Pink Tape Measure Bracelets
By Lisa Kettell

I'm obsessed with vintage rulers, tape measures and metric sticks, they can have so many different functions outside of measuring objects or patterns. They can be broken down to make frames, cover a frame, frame stands, lamp shades, chandeliers, photocopied to decaupage furniture, canvas, scrapbooking, various paper projects, used in steampunk projects, cover a box, turned into ribbon, wands, and jewelry.


The project I created is another version of the hardware store, measure tape, only this one is seamstress/sewing measuring tape which is a fiberglass fabric material used in measuring patterns and details for sewing, where hardware store measuring tape is more metal/aluminum in texture. Seamstress Measuring tapes usually come in a variety of colors, I have seen violet, magenta, orange, yellow, green, blue and pink which I am using today.


This project has been thought up in many ways around the internet from various talented artists, this is my version of an up-cycled classic using snaps, buttons and broken jewels. What I like about using the seamstress measuring tape is that you can sew through it and its easier to work with then the hardward store version.


Materials

-60” Tape Measure, pink/fiberglass By Singer

-Adhesive Buttons, antique green By Studio G

-5/8” Snap Attacher Tool 

-5/8” Snaps

-Scissors By Westcott

-Standard one hole puncher

-Quick Grip By Beacon Adhesive

-Other: Broken jewels, clip earrings, rhinestones, charms, ribbons, trims

Directions
1. Measure your wrist, leaving an extra 1 1/2 inch room for applying the snaps. My wrist measured 7 inches, I cut an 8 1/2 inch piece from the tape measure.
2. Punch 1 hole at each end of the cut tape measure, leaving 1/2 inch room from the edge.
3. Attach snaps according to package directions (really simple).
4. Begin decorating your bracelets with buttons, rhinestones, clip earrings, embellishments of your choice. I glued everything w/quick grip for a sturdy hold.

Tips/Tricks
-When doing this project with children, use a sturdy tacky glue for more safety, Beacon Adhesives offers a fab glue: Kids Choice Glue, which I use in many projects as well.
-Cut a wide piece of cross stitch fabric and attach 3 strips of measuring tape side by side to it, attach in place with Fabri-Tac, apply snaps at each end for a larger style cuff.
-Add charms or handmade embellishments to the bracelets.
-Cut them into 2 inch pieces, add ribbon claws at each end and connect w/jewels/pearls for a necklace.
-Turn Long strips into purse straps.
-Cut off the handles of a craft store muslin tote, and add the measuring tape.
-Turn into a headband.

The possibilities are endless, I can't wait to see what you make! Hope this inspired you to recycled some measuring tape and make some fun recycled jewelry!
xoxo
Lisa!

Marionette Theater Workshop, Snibbets inside the Candyland Theater!
Here are some previews of the almost done Marionette Theater for my workshop at Zne Covenzione in California.
In the previous posts you have seen the making and buying of the supplies for this theater, now I am giving you a look inside the almost complete piece which I have entitled: Candyland Theater, with Miss Nellie Sugarwish, The Queen of Candyland, the Star Marionette!Come with me and explore the origins of Candyland, who is Nellie Sugarwish and why is she the star Marionette? the answers will first be revealed in class, then eventually on this blogAnother question I have is: Do you love Candy, Cupcakes and Sugary Sweets? I do and so does Miss Nellis, her favorite treat is cherry cupcakes with creamy vanilla filling, she also loves pink opera cake and coconut cookies.There is magic and enchantment lurking behind every corner or theater curtain, waiting for you to discover. The halls are lighted with Parisian bulb lights, candy fountains and lollipop containers. Confectionary Girls walk down the isles with treat filled carts filled with many of your favorite snacks such as Bon Bons, Chocolates and Sweet Pretzels.More Snippets Inside The Candyland Theater Tommorrow!

Have a Magical and Sweet Night!
Lisa!

Meet The New Charlotte/Penny Dollies!

A few weeks ago I purchased a vintage Charlotte/Penny Doll, when I saw her, I was instantly in love, she is the cutest from her pinkish hair to moveable bisque arms. The thing is all these vintage Charlotte aka Penny or Carnival Bisque Dolls which were made in either Japan or Germany tend to be quite expensive to buy.

As an artist and designer I'd like to use them in some of my projects but either I don't have the heart to attach them to a piece or art or don't want to loose their original state, this left me with a dollie dilema. I wanted a way to have tons of these, which I could make and give new identities too, keeping them in vintage style and with the storybook whimsy so many of them have.


After much thought and research I developed a technique to make your own using a variety of supplies, For now I'm not going to give away the 4 step process, because I am saving it as a project for my next art book, trust me it will be worth the wait. This new technique is fantastic and perfect for the in-experienced doll crafter or the advanced artist looking to cut some doll making time.


All these dolls and many more versions, ornaments and tooth fairy boxes will be available soon in my Etsy, Ebay and Web Stores. I will also be selling them at The Handmade Faire in Medford, NJ on Oct.25 and at Silver Bella in Omaha, Ne Nov.13-15.

Stay tuned for more dollies! Check my flickr site for more images!

Magic and Joy!
Lisa!