Thursday, May 09, 2013

Alpha BookLoops

While fiddling around with new designs for the BookLoop I stumbled on a neat idea -- add a name or message to them by stringing them with alphabet beads:



These are the exact same kind of beads used to make baby and name bracelets; I simply strung them on the BookLoop ribbon to spell out names and words before I tied on the anchor. Here's a closer look:



A couple of tips: line up your alphabet beads first so you don't string them out of order. If you want to use beads or other objects as spacers, be sure they have a large enough bore or shank to permit stringing with a ribbon-threaded tapestry needle.



If you'd like a different look, here's a variation using Tim Holtz's idea-ology Type Charms:



These charms are fashioned to look like the keys off an old typewriter, which you customize by selecting and applying the letter stickers that come with them. A little clear epoxy sticker placed on top of the letter completes the illusion.



Since the charms have a top ring instead of a shank you can knot them on your ribbon like this.



Or attach them to your ribbon by jump rings, like this (you might want to use spacers or stoppers to keep them from sliding and bunching.)



For this example I attached my type charms to a short length of copper chain, to which I tied ribbon to the either end. This gives the loop the look of a charm bracelet.

12 comments:

  1. This is such a wonderful and crafty idea!

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  2. Fran K4:01 AM

    That is a fantastic idea and they look absolutely great. I've been playing around with my own version of the BookLoop for a while, I hope you don't mind but even though I've produced some nice ones they are not in the same class as yours. I hope you don't mind copycats because I think I might be making some of these word ones as Christmas presents.

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    1. I don't mind at all, Fran. Like the market bag over on the Toriana blog my BookLoop design is free for anyone to use, change, improve, etc., and that includes making them as gifts, promotional items, or even to sell. If you post something online about them and want to give me credit with a link that would be great, but it's not required. Just have fun. :)

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  3. Excellent idea, Lynn. Is there anything Tim Holtz makes that isn't amazing? Don't think so.

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    1. Thanks, Anna -- and yes, must agree on Tim Holtz. I also like that his idea-ology line is reasonably priced, too. The keys I used in the second batch of the examples are also his product and so far I've gone through like five sets. :)

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  4. Oh! The one with the key is absolutely gorgeous!

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  5. I love the Darkyn one at the end of the post. Really beautiful!

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  6. Ohhhhhh. I want to make one of these.

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  7. Such cute ideas! I am not sure which is my fave :)

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  8. How creative! I have never even heard of bookloops before. Where have I been. I like them A LOT!

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  9. That is a great way to turn a hand made gift into something even more special :-}
    Cool Beans!

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