Grand Canyon Color Story - DIY Jewelry Making Inspiration

by Jess Lincoln September 01, 2020

~ What is Life, but one Grand Adventure ~


Just like that we are on our last stop of our inspiring virtual tour which ends in the good old USA! Moving along from tropical Costa Rica beach vibe designs to rustic + earthy Grand Canyon creations. Join us on this journey with our friends from Swarovski Create Your Style to explore Crystals Around the World "An Inspirational Color Story" ~ to inspire creativity everywhere! 

GRAND CANYON National Park located in Arizona, encompasses 277 miles (446 km) of the Colorado River and adjacent uplands. The park is home to much of the immense Grand Canyon; a mile (1.6 km) deep, and up to 18 miles (29 km) wide. Layered bands of colorful rock reveal millions of years of geologic history. Grand Canyon is unmatched in the incomparable vistas it offers visitors from the rim.
I would love to take in the breathtaking views of the Grand Canyon, it's on my bucket list! Have you been? My designs were inspired by the stunning rock transformation layers, crisp blue skies and dreamy sunset colors, textures and endless views this breathtaking place has to offer. I focused on simple techniques with layers of mixed metals, sparkling crystals and unique connections to create a variety of necklace, bracelet and earring projects that you can make with our DIY jewelry making kits. 

These designs feature a variety of natural brass stampings + solid pewter castings in a variety of metal finishes from our FREE SPIRIT collection ~ SHOP sale items through 9/30/20


Get ready to learn some fun + easy jewelry making techniques! 
Enjoy browsing this post to discover VIDEO TUTORIALS showing quick tips, jewelry kit bundles, project materials, tools & supplies lists. 

Lets make something together on this Inspirational Color Story . . . 



Interested in making your own Grand Canyon inspired jewelry?  Be sure to pick up our Limited Edition Gypsy Soul Bead Mix, which is full of a gorgeous assortment of Swarovski Crystal Rivolis, Turquoise Heishi Discs, Czech glass, Fire Polished Glass + Asian cut crystal. 

Swarovski Crystal colors inspired by this Grand Canyon Color Story are; Crystal Copper + Montana + Smoked Topaz. This month each DIY jewelry kit shown below includes the beads used to create that design, instead of the full bead mix as previous months. 

This Nature-inspired color palette of crystals, stones + glass beads complement our natural brass, artisan pewter, copper antique and gold finishes beautifully!  



This statement couldn't be more true! I adore this hand made artisan pendant and wanted to highlight its strong message with a beautiful combination of copper, natural brass and pewter antique elements, paired with sparkling Swarovski crystals, a touch natural turquoise and denim blue leather cord. Messy wrapped loops were in order to give this design an earthy feel which is also reflected in these stunning color palette. 





You Are Strong, Brave & Free, always remember that! This fun trio can be worn as a stack or makes the perfect friendship bracelet to share with others. Simply add our verdigris patina to brown braided cotton cord to quickly and easily change the color and add dimension to your design. And for even more interest, transform antique copper rib oval jump rings into cool metal spacers to fit over the patinaed braided cord. This trifecta mix of metals makes these inspirational message charms pop! 

Learn to Patina on Braided Cotton Cord + Make Jump Ring Spacers >>




Everyone needs a good pair of shoulder duster earrings, right?! Our long arched ear wires are perfect for embellishing... simply string on a brass bead, glass flower spacer and secure with a crimp to add interest above this gorgeous natural brass roped jump ring. Bring in some color with our artisan pewter watchful bird charms resting peacefully over beautiful beaded stacks of turquoise, Swarovski crystal and glass beads. The eye catcher in this design is our detailed natural brass native arrowhead which suspends below it all.   



This sweet Mama Bear pendant makes my heart happy! The rustic and warm combination of copper antique + pewter antique sets this piece apart, yet compliments our natural brass finish and saddle tan leather cord perfectly. Simply spend pendant from scrolled chain below our artisan made Distant Landscapes charm and alongside a handmade leather tassel adorned with African recycled glass, knots and secured with a head pin wire. Top off the design with our cute artisan pewter Standing Bear bead accented with a turquoise heishi disc and a coiled + wrapped loop made with our amazing Loop Making Pliers to form loops 2-8mm in size - you've got to try them!   

