Sparkling Rhinestone Headband Tutorial: Round 1

Sparkling when you are exercising... hmmm, those two words/activities don't usually come together for most of the people out there except for some us who are just born with glitter in their veins. 

I made this sparkling rhinestone head piece for my upcoming 10K run this weekend in Portland. (Bridge to Brews on April 15th). I used my favorite no slip Nike Headband that I wear every time I go running. I could have used a ribbon for the headband but; this one I own has a silicone band glued to it which makes it great for exercising!

Rhinestone Headband for Runners

Materials: Rhinestones, cotton embroidery thread, needle, scissors and a headband

Instructions: I used two strands of rhinestones. You can use only a single strand or multiples. Simply sew the rhinestones on the headband. I sewed two times between the rhinestones to make the coral color stand out a bit. After sewing the rhinestones, I filled the two sides of the rhinestones by sewing more. If you decide to do this step, you will need to do both side to create a regular surface. Otherwise, the headband will fold. No rhinestones are necessary behind the ears - this makes the headband more comfortable while running. I filled the areas where the rhinestones end with extra thread to complete the look.

While I was at the craft store today, my eyes cached this same coral colored feathers and of course, I bought them right away! This calls for a Round 2 on my sparkling rhinestone tutorial which I will be working on later this week. 

Feathers and sparkles... how perfect is that?

Looking forward to see you next week after my run to share some more photos with you...

Let's visit the Cotton Castle in Turkey!

What about a visit to my home country, Turkey to bathe in this georgous natural waters of Pamukkale, Denizli; located in southwest Turkey. We might also do some shopping for Turkish towels while we are there since they have one of the best towels in the country.

Pamukkle's english translation is Cotton Castle. It gets its name from this white terraces of calcium carbonate minerals deposited by water from the hot springs.  These terraces almost 200m in height have been formed in step-like arrangement gradually in the course of the ages.  They are absolutely stunning and super interesting, don't you agree? They kind of look like oyster shells...

Thanks for joining me at our second Let's tavel to Abroad destination... See you next time!!!

Hummingbird Necklace Jewelry

Silver Hummingbird Necklace

Silver hummingbird necklace is a very unique handmade jewelry. Its nest is crafted with fine sterling silver wire and handwoven. The birds nest and the hummingbird pendant suspended freely on a steling silver chain. The silver hummingbird is beating its wings as it always does...I picked tiny natural turquoise beads for the nest as the hummingbirds have very vibrant colors. This necklace will make a treasured item in your jewelry box. I hope you liked this necklace as much as I enjoyed designing and making it!

Have an awesome month of October eveyone! Enjoy the beauty of the nature in fall...

Pinecone treats with snowflakes... More fall cooking at A Cup of Sparkle kitchen

Once again, I wanted to take you to A Cup of Sparkle kitchen for more fall season cooking. If you have not seen fall leaves ice-cream sandwich tutorial yet, you should take a look at it! I got so many good reactions from you that I thought I will share another fall recipe with you.

Pinecone treats



Today's cooking recipe is very simple, fun and chocolaty.This pinecone treats are great for thanksgiving and christmas celebrations.Very eye-catching! It will be also a great cooking activity you can do with kids.

Here is the recipe for this nature inspired pine cone treats which I found from Turkish blogs:

Ingredients for ~10-15 pinecones
1/2 packet of rice krispie (~60g)
1/2 stick of butter
2 tablespoons of honey
1 tablespoon of cacao
2 bars of chocolate (~100g)
1-2 tablespoons of powdered sugar

Preparation:
1- Melt the butter in a pan. Add the honey, chocolate and cacoo. Melt them all together in low heat.
2- In a large bowl, add the melted chocolate mixture on the rice krispie and mix them.
3- Fill inside of a lemon squeezer to give the shape of a pinecone. Press it and invert it upside down on a serving plate.
4- Let it cool down.
5- Sprinkle powdered sugar before you serve it to make winter snowflakes effect.

Your pinecones are ready in a very short time without baking! I hope you will enjoy making the pinecone treats as much as I did...

AFIYET OLSUN!  (BON APPETIT!)

TIPS: You can add pinenuts, crushed walnuts or sesame seeds to your pinecones to obtain extra flavor and crunchness. You can also use cupcake sleeves to serve it instead of a platter.

Birds nest necklace with red pearls

Happy Sunday all of you! Officially summer is over in Seattle. It has been raining all weekend. I am not sure if I am ready for the cold and rain yet. I am trying to adjust to the change in the seasons lately. I am actually kind of excited about cozy cold days...

