A Dog-Earred Inspiration: Guest Post

You folks are in for a treat today!! My second guest post! WOOT WOOT! My good friend Kristy from Pocketful of Poise is sharing a really cool tutorial. Kristy and I have taught at the same school for a about three years or so, and she has become one of my closest gal pals. She's super creative, artsy, and has a great sense of style. I know you'll love her. Her blog is pretty new (just started last week!), so please show her some LOVE and head over there after you check this out.
PLUS- I am guest posting over there today...it's a WIN/WIN!! :)
Take it away, Kristy...

Hey Paper Wing followers!! My name is Kristy and I just started blogging last week. I am so grateful to have my very good friend, Tracy to help me through this process! I would be so lost without her. So, come on over to Pocketful of Poise and check it out!

For the last couple of days I have been featuring tutorials on making some inexpensive and fun jewelry. Tracy and I have switched spots to guest post on each other blogs. Sticking with the jewelry theme you will find her awesome tutorial on a fabric and bead creation that I can't wait to try.

Typically will flip through magazines, catalogs or even look on-line to get inspired or to challenge myself on some "re-creations." The tutorial below was inspired by an on-line jewelry company that was offering a necklace very similar to mine for $162.00! (See original at Dog Earred) I decided to see if I could re-create his little piece for under ten bucks. You can decide for yourself if I was successful! Enjoy...

I started by rummaging through the old jewelry box. I found a bracelet that was a little heavy to begin with and decided it could do without a third row. I plan on re-stringing this at some point in the near future. I bought 3 yards of leather roping from a fabric store. If I were to do another one of these I would probably buy a little bit more.

Once I cut three equal strands, I used a needle and clear elastic thread to stitch the three cords together. I then did a simple tight braid, making sure the leather stayed flat. I left about ten inches and stitched the three cords again to hold them in place. Then I pulled the elastic thread through so that I could string the beads. I cut off two of the end (non braided) cords so that I only had one left. The needle of elastic thread then alternated between a bead and the leather. The leather follows the under, over pattern until the last bead is threaded.

Finally, stitch the remaining leather to the other end of the necklace where the braid started. Now, you should have a circle. Tie the elastic thread off tight. Use the extra leather cord that was cut off from the braid and tie it around where the braid meets the beads. This will reinforce the necklace and hide the elastic thread knots.

And here is the finished piece!

Thanks again to Tracy, for letting me visit Paper Wings!! I hope you all enjoyed my stay.

P.S. And here is the $162.00 version!