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Make It Merry 11/19/09

Welcome to another edition of Make it Merry, where talented crafters share their holiday how-to's.

Advent Candy Tree
Everyone loves counting down to the holidays...add candy to the mix and you've got a fun Advent calendar from Sherri Osborn for the whole family to enjoy.

Pumpkin Cross Stitch Pattern
Use a variegated floss to make a swirling pumpkin that would look great near the Thanksgiving table. Connie G. Barwick has the free pattern.

Knit Wreath Ornament
Scrap knitting makes for fun quick projects that are perfect for any skill level. Sarah E. White has the instructions for this cute wreath.

Miniature Glitter Houses
Snowy villages look great upon every mantle and tabletop. Lesley Shepherd has a free printable so you can make your own tiny houses.

Paper Bead Star Ornament
If you're looking for something a little different to do with your paper beads then take a look at this paper bead star. This project is simple to adapt in a wide variety of ways.

Rustic Pillar Candles
'Tis the season for running out to buy candles. David Fisher will show you how to make these festive pillar candles with the perfect finish.

Pear Diamonds Painted Card
This card has an intricate finish, but it is so easy to make. Tina Jones shows us how to create this colorful card from start to finish.

Christmas Apron Pattern
Just because you've got to bake cookies for the whole family doesn't mean you can't look fabulous! Phyllis Dobbs has created this adorable holiday apron, and she's got the free pattern just for you.

Flower Petal Ornament Cover
Sometimes those plain ornaments just need a little dressing up. Tammy Powley will show you how to use seed beads to create this unique ornament drapery.

Paint a Christmas Tree
Instead of paying a premium for a colored tree, Barbara Crews will show us how to paint your tree red to match the latest holiday trends.

Want to Join Make it Merry to show off your holiday crafts? We will showcase your crafts and recipes of all holiday traditions. Learn more.

Make It Merry 11/19/09 originally appeared on About.com Jewelry Making on Thursday, November 19th, 2009 at 08:35:26.

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Jewelry Gifts that Give Twice

Beads for Education is an organization which provides scholarships for girls in Africa through beading. Their goal is to help education and thus help them make a better life for themselves. And, of course, one way they do this through selling beaded jewelry and other beaded items through the organization's web site. The jewelry and other products are made by 25 women who are members of the Dupoto Women's Group.

They have a pretty wide variety of merchandise from very cool key chains that sell for only $15 to very elaborate beaded collars that sell for almost two hundred dollars. They also have holiday ornaments, starting at around $12 each.

Jewelry Gifts that Give Twice originally appeared on About.com Jewelry Making on Wednesday, November 18th, 2009 at 07:04:43.

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Knock, Knock on Wood Chain

I received a sample of wood chain from Rings & Things. That's right, chain made from wood. I mean...errr..what?

But, I loved the look of the wood - smooth, light, rich, and so different! I was challenged at first and then decided to let the wood do its thing so to speak and simply added some fiber on each end to create this simple necklace.

Even thought the design of my Wood Chain and Purple Hemp Necklace is very simple, I think it's got a good deal of drama going on.

Knock, Knock on Wood Chain originally appeared on About.com Jewelry Making on Tuesday, November 17th, 2009 at 20:33:48.

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Holiday Lampwork Beads

I am officially in the holiday spirit and thus feel the urge to make some new holiday jewelry. These adorable lampwork beads by D.D. Hess actually helped me get there. She sent them to me just the other day, and I think they are adorable. I especially like the mittens.

It may seem a little early considering Thanksgiving hasn't even come to the U.S. yet, but considering everything else I've got going on and the fact that I'd like to make some jewelry pieces to give as well, you can really never start too early.

Holiday Lampwork Beads originally appeared on About.com Jewelry Making on Monday, November 16th, 2009 at 07:15:57.

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Jewelry Junkie Link Love 11/15/09

The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton
Using a hand-painted Russian pendant from Artbeads.com, Andrew creates an enchanting response to Art Bead Scene's November prompt: Dadd's The Fairy Fellers' Master-Stroke.

Lorelei's Blog: Inside the Studio
Setting up a table at a craft can be daunting, but Lorelei put together a perfectly Vintage Chic display that will hopefully lure people in.

Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done!
In the spirit of the season, whereby "you can get nything you want" as in the famous Alice's Restaurant song by Arlo, you can get some fascinating things at Andrew Thornton's store. Great for holidays to come!

Art Bead Scene
November is full of fairies at the Art Bead Scene. Come check out the inspiration painting for the monthly challenge!

Strands of Beads
Melissa shows off a necklace she made...for herself!

Jean Campbell
Jean finds her first piece of beadwork in a junk drawer and discusses how important it is to reinforce your work

Jewelry & Beading
Gorgeous jewelry designs by artist Paula Huckabay!

Katie's Beading Blog
Katie's combining resin, chain, and tubular peyote stitch in a project for Beadwork magazine - download the pdf for free!

A Bead A Day
A surprise package of beads arrives and provides a week of fun on abeadaday!

Carmi's Art/Life World
Carmi has a give-away offer on "the ugly necklace."

Cindy Gimbrone aka The Lampwork Diva
Cindy reflects on how to live life at a slower pace. Her reflections inspire a pair of earrings.

Earthenwood Studio Chronicles
Melanie starts a new project, an upcycled film themed jewelry line called Now Showing! Read the story behind this fun new idea.

Jewelry Junkie Link Love 11/15/09 originally appeared on About.com Jewelry Making on Sunday, November 15th, 2009 at 14:31:19.

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