Birds Nest Necklace by A Cup of Sparkle

I wanted to share my latest custom bird's nest necklace I made for a customer. It is made with this lovely red pearls and a cute bird. I love red and this Swarovski pearls are absolutely so fantastic. Its color is so rich! Don't you agree?

You can find this red pearls bird nest necklace by clicking here. As always, feel free to contact me for custom orders.

Handmade Macbook Air Sleeve Case Tutorial - NoSew - Fall and Winter Versions

You don't need to have sewing skills or experience to make a personalized bag with the colors, materials and dimensions you want. Today, I am going to share instructions on how to make a computer sleeve; which can be also applied to make a wallet, purse, or a clutch.

Handmade computer case by A Cup of Sparkle

My project inspiration is my new baby: an 11" Macbook Air. I love it! I had to make something special for my baby. A chic outfit with some personality to accompany me for couple years.  I have never made a bag before and as you know from my previous sewing project of an infinity scarf, I don't have a sewing machine. This is absolutely new for me. If you are in the same circle, don't worry! You can do it!!!

My journey started in my neighborhood Jo-Ann store. I found this creme leather like fabric (vinyl) in the clearance section. I also grabbed a hole punch, soft suede ribbon, fabric glue, and some faux fur after couple hours of walking through the isles back and forward.
    Here is the simple tutorial for this stylish computer case. I will give the instructions for the MacBook Air but; you can make it to any other size you would like to do.

Step #1: Cut the fabric into a rectangle(34cm L  x32cm W). Then, fold it like an envelope leaving 13cm for the flip of the bag. I put a tape where I folded it so that it doesn't move around.

Step #2: Measure 1cm from right and left sides. Draw a straight line with a pencil to guide you while punching your holes.

Step #3: Put a small mark to each 1/2cm with a ruler again. You will be punching where each dot it.

Step #4: Punch a hole to each mark- 1/2 cm apart from eachother.
I used a paper punch. It didn't punch the two layers together so; I had to do it layer by layer. I bet a leather punch will be so much easier on your thumb :)

Step #5: Now, you will pull the thread - in this case a suede thread, through the holes. You can use ribbon as well as fabric. Make sure to tighten the thread each time for an uniform look but; do not tighten it too hard that the leather folds on the sides.

Step #6: Knot the end of the suede in the lower back side. For the top section, I hided the suede inside the bag and put a little glue so; it doesn't come off.

Step #7: Decide where you want to put your magnetic snap. Mark the areas with a pencil. I put the laptop inside the case while doing this. Because, the thickness of the computer does shift things a little.
Make two small cuts and place the magnets on the top and the bottom. Secure it tight using something hard such as the tip your hole punch.

Step #8: Your computer case is complete. It only needs some accessorizing at this point and your options are limitless. You can design it in any way you like; add a broach, glitter,... it is time to be creative!

I am into fashion. This year;  flowers and leopard fur is very trendy. There is still time for winter though.That's why I am going to plan a winter version of this case as well as a fall version and change it when the temperatures drops a bit.

I am excited to hear if you liked the fall or the winter version better???

Fall Version: Flowers...

So stylish and there are hundreds of varieties to make. My flowers is made with layering circles to add some dimension. Here is the schematic tutorial I prepared for you:

Make circles - my circles are kind of oval shaped. Punch holes inside them- some centered, some not. Punch two holes in your largest circle. Pull the suede thread through the holes as shown in the figure in the direction of the arrow. Make two knots at the ends. Cut any remaining thread. Glue the flower on the bag.

Winter Verison: Leopard!!! Isn't that just gorgeous?

Cut a leopard fox fabric same dimensions of the seal flap (32cm L) Glue it using a fabric glue.

Is your crafty flowers in bloom yet? I hope it is :-)
Please let me know if you are planning to make one or if you have any questions. I would love to know your thoughts or any ideas you have.

Jersey Lace Scarf Tutorial

I have been busy hand sewing lately for my fall wardrope; something cozy chic! I purchased matching gray and yellow jersey knit and lace for my hanmade scarf project. I don't have a sewing machine so; I planned everything as simple as it can be.

Jersey and Lace Scarf Tutorial by A Cup of Sparkle

Jersey scarves has been so popular and my inspiration was a lace jersey scarf I saw on Pinterest. Initially, I thought I would do exactly the same pattern but; then, I couldn't find any good quality lace in the fabric store. In the end, I created my own versatile infinity scarf design in beautiful gray and yellow colors.

Here is my simple schematic step-by-step tutorial I prepared for you. I hope you liked it and it will bring you inspiration to do something crafty. 

