It's not as strange as it sounds.  I'm going to walk you through how to create  your own hanging planter from scratch, AND in a way that let's you change its outfit for the season.

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This is an actual picture of one of the two rabbits that lives or at least eats in my back yard.  I know what you're thinking - "but he's so cute" I thought the same thing until I discovered this ->

That cute little rabbit dug up my Amaryllis, Easter Lillies and Daffodil bulbs.  Then proceded to make a meal (or meals!) out of them!  Not so cute.

Before you call Peta - I'm not really going to hurt the rabbits.  Once I got done being mad I realized that there was a relatively simple and inexpensive solution.  One that wouldn't hurt the rabbits, and would protect my bulbs for next year.  If you find yourself in this position, or better yet, before you find yourself in this position, let me help you.

Tools you will need:

• Hammer
  
• (Optional - Saw or Shrub Pruner)
  
• (Optional - Spade or Bulb Planter if you need to replant!)

The supplies you can easily pick up at Home Depot, and will run about $10 for the project as outlined.  Supplies you will need:

• Poutry Wire 2' x 25' - I used the plain, which is cheaper than the vinyl covered but just as effective
  
• Set of 6 Bamboo Poles - 1/2" x 6', these can be found in the gardening center
  
• (Optional - some loose stones from your yard)

This project will allow you to do one large area with a perimeter of roughly 24 feet, or 7 small circular areas roughly 2 feet across.  I prefer the large area because I can step inside if I need to weed.  Unless you've got very long arms, and a back of steel, once you've put up the small circles you won't be doing anymore work in that area for awhile.

While you can do this project by yourself, it is easier if you have someone to hold the poultry wire while you pound the bamboo stakes into the ground.  That's it - we're ready to go.

Step 1

Replant any bulbs that have been so rudely pulled up by your nighttime visitors. 

Step 2

We need to cut each piece of bamboo in half.  I just broke them over my knee, and put the irregular ends in the ground.  However if you're more like my husband, and prefer to do things "the right way", use either a shrub pruner or saw. You should now have 12 bamboo poles that are about 2 1/2 to 3 feet in length.

Step 3

Be sure to map out ahead of time the basic outline of where you want the wire.  Measure the outline to be sure you have enough wire.  Decide now where the bamboo poles will go, with no more than two feet between them.  A smaller, circular area should have at least two, preferable three to ensure there's no slack for a wily wabbit, I mean rabbit, to sneak under.

Step 4

Ok we are ready to put in the first stake.  You are going to unroll a bit of the chicken wire, giving yourself about 6 inches of slack at the end.  Now thread the bamboo pole through the chicken wire as you see on the left.  This way the chicken wire is firmly attached to the stake and it takes no time at all.  Notice how I ran it through one more time before the steak enters the ground. 

Grab your hammer and gently pound the bamboo into the ground.  Although bamboo is flexible it will break, so you want to use the least amount of pressure possible.  If the ground is loose enough you could even push them in by hand. 

Crazy Craft Lady Tip: If the ground is extremely hard or dry, you run the risk of splintering the bamboo.  Before putting the stakes in the ground, use your spade or bulb planter to loosen the dirt up.   

I would recommend running the bamboo through the chicken wire at least four times, including once right at the top and once right at the bottom.  More is fine, if you have the patience to thread it as if sewing great.

This first stake is going to seem a little wobbly on its own.  That will change as we add more support.  Keep in mind we're not trying to keep out a conquering horde, just a couple cute bunnies.

Unroll the wire to the next point you marked for a stake.  Repeat the process to attach to the wire and drive into the ground.  You will do this for each bamboo pole until you get back to the start.  You should have enough wire to be back at the first stake.  The ends of the poutry wire are easy to bend and attach.  You should have about six inches of overlap, which should ensure that the wire does not come loose. 

Step 5

This step is optional for those belt and suspenders individuals out there.  What you've already done should be enough, however I didn't want to underestimate my nemesis.  Our yard has a fair amount of palm size or smaller rocks.  I just walked around and picked them up with a bucket.  Then I used them to create an additional barrier on each side of the wire as you can see in the picture to the left.

