Get your Sizzix Big Shot out and learn how to use Framelits Die and Embossing in this video segment with Candie Cooper and Tory Vezina!

Today’s blog post will feature Sizzix Framelits and Embossing Folders. Use Framelits to cut fun shapes to display your earrings or even use it for your scrapbooking needs. And use Embossing Folders to add a 3D texture to paper, fabric or even thin copper/metal pieces.

Embossing Folders

The first important rule when using Embossing Folders with the Sizzix Big Shot is the Extended Platform (SZ00053).

You will need the Extended Platform, which is included with Sizzix Big Shot Machine; to place your Embossing folder on to run it through the Sizzix Big Shot, instead of using the Movers and Shaper platform you would usually use to place your Dies on. There will be a visual on the Platform on how to use it with your Big Shot.

The Process to running the Embossing Folder through your Big Shot is to place the Extended Platform down, put your paper or thin piece of metal inside your Embossing Folder, put the Embossing folder on the Extended Platform and place the Cutting Pad on top. Run the whole thing through the machine and you will get a textured piece of paper or thin metal!

Make sure to check out these fun Embossing Folders to creating your own designs:

Embossing folders: SZ00075, SZ00074, SZ00073, SZ00072, SZ00070, SZ00071

Sizzix Framelits

The next important rule to cutting shapes using Framelits is the Extended Thin Die Adapter you will need to accompany the Extended Platform in using Framelit Dies (SZ00046 & SZ00048).

Framelits are dies with intricate and detailed designs best used with paper, fabric or thin pieces of metal or copper. Do not use Framelits with thick pieces of leather.

The process in running the Framelit Dies through the Big Shot is to place the Extended Platform down, then place the Extended Thin Die Adapter on top, followed by a Cutting Pad, Framelit with the form side facing up, your piece of paper and another Cutting Pad. Run all parts through the Big Shot for an intricate cut out piece of paper!

Video Tutorial

Candie and Tory will show you how easy it is using the Framelits Dies and Embossing Folders in this video tutorial!

Druzy Pendant Necklaces are easy to make! With only 5 components needed to complete one, you’ll want to make more!

What you’ll need:

• Druzy Connector
• 5mm Jump Ring
• 4mm Jump Ring
• Suede Tassel or your choice of Metal Charm dangle
• Chain Link

Items used in the two necklace above:

• LEFT (Z005861, Z020510, CH00280, A001528, A002413)
• RIGHT (Z005860, A019711, CH00976, A011519, A011517)

Tutorial

See how easy it is to make these two pair of necklace in this video tutorial

1. Open 5mm jump ring and slide on both ends of your chain link. (Chain can be to your length. We used a 2 feet link so that it can easily draped over your head.) Close jump ring.
2. Open 4mm jump ring and slide through one end of the Druzy connector and through jump ring from Step One. Close jump ring.
3. Open 5mm another jump ring, slide through tassel or charm and through other end of the Druzy connector. Close jump ring.

Continuing from our Vintaj painted on Sizzix Leather blog/video, learn how to take your painted leather and make an easy cuff bracelet using Sizzix Cuff Dies and TierraCast buttons.

Candie Copper is Back! She has tips and tricks for making a super simple leather cuff bracelet using the Cuff Dies and Button Hole Dies.

What you’ll need to make your cuff:

• Sizzix Cuff Die. You have the option of a Wide (SZ00028) or Thin (SZ00029) bracelet die. Both sets will have two dies for a short and long bracelet.
• Button Hole Dies (SZ00032)
• Leather Hole Punch Tool
• TierraCast Oval Jump Ring (Silver/Gold)
• TierraCast Button

Video Tutorial

A trendy fashion statement piece for your wardrobe are Mala necklaces. And a Mala necklace isn’t complete without a Guru bead. Watch this informative video on how to thread on your Guru beads from DakotaStones.

Mala necklaces are an easy statement necklace that you can make with your favorite gemstone, wood or lava beads, strung on simple Griffin silk cord with a knot knotted between each bead. Check out our previous blog on Tassel Jewelry, which also tackles the ever-popular Mala necklaces.

Mala is a strand of counting beads used in Hindu or Buddhist practice for praying or reciting a mantra to aid concentration during meditation. Depending on the type of chant, counts of strung beads may vary.there are no knots between beads in a Hindu or Buddhist mala. Often, there is even empty space on the strand, so that the beads can more easily be slipped as they are “counted”. It is said that with each count, people recite a mantra to bless the beads. The strand is also accompanied with a larger bead named the “Guru” bead and a tassel.