Let me know if you decide to try it. I would love to know how your scarf turned out :)

Step #1: Cut your jersey fabric in rectangles. I used the entire piece I purchased for the gray fabric.
You can also repurpose an old T-shirt instead of buying new fabric.

Materials Needed

Step #2: Cut the gray fabric again into two pieces; a short and a long piece.

Step #3: Sew the yellow fabric on top of the smaller dark fabric piece.

You can skip this step, if you like. The yellow fabric I used was thinner and transparent like lace. I did this step to create a dark silhouette behind the branch and flower motifs and also to have a homogenous feel throughout the scarf in terms of thickness.

Step #4: Now, it is time to bring those two pieces together.

I did hand sewing but; I am sure sewing machine will work better.

Step #5: This is an infinity scarf shaped like a big circle so; in this step, you will close the circle by sewing the right and left ends together.

Step #6: This step is also optional. I added a short lace peace where I combined the yellow and gray fabric together. My motivation was to hide my bad hand sewing :) but, I also like the jersey and lace together.

Step #7: Ta-Da...  your handmade, original scarf is ready to accessorize your fall outfits!

The Pickle and The Jar....Best of the week: Etsy finds by A Cup of Sparkle

"To Do lists" is my favorite time management tool; both at home and at work.  Lately, I realized how long is my list for the summer. I really have to hurry!

1- Do more kayaking

2- Ride my bike when it the sun is out 

3- BBQ more

4- Wear my big summer hat more

.....

15- Go to a beach and walk/lay down on hot sand ...

How does your list look like? Do you have big plans before the end of summer OR this weekend?

Weekly Planner Chalkboard by canodesigns, $31.99

I found this brilliant chalkboard wall planner on Etsy. I believe visual calendars makes it easier to apply The Pickle Jar Theory in life; ultimately manage our time better. If you have not heard about this theory yet, I storngly recommend you to take a look. It made a lot of difference in how I balance my life and no, it has nothing to do with pickles :)

Congratulations Canodesigns! You are the best of the week of Etsy finds by A Cup of Sparkle. Great work!

Handmade Modern Succulent Planter Tutorial

Succulents are really the perfect plants to have; especially in an office environment. They are very charming and very low maintenance. Succulent plants only need water every three to 10 weeks, depending on the temperature and lighting.

I wanted to make something special for my husband's new office this weekend. I decided to try making a planter after reading the blog post from Craftberry Bush featuring her homemade tiered terrarium. Initially I was going to make it a tiered planter more similar to hers; but, I ended up with something different with the sizes of ceramic bowls I could able to find after visiting 4 stores around my neighborhood.

    I picked a deep, round white baking bowl from the kitchen department and a toothbrush holder from the bathroom department for this project. I glued the toothbrush holder; which is tall and deep in the middle of the round bow with epoxy glue.

I added a layer of gravel, sand, and wet cactus soil in order. I didn't spend much time to think about the design; I just went to my garden and picked out some of the succulents I already had, pulled out some moss - which is easy to find in rainy Seattle and found some rocks; then, did some trial and error by placing the plants randomly on the bowl. I just kept stuffing moss, rocks, plants until it looked pretty.

My first version didn't have the tall plant at the top of the bowl. I thought I needed something taller to advance the look; so, I picked this red sensation-dracaena from a store.

I am really happy with the outcome and my husband really liked it. It was a fun weekend project! Happy Gardening season to all of you!

I hope everyone is having a fabulous weekend!

Caribbean Blue Sparkles

One of my coworkers came around last week wondering if I would make matching necklace for the Caribbean blue crystal earrings in my A Cup of Sparkle Etsty shop. She likes wearing necklace and earrings together like I do. Here is what I came up with. I used the same circle design that completed the spring/summer look. I am very pleased with my first custom design. 
What do yo think?
For the picture below, I actually used one of the photographs I have taken from my vacation to Caribbean as the background. The colors are so charming. I absolutely love the blues.

A Cup of Sparkle Custom Jewelry

Easter Eggs Wire Jewelry Sale On Now!

Bird Nest Brooches by ACupofSparkle

Looking for handmade Easter gift ideas or a way to accessorize your outfit this spring? A Cup of Sparkle bird nest handmade designs are now 20% OFF until the Easter Day; April 24th. 
Easter eggs are special eggs that symbolizes the rebirth of the Earth in celebrations of spring. The pendant shaped as a bird's nest is made from lengths of sterling silver wire hand weaved irregularly into a ball shape. 


You can customize these eggs with any color of your choice and any number of eggs you would like on your nest. They are also great gifts for mothers and babyshowers. Cute easter jewelry for women...
Here are some of the designs from my shop. 
Aren't they pretty?

