How To Make Junk Journal Dangles For Beginners: Easy Guide
How To Make Junk Journal Dangles For Beginners: Easy Guide 😍
Ever wondered how to add some extra sparkle to your journals?
Let’s dive into the world of junk journal dangles with some inspiration from crafter Maggie at Sunset Crafts & More!
What are junk journal dangles?
Junk journal dangles are those cute, dangly charms that hang from your journal.
They add a personal touch and a bit of whimsy to your creations. 🎀
What supplies do I need to make junk journal dangles?
Here’s what Maggie uses in her video:
- Chain (silver, brass, or pewter)
- Jump rings
- Beads (glass beads look great!)
- Charms
- Flat head pins
- Loop head pins
- Wire cutters
- Round nose pliers
- Flat nose pliers
How do I start making a junk journal dangle?
Maggie kicks off by showing us a dangle she made for her glue bottle.
It’s a single chain with various beads and charms.
So cute! 😍
She mentions you can also make dangles with two sides hanging, but she prefers the single chain look.
What’s the first step in creating a dangle?
- Choose your base – Maggie uses the back of an earring as her base. She says you can get these cheap at craft stores, especially when jewelry stuff is on sale.
- Attach a jump ring – She opens a jump ring with pliers and attaches it to the earring back.
How do I start adding beads to my dangle?
- Choose your first bead – Maggie picks a pretty turquoise bead to start.
- Thread it onto a flat head pin – She slides the bead onto the pin.
- Add more beads – She adds a few more beads in coordinating colors.
- Cut and loop the pin – Maggie cuts the excess pin and uses round nose pliers to create a loop at the top.
- Attach to a jump ring – She adds this beaded section to another jump ring.
- Connect to the chain – Finally, she attaches this to her main chain.
How do I add charms to my dangle?
- Choose your charm: Maggie selects a cute heart charm.
- Attach to a jump ring: She opens a jump ring, slides on the charm, and closes it.
- Add to the chain: She then attaches this to her main chain.
What’s Maggie’s process for creating beaded sections?
- Choose a color scheme: For one section, she goes with oranges and yellows.
- Mix bead sizes: She alternates between larger and smaller beads for visual interest.
- Use spacer beads: Maggie adds some frosted glass beads between the colorful ones.
- Create a pattern: She repeats her bead pattern for a cohesive look.
How does Maggie finish off her dangle?
- Add variety: She mixes in different types of beads and charms throughout the chain.
- Consider length: Maggie keeps an eye on the overall length, making sure it’s not too long for her glue bottle.
- Balance colors: She adds different colors (like green and pink) to create a rainbow effect.
- Finish with a flourish: For her final piece, she adds a cute flower charm with pink beads.
What tips does Maggie share for making dangles?
- Use stainless steel components if you’re making a dangle for a glue bottle.
- Don’t be afraid to redo sections if you’re not happy with them.
- Hold onto the bottom of your beaded section when cutting wire to prevent beads from falling off.
- Use pliers to close jump rings securely.
- Have fun and go with the flow! Maggie emphasizes that this is a “craft with me” video, not a strict tutorial.
How can I customize my junk journal dangles?
- Choose a color scheme that matches your journal
- Use charms that reflect your interests or the theme of your journal
- Vary the length of different sections for visual interest
- Mix different types of beads (glass, metal, wood) for texture
What if I’m new to making jewelry-style crafts?
Don’t worry!
Maggie admits she’s not a professional jeweler.
She learned from watching videos and experimenting.
You can too! 👍
How long does it take to make a junk journal dangle?
Maggie’s video is about 30 minutes long, but she’s chatting and explaining as she goes.
With practice, you could probably whip one up in 15-20 minutes!
What are some fun ideas for junk journal dangles?
- Theme-based dangles (like beach, travel, or vintage)
- Seasonal dangles (spring flowers, fall leaves, winter snowflakes)
- Color-coordinated dangles to match your journal cover
- Dangles with meaningful charms (like birthstones or zodiac signs)
Can I use junk journal dangles for other crafts?
Absolutely!
These dangles aren’t just for journals.
You could use them for:
- Bookmarks
- Keychains
- Zipper pulls
- Decorations for gift bags
- Ornaments for a mini Christmas tree
How do I attach the dangle to my journal?
Maggie doesn’t cover this in the video, but here are some ideas:
- Use a strong glue to attach the base to your journal cover
- Tie it onto the spine of your journal
- Clip it onto a page with a decorative paperclip
- Thread it through the rings if you’re using a ring-bound journal
What if I make a mistake while crafting my dangle?
No worries!
Maggie shows us that it’s okay to redo parts if you’re not happy with them.
She even takes apart a section and redoes it during the video.
Remember, crafting is all about having fun and expressing yourself!
How can I take care of my junk journal dangles?
- Store your journal carefully to prevent tangling
- Avoid getting the dangles wet if you’ve used any water-soluble glue
- Periodically check the jump rings and tighten them if needed
Where can I find inspiration for junk journal dangles?
- Browse Pinterest for ideas
- Check out junk journal groups on Facebook
- Follow crafters like Maggie on YouTube
- Look at jewelry designs for bead combination ideas
Can I sell the junk journal dangles I make?
If you get really into making dangles, you might consider selling them!
They could be a great addition to handmade journals or a fun standalone product.
Just make sure to price them to cover your time and materials.
So there you have it, folks!
A fun and easy way to add some pizzazz to your junk journals.
Why not give it a try?
Your journal will thank you for the extra bling! ✨
Remember, the key is to have fun and let your creativity shine.
Don’t worry about making everything perfect – each dangle will be unique, just like your journals!
Ready to get started?
Grab your supplies, put on some good tunes, and let’s get crafting!
Who knows, you might just discover a new favorite hobby. 🎵🎨
Happy dangling, everyone!
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