Category Archives: Girls Want Pearls

Girls Want Pearls #52! Cross Sun Catcher

Well, here we are. At the end of a year long journey. Has it really been a year? We have looked at pearls from every angle, how they’re made and how to make them into something unexpected. We spent time appreciating their beauty as displayed in history, fashion and decor. We looked at a handful of scripture references from the Bible that use the pearl to illustrate valuable truths. We used them to make everyday and seasonal decor, items with practical uses like bookmarks, photo holders and gift bags, and spruced up items in our closet like sandals and scarves, belts and bags. And now it’s time for the final Girls Want Pearls project.Since we have our Creator to thank for the beauty of pearls, and all the beauty around us, I have decided to conclude the series with a project that points to Him. It is my pleasure to show you how to make a
Cross Sun Catcher
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Here are the supplies you will need:
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  • 20 gauge wire
  • 4 pearl strands with graduating sizes from small to large to small as shown
  • sparkly beads in three sizes OR a sparkly cluster type earring
  • any type of ribbon, torn fabric strips or leather for hanging the cross

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Step 1
Cut 2 pieces of 20 guage wire, approx. 20 inches in length. Take the first wire and bend it approx. 8 inches from one end. This will divide the portions for the top and bottom of the cross. Starting with the smallest pearl, string the pearls onto the 8 inch portion of wire keeping their graduating sizes in order from smallest to largest, then largest to smallest to form the top of the cross. Curve the wire strung with pearls to form a loop. This is the top of the cross.
Twist the “tail” wire around the center where the bend is, twice to secure and let the tail remain.

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Step 2
Repeat the process from step one to form the bottom of the cross. Twist the tail wire as in step 1, leaving an approx. 1/2 inch gap between the two loops and let the tail remain. Take each pearl loop and twist the entire piece at the center two or three times to tighten.

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Step 3
Take your second piece of wire and bend it in half. This divides the portions for the two horizontal cross pieces. String the pearls on in the same manner as you did for the vertical cross pieces, twisting the tail wires to secure and leaving 1/2 inch between the two loops.

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Step 4
Lay the horizontal cross piece over the vertical cross piece, lining up the wire centers. To secure and tighten: Take each end of the horizontal piece and wrap it around the vertical cross piece center, bringing the loops around to opposite sides from where they started. Take each end of the vertical piece and wrap it around, pulling the loops around to be on opposite ends from where they started. Take one of the 4 wire tails and wrap it around the center 2-3 times and pull to the back of the cross. Bring the other 3 wire tails to the front of the cross.

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Step 5
Take one of the wire tails and string a large bead onto the center. Wrap the wire around the center of the cross to the back and twist together with the one you pulled to the back in the previous step.

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Step 6
Take a second wire tail and string on the medium size beads.

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Step 7
Wrap the beaded wire around to encircle the center bead. Bring the remainder of that piece of wire to the back of the cross and twist together with the other two wires.

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Step 8
Take a third wire tail and string on the smallest beads.

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Step 9
Wrap the beaded wire around to encircle the previous row. Bring the remainder of that piece of wire to the back of the cross and twist together with the other three.
Now you’re ready to add the hanger. Take your chosen ribbon, leather, etc. and tie around top loop of cross, slipknot style. Tie again at the top.
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As you look at the cross in your window, may you be reminded to take up your cross. As the jewels on the cross catch and reflect the light of the sun, let’s reflect the light and love of the one who went to Calvary to show us how to live beautiful lives.

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Thank you to all my readers who let me know how much you enjoyed this series. I hope you keep coming back to read my posts ~ you never know what could be coming up next!

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Linking with: Savvy Southern Style,The 36th Avenue, No Minimalist Here, Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson,The Scoop, Mod Vintage Life, Between Naps on the Porch,From My Front Porch to Yours,Cozy Little House, Knick of Time,A Stroll Thru LifeIvy and Elephants, Jennifer Rizzo, Style Elixir, Shabby Art Boutique, Cheerios and Lattes, Reasons To Skip The Housework, Classy Clutter, French Country Cottage, C.R.A.F.T. Monday Funday , VMG206, Bacon Time with the Hungry Hypo, That DIY Party

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Girls Want Pearls #51: Eyeglass Lanyard

Welcome to Girls Want Pearls #51, where every Monday for 52 weeks we take a look at pearls, their role in history and fashion and how we can repurpose them in our wardrobe and home. Only 1 more week left in the series after today! But I have many more fun things in store for the creative soul on my blog in the next year. Today we’ll be making an eyeglass lanyard for your reading glasses or sunglasses.

