What supplies and materials did you use?
This is the third iteration of this bracelet I have done. The first two used the pewter sun totem focal with amazonite and sesame jasper. This bracelet was custom-made in neutral tones--gray, cream and tan. It's strung on Softflex using crimps and sterling crimp covers. I was thrilled when I learned from Tammy's crash course how to use crimps and crimp covers to make jewelry using beading wire. This piece includes crazy agate, wooden jasper, bone, one lampwork bead, and some labradorite. Bone beads, pewter focal, and little pewter accent bead from Happy Mango Beads.
What techniques did you use?
I strung the piece on Softflex using crimps and crimp covers. I did some wire wrapping to attach the dangling beads to bracelet. I created my own jump rings to attach the dangling beads, using a flush cutter. I used a propane torch to create ball headpins from sterling silver wire, and used liver of sulfur to antique both the sterling ball headpins and the jump rings; I also tumble-polished both in a jewelry tumbler before attaching them to the bracelet.
Advice
- be careful not to string it too tight, or it won't drape properly.
- attaching the dangling beads with rings, rather than putting them directly on the bracelet allows them to dangle more freely.
- when making pieces with roundel or disc beads, interspersing little spacer beads keeps the piece from being too stiff.
- Try to avoid weighting bracelets too heavily on the side opposite the clasp, to prevent the focal section from always sliding underneath the wearer's wrist; or in the alternative, try to make a clasp area that is as attractive as the rest of the bracelet.
Why do you think this bracelet has become a favorite?
The focal is great, and I think the round beads on one side, and the button shaped beads on the other provide nice balance and a sense of movement.
Feel free to include your name and/or URL.
Keirsten Giles
http://www.etsy.com/shop/lunedesigns
