subconsciously sabotaging myself by using the term "want" and focusing so much on what I don't have & what's not right. I am making a concerted effort to focus my energy on the things I desire to happen. Theory is now practice, and I now have every resource I need to take care of whatever it is I need to take care of.

Last but not least, don't forget to show gratitude for all of things you have already been provided. Saying thank you opens the door to more of what you're thankful for. So take some time say "thank you", then meditate for a little while on your desires. Then watch how your life changes!

Hematite Jewelry for Him

 
Blake Beaded Hematitie Bracelet by Provocative Expression

This Hematite chip bracelet is just the right mix of class, style, and spiritual expression for the fashion forward “Mr.” in your life!

Throughout history Hematite has been worn in some form for its healing and metaphysical properties.

It is said to help purify, oxygenate, and revitalize the blood for the entire body. Also to encourage the absorption of iron, and the production of healthy red blood cells. Deeming this mineral beneficial for the kidneys, anemia, blood cell and tissue regeneration

Hematite is also said to be a protective amulet and was used in ancient times to repel and dissolve negative energy and harmful intentions, serve as a conduit for calming and sooting as well as aide in mental focus and organization.

In addition to being part of one of the biggest trends in men’s fashion, anyone can benefit from wearing a piece of hematite jewelry, especially when facing any perceived challenges.

Full Day. Date Night.

Full Day. Date Night.

 

 

Sometimes our days takes us so many places that a fabulous all purpose outfit is a must!

When I have these types of days on my calendar going home to change is just not an option. So I choose a look that can get me through the day and then some.

Taking along a few styling options can ramp your look up or down as needed. Swapping the leather vest for a Blazer will get you stylishly through your business meeting. An edgy wedge, or cute flat will get you comfortably through your grocery shopping trip. A nice eyecatching clutch will put the finishing touch on your “date night” look.

In our ever so busy lives, styling options will beat a full wardrobe change most days.

 

Featured in this set:

 

Jewelry - www.ProvocativExpression.com

 

Dress & Boots - ShoeDazzle.com

 

Vest - RiversIsland.com

 

Purse - JustFab.com

Handmade Gift Ideas for this Holiday Season

 

Giving the gift of elegance and exclusivity this holiday season is as easy as buying handmade.

Of course jewelry is always a great handmade gift idea and these are just a few of the styles offered in my online boutique, but there are many more handmade gifts out there!

Top handmade gifts include:

Soap

Gourmet Foods









Scented Candles











Outerwear













Custom Monogrammed Items













Not only will you be giving your loved one a gift that is just as special and unique as them, you'll be supporting one of many small business owners trying hard to thrive in our current economy.

With that said I urge you to look beyond the "big box" and the national chains for that perfect gift this year. Trust me you'll be a hit with your loved one making a win/win/win situation for everyone this holiday.

 

Source: Visit ProvocativExpression.com today for 25% off selected items sitewide!

Handmade for the Holiday!

Handmade for the Holiday! by lynee10 featuring dannijo

Rosantica jade necklace
matchesfashion.com

Dannijo
dannijo.com

Wedding bridal jewelry
catherinenicole.com

Multi strand necklace
$175 - farfetch.com

Hand made jewelry
$105 - overstock.com

Wedding bridal jewelry
catherinenicole.com

Peppermint Oreo Pops - Courtesy of LuLu the Baker

On the 6th Day of Christmas: Peppermint Oreo Pops

Oreos on a stick might not seem that special; they certainly aren’t that different from Oreos that aren’t on a stick! But there’s just something about them that is really cute. And really tasty in that I-know-this-is-not-the-least-bit-healthy kind of way. And food on a stick is always more fun to eat, right?!

Instead of doing a regular ol’ recipe, I figured I’d do a little tutorial. It just seems to call for it.

Peppermint Oreo Pops

1 package double-stuffed Oreos (the regular ones aren’t thick enough)

2 bags white candy melts (you really only need about 1 1/2 bags, but oh well)

paper lollipop sticks (I like the 6-inch ones)

4 candy canes, crushed

1. Get out 2 or 3 cookie sheets and line them with parchment paper or waxed paper. Very carefully twist the tops off of all the Oreos and set all of your little Oreo bits and pieces on the prepared cookie sheets. Don’t crowd them. I’d do about 12 per sheet.

See how I crowded them? Don’t do that!2. Using the end of a chopstick or a skewer (I actually used the end of a beater last time), dig a little channel in the cream filling on each Oreo. If you start at the edge and gently work toward the middle (instead of starting in the center and moving outward), you won’t randomly lose big chunks of filling.

3. Put your candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl. In this case, tall and narrow is better than short and wide. Think measuring cup, not pie plate. Melt them according to package directions.

4. Dip the end of a lollipop stick in candy and set it in one of the Oreo cream filling channels you dug in step 2. Gently push it all the way in and all the way down. Gently! If you push too hard, the Oreo will break. If you do break an Oreo, see the “Tips” below for some…tips.