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I don’t know about you, but I like to have my reading glasses and my sunglasses right at my fingertips. I’ve been wanting something to wear around my neck to keep them handy for some time, and finally decided to make myself an eyeglass lanyard. It’s a quick project, and no jewelry making skills required!

Here’s what you’ll need:
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  • Start by threading a needle with approx. 12 inches of doubled thread or beading wire, knotted on the end.
  • Cut 3 pieces of lace into the following lengths: 3 inches; 3 inches; 12 inches. The width can be whatever you want it to be ~ mine are approx. 1/2 inch wide.

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  • Tie a knot in one end of each small piece of lace, and in both ends of the large piece of lace.
  • Take the needle and thread and stitch through the knot in one of the small pieces, making 3 or 4 stitches, then begin adding beads.

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The first section, from start of lace to end of beads should be approx. 11 inches.
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Now it’s time to connect the completed section to the large piece of lace.
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  • Stitch through the knot in one end of the large piece of lace, making a few stitches and tying off the thread.
  • Rethread the needle with another 12 inches doubled and knotted on the end.
  • Stitch through the knot on the other end of the large piece of lace, making 3 or 4 stitches, then add beads and the final small piece of lace to create another 11 inch section.

You’re almost done now, there’s just one more step.
The final step is to add the piece that will hold your glasses. You have a choice to make here. You can either add a ring, and hang your glasses on like this…
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Or you can add looped eyeglass findings like these…
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…………………………….source

Or if you’re cheap like me, you can create your own hack by wrapping and stitching thread around a clear hair band.
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I like the loop style better for days where I’ll be taking my glasses on and off frequently (like when shopping), since they allow for a one-handed method. Either way, you’ll never have to dig in your purse for your glasses, or wonder where you put them.
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Next week’s pearl post hint: Calvary

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Talk soon,
 Ann

Linking with: Savvy Southern Style,The 36th Avenue, No Minimalist Here, Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson,The Scoop, Mod Vintage Life, Between Naps on the Porch, From My Front Porch to Yours, Cozy Little House, Knick of Time, A Stroll Thru LifeIvy and Elephants, Jennifer Rizzo, Style Elixir, Shabby Art Boutique, Cheerios and Lattes, Reasons To Skip The Housework, Classy Clutter, French Country Cottage, C.R.A.F.T. Monday Funday , VMG206, Bacon Time with the Hungry Hypo, That DIY Party

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Girls Want Pearls #50: Paisley Lace and Pearl Lampshade

Happy Summer Monday! Thanks for stopping by for another Girls Want Pearls! I can’t believe this is #50 in my series about pearls and that there are only 2 more left after today! I’m excited about today’s project so let’s get to it! What could be prettier than a Paisley Lace and Pearl Lampshade?

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Isn’t it fun? I love it on my funny little crooked vintage lamp. I’m pretty sure it’s my favorite pearl project to date. Of course it’s not the first time I’ve thought this. When I made the pearl spider and web back in September it was my favorite.

Then in February when we were all so over winter, these ombre vases were my favorite.

And in March I made a pearl nest which took over the #1 spot in my heart for pearl projects.

The lampshade requires a bit more time than some of the simpler projects but it’s definitely do-able in a day, and definitely worth it.

Ready to make your own Paisley Lace and Pearl Lampshade?
Here’s what you’ll need:
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And a printout of this or your own paisley pattern:
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Print the paisley design in a few different sizes (feel free to leave me a comment if you need help with this step).
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Cut out the “paisleys.”
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Stick them on the lampshade with a glue stick or other glue.
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Using a sharp knife, score around the pattern.
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Remove the pattern and cut the design into the lampshade. It’s okay if the edges are not smooth ~ the lace will fill in and cover the edges. Cutting tip: It seems to work best if you get the knife in about halfway and keep it there will slowly gliding it around the scored area.
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Use the cutouts or the paper pattern to cut your lace. Cut the lace, adding an approx. 1/8 inch border all the way around. Glue the lace to the inside of the shade, making sure to leave some slack in the lace, with the edges of the lace pushed as close to the edge of the cutout as possible so it won’t be visible when the lamp is turned on. Next, move to the outside of the shade and push the excess lace in against the cutout edge, covering the jagged edges.
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Glue pearls on in a few areas, outlining the paisley or dotting the lace with curly cues, mini paisley shapes or circles.
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Let’s light the darkness around us! As always, leave any questions in the comments. Do you have a favorite pearl project from my series? I’d love to hear!

