Category Archives: Blog
Various topics of interest to me such as book reviews, beading techniques and shows, health and inspirational stuff, crafts and DIY projects, everything thing purrrrfect about cats and more sparkly musings. For straight Sparkle Squad sales, please click “NEWS”.
Life is too Short not to be Sparkly
I am officially learning how to draw my own character clipart using software such as CorelDraw, Adobe Creative Cloud for Photoshop (PS Elements is also good) & Microsoft Word. (Just in the training phase right now, but this is my 1st example mixing mouse drawn shapes with layered pre-made hair/ eyelashes that I still need to learn). So please be… Read More
Spring 2017 Washi Tape Giveaway #2 & Dollar Tree Haul
UPDATE: Thanks to everyone who watched, commented and actually entered the contest by following the rules to share. Congratulations to the winner: Katlynn Anslow! Please email to monicaATsparklebymonicaDOTcom with your mailing address so that I can ship the washi tape to you. Thanks again!! Happy March, everyone! It’s been very busy since Christmas. I’ve also got… Read More
Christmas DIY Recipe: Angel Fluff Salad
Merry sparkly Christmas, everyone! I hope you’ve gotten all your cards and gifts distributed and are able to relax for the remainder of your holiday season. To those that don’t celebrate: Thank you for your patience as the rest of the world drives you crazy singing Christmas carols while driving like maniacs and stealing your… Read More
Beaded Pumpkins Jewelry Tutorial with Video and PDF Instructions
Here’s a delicious Fall tutorial for all you pumpkin fans, complete with video and PDF instructions. You can create beautiful and sparkle-tastic pumpkin themed earrings and/or a pendant using a simple sewing method. The green curly vines/ tendrils coming off the stem is optional, as you can opt to simply thread a standard headpin without… Read More
Candy Corn Rainbow Loom Bracelet Video Tutorial
I hope you all have a spook-tacular sparkle-tastic Halloween! Check out my video tutorial version of this candy corn Rainbow Loom Double Bead Ladder bracelet. I also sell various sizes here. I got the idea to teach this project as a craft class at Michaels after watching this cute little girl’s channel on YouTube called Craft Life. You… Read More
Jewelry Tutorial: Autumn Multi-Strand Bracelet
Here’s another fall themed handmade jewelry making project that I created this year using shades of Autumn beads in copper, amber, cream, gold and more. This multi-strand bracelet is versatile as a classic, modern, holiday and casual design. Any petite sized beads are a great addition to this bracelet in your favorite holiday colors. Autumn… Read More
Halloween Jewelry DIY: Bloody Neck Crystal Slit Throat Necklace
Spooktacular Bloody Necklace Tutorial I just taught a class today on making this scary yet sparkle-tastic bloody necklace. By using clear stretch cord as the stringing material and sizing it to be worn like a choker style necklace, it gives the gruesome appearance of a slit throat! Perfect costume for a Halloween party while staying… Read More
DIY Duct Tape Tray & Bead Mat Using Recycled Cat Food Boxes
Duct Tape Tray & Bead Mat Video Tutorial After several months, I have finally gotten time to edit this frugal feline food craft project video! Sorry for the delay, but it’s been extra sparkly lately with beading classes and handmade holiday jewelry orders. Here are 2 versions of duct tape trays where I used recycled Friskies… Read More
DIY Wreath & Tribute to My Punkin Cat
Here’s my first video in awhile since losing my sweet Punkin cat. Thanks again to all those who have helped to lift my spirits or just be supportive when I reach out. It means a lot. I’m using neutral colors with pops of muted greens and oranges. I wanted to have a wreath that I… Read More