My Rabbit Proof Garden

It's been five days, and so far my bulbs are undisturbed.  I even added one new bulb which was sure to offer real temptation. I believe I was successful in creating a rabbit proof, environmentally friendly, peaceful way to save my bulbs.  I hope it helps you too.

Let Freedom Ring!

It's hard to believe that the 4th of July is right around the corner.  Since I live in Minnesota, I'm thankful that things have finally started to warm up.  I'm also thankful to be an American.  I've lived overseas, including spending a great deal of time in third world countries, so I know that I've been incredibly blessed to be born here.  The 4th of July is a great reminder of all our freedoms, big and small.

So I thought why not a Freedom Ring?  This project should take you less than an hour, and very few supplies.  The sample I walk through will make a size 7 ring.  I also note how many beads to add or subtract to go up or down half a size.  You may also choose to bead with elastic cord rather than thread to give a bit more range to your ring.

Tools you will need

Just a beading needle and scissors

If you don't have a ready bead stash, I'm offering the beads and thread necessary to make this ring in the Crazy Craft Lady store.  Just click here to purchase.

Supplies Required

• 2 Blue Fringe Beads
  
• 2 Red Fringe Beads
  
• 2 White Fringe Beads
  
• 0.5 gram Gold Size 10 seed beads
  
• 1.0 gram Red Size 10 seed beads
  
• 1.0 gram White Size 10 seed beads
  
• 1.0 gram Blue Size 10 seed beads
  
• 1 yard of beading thread

Ringe Base

To begin string on the following beads in this order; 5 blue seed beads, 5 white seed beads, 5 red seed beads, 7 gold seed beads, 5 blue seed beads, 5 white seed beads, 5 red seed beads. For every half size you want to increase or decrease add / subtract  blue seed bead at the beginning and a red seed bead at the end.  Now form a circle and secure with square knot.  Be sure to leave a tail of at least 6 inches on the end.  You've got your ring base.  Before you go any further, try it on to be sure that the size is correct.  Bead sizes can be inconsistent, and some beaders use more tension than others.

Second Row

Now we are going to build our ring from this base using a peyote stitch.  The next two rows are the hardest, don't get frustrated!  After that it does get easier.

1. Run the thread back through the very first blue seed bead
   
2. Pick up one blue seed bead and thread the needle through the third blue seed beed on the base
   
3. Pick up a second blue seed bead and thread the needle through the fifth blue seed bead on the base
   
4. Pick up a third blue seed bead and thread the needle through the second white seed bead on the base
   
5. As you can see, we only added three blue seed beads on this pass, and now the ring looks a bit like a zipper.

A peyote stitch threads back through every other bead on the previous pass.  To continue on you will add the following during this pass.

• 2 white seed beads
  
• 3 red seed beads
  
• 1 blue fringe bead
  
• 1 white fringe bead
  
• 1 red fringe bead
  
• 3 blue seed beads
  
• 2 white seed beads
  
• 3 red seed beads

You have finished the second row.

Third Row

In my opinion this is the trickiest row. However there are some tricks to make it as painless as possible.

Crazy Craft Lady Tip: Put the ring on the index finger of your left hand (or right if you are left handed).  Use your thumb to keep the ring stable and to slowly rotate as you add beads.  This keeps you from accidently flipping and beading on the wrong side, an easy mistake to make during the third row.

 To begin the third row thread the needle through the first blue bead you added in the second row.  Not pick up one blue seed bead and thread through the second blue bead you added in the second row.  Basically you are filling in the gaps from the second row pass. You will add one more blue seed bead on this pass - bringing your total up to 5.

The remaining beads to add during this pass are:

• 3 white seed beads
  
• 2 red seed beads
  
• 4 gold seed beads
  
• 2 blue seed beads
  
• 3 white seed beads
  
• 2 red seed beads

Fourth Row

As I'm sure you guessed, the first step is to thread the needle through the first bead you added at the beginning of the last step.  Continuing to use the peyote stitch you will add the following beads:

• 3 blue seed beads
  
• 2 white seed beads
  
• 3 red seed beads
  
• 1 blue fringe bead
  
• 1 white fringe bead
  
• 1 red fringe bead
  
• 3 blue seed beads
  
• 2 white seed beads
  
• 3 red seed beads

Fifth (Final) Row

Thread the needle through the first bead you added at the beginning of the last step.  Continuing to use the peyote stitch you will add the following beads:

From the first time I saw a piece of fringe jewelry I was enthralled.  All that sparkle!  For all the magpies out there, this is the perfect item - whether its a gift, for yourself, or to sell.  Let's start with the finished project.  A fringe bracelet with Crystal Briollette clasp.