Next week’s pearl post hint: Eye See You

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Talk soon,
 Ann

Linking with: Savvy Southern Style,The 36th Avenue, No Minimalist Here, Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson,The Scoop, Mod Vintage Life, Between Naps on the Porch, From My Front Porch to Yours, Cozy Little House, Knick of Time, A Stroll Thru LifeIvy and Elephants, Jennifer Rizzo, Style Elixir, Shabby Art Boutique, Cheerios and Lattes, Reasons To Skip The Housework, Classy Clutter, French Country Cottage, C.R.A.F.T. Monday Funday , VMG206, Bacon Time with the Hungry Hypo, That DIY Party

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Girls Want Pearls #49: DIY Cutout Top With Pearl Swags

Happy Monday! It’s all about fashion this week on Girls Want Pearls #49. In today’s video tutorial I will show you how to make this cute cutout top with pearl swags.

top cutout

I’ve worn this top once and received so many compliments! If you try it out, I’d love to hear from you.

Next week’s pearl post hint: Light the Darkness

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Talk soon,
 Ann

Linking with: Savvy Southern Style,The 36th Avenue, No Minimalist Here, Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson,The Scoop, Mod Vintage Life, Between Naps on the Porch, From My Front Porch to Yours, Cozy Little House, Knick of Time, A Stroll Thru LifeIvy and Elephants, Jennifer Rizzo, Style Elixir, Shabby Art Boutique, Cheerios and Lattes, Reasons To Skip The Housework, Classy Clutter, French Country Cottage, C.R.A.F.T. Monday Funday , VMG206, Bacon Time with the Hungry Hypo, That DIY PartyCasual Friday, I Feel Pretty, Rachel The Hat, Lena B. Actually, Because Shanna Said So, Not Dead Yet Style, Monday Mingle, Remix, Rewear, Restyle

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Girls Want Pearls #48: Cross and Crown Bookmark

Welcome to Girls Want Pearls #48! Thank you for coming by for another pearl project tutorial. Today I want to show you how to make something that everyone can use ~ a cross and crown bookmark.

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I love crosses and crowns so I decided to incorporate both of those into the design.

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Supply list: Leather belt; 13 4mm pearls; 3 6mm pearls; straight pins;
elastic fabric strip, 11 inches long.
Let’s get started! The next several pictures will show you the how-to:
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Woo, that was a lot of photos! Creating this post took way longer than creating the actual project! :) And there you have it, a unique and pretty bookmark you can use yourself or give as a gift to your favorite book lover.

Next week’s pearl post hint: I’ve got your back

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Talk soon,
 Ann

Linking with: Savvy Southern Style,The 36th Avenue, No Minimalist Here, Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson,The Scoop, Mod Vintage Life, Between Naps on the Porch, From My Front Porch to Yours, Cozy Little House, Knick of Time, A Stroll Thru LifeIvy and Elephants, Jennifer Rizzo, Style Elixir, Shabby Art Boutique, Cheerios and Lattes, Reasons To Skip The Housework, Classy Clutter, French Country Cottage, C.R.A.F.T. Monday Funday , VMG206, Bacon Time with the Hungry Hypo, That DIY Party

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Girls Want Pearls #46: Business Card Holder

Happy Monday and welcome to Girls Want Pearls #46! Last week’s pearl post hint was “mind your business”. Today I’m going to show you two easy ways to use pearls in creating unique business card holders. Whether you have a brick and mortar shop or take your product on the road doing shows, you need a place to show off your business cards.
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A spool of string on pearl feet makes a great business card holder for anyone who sells a creative product.

How to make it:

Using a sharp knife, cut a slot in the side of your cardboard spool, either straight or diagonally, a little bit wider than the business card height, approx. 2 inches. You can make the slot as thick as you like. The one shown is thick enough to hold ten business cards.
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Glue down the stray pieces of string you cut through to keep them in place. In order to keep your business cards up high enough to display thoroughly you can do one of two things. Either fill the slot to capacity with cards to keep them snug, or place stuffing on the inside of the yarn spool to keep the cards elevated.

The second business card holder is simply a shell and pearls.
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I had this one around that I have used for a few years to hold my business cards. Someone else had decorated it with pearls and I just added a few more to make it really shine. An easy but pretty business card holder.

Next week’s peal post hint: It’s anybody’s guess

Love pearls and don’t want to miss any pearly posts?
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Talk soon,
 Ann

Linking with: Savvy Southern Style,The 36th Avenue, No Minimalist Here, Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson,The Scoop, Mod Vintage Life, Between Naps on the Porch, From My Front Porch to Yours, Cozy Little House, Knick of Time, A Stroll Thru LifeIvy and Elephants, Jennifer Rizzo, Style Elixir, Shabby Art Boutique, Cheerios and Lattes, Reasons To Skip The Housework, Classy Clutter, French Country Cottage, C.R.A.F.T. Monday Funday , VMG206, Bacon Time with the Hungry Hypo, That DIY Party

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