Colorful Easter Eggs

Boshphorus : Between Asia and Europe

Bosphorus (Bogazici or Istanbul Boagzi) is a 32km (20 miles) long strait that separates the two continents Asia and Europe. It joins the Sea of Marmara with Black Sea in Istanbul, Turkiye.Turkish word for Bosphorus is the same as the word for throat in English which always reminds me of fresh air and free flowing waters.

Istanbul draws its strength from Bosphorus. The shores are dotted with yalis, or classic waterfront mansions, built as early as the 18th century: yellow, pink, and blue wooden palaces perched along the waterfront. This wooden houses have been a symbol of wealth, power and status with its spectacular location and architecture.

A view from Bosphorus

Bosphorus shores offer a delightful mixture of past and present. My trips to Istanbul has always been one of my great travel experiences.  

Have any of you been in Istanbul or want to go to Istanbul?

Jade Necklace

 I named this authentic necklace 'Bosphorus'. The inspiration for this piece comes from contemporary and historic art which is also why I picked the ornamental stone Jade. Carved green jade flowers with pastel orange beads are center pieced with a detailed sterling silver pendant. The green jade flowers represents the natural beauty around the Bosphorus and the silver pendant represents the bridges connecting Asia and Europe that I am happy to share its inspiration story with you.

Spring Collection: Crocus Flower Amethyst Necklace and Earrings Inspiration Story

      Crocus flowers would be one of the first blooms you will notice right at the end of the winter season. It will be telling you that the spring is just around the corner... or you will see them in the autumn after all the other flowering plants. There are between 80 to 300 different species of crocus. It dazzles with its enormous array of colors from lilac, yellow, white and mauve. Under its delicate petals, it will surprise you even more with more beautiful colors from different tones of oranges to reds.

In addition to its beauty, autumn crocus is also the source of saffron used in cooking as a seasoning and coloring agent. Saffron or also known as safran is the most expensive spice by weight. [Wikipedia, wordprofit.com]
Can you believe that it takes 100,000 flowers to produce 2lb of saffron?

A lilac crocus was the first bloom in my garden which was the inspiration to A Cup of Sparkle amethyst necklace and earrings. The faceted drop shaped amethyst gemstones are paired with detailed sterling silver caps. Simple and elegant... Crocus is known with its ability to thrive in snow, mud and ice. This is what this necklace and earrings represent: the positive energy and being strong. This necklace and earrings are a combination of nature and arts that I am happy to share its inspiration story with you.

Harbinger of Spring Amethyst Necklace by ACupofSparkle

Harbinger of Spring Amethyst Earrings by ACupofSparkle

New Design: Cat's Eye Silver Accented Green Mediterranean Necklace Inspiration Story

For thousands of years, olives and olive oil has been a staple for Mediterranean coastal area with a unique flavor and numerous health benefits one of which is being a beauty product. Turkey is one of those countries where olive oil is processed locally; it is the 5th largest producer of oil in the world. With that, it is integrated to its culture in many ways. One of the traditional sports in Turkey is oil wrestling where the wrestlers cover themselves with olive oil before wrestling. There is even special category in Turkish cuisine for dishes 'made with olive oil'. Olives are one of the must haves in Turkish breakfasts.

Being Turkish, that is where the inspiration to A Cup of Sparkle Cat's Eye necklace and earrings come from: Mediterranean Olives. Organic and natural... This beautiful faceted green gems are accented with silver cylinders that has leave designs on them. The ear wires are one of a kind pair that matches the same leave designs. This set is a combination of history and art that I am happy to share its inspiration story with you.

Valentine's Day Inspired Creations by A Cup of Sparkle

It is almost Valentine's Day. It is been a very inspiring month for me. I put together some of my creations in preparation for Valentine's day. Hope you like it.
All the pieces are available in my shop ' A Cup of Sparkle'.

Best of the week: Etsy Finds by A Cup of Sparkle

Loopy Goth Art Doll Penny by Loopyboopy

Loopy Goth Art Doll Penny

     This week's best of the week piece is Loopy Goth Art Doll Penny by loopyboopy. I found loopyboopy dollies from one of the treasuries.  It was striking to me to see how much a doll can express with some plastic eyes and fake body. I am used to pretty dolls like Barbies with perfectly cut dresses, shiny shoes and well combed hair; but, loopyboopy has this unusual look to her dolls that is not only unique but also very personal. I feel like I feel the sadness Doll Penny has in her eyes.
Do you?
Great job Colleen! Congratulations...