I don't know about you, but for me Summer is the worst possible time to try and get anything done. With the kids out of school, it's all about swimming, VBS, going to the park, and trying not to watch too much TV. Don't get me wrong - I love having my kids home. I just need to realize that every year, 2 ½ months will go by without any accomplishment whatsoever. (Unless you count happy, somewhat-well-adjusted children.)
So when a blogging buddy of mine asked me to take part in their Summer Blogger Challenge, I hesitated because I knew I couldn't realistically put together a big project. Then I thought maybe you, my dear reader, might be finding yourself in the same spot as me...plenty of creative energy, but no time to spend on crafts. So I decided to make a project that can be done in very little time, and can even involve kids. (If yours are anything like mine, they want a hand in anything you're doing, especially if it's colorful and creative.)
This is a quick and easy craft, and it turns out to be pretty useful too! We're making a beaded sunglasses holder that you can easily clip to your purse or beach bag to keep you organized on the go. If sunglasses aren't your thing, you can also use it to hold your keys, chapstick, or a sample sized sunscreen or bug repellent.
You'll need:
- Beads
- String or Wire (I'm using wire, but string is just as easy, and sometimes more readily available. If you use string, you'll probably want to use a needle to make threading the beads easier. If you use wire, you'll need two crimping beads and crimping pliers.)
- Key Ring Loop
- Lobster Clip (Find these in the beading section of your hobby store. They are spring loaded clips usually used for jewelry clasps. I found these cute heart shaped ones, but the basic ones are pretty too. They look like lobster claws, hence the name.)
- Scissors
I got all my supplies at Hobby Lobby for about $10, and I probably have enough of everything to make about 6-8 of these chains.
Here's how to make your own beaded sunglasses holder:
- Cut your wire or thread to a length of about 24 inches.
- Thread the lobster claw clasp onto the wire or thread, and move it to the halfway point. Double the wire or thread by folding it in half from the clip. You'll use both ends of the wire to add the beads. If you're using string, thread the needle onto both string ends.
- Begin adding beads in any pattern you like. The clasp will keep them from falling off the end of the string.
- When you get to about 2 inches from the end, stop beading and thread the key ring loop onto ONE of the strings. Tie a strong knot in the thread, around the key ring. If you are using wire, use crimping beads and pliers to fasten the wire ends.
- Thread the ends of the wire or string back through as many beads as you can until you run out of string.
- Use the lobster claw to clip the end of the chain to the key ring, around your purse handle, and slide your sunglasses through the key ring.
Bonus: I thought mine needed a little extra something decorative, so I whipped up a little tassel out of yarn. Here's how:
- Wrap the yarn around your hand about 20 times and cut the end.
- Holding the loops together, slide the yarn off your hand and cut through the bottom loop so the yarn is no longer a circle.
- Thread the chunk of yarn through the key ring. Double the yarn back up to make the tassel.
- Tie a knot of yarn around the loops, right under the key ring.
- Wrap the yarn around this knot several times and then tie once more. Tuck the end into the knot.
- You may need to trim the ends to get a nice clean edge.
Now you have a chain with a loop on one end and a clasp on the other. Simply wrap it around your purse or bag strap and grab the key ring with the clasp to fasten it. Drop your sunglasses onto the key ring and head outside!
Don't forget to check out my creative co-hosts' projects. These ladies really know their way around a beading project!
pestep81 says
Hi Meredith,
Well who doesn't need this. I am forever dumping my sunglasses in my purse and rooting around for them. They always get scratched and I often loose them. Functional and very pretty too!
Meredith says
Thank you Patti! I can't tell you how many sunglasses I've lost to scratches from bouncing around on the inside of my purse!
Carole West, Garden Up Green says
I love this Meredith and incorporating the kids is perfect. It's those quick and fun crafts with a pop of color that are perfect for this time of year. Thanks for joining us it's always nice to work with you! Enjoy the summer because I'm telling you they grow up fast.
Meredith says
Thanks Carole! It was so fun and inspiring working with you ladies!
Karen says
Meredith, I love what you did with your beads! Lobster claws are new to me, and now I've got to check them out. 🙂 This is my chance, right?
This is a great idea for all sorts of things to hang on the side of a bag, but I think the sunglasses idea is my favorite.
Thanks so much for joining us and bringing your crafting talents to the challenge. It's been a joy to work with you again!
Meredith says
Thanks so much for inviting me Karen! I loved this challenge, and the beads were so much fun to work with. Already looking forward to the next one!
farmhouse40 says
I love this idea. Can't wait to make a few. Thanks for sharing.
Meredith says
Thanks BonBon!
C.D. Loken says
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this idea, Meredith! I am definitely using my leftover beads to make one for my sunglasses! I'm seriously losing them all the time (it comes with age)! Great tutorial-and definitely a project the kiddos would love to help with!
Meredith says
Thank you C.D.! Glad to know I'm not the only one getting to the age where I have to tie everything down or it will walk away!
Jeri Walker (@JeriWB) says
Beadwork, like working with mosaics, would be right up my alley. I've looked at the stockpile at Michael's many times, but have yet to take the beading plunge.
Meredith says
You're right Jeri, beadwork is a lot like mosaics. It takes a bit of patience, but it's so fun to see the patterns come together. Jump in, you'll love it!
Anita C. Lee says
Actually, I DO count "happy, somewhat-well-adjusted children" as a great accomplishment for summer. Love the heart-shaped lobster claw and really need one of these holders. Know any kids who would make me one?
Meredith says
I bet I do! Maybe if you ask real nice the next time you see them...
jacquiegum says
Fin idea and so useful!
Meredith says
Thanks Jacquie! I love it when useful things can also be pretty!
Susan cooper says
Hi Meredith, how cute! Easy inexpensive way to keep kids busy in summer. Crafting is always fun.
Meredith says
Thanks Susan! This was a really fun project.
momcrieff says
What a creative idea! I NEED to make this. More for my car keys, because I can never find them in the bottom of my purse. The beads are so pretty and I just love this idea!
Meredith says
Thank you Susan! I agree about the car keys. I think I'm going to make another shorter one for my keys as well!
Stacey says
What a cute idea!! You girls are very talented with your beads. 🙂
Meredith says
Thank you Stacey! It's fun having the same starting point, and seeing how different each project ended up!