How to make polymer clay bow earrings for a perfect gift this Mother's Day

If you are looking for a quick and beautiful gift for mom this Mother's Day look no further.  These earrings are easy to make and require very few supplies.  A gift from the heart, made with love, is so much better than store bought flowers that will wilt in a few days.  Mom will be wearing these earrings for years to come!

Make some extra pairs because these earrings make perfect gifts for teachers, grads and more!

Updated May 2018

Polymer clay bow earrings

You will need:

Polymer clay

Clay tools, (roller, pointed tool, craft knife, clay blade)

Waxed paper to cover work surface

Earring posts and backs

Gloss glaze for polymer clay

Ruler

Aluminum foil to cover cookie sheet and home oven pre-heated to 275 degrees

E6000 glue

Masking tape to hold bows while applying the glaze

1.     Roll out your clay thinly.  Use the clay blade to cut two strips of clay 1/8” wide by 1 ½” long.  

2.     Fold one end into the center and press lightly to make a loop.  Fold the opposite end to the center to meet the first loop.  Press in the center with the pointed clay tool.

3.     Cut two more strips of the thinly rolled out clay 1/8” wide by ½” long.  Fold at an angle.  (See photo) Place the bow loops you just made on top of this piece and press to adhere. (Bow tails made)

4.     Make the center knot by attaching a tiny strip of clay at the top center and bring around to the bottom using the pointed clay tool.  Press lightly to attach a knot to each bow.

5.     Cover a cookie sheet with aluminum foil.  Preheat your oven to 275 degrees and bake for 20 minutes.  Do not over bake.  Do not use a microwave.  Let cool.

6.     Attach a piece of masking tape, sticky side up and place the baked bows on to hold while you brush on a coat of clay glaze and let dry.

7.     Add some E6000 glue to the back of your post earring findings and attach a bow.  Repeat for the second earring. Let dry completely. (E6000 glue is available in craft stores and discount department stores everywhere and works best)

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Wedding money card gift-wrapped

When you attend a wedding you wrap your gifts beautifully, but when the gift is in a wedding money card you should take just as much care in its presentation as well!

You can easily glam up your card by creating a special envelope quickly and easily with just a few supplies. 

This little money holder card is store bought but the envelope that you present it in handcrafted.  It’s easy.  And it’s sure to stand out in a pile of regular old cards. 

Visit Bowdabrablog to get the full tutorial right here!

Bride and Groom etched wine glasses tutorial

It won’t be long before there will be lots of weddings.  Why not make a personalized set of etched wine glasses for that special bride and groom?  It’s easier than you may think to etch.  And wine glasses are readily available at most stores. I found these glasses at the dollar store!!  Follow this step-by-step tutorial and you will have a wonderful wedding keepsake.  Decorate the stems of your wine glasses with bows that coordinate with the wedding colors or tie on some silk flowers and tulle.  The sky is the limit.

You will need:

Wine glasses

Etching cream (sold at most craft stores)

Small paintbrush

Computer and printer

Piece of glass from an old frame

Clear contact paper

Tweezers

X-acto craft knife or wood-burning tool

Alcohol

Paper towels

You will need to be near a water source to neutralize the etching cream

1.     Work on a piece of glass to cut your stencil. Print the words for your wine glasses on in the font and size of your choice.  I made mine 48 pts.  Place your printed word guide under the glass and tape down so it stays stationary. 

2.     Cut a rectangle of contact paper to cover the size of your words (Work on one word at a time) Attach to the top of the glass over the words.  Use an X-acto knife or a wood-burning tool to cut out the words.  Remove the cut out sections, saving the center parts.

3.     Prepare your glasses by wiping with alcohol to remove any dirt and oils.  Attach the prepared stencil on the glasses making sure you press out all the air bubbles.  Use the tweezers to attach center sections in the O’s and D, B and e.

4.     Using a small paintbrush, add the etching cream to the stencil and leave on for five minutes. 

5.     After you have left the cream on for 5 minutes wash it off  to neutralize it.  You will have permanently etched words. 

6.     Decorate your wine glasses with bows, florals and more.

For complete instructions to make the white bride bow and black tie groom bow for the stem visit Bowdabra blog!