DIY Pearl & Lace Ruffled Necklace

I am excited today because I have a lovely JEWELRY tutorial to share with you!
Who doesnt like pearls and lace?
I LOVE them, and the combo is just the best!

These are the supplies you will need if you want to make one of these necklaces for yourself! 

(You will also need scissors)

1. Use the wire cutters to cut your wire about 10-11 inches long.

2. Take your needle nose pliers and wrap the wire around it a few times.

3. Take the (short part) excess wire and wrap it around the longer part of the wire,

right under the loops you made.

4. Now you have yourself a wire loop to work with.

5. Take your lace and bunch it a couple times.

6. Now take your wire and "thread" it through the bunched lace.

7. Thread your wire through one pearl

8. Repeat steps 5-6

Once you get the length you want, stop and snip off the excess lace.

Then follow steps 1-3 to create an ending loop.

You will most likely have extra wire, just clip it off with your wire cutters.

9. You will want to use your wire cutters to cut your chain. 

I cut mine to 13 in because the lace & pearls together measured 5 inches and I wanted the necklace to be about 18 inches long... you can make yours any length.

10. Attach a jump ring to one look and one end of your chain.

11. Close jump ring and to the same for the other side of the lace.

12. You now have a full loop necklace.

If you made your chain long you could use it as a pull over necklace and can skip this next step.

But if you prefer a shorter necklace you will need to do the following;

Find the middle of the chain on the necklace and cut it, 

then add a larger jump ring to one side and a small jump ring and lobster clasp to the other side.

And then you are all done!

I made four of these necklaces in different color combos!

White & Teal, Black & Pink:

Light Pink & Green, Red & White:

Here is an up close of the pink one. You can see the colors too well in my photo above.
But its such a pretty combo, dont you think?

Pin It

I would LOVE to see how YOURS turn out if you make one & what color combos you would use!!
So feel free to share your take on these, either by email, blog post or leave a photo on my facebook wall! :)

Now of course if you would like to purchase one of MINE, that I have already made
Im selling them in the shop {here} for ONLY $12!! :)
A GREAT deal!
There is only ONE of each color combo in stock and I prob wont make any more.
So if you want one of mine, get it now! :)


Much Love & Hugs,

FootPrints

We've all had those moments, those times in our lives when we are hit with something bad.
Something that is hard to deal with and go through.
Sometimes we can feel so alone. Sometimes you may wonder, where is God in all this?
We sometimes tend to forget that He is with us ALWAYS.
His word says:“I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Hebrew 13:5) .
That is a promise and it is so true.
As a reminder that God is ALWAYS with us even in times of hardship,
I created this lovely hand stamped necklace, based on that verse and inspired by the poem "Footprints in the Sand."

 If you have never read that poem, Ive included it here:

Footprints

One night I had a dream--
I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord
and across the sky flashed scenes from my life.
For each scene I noticed two sets of footprints,
one belonged to me and the other to the Lord.
When the last scene of my life flashed before me,
I looked back at the footprints in the sand.
I noticed that many times along the path of my life,
there was only one set of footprints.
I also noticed that it happened at the very lowest
and saddest times in my life.
This really bothered me and I questioned the Lord about it.
"Lord, you said that once I decided to follow you,
you would walk with me all the way,
but I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life
there is only one set of footprints.
"I don't understand why in times when I needed you most,
you should leave me."
The Lord replied, "My precious, precious child,
I love you and I would never, never leave you
during your times of trial and suffering.
"When you saw only one set of footprints,
it was then that I carried you."


...Mary Stevenson

Reading that still gives me goosebumps and gets me all teary eyed.
To think of the LOVE our Heavenly Father has to us is so wonderfully overwhelming.
I pray that I am always reminded of his presence and never cease to give Him praise & thanks
for hold my hand and carrying me through all of life's difficulties.

You can find this Hand Stamped "Carried" Necklace in my etsy shop {here}.

Much Love & Hugs,

The Power of A Womans Words

I've mentioned a couple times before that I go to a weekly womans bible study.

I dont believe I mentioned just what our study was about.

