Cuff Bracelet and Ohhh My Aching Hands

Tuesday, June 24

Here is my cuff bracelet I made in Monday’s class.

This is my second bracelet made from sterling silver. My first was back in December 2007. The design for that one was diamond shaped with large crystals.

I don’t know if I am cut out for this but I wanted to try it again. My hands ached then and my hands ache now. All that wire straightening, bending, pulling and wrapping. I am going to have to figure out a way to lessen the wear and tear on my hands. Maybe wear gloves.

In class, I had a choice of either the turquoise and bronze above or a mix of bright colors. The sample bracelet used turquoise beads, bronze pearls and 4mm bicone crystals in turquoise and topaz. So I used it as my guide while making mine.

Two different gauges of sterling silver wire were used. 16 ga for the base and 24 ga for wire wrapping.

First, the base was made from 16″ 16 gauge wire. Straightened, bent, cut and shaped to fit my wrist. Then cut ends were wrapped with 24 gauge wire. Next, beads, pearls and crystals were added. Inside base space only allowed for 3 sometimes 4 pieces. I had to constantly be aware of the “shape” of the base and not pull too tight when wrapping or the center would pull in and distort the bracelet frame. I am thinking of inserting a piece of wood next time to maintain the shape.

Finished bracelet measures 6 3/4″ length and 5/8″ width. 101 beads, pearls and crystals were used. It weighs 8 oz.

I am somewhat pleased with the outcome though I do not like how the wire overlaps where the base wire ends connect. I need to work on ways to disguise that area better. If you look closely, it looks kind of messy. (So.. don’t look too closely. 😀 )

July will be the month for me to work on my wireworking skills. I am switching Embroidery Month with Wireworking Month. I will probably take a few more classes to help me get started.

More Bracelets Using Right Angle Weave (RAW)

Black Ruffles: I used 6mm round Swarovski crystals, one 16mm Cosmic cut jet black crystal for the closure and 11/0 seed beads for embellishment. I added 2 rows of tiny beads under the crystals to give it a ruffled look.

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Shades of Green: This one, I almost didn’t finished. Hubby’s first reaction was YUCK!! That usually tells me he does not fancy one of my creations. LOL!!

He said it was too drab and that I should have used a different color for the embellishment. Something like gold. As in metal gold. I finished it anyway since I wanted to try out a different way of closing off a bracelet. I had one little “button type” clasp I was dying to try out. It works like a punch in snap and adds very little length. Even though the color combination isn’t all that pleasing, it is a success to me.

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And lastly, I started this one but ran out of steam, wanted to move on to something different. I will swing back around to finish it in a few days. It should be pretty. I plan to use a black crystal donut ring as the toggle. Not sure if I will add embellishments. I may leave it plain.

So… for now…giving RAW a rest!! 😀

Macrame Purses: Before & After

Tuesday, June 10

I know, I know.. it took me awhile to circle back around to work on these macrame purses. I bet you thought I had forgotten.

On 5-21 I posted, More Macrame Purses Coming. And true to my word, here they are.

BEFORE

AFTER

Used 113 yards of 6mm braided macrame cord.

Measurements:

• Length 12 1/2″
• Height without handles 9″
• Height with handles 14″
• Width 1 1/2″

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BEFORE

AFTER

Used 98 yds of 6mm braided macrame cord.

Measurements:

• Length 10″
• Height without straps 8 1/4″
• Height with straps 12″
• Width 1 1/2″

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I have made many macrame purses over the years but had never tried either of these designs before. Both purses were really easy. Only had to consult the instructions twice. Once for the brown one, when creating and attaching the flap and another time for the lavender one, when creating the “V” shape in the front and back. Anyway you slice it, a square knot is a square knot. I can usually look at the picture and figure it out. Like cooking your favorite dish. You don’t need to look any longer at the recipe.

I am hoping the brown purse is a hit with a chat buddy of mine. She asked me to make her a macrame purse several months ago. She knew I was just getting back into macraming so said there was no rush. Not really sure what she would like, I searched through my macrame purse books and selected this one. I changed up a bit from the original instructions. I added the beads on differently and made it wider and longer. So after looking at the directions to add on the flap, it was just me and the knots, going to town.

The lavender purse was fun to make. So much fun, I have already started another one in peach and will probably make several more in summer colors. No added cost for a purse handle. It is all cord. And quite easy to make. I don’t think I will sew buttons on any of the others. I only added buttons to the lavender one since, # 1, it is Button Month, and # 2, I had a lot of lavender and purple buttons to use up.

There are so many other things you can make with macrame cord. Not sure if you have ever seen or heard of the Chinese Crown Knot. It is really a cool knot. Very easy to make. You only need two hands and a pair of knees. This knot can be used in so many ways. I have used it in plant hangers, candles, corn stalks, animal noses, snakes and bracelets. Once I get over my obsession with purses, I will show you how to create things using it.

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Macrame Cord Suppliers

http://www.kingskountry.com

http://www.macramecords.com

http://www.munrocrafts.com/

Using Pearls With Right Angle Weave (RAW)

I have been experimenting with the Right Angle Weave stitch since I learned it a couple weeks ago.

I had some pearls just sitting around so decided to use them. They work just as well as crystals. In fact, I like how the pearls look even better than the crystals.

I also changed up the design a bit. I didn’t sew on the top embellishment. I wanted the beauty of the pearl to be the focus.

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On this deep wine/burgundy pearl bracelet, I purposely pulled the side embellishment really tight so the tiny 11/0 seed beads would look like a ruffle.

So… just trying to catch up on my posts. Didn’t have much sunlight this past week. Mostly rain. As soon as the sun shows its sunny face, I make a mad dash for my camera.

Button Photos Tell THIS Story

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