Fun with Rings & Things skull bead challenge

I was so excited to get the blogger packet from Rings & Things with all the cute little skull beads and charms in it. I knew skulls were in, especially with the hipster crowd, but that is a different kind of skull. These were 'festive and fun'. Rings & Things have them labeled as "Calaveras (also called calacas) are artistic depictions of skulls traditionally used for Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebrations." BINGO!! I know Day of the Dead!! (not to be confused with George A. Romero, of which I am a HUGE fan)

Now that we have spring on a down hill pull towards summer, (boy howdy am I ready) I wanted to make a fiery red, sizzling summertime bracelet. I am still on a kick with the charm bracelets, and that red skull was the perfect focal to build around.

In this piece:

28-335-16 Lampwork 'calavera' skull bead
44-940-59-AS Viva Mexicana charm, 'calavera' skull
44-940-61-AS Viva Mexicana charm, 'Catrina' skeleton
Faceted fire polished Czech glass
Re purposed faux pearls
Furnace glass
Swarovski crystals



One of my vendors is always in need of things to celebrate Dia de los Muertos, and when I saw these I knew they were for her! She has taken every piece I have made with these cute skull beads and charms, and ordered more!!!

Thanks Dave and Rings & Things for opening a door for me with this fun blogger packet!

*FTC compliance disclosure: the '*' items mentioned in this post credited to Rings & Things were provided as a promotional gift as part of the Blog Partner Program. These items are for review or design purposes. Find out more about the Rings & Things Blog Partner Program

Rings & Things blogger challenge - Skull charm necklace

I have this wonderful blogger packet from Rings & Things chocked full of fun items. I don't know where to begin!

The other nite while drifting off to sleep I thought it would be fun to put those beads on a key ring and add a bunch of charms as well. Instead of using the key ring as it was intended I looped leather through it and made it into a necklace.

The split ring of the key ring allows you to add or remove charms at your whim. It can be changed at any time to go with any mood or anything that you are wearing!



Close up



Featured is the 28-335-15 Lampwork 'calavera' skull bead (black, white) * from Rings & Things
along with glass beads, a diary key, a peace sign and some gemstone chips.

So much fun to throw on over your head and go!


*FTC compliance disclosure: the '*' items mentioned in this post credited to Rings & Things were provided as a promotional gift as part of the Blog Partner Program. These items are for review or design purposes. Find out more about the Rings & Things Blog Partner Program

Rings & Things blogger packet

I got home from work and there was a package on the counter. I looked at the return address and literally exclaimed - 'AGAIN?!?!?'

Rings & Things has done it again! Ya'all are putting me thru my paces!!! I can't keep up!!! These are AMAZING! So much fun.



This great bunch of fun stuff includes:

28-335-16 Lampwork 'calavera' skull bead (red, black) (23 - 27 per 16" strand - $11.00)*
28-333-89 Lampwork chili pepper bead (red) (36 - 44 per 16" strand - $9.00) *
28-335-18 Lampwork 'calavera' flower skull bead (black,white)( 23 - 27 per 16" strand - $13.00)*
28-335-15 Lampwork 'calavera' skull bead (black, white) (23 - 27 per 16" strand - $11.00) *
28-335-17 Lampwork 'calavera' sugar-skull bead (multicolor) ( 23 - 27 per 16" strand - $13.00)*
30-822-1 Bobby pin (white metal) (0.5 gross - $11.28)*
30-322-4 Cuff link (gold plated) (dozen - $5.65)*
30-052-1 Shoe clip (white metal) (dozen - $1.50) * ( i haven't worn a shoe clip since the 80's!)
44-940-56-AG Viva Mexicana charm, dancing senor (antiqued-gold plate)(ten - $10.50) *
44-940-57-AG Viva Mexicana charm, dancing senorita (antiqued-gold plate)(ten - $10.50) *
44-940-59-AS Viva Mexicana charm, 'calavera' skull (antiqued-silver plate)(ten - $9.75) *
44-940-61-AS Viva Mexicana charm, 'Catrina' skeleton (antiqued-silver plate)(ten - $10.50) *

*whew* *beams*

One of my retailers has a shop with a lot of Mexicana flare to it, these little beauties will be so much fun to work with and allow me to market directly to her store!

Thanks Rings & Things!!


*FTC compliance disclosure: the '*' items mentioned in this post credited to Rings & Things were provided as a promotional gift as part of the Blog Partner Program. These items are for review or design purposes. Find out more about the Rings & Things Blog Partner Program