We are reading a book called The Power Of A Woman's Words as well as using the study guide, by Sharon Jaynes.

It is a wonderful book, I'm enjoying it so much so far, and have had a few "wake up calls".

Like realizing a few things about my words to my kids... Little Bruce in-particular.

If you're looking to start a women's bible study I encourage you to check this one out.

Its been wonderful so far! The study REALLY gets you into the word with several bible verses. 

But its so good. I'm learning so much and I love that I have others to keep me accountable to be in God's word.

Anyways, so last week at church our Pastor challenged everyone to start carrying around bible verses on a note card to read throughout the day each week as a way to help us memorize scripture.

So when us ladies had our bible study Monday night, we decided we were for sure going to take on that challenge and share the memory verses we picked/memorized at our next study.

I love this idea. I wanted to share my verse with you on my blog and maybe encourage you all to do the same!

The verse I chose to memory this week goes perfectly with what we are studying.

And its just a good verse to keep in mind for many different reasons and situations.

My verse is Ephesians 4:29

'Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen."

What is YOUR favorite bible verse?

What verse(s) do keep in your heart to recall for certain situations?

Much Love & Hugs,

New Year Facebook Fest Linky Party!

Hello All!! Happy Friday!

Who remembers the last Facebook Fest I Co-Hosted?

It was a total blast and I have meet so many wonderful NEW friends!

I thought what better way to end the first month of the New Year, than with another Fest!! :)

So I have gathered a few of my Favorite Facebook Friends and put together this:

Please be sure to follow the rules!

1. First "Like" Each of the Hostess's Pages (Agape Love Designs | Vintage Wanna Bee | Knotty Nani | The {Posh} Daisy)

 It is preferred that you "like" from your personal account as business pages dont "count".

2. Link up YOUR Business/fan page!!

3. Share this post on your facebook pages and encourage others to link up! 

The More links, the more exposure you get!

4. Stop by a few of the other pages linked up and let them know you are stopping by from the facebook fest & tag one or two of the hosts when you do so!

Treasury Trade Off Series ( Vintage Inspired Edition)

SO I am thrilled about last weeks Treasury Trade Off!!

It went pretty well for the first one. :)

There were eight link ups!

Please be sure to go back, check them all out and comment, click links and share the treasuries!

The more exposure they get, the more exposure you and your shop/listings will get!

Before we get onto the new theme and link up, here are a few great treasuries from last weeks link up!

Its A Love Story

Lets Get Personal

Be Mine Valentine

Truly Lovely Things

If you are new to Treasury Trade Off, here is the idea:
Each week I will post a new theme. I will have a list of items/listings from my shop
(and maybe my sponsors shops) that go with that weeks theme.
All who participate in this will have to create a treasury using one MY listings that I have provided.
In return you will leave a comment telling me you are participating with a link to item(s) from YOUR shop
that go with this weeks theme, and I will create a treasury (or two) including listings from those who participate.
Once you have created your treasury, come back here and link it up to the linky party for me & others to check out.
I will share some treasuries on my facebook page as well as feature a couple of my favs in next weeks Treasury Trade Off post.
If we all comment on, click links in and share treasuries on our fb pages from a couple others then we all get more exposure!

Here The Rules if you want to participate:

This weeks Theme is {VINTAGE Inspired}

Think Vintage looking items, Lace, Antique Bronze, retro.... 
anything that looks vintage or was vintage inspired!
1.) Leave a comment with a link to your facebook fan page letting me know you will participate,
in the same comment leave one or more links from your own shop listings that go with this weeks theme.

Please make sure to leave a clickable Link to your listing(s) here is how:

<a href="LINK HERE">WHAT YOU WANT IT TO SAY HERE</a>

2.)  Create a Treasury which features only one of my items listed below:
Feel free to also check out the comment section & use any of the listings other participants have shared!
But your treasury MUST include one of MY items listed below to participate.

A.) The Black Pearl Necklace

B.) Vintage Rose Ring

C.) Vintage Lace Headband

D.) The Photographer Necklace

E.) Love Pendant Necklace

6.) Antique Bronze Chandelier Earrings

3.) Come Back here & link up the treasury you have created to the linky party!

