Month: November 2013

All of these supplies can be purchased from art supplies & hobbies stores. I purchased all of mine from Toho Shoji New York and Beads World. Both stores are directly across from each other between 37st & 38st near Bryant Park.

Materials:
1) Chain – Varies in price. Is charged by $ per foot therefore, buy the length you need.
2) Jump Ring (circles) comes with a lot.
3) Clasp – secures it like a lock. I personally like the Lobster clasp, as shown in the picture.
4) Pliers. Can purchase at hardware store or hobby store.

Instructions:
1) Measure and cut the chain to the length you desire using the pliers.
2) Open two jump rings & attach to both ends of the chain.
3) Close one of them.
4) Put a clasp on the open one & then close it.
And it magically becomes whatever you set out to make!
Tip: Sometimes, the chain is too thick so buy some pendant holder/slider so it can move along the chain.

My inspiration for making my own jewelry pieces are inspired by my mother. She has always been addicted to beads, jade, and anything else she can get her hands on. I walked past one of the stores mentioned above, and peered inside about a few months ago. It did not take long before I decided on checking it out just out of curiosity. First, I observed that there were many unique chains to choose from, lots of beads, and supplies to create costume jewelry or accessories. In comparison with the fashion jewelry stores, I believe it is much less expensive to make my own at $1 to $3 each to the $10 or more each that those stores charge. There is some initial investment for the supplies, but there will be a lot of each remaining, such as the jump rings. In addition, I like that I can make my own decisions about what I want on my accessories. I know that it looks very simple and plain, but that is how I like it. It really is as easy as it looks, and it only requires some effort on your part. Be careful to measure it to the perfect size, and secure the jump rings properly. These custom made accessories would be nice, inexpensive gifts for your love ones during the upcoming holidays, especially if you have little female children in your family such as siblings, cousins or nieces. However, this tutorial is not just limited to women. There are cool looking, thicker chains for men also in those two stores, and the same instructions can be used. Happy jewelry/accessory making!

Materials:
Glue or Mod podge (I used mod podge because it comes out clear and I like it better)
Wooden popsicle sticks (brought a pack of 100 for $1 at the dollar store.)

Instructions:
One phone stand can be made with half a pack – around 50 sticks.
1. Divide the pack in half if it did not come that way.
2. Measure the amount of sticks for the platform and back depending on the size of your phone.
3. Start by building the  platform first, then the back, then the support beams.
4. As you go along keep arranging the sticks until it suits your liking.
5. If you like the way it looks, glue it together (If using mod podge, take ONE popsicle stick & use one end of it to apply glue to the others)

-This tutorial is created so that you can make your phone stand look the way you want it to look. Customized specifically for your phone (Mine was made for the Samsung Galaxy Note 2, therefore, it is the exact size for it.)
– The key to making this phone stand is that you must create a solid platform, back, and support beam.
– The most important part is the back side of the phone stand, I enhanced mine with a “X” using the popsicle sticks to make it strong against the weight of my phone.
– The slanted support beams are so I can place my phone sideways on it.

It is one of those days, it is never a proud moment, but one you will enjoy. What do I mean by “one of those days?” It is the middle of winter, the rain is pouring down. Anyone stuck in the middle of the weather is doomed to be soaked by the downpour despite having an umbrella. This is a day to sleep in if there are no duties to attend to, a day of rest and relaxation. To increase your comfort level, you have this great tool next to your bedside that represents the throne for your phone. This simple phone stand is all you need during those mornings that you do not quite feel like leaving your bed just yet, to the cold air that awaits you from the moment your feet touches the floor. You can place your phone either standing up or sideways to watch your favorite shows or movies. I use the Netflix app, Hulu app, and different websites to watch a variety of shows.
This is only one potential reason to have this, other reasons would include:
– Charge your phone on it.
– Place your phone on it next to your desk for easy access.
– Know where your phone will always be (I tend to misplace my phone somewhere and forget where it is, leading to a scavenger hunt) so this helps.
– If you don’t want to use it for your phone, you can put charged phone batteries, jewelry, keys, any small items on it.

I am sure you can think of more reasons to make this popsicle phone stand. This easy to make phone stand is useful, simple to create, and does not take a lot of time. It may not come out to be perfect, but nothing is ever perfect, so start building your own!