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.