GUEST Post ~ The Answer is Chocolate ~ WASHER BRACELET ~

When I posted THIS POST, asking for help, and then sent an email to my bloggy friends, I never expected so many people to respond.I am blessed with wonderful friends, and I had a ton of ladies, who were more than willing to keep you all entertained while I get better, or get some sleep, or paint my garage, whatever, he he. The point is, I am SUPER LUCKY, super THANKFUL, and SUPER excited to introduce you all to Carol from:

THE ANSWER IS CHOCOLATE

THIS IS HER PROFILE PICTURE, he he. Oh Carol, actually a cookie will do just fine???

Carol is such a cool blogger, she really has it all. Practically every thing on her blog, is super cute, super fabulous, and super shall we say creative. I mean really, her style just showcases how incredible crafting can be, when you think outside the box, lol, after you eat all the chocolates that is, he he. She also features a blogger every Friday, and this is really cool. I always love seeing new blogs, and discover so many, because somebody took the time to introduce them to us, so THANK YOU CAROL.

NOW TAKE IT AWAY GIRL, show us what you got!!

Hello all you great Bella Before and After readers! I’m Carol and I call myself the “Head Chocolatier” over at my blog The Answer Is Chocolate .  I love making things and I love chocolate so I combined the two into a blog. You’ll find everything from upcycled “throwaway” items, to home dec, holiday decorations, lots of papercrafts, and jewelry projects which is what I’m sharing with you today. Oh and chocolate recipes!

I was honored when Bella invited me over to guest post! One of the things I love most about blogging is how supportive and helpful bloggers are to each other and I was more than glad to help out.

Like so many of us creative bloggers, I’d be lost without The Dollar Tree! I go there at least once a week just to walk the aisles and see what I might find. Last time I was there I found this pack of washers. Oooh washers! Sends a tingle down my spine. OK don’t be scared…I’m not that weird.

This little box contains 105 pieces! Naturally I saw a charm bracelet. The hubs said “ of course you did because all normal people would”.  Well I did!

I had some chain on hand in my jewelry making stash:

I got mine at JoAnn’s but you can get this or similar many places. I measured off two lengths bracelet size. Sorry, I’m on of those crafters who kinda eyeballs stuff so no exact measurement…whatever fits your wrist.  I attached the two chains to either side of a toggle clasp using jump rings.

Then I went to work on my “did I mention it was 105 piece washer set for a dollar?!” washer charms. I made sets of small, medium, and large based on the size of the washers, putting a jump ring on each:

On the small ones, I put one of the smallest washers on either side. Then I just started adding these to the chain, eyeballing the spacing but not being overly precise.

It doesn’t matter which of the chains you attach your washer charms to. It all kinda blends.

If you haven’t ever made jewelry, don’t be intimidated. Working with chain is very forgiving and there are tons of  instructions out there. Here’s a video on how to open / close a jump ring and once you do that, you can open / close the links of chain…same principle.

I hope you liked this idea and would love you to come visit me over at:

THE ANSWER IS CHOCOLATE

Carol,
Head Chocolatier

THANK YOU SO MUCH CAROL, that is a great looking bracelet, who knew, washers could look so fabulous.

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GUEST Post ~ SImply Designing ~ $2.00 BIRDHOUSE TUTORIAL ~

When I posted THIS POST, asking for help, and then sent an email to my bloggy friends, I never expected so many people to respond.I am blessed with wonderful friends, and I had a ton of ladies, who were more than willing to keep you all entertained while I get better, or get some sleep, or paint my garage, whatever, he he. The point is, I am SUPER LUCKY, super THANKFUL, and SUPER excited to introduce you all to Ashley from:
SIMPLY DESIGNING
Ashley is so sweet, I can't believe she took time out of her busy schedule to come help me. I was shocked when she responded to my email, and agreed to be here with us. Again, I'm sure you already know her, but if not, you have to go check out her blog already. She really has the simplest, most fun, easy designs ever. Anything you click on at her blog, will amaze you, so that's saying something. Plus you know FOX news wouldn't keep having her back if she didn't know what she was doing, this girl is a natural on TV, I love watching her segments, she is so cute. So anyway, make sure to pop on over, say hello, and follow her blog. 


TAKE IT AWAY GIRL, SHOW US WHAT YOU GOT!!!


I am so excited to be guest posting today at Bella Before and After!

I am Ashley, the face and voice behind Simply Designing.




 My blog is a fun, active blog that covers everything from crafts to interior design, recipes to floral design, home decor to seasonal items.  I also write a lot of tutorials.  In addition, I host a weekly Friday link up party.

In addition I write a column twice a month for a local newspaper.  And my local Fox news station also has invited me to do a regular segment on their morning show so you can find links to those segments on my blog about twice a month.  It is a lot of fun!

So I keep very busy around here, but most of all, I like to keep things SIMPLE!

Here are a few of my recent posts:

Nutter Butter Cookie Balls

Felt Topiary

Yarn Wreath

Spring Moss Topiary

But today, I would like to share with you a tutorial for these cute Shabby Birdhouses:

A friend of mine sent me a link to cute bird houses here and I knew I wanted some for myself for Spring.  

I found these bird houses at Michael's for $2 each, fully assembled, ready to be painted, cute bird houses for $2.  

So I started by painting them. 

Then I took my sander and sanded the edges to make them look worn. 

Then I took brown craft paint and mixed it with water.  Then I used that to paint a "glaze" all over the bird houses.  I wiped some of it off with a paper towel. 

Don't they look sooooo cute!! 

Aren't they so cute?!

Thanks so much for letting me guest post today!  I truly enjoyed it!  I hope you will stop by to see my at my blog Simply Designing!

If you would like to see more of my creations, you can find me at my blog Simply Designing, through my RSS feed, on Facebook, on Twitter @SimplyDesigning and via Email Subscription.

Happy Designing!

WOW, Thank you ASHLEY!! 
Who's off to Michaels for some birdhouses, he he. How awesome was that, right? I told you, she's cool!!


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Guest posting @ TIZZIE LISH

Hey everyone, I know it's been crazy, the past couple days, I hope you've enjoyed all the WONDERFUL guest bloggers, who came in to help. Before I actually got the idea to do this whole thing, my friend Kara over at TIZZI LISH, asked if I'd be willing to guest post for her, of course I said YES. She works full time, and was just on a huge vacation to Disney, LUCKY,,, so she didn't want her blog to be lonely. I know the feeling girl, he he. 


So anyway please go say hello to me over at TIZZI LISH, and check out Kara's blog, I promise it's awesome. 

Here are a few of my Favorite projects Kara's done.

PB inspired Spring Blossom Branches.

30 minute chicken and veggie soup

Adorable MONKEY Birthday party

Stuffed Chicken Dinner


AND TO TOP IT ALL OFF, she ALSO HAS A SHOP!

TIZZI LISH


She makes and sells the cutest little girl accessories. 
Such as :







I sure hope you can stop by and say hello to Kara over @

TIZZI LISH

If you liked this post, then follow me dude!

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Enter your email address here:

Don't forget to LINK up to my weekly party. 
AMAZE ME AUGUST

             

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