5. Take an Oreo top, spoon a tiny bit of candy onto the blank side (dime-sized at the most), flip it over, and put it back onto its mate.

6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 with the rest of the Oreos and sticks, and let them sit until completely set.

7. If the candy melts need a quick reheat before moving on, feel free to microwave them again briefly.

8. Take an Oreo Pop and dip it in candy until it is completely covered. You might need to tilt your bowl and kind of roll or swish the Oreo Pop around to get it covered. Once it is completely covered, hold it parallel to the table and gently tap the stick against the side of the bowl so that the excess candy coating drips back into the bowl. If you make sure to hold the Oreo Pop flat while doing this, any unevenness on the front will smooth itself out. And the back might look like a mess, but no one will see it.

9. Set the dipped Oreo Pop on it’s back on one of the prepared cookie sheets and sprinkle with crushed candy canes. Allow to set.

Er, it should actually be completely covered

10. Repeat steps 8 and 9 with remaining Oreo Pops.
11. When they’re all dry, wrap them up however you like! Or just eat them yourself; that works too!

Tips:

• Depending on how successfully you split the Oreos and how many broken ones you find in your package, you can get up to 30 Oreo Pops from this recipe. If you need exactly 30, I would definitely buy two packs of Oreos just to be safe.
• You can obviously make them with any color candy melts you want, and you can substitute sprinkles for the crushed candy canes. So far, I like the light blue candy melts the best. They melt well and cover well, and they’re a pretty Tiffany blue.
• I used white candy melts this time, but I’ve also used white almond bark. The almond bark is slightly more difficult to work with, but it covers extremely well, so you can’t see any Oreo through the candy coating.
• If at any point you break an Oreo, never fear! If you break it pretty cleanly into two large pieces (which, based on my scientific research, is generally the way Oreos break), just piece them back together and glue them with melted candy. Allow to dry completely, then proceed. You do end up dunking the entire set-up in candy, so no one will ever know it was broken.
• For the wrapping above, I used 3x4-inch clear cellophane treat bags by “Celebrate It” from Michaels. I thought they’d be too small, but they are the perfect size. I’ll definitely use them from now on. I also used Maraschino baker’s twine from The Twinery.
• You might think you’ll need more than one per person, because who doesn’t love to chow down on Oreos, but these are really, really rich. You’re probably safe with one per person. Plus it’s always good to leave ‘em wanting more!

Gray - The Perfect Neutral

Gray is the proverbial "in between" which is why I consider it the perfect neutral.

While Gray is often paired with it's either (or both) of it's left and right extremes; white & black, it pairs well with many other colors in the spectrum. As a primary piece, or complimentary coordinating color, Gray is a great tool to keep in your style arsenal.

Featured Items:
ProvocativExpression.com - All jewelry
www.ProvocativExpression.com

Target.com - Western boot & Charcoal Gray Dress

AldoShoes.com - Black Oxford

ShoeDazzle.com - All other items
 

ColorWatch Red/Black

ColorWatch Red/Black

 

 

Another fashion collage created to illustrate my style aesthetic.... I love pairing these collors when putting together my "Business Chic" look. I find myself doing a lot of networking in social settings such as restaurants/bars, and this look is bold, powerful, & on-trend!

The necklace & earrings featured are the handmade designs of yours truly! You can find these items of others like them in my online boutique. www.ProvocativExpression.com. The shoes are available at Shoedazzle.com. The handbag can be found at JustFab.com. The jeans are Old Navy "Rock Star" skinny. Other items are stock photos similar to pieces in my wardrobe.

What is your "go to" look when socializing is part of your growing your network?

Discount Diva Style

Discount Diva Style

 

 

Fashion collage I created on Polyvore.com to illustrate an outfit I put together & wore last month to a friends birthday dinner celebration. Featured in this set are a few of my own jewelry designs (the necklace & earrings). Similar items can be found in my online boutique: www.ProvocativExpression.com.

The jacket, belt, tee & cuff are examples taken from Polyvore of items actually worn. Actual items are as follows:

Why Handmade is "Haute"!

Handmade jewelry has recently become very popular. With the advent of websites like Etsy and Artfire beaders, metal workers, and art jewelry designers of all kinds and skill levels have come out of the woodworks,

There is literally something out there for everyone, and that my friend is the beauty of it all. Simple and demure. Fantastically BOLD! BoHo bombastic. Themed. Steampunk. Religious. Geode. Semi-precious, and the list goes on and on.....

Want something one-of-a-kind? Or made in such limited quantity that the likelihood of being the "other one" in the room with this necklace will be slim to none. Like horses, or food, or skiing? I bet there's a designer out there who loves those things too. For every interest, taste level, and style aesthetic there is a designer out there just waiting for you to discover them!

So to answer the question why is handmade haute? The answer is simple because it's made just for you! Be it my online boutique (pictured above) or any of the many others. The local craft fair, or gallery exhibit, handmade is the place to find that special piece you've been looking for,