Hello to everyone. Have you ever been in a situation where you had to come up with a gift and your wallet was empty? Or you wanted to give a gift with meaning? I have a simple gift idea for you.

You need minimal skills and only a few tools. You'll need some pliers- needle nose if you have it.  And from your local craft store (Jo-ann's, Michaels etc) some chain, jump rings, earring hooks, clasp and charms. At most major craft stores they sell for about $2 to $5, packs of these items. I will walk you through a pretend shopping session. I would go to the jewelry and beading section of the store. I decide I will make a silver chain set. They have packs of  stylized chains- usually 24" or more. I pick up 2 packs. I figure the necklace will be at least 18" and the bracelet usually 7".. The second pack is for any mistakes and if not used can be for a future project. I also pick up 2 sets of matching clasps. I then pick up earring findings- you can use hooks, kidney wire or whatever style you desire. I then get coordinating jump rings. And now on to charms- I will need 4. One for the necklace, one for the braclet and two for the earrings. My purchases are complete.

Now to assemble the set.

NECKLACE-I measure 18" of the chain. I use my pliers to open the section of the chain that is at the 18" mark. (remember when opening jump rings do not pull the ends away from each other but rather pull then vertically from each other) You now have your chain. At the ends using your jump rings attach your clasp set. Measure once more to the middle 9". Depending on the type of charm you have purchased you can either have it free running along the chain or attach it permanently in one spot (that middle 9" part). Again using your jump rings do just that according to your design plan..

BRACELET- Measure 7" of the chain, again using your pliers remove the section. Attach your clasp at the ends. Once more attach your charm, free flowing or permanently fixed, to your chain.

EARRINGS-Take your earring findings (hooks, kidney wires etc.) and at the ends attach jumprings with the charm in place. Repeat on second ear finding.

You now have a coordinated jewelry set that is one of a kind. And for very little money.  I recently made a complete set using sterling silver and the total cost of supplies was under $20. Where else can you get a one-of-a-kind silver jewelry set for that price. The recipient of said gift will be especially thrilled knowing that no one else will ever have that exact same design as what you made for them. And making it with your own hands is equally satisfying. So try it yourself. There are no rights or wrongs as to what design your mind creates. Dare to dream.