Wednesday, July 30
Oh, my aching hands. Wirewrapping over 50 items will do that.
I had been wanting to make something with these beads for months. A friend sent me craft supplies she thought I could use in the jewelry I make. Ladybugs, butterflies, birds (both metal and plastic) and cat faces. I added them with the fish, turtles and elephants I already had and started making a charm bracelet.
As far as making it colorful, that happened by accident. My original plan was to add just a hint of color and focus on the metal beads. The butterflies were light lavender and the plastic birds were light aqua. After I decided to jazz it up, I searched my bead stash and came up with enough lavender, purple, turquoise and aqua beads to soften the metal look.
The bracelet base is a double strand of dark gray chain links connected with a sterling silver toggle clasp.
I decided not to wirewrap the pieces directly to the chain. Except for the black fish, each item is separately wirewrapped. Everything is attached to the chain links with jump rings. I am so glad I did because I changed and moved things around many times. Trying for balance of size, shape and color.
I knew I would get confused on where to place everything so I took a picture before beginning.
A lot of good that photo did me, LOL, because once I got to the green glass cat, I started making changes. The cat got ditched. Too large and my wirewrapping was horrible. The holes went ear-to-ear and I haven’t perfected wirewrapping going side to side. I will stick with bottom to top. The Tigers Eye elephant also got shelved. The brown stuck out like a sore thumb. I almost removed the ivory turtle but left it in to balance that side of the bracelet.
After attaching all the animals and birds, I started filling in the empty spaces. That’s when the color explosion happened. I kept adding glass beads until I was satisfied.
I hate to admit it but I spent roughly 10 hours working on this bracelet. I was on a mission!! I took several breaks but kept at it until it was finished. I like to think, I kept going with the fear my newly mastered wirewrapping skills would regress. 😀
I also made earrings. I had set aside several pieces I wanted to use and made them after completing the bracelet.
I took quite a few pictures trying to get different views to show you. So, what do you think?
iam 11 and i have started a shop my mum says to make so bags for the costmers
i love yours !
Hi there. Thank you so much. I wish you well with your creations and your shop. Do come back and give me an update.
You are wonderful at combing colors and textures! Have you taken art classes or do you just feel what goes together?
Hi Dawnmorningstar. Just the “usual” requisite art classes in school and college. I go by what looks good to the eyes. I had fun making it. Thanks!!
i really like the ‘clunky-ness’ on the bracelet ^^
Thank you!!
The earrings are beautiful, but I am curious how much do they weigh?
Hi Balance. The earrings are surprisingly VERY light. Barely notice any weight at all when holding them in your palm. Thanks!!