Lots of sparkle, yet also elegant.  Today I'm going to walk through how to select the beads and findings you will need to create your own fringe bracelet.  The techniques aren't difficult, however I will warn you, this project takes time.  Stringing all the fringe is easy, but tedious.  Personally I'm not a patient person, yet my desire to have a fringe bracelet was able to keep me motivated.

 Tools you will need for this project

• Pair of pliers (although crimping pliers are optimal, regular will do)
  
• Wire cutter
  
• Pair of scissors
  
• Beading needle

First you need to have your base, your inspiration for the color scheme of the bracelet.  For my pattern I used a 6 mm round bead as my inspiration.  Here it is on the right.  I found a package of 50 of these some time ago at a craft store and loved them.  They have almost an inner glow like amber, and then that bold electric blue.  Look through your stash, visit your favorite bead store, or surf online to find your inspiration.  The base bead should be at least 5 mm long and have a fairly wide opening.

A couple suggestions to kick start your search for a base bead:

Free Shipping with any $100 order – Everyday at CreateForLess.
Hundreds of overstock discounts at S&S Worldwide
Bead Style Magazine

Second you need to fill out the rest of the base of the bracelet.  You will want to have at least one color seed bead selected to intersperse with your main bead when creating the base of the bracelet.  You will also want to decide if on your accent metal color - gold, silver, bronze, copper...  Finally you will need some type of closure, whether is one created from a crystal briolette as I did, a toggle, or some other type of finding.  

Crazy Craft Lady Helpful Hint
Clear a 12x 12" surface and cover with a piece of white or black cloth.  A T-Shirt or pillow case will work fine.  Put a pile of 15 or so of your base beads in the center.  To see how you like a color, put a small quantity of the seed bead nearby.  Be sure to try different ones.  If you don't have a big stash, most bead stores have trays to do this.  Or if online, copy a couple of the images into word and see how they look.

For the base bracelet seed bead I would recommend a size 8/0.  This size will be noted if you are buying online.  If you are in a store, and it isn't marked be sure to ask someone.  You will also need another color seed bead in size 11 for the closure as well as the fringe.  Here's a picture of my main bead and two seed beads.

To me it seemed that gold would be the best metal accents.  For the closure I wanted more sparkle, so I decided to use a crystal briolette for my closure.  These instructions will walk through that, however it would be very easy to replace with a traditional toggle or lobster clasp. 

Third you need to select the accents for the fringe.  To keep an interest and variety I had four different types of accents:

• 10mm round crystal bead
  
• 10 x 12 mm Mother of Pearl leaf shaped bead
  
• 5 x 12 mm blue glass bead
  
• Flower shaped metal bead cap

The different materials and sizes should complement not compete with each other.  Again lay them out on flat surface to see how they look.  Don't be afraid to try unusual color combinations, you may be surprised at what you end up liking.  Do exercise a little restraint, too many colors can cause the bracelet to lose its cohesion.

Finally you will need to select one or two colors for fringe beads, and the bead caps.  I prefer to use two different colors of fringe beads, and you can see below how it all comes together.  You will also find a list below of the supplies that you will need to create this bracelet.

I list the quantity required to create a 7.5" bracelet.  In the parenthesis after each item is the amount to either add or take away for each 0.5" change you require.  So if you need an 8" bracelet, add the additional amount in the parenthesis listed.

