I've often wondered how Jennifer Perkins does it: original Austin Craft Mafia member, Naughty Secretary Club founder, DIY's Craft Lab host, and now, jewelry book author — she's been making her awesomely over-the-top, charm-encrusted designs since before cupcakes were kitsch. Well wonder no more, (at least for the jewelry) she's ready to spill her secret sources for some of the coolest baubles around. (I'll give you a hint: Etsy.)

...Ooh, and if you missed Friday's how-to with Jennifer, get your free Hanky Panky bracelet project download here.

You would think that as a jewelry designer there would be a lot of beads in my world. (Ya, you would think.) Actually, I can't remember the last time I included a bead in my jewelry. That being the case, I am on the constant lookout for the perfect kitschy cutie that can be transformed into a piece of jewelry. Sometimes that is a piece of dollhouse furniture, other times it is a cupcake topper. When I was writing my new book, The Naughty Secretary Club: The Working Girls Guide to Handmade Jewelry, I knew I had to have the perfect supplies for wearable office-themed awesomeness and Etsy was the perfect place for me to start my search. I picked a few favorites that are used in 10 of the 50 fun projects you can find inside the book. Remember, there is nothing that says a jewelry designer is restricted to just beads. I live by the mantra that if it will sit still long enough, I will eventually find a way to make it into a piece of jewelry.

7 Garden Gnome Cupcake Toppers

These little dudes will come in handy while making the Whistle at Work Necklace. By LayerCakeShop, $3.75.

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basic black vintage cat eye glasses

WickedPen has you covered for making the Specs Appeal Necklace, and who knows? That might be your prescription! By wickedpen, $45.

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Fiesta Bright 40s Vintage Telephone Coil Cord Purse Bag

Start your own collection of Vintage Telephone Cord Purses, then make your own Thank You for Calling Bangle to match. By MaryMod, $30.

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Eazy Sailing

My sister Hope Perkins, who goes by the name Hot Pink Pistol on Etsy, is the mastermind behind all the secretary illustrations in the book like Phoning Flo! $360.

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Wooden Typewriter Keys - Beautiful Antique Ivory Keys

Porkchopshow has you covered with reproduction typewriter keys perfect for making shoe clips! By porkchopshow, $6.25.

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Over The Rainbow Vintage Plastic Flowers (140) Free Beads

Vintagerecreations is your one stop shop for all the fun and colorful plastic flowers found on projects throughout the book, like the Secretary's Day Bouquet Bracelet and Hotel Key Necklace. By vintagerecreations, $12.95.

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These Are Discontinued - Get Them While You Can - Deer Novelty Cupcake Toppers Set of 6

You can spot a pair of earrings I made with these adorable little deer right on the cover of the book! By sweetpoppy, $5.95.

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Vintage .. '80s Goldtone with Black Watch Faces

You will need a few men's watch faces to whip yourself up one of the Quitting Time Headbands. Look for ladies' watches to make the Clock Watchers Necklace. By dibabeads, $14.

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Vintage Beau Clip Bowtie Clip Style... Pale Yellow with Black Lines

An array of vintage bow ties, like the ones in TimelessTotes' Etsy shop, are crucial when making yourself a Bowtie Hair Comb or Necklace. $4.

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Vintage White Blue Polka Dot Beads (8)

Polka-dotted beads will always come in handy when recreating a design from The Naughty Secretary Club. By BlueLadore, $4.

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Vintage Circle Tin with AIRPLANE Picture PANAMA

If you want to make your own Typewriter Ribbon Tin Necklace, the best place to start is by scoring yourself the tin of your dreams! By estatesaletreasures, $3.99.

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Lot of 4 Vintage Princess Phone Charms

From Office Hanky Panky Earrings to Secretary's Day Bouquet Charm Bracelets, a girl needs her princess phone charms. By Chigal, $8.50.

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Looking for more Etsy Finds? Try these links:

More Jewelry How-tos | Plastic Jewelry | Supplies tagged "kitsch"