{"title":"John's Amazon Picks","description":"\u003cp\u003eThese are the supplies and products I personally use and recommend, from the cord I use on my horseshoe nail crosses to my favorite coloring supplies. Each item links to Amazon, where you can check the current price and order directly. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. Blessings, John\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"mandala-crafts-2mm-black-waxed-cord-jewelry-making-109-yard","title":"Mandala Crafts 2mm Black Waxed Cord, Jewelry Making, 109 Yard","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #b22222;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA note from John, the maker of HorseshoeCrosses:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #b22222;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eI use Mandala Crafts 2mm waxed cord on my own handmade horseshoe nail crosses. To me, it's the sweet spot for cords: soft, strong and easy to work with. Watch my review in the product video to see it up close.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eBrand:\u003c\/b\u003e Mandala Crafts\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eColor:\u003c\/b\u003e Black\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eHighlights:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eSoft, lightly waxed 2mm cotton cord.\u003c\/b\u003e It has just enough wax to hold a knot without feeling tacky. It's softer than polyester, linen or Korean waxed cord, and less sticky than waxed hemp twine. Works well for jewelry cording, macrame and beading.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eMade for necklaces.\u003c\/b\u003e Use it for sliding-knot adjustable necklaces, surf-style rope necklaces, pendant cords, mala cords, chokers and lanyards.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eStrong enough for bracelets.\u003c\/b\u003e This thin black cord holds up better than leather for friendship and Kumihimo bracelets. It's gentle on skin, so it also works for anklets, waist beads and earrings.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eA go-to craft string.\u003c\/b\u003e Use it for micro macrame, braiding, weaving, dream catchers, wind chimes and bottle wrapping. It also works for scrapbooking, journals, bookmarks, keychains, bag ties and even shoelaces.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eA big 109-yard roll.\u003c\/b\u003e The cord is 3-ply, 100% cotton and continuous. It doesn't stretch, it's colorfast so it won't bleed, and it resists fraying; you can heat-seal the ends. It's easy to cut, tie, knot or glue.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eModel number:\u003c\/b\u003e 4336807095\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePart number:\u003c\/b\u003e 811096030763\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePackage size:\u003c\/b\u003e 3.5 x 3.4 x 3.3 inches\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy I Picked It\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI've been handmaking horseshoe nail cross necklaces since the early 2000s, and this is the cord I use on them. When you make crosses by the thousands, cord isn't a small detail. It has to look good, hold up to everyday wear, and come in a quantity that makes sense.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI used to buy cord at the big hobby and craft stores. The cord there wasn't as good quality, and it only came in small amounts. A 10-yard pack usually ran me about $4. This Mandala cord is about $10 for 109 yards.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHere's the math:\u003c\/strong\u003e at craft-store prices, 109 yards would cost over $40. That makes Mandala about a quarter of the price per yard, and it's better cord.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGood for:\u003c\/strong\u003e cross and pendant necklaces, key chains, beading and other jewelry projects\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThings to know:\u003c\/strong\u003e 2mm thickness, black waxed finish, 109 yards on one roll, so you won't run out halfway through a project\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMy verdict:\u003c\/strong\u003e If you make jewelry regularly, buying cord in bulk online is the smart move, and this is the cord I trust on my own handmade crosses.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e— John, HorseshoeCrosses, handmade in Hickory, NC\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mandala Crafts","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":68046180155454,"sku":"B00H3QG62A","price":9.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1147\/0938\/files\/814JTJzNc9L.jpg?v=1793850226"},{"product_id":"honesorn-16-led-drawing-board-for-kids-with-16-light-effects-white","title":"Honesorn 16’’ LED Drawing Board for Kids with 16 Light Effects White","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eBrand:\u003c\/b\u003e Honesorn\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eColor:\u003c\/b\u003e White\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eSize:\u003c\/b\u003e 16 inches\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eHighlights:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003e16 ways to light up a drawing.