Ornament Thursday: Love Story

Welcome to Ornament Thursday 2008! The theme for this month is “Love Story” and I thought I would tie both my “lives” together…it isn’t often that they really cross over so nicely. I’ve been a full-time book designer for almost 15 years and have been working with beads and jewelry design for the last several years. Books + Beads = Beaded Bookmark!

These bookmarks are easy to make. The base is a silver-plated bookmark form with a loop on the end (the “marker” part of the bookmark is flat so as not to damage the book). I used Karen Hill Tribe silver hearts, freshwater pearl hearts, and a lone Swarovski heart peaking out at the end…leftover from a Valentine Bracelet exchange (more on that another day). Add sterling silver wire, some sterling silver headpins (flat and ball end), flush cutter, round nose plier, crimping plier (for tucking those wire ends in) and basic wire wrapping techniques—Voila! “Love Story”.

I’ve made bookmarks for years, both giving and selling this style as teacher gifts in elementary schools, as well as sold them in a mystery bookstore for awhile. Easy to make with stock on hand usually.

Ornament Thursday has officially kicked off for 2008. Made up of a talented and diverse group, this group will focus on monthly projects centered around different theme. And it’s not just ornaments—you’ll find projects and ideas of all kinds, some with specific instructions and some with just the end result. Individual projects will be on our blogs on the third Wednesday of every month, and the hot links to all of the projects will be posted on the fourth Thursday. Visit the main blog for teasers and featured projects! Let us know what you think!

Here are the links for this month’s theme “Love Story”:
Hali’s Flowers of LOVE in Ancient Bulgarian 2 paintings in stylized Cyrillic spell out L-U-V

Art Bead Scene The designers at Art Bead Scene have two jewelry love stories for you! Elaine Ray links together a little love with her ceramic heart components while Melanie Brooks Lukacs tells a little tale of romance in a Gothic Garden

Cindy Gimbrone Beads Cindy’s Love Story is about a hook and beads

Earthenwood Studio Bead Blog What is sweeter than a mix CD for your Valentine? A yummy gift box in which to present it, filled with candy themed decorations, including a cute bracelet and cell phone charm!

Heart mobile Jenny’s painted paper pulp hearts. Humblebeads Heather shares her favorite bracelet design in a Valentine inspired color scheme.Jennifer Heynen of Jangles Jennifer has made a fun “Ornament” for her neck that looks good enought to eat.

Joolz by Lisa This “Love Story” will last all year long! Lisa shares how beads and books work together.

Katie’s Beading Blog Here’s a happy little heart project for you – use it to embellish a bag or your jeans, or as inspiration for a necklace or bracelet. Kriss Cramer – Art Interrupted Grow Love! Nurture and care for your loved ones every day. Use this heartfelt book, you can make yourself, to remind you of all the love you have to give.Linda Augsburg at Make It Mine magazine Linda’s love story project is a dress she embellished by stenciling dancers and a big band along the hem. Read why and learn how to do it yourself on the Make It Mine blog.

Michelle’s Love Story… The band is getting back together again! Ornament Thursday celebrates the story of love…

Ornament Thursday Blog January is coming to an end and Valentine’s Day is looming on the horizon. Whether you wish to shower the people you love with love or show yourself a little well deserved affection, the Ornament Thursday Gang has a bevy of beautiful ideas to inspire you! Savvy Crafter Candie’s love affair with big rings continue…she’s making her own now! Love Stories and more over at the Savvy Crafter! XOXO!Snap out of it, Jean! There’s beading to be done! Ah, Love ! This satirical creation of Jean’s immortalizes certain women’s profound affecton for their … handbags!!!

Strands of Beads Love speaks many languages. Learn how to say “I Love You” in an untraditional way with Melissa Lee’s whimsical jewelry project.

SwellDesigner Alexa shares with you her truly swell and punny Valentines!

The Impatient Blogger Love is in the air at The Impatient Blogger! Margot shares two vintage inspired jewelry designs that are oozing with romance…in a good way!