4.) Check out the other treasuries, leave comments on at least two others
and click at least two listing from each treasury you check out.

5.) Share one or two of your favorite treasuries from the linky party on your FB fan page.
It would be awesome if you tagged the creator in the link as well!

Some extra helpful info:
~When creating a treasury please do NOT include your own items in your treasury.
Etsy will not feature a treasury if you are featuring your own items!
They encourage you to share the love and help promote others. So please keep that in mind.

~When creating a treasury, please try your best to make it cohesive and to use up ALL 16 listing spaces! 

~It would be really great if you could leave a link to this post in the description of your treasury...
to help encourage other etsians to participate in this treasury trade off! :)

You have until Sunday at Midnight to link up the treasury you have created!

Grab a button:


<a href="http://www.agapelovedesigns.com/search/label/Treasury%20Trade%20Off" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1122.photobucket.com/albums/l539/AgapeLoveDesigns/TTObutton.png" border="0" alt="Treasury Trade Off Linky Party At Agape Love Designs"></a>
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Much Love & Hugs,

Blog-erview With Allison of Feeding My Temple

Its Wednesday and time again for another Blog-erview!!!

Getting to know the amazing women behind our favorite blogs

and introducing some newbie bloggers you are sure to love,

through interviews here at Agape Love designs!

 

Lets welcome Allison from Feeding My Temple to Agape Love Designs!!

If you are new here, find out about the Blog-erview Series {here}

Previous Blog-erviews: 

 Carrie of Milleigh Frances

Amy of My Little One Room School House

Cat Of Stuff I Love

Laina Of Vibrant Serenity

Sharde Of The Style Projects

Amanda of Little B

Brittany of Love Stitched 

 Amanda of Royal Daughter Designs

Casey Leigh of The Wiegands

 Emily of Insanity Rules 

Nichelle of Vintage Wanna Bee

 Jamie of Snow In December

 Jen of Craft-O-Maniac

 Nicole of Miss Mommy

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Can you tell us a little about yourself and Your blog?

I'm Allison of Feeding my Temple. I'm a 26 year old mom and wife. Follower of Jesus. Sister to 2. Living in Oklahoma. I have a huge interest in food, fitness, and healthy living. My blog follows my life as I try to balance feeding my body, mind and spirit with the Word and amazing food.

Feeding Family posts are mostly recipes but sometimes also contain nutritional information (I am NOT in any way, shape, or form a Dietitian or Nutritionist) or tips and tricks for choosing healthy foods for your family. And Feeding Fitness posts are workouts that I really enjoy and pieces of motivation for your workouts!
 
 What has been the most challenging moment in being a blogger?

Honestly, sticking with it. At first, I really felt like this tiny little fish in the big sea of blogs. I probably still am, but making good connections with fellow bloggers and readers has really changed things for me.

Everyone has a favorite/least favorite post. Name yours and why?

Let's see...Skinny Chicken Parmesan was a big hit. I think I had over 1700 views. I was shocked.
 
 Name some of the bloggers whom you look up to and why?

Oh gosh, the list is huge. I love Katie at Dashing Dish is seriously someone I love. She is an amazing example of what a woman in Christ looks like. Not to mention, all her recipes (lightened up, healthy versions) that I have tried are ridiculously good.

Skinnytaste is another favorite of mine. Gina has shared so many recipes that are so good and good for you! She truly has a gift. 

And Jessica over at How Sweet It Is. If I had a personality and humor twin, she would be it. Not to mention she is unbelievably creative with her cooking.
 

What goals do you have, if any, for your blog right now and in the future?

My first blog goal was to share it with my friends and family. Wise was really the only person that knew I was blogging. Just yesterday, I linked up my latest post to Facebook. Eeek!! 

My second (and I know, this is a big one) is to actually meet some of my local Okie blogging friends and/or attend a blogging conference.
 

What Social Networks are you on?

Twitter, Facebook, Google +, and Pinterest!
 
 Is there anything you know now that you wish you knew before you started blogging?

Not that I can think of...

 What has been the best thing about blogging so far, feel free to share any exciting triumphs or milestones you have had or reached! 

