DIY: Swarovski Brooche

When I was planning my wedding I basically purchased all my accessories. I found that to be a shame since I design jewelry, so to compromise I decided to make my own brooch. I wanted to tie my sash with a bling bling brooch, so I opted for a Swarovski filled packed piece. I thought I would share my DIY… for you DIY brides out their.

The results:

So ladies (sorry guys but I don’t think this post is for you ) … here are the step by step instructions

List of materials:
Cooper Wire (color of your choice)
Swarovski beads (small, medium and one large piece)
Cutters
Pin (for backing of the brooch)
Round nose pliers (optional)

I purchased medium and small cone shaped swarvoski crystals in both greyish-taupe and clear colors. I also purchased a galatic stone (large swarovski crystal) which will be the center of the brooch.

Step 1: I prepared all my materials to be sure not to miss anything. It’s really annoying when you don’t calculate everything correctly and you need to go back to the store.

Step 2: Using the copper wire, start making a base to your brooch. It’s quite simple, pretend you are sewing. Make circular shapes and intertwine the wire in certain places as to ensure its steadiness.

You should stop when you have a shape you like. It needs to be quite steady otherwise the weight of your stones might cause the brooch to bend.

Step 3: Now it’s time to incorporate the swarovski beads. You do the same thing as when you were creating the nesting of the brooch. Simple loop and intertwine the wire, but add beads at the same time to create a pretty shape.

Keep going until you have gone completely around the whole brooch. Verify that certain areas don’t have huge gaps. No worries, this is error proof. If you are missing beads, simply go back and add more.

Step 4: Now it’s time to add the back pin to the brooch. Using wire, simply “sew” it to the brooch using the base of the brooch. Go around several times to ensure it stays in place.

Voila! The brooch is done. I know it looks a little weird in the picture, but if you look at the pic of my wedding, you’ll see it doesn’t simply look like a pile of wire.

Price breakdown:
Galactic Swarovski stone = $6.75
Medium sized Swarovski stones : $4.90 / dozen
Small sized Swarovski stones : $1.85 for 6
Copper wire: $5.75 huge roll (which I already had – for my other DIY projects)
Pin : $1.00
—————–
Total cost: $20.25 (in reality it’s about $18, but don’t forget these are genuine Swarovski crystals and it’s worth at least $60)

Enjoy

Reminder: Mijajewelry Necklace Giveaway

Happy Tuesday everyone! I just wanted to tell you that if you haven’t had the chance, don’t forget to enter the Mijajewelry Dream Catcher Necklace Giveaway. We, ladies… love jewelry so pass on the word to your girl friends. Contest closes today at 8 PM( EST) so hurry up and spread the word!!!

If you want to win this awesome prize – go to the original post and tell me telling me what’s your favorite piece from their collection. A winner will be picked at random and will be announced on Tomorrow Wednesday January 21st 2009. GOOD LUCK EVERYONE !!! One entry per email. Stay tuned… another contest is on its way!

Giveaway: Mijajewelry Dream Catcher Necklace

Today we will be having a giveaway thanks to Mija Jewelry. The giveaway is for a Dream Catcher necklace in 18K Gold Vermeil with a white sapphire. (Vermeil is 18K gold plated over sterling silver)  They have really cute stuff for both woman and children and have many many choices available.

Children jewelry is not something that people tend to buy, obviously because of the price and risk of damage, but how cute a gift would this be for your flowergirl. It would most definitely make her feel like a princess – just like you on your wedding day.  A unique gift for a special girl.

Photos courtesy of: Mija Jewelry

If you want to win this awesome prize – comment below telling me what’s your favorite piece from their collection. A winner will be picked at random and will be announced on Wednesday January 21st 2009. GOOD LUCK EVERYONE !!! Contest ends Tuesday January 20th 2009 at 8 PM (EST). One entry per email.

Rainbow glow

Yesterday it was pouring outside, but somehow the sun found its way and a beautiful rainbow appeared. I’m always amazed when I see a rainbow in the sky, the colors were just so pretty. Today’s post is inspired by mother natures own creation. I introduce you the gemstone rings.

All rings and earring courtesy of Costco.com

I am a fan of color and I love seeing engagement rings or wedding rings different than what we generally fancy. We tend to think that when we see beautiful rings in countless wedding magazines that the prices are obviously over the top…. well I am happy to announce that all the rings and earrings shown all come from Costco.com. Prices vary from 268$ to 6000$. So why not be different… opt for a gemstone ring.