Here is a video from our friends at DakotaStones on how to thread on a Guru bead with Griffin Silk Cord.

Here’s a super simple TierraCast Feather Necklace using all TierraCast components. It’s simple enough to have John, our photographer, put this ensemble together.

This necklace is made with simply using a pinch bail to connect the feather and necklace. Read our previous on How to Use Pinch Bails.

What you’ll need:

• 3 Inch TierraCast Feather Pendant (Silver TC02508/  Brass TC02510/Copper TC02511)
• TierraCast Ball Chain Neckalce (Silver TC02063/ Brass TC02067/Copper TC02065)
• Pinch Bail

Video Tutorial

Items used in video tutorial:TC02511, TC02319,TC02065

Tory and Candie Cooper are back in this video to demonstrate how to make simple bracelets using memory wire, leather, end caps and beads!Making bracelets with memory wire is one of the easiest way to make jewelry! Make sure to stop over to our Memory Wire Hot Category page to shop for memory wire, end caps, tools and leather with an inner hole that can be used with memory wire. Don’t forget to get some of our favorite beads to accompany your leather memory wire bracelet like glass beads, gemstones, TierraCast beads, Swarovski crystals and more.

Because memory wire comes pre-coiled, it will sustain and keep its shape. We personally like the Beadalon® Heavy Duty Memory Wire (WR00120/WR00121), which Tory and Candie use in the video. And most importantly, having the correct tools will help create your bracelets: Memory Wire Shears and Memory Wire Finishing Pliers

These pliers will help with looping the memory wire because wire itself is a thick and sturdy wire.

Video Tutorial

Bracelet Examples

Here are different variations of bracelets we’ve made using a combination of gemstones, metal beads, spacers, Czech beads, Swarovski crystals and more.

You can find other ways we’ve used memory wire in other blog posts: 

• Memory Wire Leather Wrap Bracelets
• Beachy Flamingo and Palm Tree DIY Bracelets
• How to Use Silk Ribbon in Jewelry
• 6 Multi-Wrap Memory Wire Bracelet Ideas – Video Tutorial
• How to Make a Leather and Memory Wire Bracelet – Video Tutorial

How do you design your memory bracelets? We would love to know!

We invited Candie Cooper to tag along in this super fun video tutorial on how to make easy bracelets with beading chain and slide on clasps.

What you will need.

0.7mm Chain bracelets:

• 0.7mm chain (CH00724/CH00725)
• 4x5mm Slide on Clasp (Z008576/Z008577/Z008578)
• End Cap (X001505)

Or 1.25mm Chain Bracelets:

• 1.25mm chain (Silver CH01003/Gold CH01004/ Ant. Brass CH01005/ Ant. Copper CH001053)
• End Cap (Silver Z008570/ Gold Z008574/ Ant. Brass Z008575)
• 5.57mm Slide on Clasp (Silver Z008579/Gold Z008580/Ant. Brass Z008581/ Ant. Copper Z008565/ Satin Gold Z008566)
  -OR-
• 8×5 Round Slide on Clasp (Silver Z008584/ Gold Z008585/ Ant. Brass Z008586)

Tools:

• Super New Glue
• Flat Nose Pliers
• Memory Wire Cutter

Optional:

• Crimp Covers

A fun tip when making bracelet with beading chain, is for you not to be afraid to mix metals. Watch video for a step-by-step tutorial in making your own DIY adjustable bracelet!

Video

Candie Cooper is back with us again! Watch this informational video today and learn some tips and tricks to customize leather jewelry with Vintaj Patina paints.

Video Tutorial

Vintaj Patina is versatile to use with metal, wood and even leather! With the help of Candie Cooper, she and Tory have a fun and innovative way of making leather jewelry with Vintaj Patina and the Sizzix Big Shot.

Here are some tips and tricks that were used in the video tutorial:

• Use metallic patina paints over matte leather
• Paint patina on bubble wrap and press leather on bubble wrap
• Use a fan brush to lightly brush patina while creating hashing designs
• Glide the tip of the patina paint bottle over leather in quick strokes and scribbles

Sizzix Die Cuts used in video: Leaf Die Set (SZ00062) & Wide Bracelet Die (SZ00028) 

Tory and Candie Cooper are back with another inspiring video, recycling ties into fiber jewelry using the Sizzix Big Shot. Don’t miss out on this trendy DIY.

Layering Sizzix leather and old ties, create trendy fiber jewelry for any casual outfit! How will you use the Sizzix Big Shot Machine.

Add texture to your metal stamping jewelry with this Texture Stamper Hammer from ImpressArt. Watch this vendor video and see how simple you can add dimension to your designs!