Hands down, getting a good response from readers. Its hard to put yourself out there. You have the luxury of hiding behind a computer, but my goal from day one was to be honest and see where it got me. 

Thank you so much for taking the time to read all about my blog and me! And thanks to Maria for giving me an opportunity to share! I hope to see you over at Feeding My Temple soon. :)

Whats being Pinned From Your Site?

Call me nosy, curious, or just plain vain... but I really enjoy checking out what's being pinned from my blog!

Its exciting to see what is popular, what people like and what people are saying about the things on my site.

Plus, since the invention of Pinterest it seems Ive gotten a lot more traffic, but a lot less comments! 

Its bitter sweet. 
But when I check out the pins from my site its like I get to see the comments that could/should have been on my posts. 

So I check myself out on pinterest daily!

Here is what is most popular right now: My DIY Angel Wings.

If you click on the actual post, you will see it only has 7 comments.

But my stats show it has been viewed over 290 times (since I posted it last week).

And you can see it has been pinned (and repinned) well over 20 times.

Like I said.. its bitter sweet.

I may not get as many comments, but Im getting a ton more views and at least this way..

I know what people are saying and thinking about my projects. :)

I asked on my facebook page if YOU checked yourself out on pinterest.

A couple of you asked how you even do that!

So I thought I would share real quick how you can check yourself out too, in case you were wondering. 

Its very simple all you gotta do it use this URL:

http://pinterest.com/source/YOURSITEHERE.com/

Beware... it can get "addicting" to check yourself out. haha :)

So, do YOU check to see whats being pinned from your site?
Pin It

Much Love & Hugs,

Valentines Day Pretties

Valentines Day Pretties

1.) Love
2.) Be Mine
3.) Pink Ombre
4.) Less Than Three

1.) This is Love Printable
2.) Love Necklace
3.) Romance Ring
4.) Fancy Me Ring

Just a heads up, Ive put the 35% discount back up in my shop. :)

Much Love & Hugs,

Treasury Trade Off Series (Love Edition)

If you are an etsy shop owner, looking to have some fun and gain some extra exposure then this post is for you! :)

I got this idea for a fun new series involving etsy shop owners while checking out some lovely treasuries.

I thought about how much I love it when people feature me, 

its fun and exciting to see all the items they have put together with mine.

Plus they always just look so pretty and appealing!

I also thought about how much I enjoy creating treasuries myself and featuring others.

Tootie Fruity Treasury

So I came up with the idea of doing a treasury trade off series on the blog!

I thought this would be a fun way for all who participate to gain exposure for their shops and treasuries!

While also meeting new people, checking out new shops and promoting each other. :)

 Think Pink Treasury
Here is the idea, each week I will post a new theme.
Then I will have a list of items/listings from my shop (and maybe my sponsors shops) that go with that weeks theme.
All who participate in this will have to create a treasury using one MY listings that I have provided.
In return you will leave a comment telling me you are participating with a link to item(s) from YOUR shop
that go with this weeks theme, and I will create a treasury (or two) including listings from those who participate.

Once you have created your treasury, come back here and link it up to the linky party for me & others to check out.
I will share some treasuries on my facebook page as well as feature a couple of my favs in next weeks Treasury Trade Off post.
If we all comment on, click links in and share treasuries on our fb pages from a couple others then we all get more exposure!

Coffee Treasury

So what do you think!?
Are you in? I HOPE so!

Well here are The Rules if you want to participate:

This weeks Theme is {Love}

Think Pinks & Reds, Hearts, XO's & Valentines Day Stuff!
1.) Leave a comment with a link to your facebook fan page letting me know you will participate,
in the same comment leave one or more links from your own shop listings that go with this weeks theme.

Please make sure to leave a clickable Link to your listing(s) here is how:

<a href="LINK HERE">WHAT YOU WANT IT TO SAY HERE</a>

2.)  Create a Treasury which features one of my items listed below:
Feel free to also check out the comment section & use any of the listings other participants have shared!
But your treasury MUST include one of MY items listed below to participate.