\u003c\/b\u003e The board glows evenly from edge to edge, so tracing is easy and every line kids draw lights up. Pick from 7 steady colors, 7 changing light modes, or 2 modes that pulse along with music and sound. It's a fun way to build creativity, confidence, hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eEverything in one box.\u003c\/b\u003e You get the 16-inch light board, 7 color markers, a USB-C charging cable, a spray bottle and cleaning cloth, a wall hook with hanging chain, 6 tracing sheets and a user manual. The built-in rechargeable battery runs about 8 to 10 hours per charge.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eMade to last.\u003c\/b\u003e The upgraded 0.16-inch acrylic panel has an anti-scratch, anti-glare finish, and the board wipes clean to use again and again. A hidden fold-out stand with non-slip pads keeps it steady on a desk or table.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eMore than a toy.\u003c\/b\u003e Use it as a bedroom night light, a kitchen message board, a handwriting practice board, or a glowing decoration for Christmas, Halloween and other holidays. A creative way to cut down on screen time.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eA safe, easy gift.\u003c\/b\u003e Rounded corners and simple cleanup make it a great pick for boys and girls ages 4 to 12. Extra tracing sheets can be downloaded from the maker's website.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/b\u003e Acrylic and ABS plastic\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eMounting:\u003c\/b\u003e Tabletop stand or wall hanging\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Honesorn","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":68046473756734,"sku":"B0H756MGMF","price":23.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1147\/0938\/files\/81we-BcbdfL.jpg?v=1793855988"},{"product_id":"artistic-wire-22-gauge-tarnish-resistant-colored-copper-craft-wire-black-15-yd","title":"Artistic Wire 22 Gauge Tarnish Resistant Colored Copper Craft Wire, 15 yd","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBrand:\u003c\/strong\u003e Artistic Wire\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGauge:\u003c\/strong\u003e 22\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLength:\u003c\/strong\u003e 15 yards per spool\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eColors:\u003c\/strong\u003e Black shown; dozens of colors to choose from on Amazon\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHighlights:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHolds its color.\u003c\/strong\u003e A protective enamel coating helps the wire resist tarnish, so finished pieces keep their look in storage and with everyday wear.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoft and easy to shape.\u003c\/strong\u003e The dead-soft copper bends smoothly without springing back, so loops, coils and wraps come easy, even for beginners.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eA wide color range.\u003c\/strong\u003e From classic shades to bright, bold colors, each one clearly named so you can match what you need.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePart of a full gauge lineup.\u003c\/strong\u003e Artistic Wire runs from heavy 18 gauge to fine 34 gauge; 22 gauge is a versatile middle size for wrapping and jewelry.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy I Picked It\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWire is the heart of every horseshoe nail cross I make. For most of my crosses, my everyday wire is Parawire in 22 and 20 gauge. Parawire is made by Paramount Wire Company, a wire maker that's been in business since 1916, and I've used their wire pretty much since I started making crosses. I order it directly from them, since their colors aren't really sold on Amazon.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen I want a brighter, bolder color, I reach for Artistic Wire. It costs a little more than Parawire, but the quality is pretty good, and the color range is hard to beat. This one listing offers dozens of shades in 22 gauge, from classic Black, Red and Dark Blue to Amethyst, Rose and Christmas Green.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA shopping tip:\u003c\/strong\u003e Artistic Wire is getting harder to find on store shelves, at least for me. My local Hobby Lobby recently stopped stocking it. These days Amazon is the easiest place I've found to get the full range of colors, delivered fast.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGood for:\u003c\/strong\u003e wire-wrapped crosses and pendants, jewelry making, beading and other wire crafts\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThings to know:\u003c\/strong\u003e 22 gauge colored copper wire, tarnish resistant, 15 yards per spool, many colors to choose from\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMy verdict:\u003c\/strong\u003e If you want bright, vivid color in your wirework, Artistic Wire is worth the few extra cents. It's the brand I reach for when a cross needs to pop.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e— John, HorseshoeCrosses, handmade in Hickory, NC\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Artistic Wire","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":68054783852606,"sku":"B003AATSVO","price":13.25,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1147\/0938\/files\/71fAl4fx4zL.jpg?v=1793969211"}],"url":"https:\/\/www.horseshoecrosses.com\/collections\/johns-amazon-picks.oembed","provider":"Horseshoe Crosses","version":"1.0","type":"link"}