A perk to ordering the Texture Stamper Hammer (TL00266) is that it comes with the Sprinkle Design Stamp, so you can start using this tool right away when you get it. Plus, with the twist of the handle knob, you can easily switch out different stamps for different designs! The Texture Stamper Hammer is the perfect tool for all skill levels.  So start stamping right away!

Hammer Video Tutorial

Hammer Tool: TL00266

Knotted necklace are fun to make with or for friends. Once you get into a rhythm, you can whip one out in no time. Plus, we have a quick video tutorial on how to use the Easy Knotter Tool to help make knots between beads.

Make sure to check out our previous post on the Easy Knotter and How to Use Silk Cord for information on the tool and Griffin Silk Cord.

Knotted necklaces are super easy to make.  You will need Griffin Silk Cord and an assortment of your favorite beads like gemstones, Chinese crystals, metal beads, seed beads, etc. We love using Griffin Silk Cord because you get about 6 1/2 feet of twisted silk cord with a twisted needle. This will give you a 32″ necklace, give or take. In the examples below, we use size No.8 Griffin Cord.

Tutorial Video

Hazy Turquoise Necklace

We used glossy rondelle Chinese crystals and triangle brass beads to create this necklace.

Items used: A022196, Z007027, A019209

Star-Crossed Gemstone Necklace

We love the texture of these Star Cut gemstones. We knotted this necklace with antique gold beads in an organic way without a pattern sequence, paired with black silk cord to pop out the Carnelian color.

Items used: CRN6RD-SC, A019202, Z001478

When customizing your Sizzix-cut designs, a handy tool to have is the Sizzix Die Pick. Watch this informational video of Candie Cooper and Tory demonstrating how to use the Die Pick.

Make sure to check our first post on how to set-up your Sizzix Big Shot along with design ideas.

Sizzix Die Pick

Sizzix Die Pick (SZ00055)

Candie Cooper is back again with Tory for an easy project using the Sizzix Big Shot.

Make sure to check out how to Unbox your Sizzix Big Shot in our previous blog post.

An easy-to-wear piece of jewelry are cuff bracelets. We have this easy tutorial that will take less than 5 minutes to make and ready to wear. What you will need for this project are:

• 20mm Glue-in-Cuff in Rodium, Rose Gold or Shiny Gold
• Super New Glue 
• Sizzix Big Shot (Read previous BLOG POST on how to set this machine up)
• Sizzix Oval Dies
• And Sizzix Leather 

Video Tutorial

Items used in cuff example: Z020292, SZ00015, SZ00034, A015821

From our Trends We Love: February Birthstone Amethyst, learn to make this cute hoop earrings wire-wrapped with Amethyst rondelles and Czech Fire-Polished beads.

Materials

1. 26-Gauge Wire – WR00035
2. 8mm Amethyst Rondelles – DTA8RL-F-8
3. 4mm Amethyst Czech Fire-Polish – A003359
4. 50mm Hoop Earrings – A014110

Video

Tutorial Steps

1. Cut a 4 feet piece of 26-Gauge wire.
2. Wrap the end of the wire to the hoop. Use pliers to make a tighter wrap. Push wrapped coils together.
3. Pick up an Amethyst rondelle, loop wire towards middle of hoop and wrap two times. Make sure to push the wrapped coils together.
4. Pick up a Czech bead and repeat.
5. Repeat steps 3 and 4, going around the hoop earrings.
6. Make your coils at the end and cut off excess wire. Use pliers to make tighter coil wraps.
7. Repeat all steps for other earring.

We supply a large selection of gemstone beads from Dakota Stones.  One of the most popular stone to add to your bead collection is the White African Opal. Learn what kind of gemstone it is and its meditating properties.

Dakota Stones is a company based in Minnesota that provides a huge selection of semi-precious gemstones in a variety of cuts, sizes and finishes. Jeff Elvin, Dakota Stones President, travels all over the world to mine stones and specially cuts them into beads, pendants, cabochons and more!

One of our favorites is the White African Opal. According to their wholesale website, “White African Opal is a white to cream to light tan stone with veining of black or gray. Like all Opals, it is a form of hydrated amorphous silica, however it does not exhibit the play of color seen in precious Opal. Common Opals such as White African Opal are believed to provide gentle, nurturing emotional support.”

We love the creamy neutral in White African Opal, which makes it easy to pair with all kinds of gemstones. Here are some of our suggestions: Blue Crazy Lace, African Turquoise, Apple Jasper, Aqua (Dyed) Impression Jasper, Labradorite or Smoky Quartz.