A.) This is What Love Looks Like Printable

B.) XOXO Red/Pink Sequin Headband

C.) Love Word Art Printable

D.) I Heart Lace Ruffled Headband

E.) You & Me Personalized Hand stamped Necklace

6.) XOXO Wire Wrapped Necklace

F.) Double Heart Glass Pendant Ring

G.) Romance Ring 

H.) Red Heart Sequin Hair Clip

I.) Pink Heart Sequin Hair Clip

J.) Antique Brass Love Word Art Pendant with Rose

3.) Come Back here & link up the treasury you have created to the linky party!

4.) Check out the other treasuries, leave comments on at least two others
and click at least two listing from each treasury you check out.

5.) Share one or two of your favorite treasuries from the linky party on your FB fan page.
It would be awesome if you tagged the creator in the link as well!

You have until Sunday at Midnight to link up the treasury you have created!

Grab a button:


<a href="http://www.agapelovedesigns.com/search/label/Treasury%20Trade%20Off" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1122.photobucket.com/albums/l539/AgapeLoveDesigns/TTObutton.png" border="0" alt="Treasury Trade Off Linky Party At Agape Love Designs"></a>
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I Crack Myself Up

I've been seeing these ecards a lot lately... they make me laugh.
Since I'm so hilarious, I thought I would add to the collection. ;)

My first ecard you know you're old when....
(yes, I'm old, this was actually a fb status of mine)

You wanna go out and create one too now, dont you?

Yeah, ya do!

SomeECards

Have fun. :)

Much Love & Hugs,

Blog-erview With Carrie of Milleigh Frances!!

Its Wednesday and time again for another Blog-erview!!!

Getting to know the amazing women behind our favorite blogs

and introducing some newbie bloggers you are sure to love,

through interviews here at Agape Love designs!

 

Lets welcome Carrie from Milleigh Frances to Agape Love Designs!!

If you are new here, find out about the Blog-erview Series {here}

Previous Blog-erviews: 

Amy of My Little One Room School House

Cat Of Stuff I Love

Laina Of Vibrant Serenity

Sharde Of The Style Projects

Amanda of Little B

Brittany of Love Stitched 

 Amanda of Royal Daughter Designs

Casey Leigh of The Wiegands

 Emily of Insanity Rules 

Nichelle of Vintage Wanna Bee

 Jamie of Snow In December

 Jen of Craft-O-Maniac

 Nicole of Miss Mommy

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Can you tell us a little about yourself and Your blog (and shop if you have one)?

HELLO!!!!  
My name is Carrie and I blog over here:

milleighfrances...the blog

I am 33 and have been married for 8 years. No babies yet. Although I get asked that almost on a daily basis!  We (I) have struggled with infertility and we’ve (I’ve) been on an emotional roller coaster for the last several years. I am finally at a place where I am just feeling good about that situation and am at peace with possibly never having my own children. I have three older sisters, 3 nieces and 2 nephews.  Love my family. And I have the best mom in the world. Seriously. She is awesome.

I started my blog, milleighfrances...the blog, and my shop, milleighfrances, as an outlet for some stress relief.  This past January I lost a dear friend unexpectedly and that’s been hard to get through. I started crafting a little more and decided to start selling some of the stuff I made. It has been such a big help to keep my mind off of things.


How did you first get involved with blogging?

A couple of years ago I was online looking for info on infertility and I came across a blog, The Heir to Blair, and that’s where my love of blogs came from.  From her blog I
found other blogs, and so on.  I “stalked” some blogs for a while and finally decided to do it myself!  I loved the idea of not only keeping a little diary for myself, but also meeting new people. I am typically a pretty shy person, so I thought maybe this could help me!


How do you come up with material/content for your blog each day, What
inspires you?

I am very new to the blogging world so right now my posts are pretty much what I’ve done that day, etc. I’m hoping to get a little more interesting in time!!



What do you think is the most challenging thing about starting a blog?

I think just the nerves that go along with it.  Will people like me? Will I sound funny or crazy?  What in the world am I going to say? What if no one ever follows me?  You know, just the typical things someone that is insecure thinks!!!



Everyone has a favorite or least favorite post, name yours and why?

