How To Attach A Clasp

This is a simple tutorial on how to add a clasp to a necklace.
This is what you'll need:
a clasp, two jump rings, two crimp beads, a needle nose plier and a crimp nose plier, ribbon or cord. 
The pliers are very handy tools and if you plan on making lots of jewelry, you will get a lot of use out of them, they last for ever.

it's very easy to attach the clasp to your strand, ribbon or cord.  First, you'll need to run your cord or ribbon through your first crimp bead:

Next, loop it over and through your jump ring and back in through your crimp bead again:

With your crimp bead pliers, follow package instructions (very easy to do) press your crimp bead tightly in place:

You'll do the same for the other side:

and that's it! looks difficult but it's actually very simple

Tablescape Thursday

Spring Is Here!

Flowers and birds and the sweet smell of apple pie.  I love this time of year, it's so cheerful and bright.  After a short episode of summer weather, we are finally getting some rain.  But speaking of flowers and birds, I had the most awesome welcome home the other day from a swarm of birds flying above me.  They formed the shape of a giant heart and held it for a good two seconds for me to see.  I thought that was the most amazing thing and, of course, wished I had my camera with me.

I have my table for Spring ready for a delicious meal.  We were too busy to celebrate the first day of Spring last Sunday so we postponed our celebration a few days.  I don't know what the menu will be just yet but my family is definitely making suggestions.  Everything from carne asada to meatloaf to fish.  We are having apple pie for dessert, just like every first day of Spring.....mmmm! I can already smell the cinammon.
   

These are my favorite plates, well, then again, I say that about all my dishes.  This is the bread plate and dipping dish

This is the salad plate, I just love the little bugs

I'm using the silverware I received, courtesy of CSN Stores gift certificate.

I hung these beads from the light fixture, I got them at a little shop downtown, the beads are strung on wire

I'm sharing this at Susan's Between Naps On The Porch linky party.  If you love to look at tablescapes, go check out her linky.  You'll find almost anything you can think of. 
One of my most favorite tablescape blogs to visit, besides the lovely Ms. Susan, is Bill of Affordable Accoutrements, go visit him and you'll see why, just click on his link.

Donations for Austin

My bloggie friend, Amie of Kitty Cats and Airplanes, is asking all blogger for our help for a little boy who is fighting for his life.  She has asked that we spread the word on his family's behalf.

Meet Austin

Last summer Austin contracted a deadly stain of E. Coli that caused his kidneys to shut down. Though he escaped with his life, his kidneys took a huge hit.
As you can imagine, the cost of a transplant is high, even with insurance.  They are hoping to raise $50,000 (of the $500,000) for the transplant and anti-rejection medicine.  There are several fundraisers being worked by family and friends.
Crystal of Crystal's Craft Spot  and a personal friend of the family is setting up up an online donation/giveaway. There will be several prize packages to be won and a $2 donation to the family will buy you an entry for any of the prize packages. You can enter as many times as you would like. You can go to the donation website by clicking here. I know that times are tough and not everyone can donate.  If it's not in your budget right now, consider spreading the word about Austin. Blog,tweet , facebook, spread the word in any way you can.
Thank you and God bless little Austin