By 
Editor’s Projects BeadStyle Cathy Jakicic Magazine Hip Handmade Memory Jewelry is one of the most recent publications of Kalmbach Books. Cathy says the idea of Memory jewels It came after I attended a scrapbooking event with a friend of hers. While there, working on a beading project, she began to notice how these two creative endeavors resembled each other. The scrapbooking group was fascinated with his project and how he designed and built it. The result is more than 25 jewelry creations inspired by special occasions, divided into 4 categories: milestones, hobbies, vacations and memories. Yes, we all know the endless varieties of charm bracelets and pictures in small frames on pendants and key chains. But Cathy’s projects go far beyond these common theme designs.
MILESTONES
Be sure to check out the decoupage bracelet; You thought of creating a way to remember the wallpaper or painting. Handmade birthstone jewelry was very personal and I liked it much more than the standard pre-cast and pre-formed pieces. Yes, the mini scrapbook pendant was too hackneyed for me, but other scrapbookers would love the concept. Creating special paper beads, like wrapping paper, or napkins from your baby shower was another cool idea that others might like, but it’s not exactly my cup of tea. Cathy describes a reward bracelet – I liked wearing this for myself, adding one count for every POUND lost on my diet, and maybe a slightly larger one for every 5 pounds. That’s a great example of how you can look at one of your designs and immediately see an innovative new way to make it your own project.
HOBBIES
Cathy described a project to commemorate a child’s recital … although that didn’t particularly appeal to me, it sparked my own creativity, as I thought about how I could take a show and use it to create a memory. I also like the pop culture project; I may have to use this to create a design for my best friend who is a dedicated movie buff. You could use movie posters and create a unique bracelet and earrings, with a slightly oversized set for a necklace. I think this could also work for books or album / CD covers. Oh, we all remember our elementary school artwork that was displayed on the refrigerator door (I wonder what they did before the refrigerators?). Cathy has a good plan to turn them into pendants.
HOLIDAYS
I enjoyed the photo book / scrapbook bookmark or charm project; There would be endless variations just in this project! A previous project showing how to personalize a gym bag or backpack could also be a variation on this theme. His map bead project was also very original and could be used in many ways to commemorate a trip.
REGARDS
Cathy has different projects with photos and a piece of fabric for your baby blanket or christening gown. But my favorite was one that created a keepsake keepsake box with an autograph, a quote, or even a haiku if you like. And, the piece of baby blanket is fun and fun.
I thought the way she structured the book into 4 “types” of design was great, as it helped me, at least, to think about the types of events that I would like to commemorate in my own life. Dried flowers from my husband’s grandmother’s funeral that I plan to put between microscope slides and pendant solder for my stepdaughter, sister-in-law and mother-in-law. No, it is not the same as some of Cathy’s projects, but it is a way of remembering someone without being corny or dramatic. I think it is one of the things that she achieves with her projects, giving us positive and unique ways to keep a special memory. “alive”.
Well, I hope I didn’t spoil all your fun … if you like creating personal memories or are a scrapbooker looking to “branch out” this book can be a good starting point. I think these projects would be wonderful for creating personalized gifts. College girls or their younger daughters could enjoy this to create thoughtful gifts that would be appreciated but not expensive. You can find it online at Kalmbach Books.