So, I was sitting at my bench on Thursday, 100% totally frustrated at my attempts to bead a cabochon for Sally Russick's upcoming Cabochon Challenge. (Sally is having website issues so no link today! - Her site should be up soon - take a gander: www.thestudiosublime.com) I do not seed bead...let me repeat that please...I DO NOT SEED BEAD! :) Seriously - I have mentioned in the past to blog friend Christine that the problem is the teeny tiny holes in the seed beads, coupled with my old squinty eyes. I told Christine that I broke 3 needles just on the first row! :) I have more needles and tomorrow is another day and I will keep trying! Sally has been posting great videos on her blog on how to do this - it is strictly user error on my part!
So, I trashed the needles and decided to whip up some bracelets for donation to the 7000 Bracelets for Hope Campaign. This is one of my favorite organizations - a bracelet is gifted to an adult or child suffering from one of 700 rare, genetic disorders. I gave a bunch of bracelets last year and it has been a few months since my last donation. The only real criteria for donating bracelets is that they contain the color blue. I cannot believe it, but I am so low on blue beads! I will be hitting Etsy soon as I must remedy this! Here is what I am sending off on Monday.
First up is this bracelet made with two sizes of Czech glass beads - I offset the blue beads with a smoky transparent bead. When I make these bracelets, I make each one adjustable and I try to include an inspirational charm. I did not have any in copper charms on hand, so I made these out of copper sheet.
That is a 1/2" disc - I wanted to stamp the word FAITH, but there was no way it was going to fit! I have 3 sizes of stamps - and I used the smallest set.
The facets on these Czech glass beads really make the bracelet shine.
The bracelet above includes lampwork nuggets from InspireGlassStudio on Etsy - these are really pretty beads.
Love all the variations of blue!
The third bracelet, above, also includes artisan beads by InspireGlassStudio.
The striations of yellows and greens really look beautiful in these beads!
Back to the Cabochon Challenge! I have made 3 sterling silver bezel-set cabochons so far - and I am loving it! The reveal date is September 18th - one week before I attend artBLISS! September is looking good so far!
One last shameless plug - I am trying to move some stock in my shop on Etsy, so there is a 20% off sale on right now - no coupon required!
Enjoy the rest of your weekend - it is a glorious day in Virginia...and I intend to go outside and enjoy it!
Thank you for stopping by!
Patti
Have a Blessed day, and as I say, your creations are from the Hand and the Heart!
ReplyDeleteLove these bracelets, Patti, and love the charity!
ReplyDeleteI am in the same boat re: beading and cabs. I have tried threading those little fellas and my old eyes WILL NOT COOPERATE. I'm considering scaling everything up with a giant cab and some size 6/0 Czech beads LOL.
It's so wonderful that you give these gorgeous pieces to such a worthy cause. I love the lampwork beads and the copper charms and clasp!
ReplyDeleteALL of these bracelets are beautiful! The recipients will be delighted and inspired to know how much YOU care! Continued Blessings to you!
ReplyDeleteI love your designs! I'm sure whoever receives one of these beautiful handmade bracelets will feel blessed. I have a silly question - I'm a relatively new designer and I love to work with copper. I saw your copper had been antiqued. Do you do this before you string your beads or do you just dunk the whole thing once its completed? Any advice you have on the subject would be greatly appreciated!
ReplyDeleteAngi Mullis dj2isme@aol.com
What beautiful lampwork and wirework bracelets - the recipients will surely appreciate the caring you put in to your work!
ReplyDeleteI had to smile when I read your "I do NOT seed bead" statement - gosh I absolutely admire beadwork but have a difficult time learning any kind of stitch myself!
All three are beautiful but that last one is calling my name! Fantastic!
ReplyDelete