Components Required

• 12" Beadalon 49 Strand Bead Stringing Wire (+/- 1")
  

  

  
  
• 42" of Nymo Nylon Beading Wire (+/- 6")
  
• 3  2mm Crimps
  
• 3 grams of size 11 seed beads (+/- 0.25 grams)
  
• 20 size 8/0 seed beads (+/- 2)
  
• 18 of the original 6mm base beads (+/- 2)
  
• 14 leaves or other item roughly 10 x 12 mm (+/- 2)
  
• 14 round 10mm crystal beads (+/- 2)
  
• 6 oval shaped glass bead roughly 5 x 12 mm (NA)
  
• 34 bead caps to fit the crystal and glass beads (+/- 4)
  
• 12 flower shaped bead caps (NA)
  
• 42 fringe beads in color complementary to the leaf beads (+/- 6)
  
• 20 fringe beads in color complementary to the crystal and glass beads (+/- 2)
  
• 1 Crystal Briolette for closure

Making the Bracelet Base

I strongly recommend you use beading wire for the bracelet base.  This will make it stronger, and pretty much eliminate stretching.  The first step is creating the loop for the briolette closure.  First add a crimp bead to your beading wire, then roughly 30 size 11 sead beads, or about 1.75".  Loop the end of the wire back through a couple of the seed beads and the crimp leaving a short tail coming out, about 0.5" or less.  Use your pliers to secure the crimp bead.  After that add two more sead beads and a second crimp bead.  I think the second is important because there will be a lot of tugging on this end.

Now add one of your 8/0 seed beads, followed by your inspiration bead.  Continue to alternate until you have used 18 of your inspiration beads, and 19 8/0 seed beads.  If your sizes are significantly different, this section of the bracelet should be about 6.5" if you are creating a 7.5" bracelet. 

Add a crimp bead, then six size 11 seed beads, the briollette, then four more size 11 seed beads.  Go back through the first two seed beads and the crimp bead.  Do not pull the bracelet too tight.  You are going to need some wiggle room to add the fringe.  I would suggest about 0.25" in slack.  Don't worry, by the time you finish this project it will be gone!

Building the Fringe!

Depending on how you look at it, this is either the fun part or the tedious part.  It's defnitely the part that will take the most time!  We will be using the entire length of beading thread.  On one end thread through the beading needle, with just a short one or two inch tail.  On the opposite end of the thread attach to the end of the base, knotting in the location shown in the picture, leaving a short tail on that end as well. Using the needle thread back through the first inspiration bead, add approximately 5 size 11 seed beads, leaf bead, 3 fringe beads and then double back to the bracelet. 

Okay you've got one fringe on, and well who's counting how many more to go.

I used the following pattern to add one fringe between every bead on the base bracelet.

1. 5 Seed Beads, Leaf, 3 Fringe Beads
   
2. 5 Seed Beads, Bead Cap, 10mm Crystal Bead, Bead Cap, Fringe Bead
   
3. Two Pronged; First is Gold Flower Bead Cap with Fringe Bead, Second is Bead Cap, 10mm Crystal Bead, Bead Cap, Fringe Bead
   
4. 5 Seed Beads, Leaf, 3 Fringe Beads
   
5. 7 Seed Beeds, Bead Cap, Long Glass Bead, Fringe Bead
   
6. Repeat 

I like to knot my fringe work every so often, just in case something breaks, you don't want to lose all your work.  Then obviously knot at the end, I like to run the thread back through rather than cut right at the know.  You're done and have a Fringe-tastic bracelet!

Welcome to my blog!

It seemed fitting to start a craft blog with a discussion on creativity.  I'm curious if the average crafter struggles more with mastering new techniques or with stoking their imaginations.  For me its definitely the technique.  My mind is always buzzing, and there are days I just don't have the patience to sit still and force myself to learn a difficult new technique.  For example I recently taught myself how to create a bezzle for a faceted stone using a couple different resources and punting.  Only the fact that I'm extremely stubborn kept me going until I achieved success.  While I'll be sure to save that in the future, today I wanted to talk about a few sources of inspiration that I have.  Please feel free to add your own, I'm always looking to expand my horizons.

 I love to look at what others have created, as it inspires me.  Although usually by the time I'm done you would be surprised at what my inspiration was!  I'll also be sure to include those in my blogs.  So a few good magazines I would suggest are:

Bead and Button Magazine

Bead Style Magazine

Stringing Magazine