Learn to Make Wrapped + Coiled Loops with Vintaj Loop Making Pliers >>




Wander often, Wonder always! Wear this simple necklace, with a bold message, close to your heart. Mixed metals at its finest... easily suspend our copper antique two-hole Wander pendant to our artisan pewter Falling Arrow with rib oval jump rings. Quickly turn the arrow into a connector using our 1.5mm Hole Punch Pliers and suspend this fun stacked pendant from our beautiful + warm toned 10K gold finish chain. This design is perfect for layering with longer necklaces to make even a bigger statement! 




My Journey, is My Inspiration! This handmade antique pewter artisan piece is a favorite of mine. It was a collaborative design made from forging a mix of metal blanks and hand-stamped letters, which we cast into this stunning two-hole connector perfect for bracelet or necklace focals. I adore the combination of our rich natural brass with antique pewter elements paired together. Learn how to simply alter our beautifully detailed Feather into curved bracelet connectors framing this Long Journey component, making it the center of attention!   

Learn how to Form Brass Feathers into Bracelet Connectors >>




Stay Wild & Free! This long and simple necklace design sets its focus on the warm glow of our handmade artisan 10k gold finish Feather Bezel. Create your own "stone" with my faux agate effect using a combination of patinas + ICE resin. Adorn this beauty with our artisan pewter Native Feather, with a touch of antique copper patina added for dimension. Additional color comes into play with a montana blue glass teardrop + gorgeous smoked topaz Swarovski crystal two-hole column bead strung through a large jump ring and grey leather leather cord bringing all of these elements together. 

Learn how to create a Patina + ICE Resign Faux Agate Effect >> 

Additional supplies to create faux agate effect in bezel.


This bold brass cobalt Rising Rays pendant has a special place in my heart, I made this artisan cast piece as a simple reminder to RISE ABOVE IT ALL! With this design I was inspired to suspend it from layers of breathtaking Swarovski crystals, and a mix of braided cotton cord + copper antique chain. Learn how to simply transform our versatile natural brass tapestry bead cap into a creative setting to hold a 12mm crystal rivoli, leaving a majority of the petals open for a multi-hole connector focal.  

Learn how to make a Multi-Hole Filigree Wrapped Crystal Rivoli Connector >>





We have a special gift for you in SEPTEMBER 2020!

For retail DIY orders $50+ you'll receive this FREE Connector Kit *while supplies last!

Learn to Make a Wire Wrapped Beaded Connector >> 

 

Thank you for taking the time to check out my Grand Canyon-Inspired Color Story DIY Jewelry designs and tutorials! I hope you found a new technique you haven't tried before and you enjoy creating these projects as much as I did. Browse our entire Vintaj Hand Tools collection for all your jewelry making needs.

Happy Designing ~ Jess  


Leave a comment

Comments will be approved before showing up.


Also in The Blog

DIY Jewelry Inspiration - Rose Gold and Bright Copper

by Jeanne Holland November 08, 2024

Rose gold and bright copper capture the essence of fall with their warm, radiant hues that mirror the golden sunsets and fiery foliage of the season. Their rich, earthy tones evoke the cozy ambiance of autumn, making them ideal for creating jewelry that feels both timeless and seasonal.

Read More
Introducing the Ultimate Shimmer Collection: Iridescent Metallic Paints and Stains for Stunning Jewelry Creations

by Jeanne Holland September 24, 2024

Get ready to elevate your jewelry designs with a dazzling new addition— the Vintaj Ultimate Shimmer Collection. This collection brings together an array of iridescent, metallic, and vibrant paint and stain that are sure to captivate. Whether you're aiming for an ethereal shimmer, a metallic finish, or subtle sheen, these products offer endless possibilities for creating eye-catching, one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces. Transform your metal findings into radiant works of art with 22 new luminous colors!

Read More
A look Back at Autumn Inspiration

by Jeanne Holland September 03, 2024

Be inspired by fall and create simple, beautiful, heartfelt jewelry inspired by nature. We curated our Woodland collection with a variety of gorgeous detailed brass stampings and handcrafted pewter castings. These artisan elements are available in either a natural metal or precious metal plated finishes. Mixed metals never looked so good... take a look at our entire Woodland Collection to discover your favorites. 
Read More