I don’t think I have either yet!  I am so new and I don't really feel like I've completely come out of my shell, but I'm starting to more and more!  I guess "Get it Girl" is probably my favorite...It kind of showed the real me and it also mentioned my first craft fair for milleighfrances.



Name some of the bloggers whom you look up to and why?

This is a tough one!  I have so many blogs that I love to read!
Definitely The Bargain Blonde. I love her blog!  She always has the best posts and she is so
funny.  Love her!! (And she was my first follower!) 

Raven at A Momma’s Desires and Pacifiers is absolutely
hilarious. Love her blog!  She is a mommy blogger, but she is so much more than that!
She literally makes me laugh every day.

This little trio is awesome – Sabrina, Shalyn and Erica –
they just had their first blogger meet up and their recap was hilarious. 
They totally make me want to meet my bloggy friends!!

Meli Faif is an awesome blog.  I pretty much know that when I click on there
I am going to be inspired!  And her little Red Curlz is ADORABLE!!

KLaw, Bananas, Little Woman and Erin are some of my other
faves!!

There are seriously so many more…I wish I could shout out to
them all!


What goals do you have, if any, for your blog/shop right now and in the future?

Right now I am just focusing on having fun on both the blog and the shop!  I have a full time job, so I’m not doing either for the money.


What Social Networks are you on for your blog?

Sadly I am on none!  I have been anti myspace, facebook, twitter, etc for as long as they’ve
existed.  I know people say to grow your blog you need to do these things, but I’m just not there yet!


Is there anything you know now that you wish you knew before you started blogging?

I am so new and still learning that I don’t think there is anything yet…



What has been the best thing about blogging so far, feel free to share any exciting triumphs or milestones you have had or reached! :)

The best thing is just “meeting” other bloggers!  All the ones I have talked to have been so
supportive and helpful.  I’m only at 16 followers, and if I get over 20 I’ll probably freak out!! Lol!



Is there anything else you would like to share with my readers?

Just thank you so much for the interview!  I hope I am able to meet a bunch
of friends from it!  




Thanks for reading everyone, hop on over to my blog and say hi anytime! 

DIY Photography Prop - Angel Wings

Happy Tuesday everybody! I am excited today. Why? Well cause I have a cool tutorial to share with you.

It has been on my do-to list for a LOOOOONG time now, to share this tutorial with you!

Ive had the supplies and idea on hand and in mind for at least 6 months... probably longer actually.

For some reason I kept pushing it aside.. but I finally MADE time to do it. 

I thought with V-day around the corner, now would be a great time, 

as these would be perfect to use for V-day photoshoots... think cupid. :)

I guess they could also come in handy for Halloween too for a costume.

But me, I plan on using them as a photography prop.

Pin It

This little project took me about 30 minutes and cost about $10.

What you need:

~White Cardboard, Cut into shape seen below

Or you can spray paint it white if you dont have white. I used an old diaper box and spray painted it.

~White Feathers

I used two packages of LONG white feathers, and only that green package of smaller fluffy feathers.

I had bought the extra bag just in case.. but didn't end up needing it.

~Velcro or Elastic

I decided to go for velcro so I could adjust the size depending the age/size of kid using them.

Also I know that elastic tends to stretch out over time.

~Hot Glue Gun/Glue

You are going to start out using the large long feathers.

Stagger them (longer on outside and shorter as they go towards the middle) as shown and then glue them down.

Do the same thing to the other side.

Once you have've added the large feathers to each side, now its time to fill in all the cardboard with the smaller feathers.

There is no read trick to this, just glue and add feathers.

be sure to have them all facing the same way.

Glue and add feathers until all of the cardboard is covered.

Be sure to add feathers on top, just curving them as you go.

So that it looks like this:

Flip the cardboard around and start covering the other side with feathers as well.

Just the small feathers, you do not need to add the big ones again.

This will be the side you add your velcro or elastic to.

And thats it, you are done!

Now you have your very own angel wings for your photo shoot.

This was a lot cheaper than ordering angel wings somewhere...I've looked around and they can be expensive.

But I think mine still look just as great!

Much Love & Hugs,