Recycled Crafts

Creative DIY Projects That Turn Trash Into Treasure

Review: The Sparkle Factory by Tarina Tarantino and Halloween Bling I made with Prima Beads

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If you like making fun and pretty jewelry and experimenting with all sorts of jewelry making techniques you will love The Sparkle Factory: The Design and Craft of  Tarina’s Fashion Jewelry and Accessories.

This book is packed with great stepped out tutorials for making all different types of jewelry, everything from stringing and wirework to casting and of course recycled elements. The styling is beyond cool and the designs are to-die-for! I was inspired buy so many of the projects in The Sparkle Factory I was instantly digging through my stash to find bits to make some new pieces of jewelry. With Halloween just around the corner I thought I’d start there.

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This page from The Sparkle Factory was my inspiration. It features lots of bracelets layered and mixed together (one of my favorite looks!)

I made 3 bracelets with Prima Jewelry Basics black glass beads and two skull beads from the stash.

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When wrapped together they make a super-wide cuff!

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I also have a little tip for you. To get the 2 skulls in the center of the memory wire I made a small make in the center of the wire before I started stringing the beads onto the wire. This way when I got close to the mark I new to put the skulls on. Memory wire stretches out a bit when the beads go on.

More about from the publisher Running Press

The Sparkle Factory: The Design and Craft of  Tarina’s Fashion Jewelry and Accessories

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Tarina Tarantino

“Tarina Tarantino’s love affair with fashion jewelry and accessories began when she was just a little girl. Tarina now owns and operates her famous global jewelry, accessories, and cosmetics brand, TARINA TARANTINO, out of her international headquarters in downtown Los Angeles, The Sparkle Factory. In her first book, Tarina invites you into her world to learn how to make and wear beautiful and inspirational fashion jewelry. Fashionistas, aspiring jewelry designers, and DIY lovers will learn how to make 20 of Tarina’s most essential pieces including statement earrings, cocktail rings, hair jewelry, stretch cuff bracelets, embellished spectacles, and more. Fans of Tarina will also learn about her brand history, getting inspired, creating themes and stories, sourcing materials, essential tools and techniques, how to wear and style your jewelry wardrobe, and more. The text is complemented by tips and hundreds of full-color photos throughout.”

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This DIY Board Game Table Made Me Want to Dust Off My Cricut

You know that feeling when you see a project and instantly start mentally rearranging your whole weekend to fit it in? That was me with The Carpenter’s Daughter’s DIY Board Game Table tutorial. I mean, it’s so good. Functional, stylish, and honestly—such a conversation starter.

It’s the kind of piece that looks high-end, but she breaks it down step-by-step in a way that makes it totally achievable, even if you’re not a woodworking wizard. And if you’ve got a Cricut machine (like I do, gathering dust in the corner), this is your cue to plug it in and actually use it. She used hers to create the game board top, and it adds such a clean, custom finish.

I never really thought about how handy a built-in game board could be—no more shuffling Monopoly pieces off the kitchen table when it’s time for dinner! It’s perfect for families, game nights with friends, or even just a cool coffee table alternative with a little hidden fun.

What I Love About This Project:

  • It doubles as a gorgeous piece of furniture.

  • You can totally customize the games—checkers, chess, tic-tac-toe, you name it.

  • It’s an awesome way to up your Cricut game (seriously, I’ve been inspired).

  • And let’s be honest—it’s a great excuse to get crafty and competitive.

If you’re looking for a project with style and function, check out the full tutorial here. Fair warning though—you’ll probably end up wanting to make more than one.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to charge my Cricut and pretend I know how to play chess again…