Sunday, July 10, 2011

This Week's Project: New Spin on a Bracelet Project

I made this hemp cord bracelet a couple weeks ago as I was preparing for the Beads, Baubles and Jewels show. It was created as a variation of the project I was presenting from my book, the Florida Palms bracelet.

The original piece is made in all green hemp cord that is a bit heavier gauge, the loops are longer and pointier and the crystals/beads sewn on are in the green family.

I thought it would be fun to try making the same piece using two different colors of a dantier gauge cord. Basically, the bracelet is just a pattern of square knot, loop, square knot, loop, etc. With the cord being softer, it also made sense to make small loops and allow them to remain rounded.

The The final step was sewing on a topaz mix of ebeads and swarovski crystals. I think it turned out fun and kind of sweet!

I love how things like this work out! I might not have attempted to create variations on the Florida Palms bracelet if it weren't for this TV opportunity.

I had so much fun creating, it was definitely a bonus. Here is the photo of the other, all-white variation on the Florida Palms bracelet. I have been wearing this one every day since the taping, it is so fun and summery!

I happen to have a GIANT spool of white hemp cord that is very frayable. Once I had this one done, the idea crossed my mind to snip the loops and use a doggie brush to fray the strands for a shabby chic look. :)

By the way, I wanted to mention if you have never seen or don't get the PBS show Beads, Baubles and Jewels in your area, there are quite a few episodes on You Tube.

2 comments:

Therese's Treasures said...

Neat bracelets and thank you for the tip, because my local PBS does not air Beads, Baubles, and Jewels.
Therese

Almost Precious said...

Unfortunately B,B & J isn't available in my area either but that comes as no surprise to me as we can't get the DYI channel either. :( I'll have to go watch a few of the youtube episodes of it.

Your bracelets are beautiful and very eye-catching. :)