I read a million blogs and somehow I stumbled upon Delighted Momma and her DIY Bangle post on Friday afternoon and I knew what I was going to do on Friday night. How did I not know that I could make my own bangles?! On the way home from work I stopped by AC Moore to pick up some polymer clay. It’s called clay but really it’s a moldable plastic that you bake at 275 degrees for 15 – 30 minutes depending on the type of clay you choose.

On my trip I picked up 5 packs of Sculpey III, each pack is about $2 each, I eventually picked up a pack of the Sculpey Premo and I like the consistency of it a bit more and it requires a longer baking time. You can also go to the Sculpey website to see all the different types, colors and even instructions on how to make other projects.

I rolled out 1 section of the clay into a smooth log and then wrapped it around a bangle as a guide, online there are also suggestions for using a can too. If you want to blend colors you can just twist to ropes of clay together and keep rolling them until they blend the way you want them. The hardest part is merging the two ends (you want it to appear seamless) and then getting it off the guide and onto your baking sheet. I used parchment paper on my baking sheets because that’s what I put everything I bake on and I didn’t want it to stain, even though it didn’t stain the parchment.

When I did a first batch of bangles I could see more of my dents and fingerprints on them, so when I did a second batch I got better. Practice makes perfect. I also thought they came out very matte and wanted a way to make them glossy. Of course there is a glaze that you can paint them with after you bake them! You can get satin finish or gloss, I went for gloss.

I think you can really see the shine on them in the picture above. The gloss lets you build up the shine for how glossy you want. I did 2 coats and I think it really helped make the metallic clay look like it sparkled. This was such a fun and cute idea to make custom accessories! I loved it and will definitely make more and experiment with the colors, techniques and width in the future.

Has anyone else tried this before? Anyone else interested in trying it?

And if you’re interested in more pictures of the entire process, you can check out the full set of pictures on Flickr.

I talk a lot. Always have and always will. I think I’ve had something to say since I was born (my parents said I was always trying to talk and communicate with them when I was a baby) and I’m always trying to make a bold statement. When I’m working out at the gym I even wear those trash talking Nike t-shirts. Last night I wore a shirt to the gym that just says, “Every Damn Day.” You’d think I was super muscular or thin but no, I’m just cocky at times and feel like saying something.

I think that might be why I’m kind of in love with Ettika’s Saying Bangles. I can now speak volumes through my jewelry. They come in gold, brass, rose gold and silver (I think I want a mix of rose gold, gold and silver) with the following sayings:

• Be Free Spirited, Live, Love and Laugh

• Dreams Come True If You Really Want Them To

• Love Is The Name, Sex Is The Game

• Love Me, Kiss Me, Hug Me, I’m Yours To Keep

• Love Protection Luck Happiness Power Karma

• Need No Man To Buy Me Jewelry

• Never Say Never ‘Cause Never Is Forever

• Officer, I’m Not Guilty

• So What If I’m a Gold Digger

• Sue Me, I Have a Lawyer

• What You See Is What You Get

I think I would buy What You See Is What You Get, Dreams Come True If You Really Want Them To and Never Say Never ‘Cause Never Is Forever. They also have a fun twist on a customized dog tag necklace that I’m in love with too. And at $36 for a bangle, the price is just nice enough that you could buy one for yourself and another to give to a girlfriend (of your favorite blogger…just kidding!).

These are definitely being added to my Must Have, My 100 list. I have to buy the 3 I want this year. So what do you think? Which saying would you want to wear?

I’m not going to lie, I love the month of August because it is my birthday month. YAY! I am a Virgo and I love everything about August, it’s my special month. And because my birthday isn’t until the 30th I have all month to dream about gifts I would want and things I can suggest to my husband.

Now we’re on a super tight budget, I know. And I got Pierre (my iPad) in May, so really, I don’t deserve/need a big gift but if I had my choice I’d ask for the Sterling Silver Lemon Quartz & Peridot Floral Ring and the Sterling Silver Peridot Bangle Bracelet from Kohl’s. Have I mentioned that my favorite color is green which makes me love my birth stone? I love Peridots almost as much as I love emeralds, but they’re way more economical.

The added bonus by buying both of these items together? Kohl’s is having a buy 1 get 1 for free sale on their website, so my husband/someone could score both of these items for a mere $300. Great, right?

When’s your birthday? What’s your birth stone?

Kenneth Jay Lane is at QVC, did you know that? I love that so many designers are offering affordable options to their lines at QVC right now (ESPRIT is available on QVC now…must remember to tell my sister!) and I’m over the moon about Kenneth Jay Lane’s KJL line for QVC.

The KJL Caribbean Coral Cuff is definitely a favorite of mine for summer. I realize I tend to not wear any bracelets all winter long because my sleeves will automatically cover them all up and who wants their best stuff to not be seen? So when I do wear bracelets I’m piling them on or making a big statement with a huge piece. I love coral jewelry and this red hinged coral cuff would be a nice splash of color for any outfit. I also wouldn’t mind it in white and black is another option too.

I also wouldn’t mind owning most of the KJL pieces at QVC. I’ve got my eye on the Peacock Necklace and the KJL Enamel Maharani Brooch too. The brooch is funky and a bit fun, just screaming to be pinned to my cardigan. Don’t you think?

I have a thing for links. I don’t know why but I love long linked necklaces and bracelets. When I saw the J. Crew Mixed pavé cable link bracelet it was instant love. It comes in two versions, this one and an all gold with crystals version. I really like the contrasting metals in this version. It makes the links pop and distinct.

This chunky bracelet would be a perfect accent to a little black dress. No earrings needed, no necklace, just a big bold statement on my left right. Love it!