As I mentioned on the Art Bead Scene yesterday, I am wrist-challenged. I think that is how I came up with the design to make a necklace out of a bracelet. It was probably one of those oops moments.
I needed another thing to do this month like I needed another hole in my head, but what the hey! I can't resist a good challenge. And since I am wrist-challenged what better way to stretch myself creatively than with a bracelet blog hop. Thanks Tracy Statler of the Make Bracelets Blog for hosting this fun hop!
In the interest of time, I decided that I would do something with what I had and keep it simple. But no matter what I did it just seemed unfinished. I wore these thin wire bangles with one focal around for a few days but I just didn't feel right about them. So I headed over to Pinterest and Etsy to see what I could find.
I stumbled across a tutorial by fancifuldevices on Etsy called Tribal Gypsy Bangle Stacks.
I love fanciful device's free-spirited nature and her willingness to experiment with anything that crosses her path. Fanciful describes what tribal means to her: "'Tribal' culture is defined by a nomadic life, a life in which a group is in perpetual motion...When we think of this style aesthetically, we imagine objects made from available materials in a place where factory goods or electric tools are not available and each piece is made individually by hand. Another important point is that a nomadic people limit their possessions to what they can carry, so adornment is limited to what people wear on their bodies at all times. As a result, pieces take on not only a profound personal importance, but also a well-worn appearance from exposure to elements such as skin oils, sweat and moisture, dirt, dust and salt."
You had me at tribal, Miss Fanciful! That and the part about destashing what you have. Because I have tonnage. I truly do not need to buy one more thing. I have enough to create happily for many a year. But then my bead peep friends would be sad if I didn't buy from them so I have a duty to keep the economy moving ;-).
My first attempts were lame and weak and not at all like me. Just one component on wire. Might work for some but not for me. So I set about to jazz them up fanciful style with a Tesori twist. I gathered colorful ribbons and cords, vials of mixed seed beads, wire, metal bits from past experiments and projects and a generous helping of bead stew ingredients from the dozen bowls on my work surface and just let the materials be my guide. The result is a bevy of bracelet stacks that are totally me (with a little guidance from fanciful!). Each stack is unified by color, features at least one art bead or handmade component and reminds me of my high school days!
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| {purple paisley stack} |
I had a pair of skorts in high school that were paisley. I loved them so much that I bought them in both colors that were offered. One was a mango tangerine and sunshine color and the other was purple and turquoise and lime green. I'll bet you think I was a fashion leader. Ummm, no. But I would still wear those paisley skorts if I found them and could fit into them!
I stared with an embossed brass disk that was leftover from a faux enameling workshop I did in the fall. I added a random mix of beads in green, aqua, teal and purple. That reminded me of my favorite outfit from way back when. I only used to wear gold jewelry when I was a teen, so I added touches of gold to the stack.I took the top part of a gold leaf branch from another project and added that to a piece of wire. Too flimsy. So I backed it with a dark piece of metal to give contrast and stability. And I wire wrapped some sari silk ribbon with random seed beads in blues and purples. And then I decided I needed one more, so I added a simple leather cord with some rustic spacers and purple pearls. I call this the 'purple paisley' stack.
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| {purple paisley closeups} |
I had this boxy jacket that was some sort of drapery fabric. It was sort of floral jacquard and I would wear this with a cream shirt buttoned all the way up (sometimes with decorated button covers - anyone else remember those?) and a asymmetrical brooch of my grandmother's in shades of cream, gold and peach. Rocked the matching clip on earrings, too. Aren't you glad I couldn't find a picture of that stylish ensemble?
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| {encircled by hope stack} |
I started with that bird added to a piece of 16 gauge galvanized steel wire, but alas it was too plain. So I used the same technique as before by twisting wire around the bright blue sari silk with random seed beads. I bought some oval memory wire and thought that it would be cool to add some of the kimono tube trim that I picked up from Ornamentea that reminded me of that jacket I wore. I cut 2" lengths of it and then randomly strung beads. I used one of my 'simple truths' - a tiny little bezel with the word 'hope' in dusty rose, and used wire to randomly wrap the cord and secure all the beads and things from twisting. Finally, I took this vintage metal heart I picked up at Yone Beads in San Francisco (anyone ever been there? My absolute all time favorite bead store!) and put it on some wire. Then I took three silk cords from Marsha Neal in colors that coordinated with the kimono cord (mustard, sage and cranberry) and did a friendship bracelet knotting technique to give it texture and softness. I call this the 'encircled by hope' stack.
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| {encircled by hope closeups} |
I had a thing for dragons when I was in high school. I had a pair of post earrings with dragons similar to this and wore them all the time. I wasn't goth or particularly into D&D, I was just a geek who liked wearing odd jewelry like dragons and old lady clip on rhinestones. It just made me happy. And the target of a lot of ridicule.
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| {chasing happiness stack} |
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| {chasing happiness stack} |
So when I saw this brass dragon I had to buy him and never knew what to do with him until now. I wanted the sari silk to look like fire that the dragon was breathing out. Pink, orange, yellow and red with a touch of bronze. I threw in a chain bracelet with a brass piece embossed with a vine pattern and some bronzey purple drops. (Sorry I can't show you all of that one at this time - shhhh! Pretend you don't see it!). And finally I had made up a 'simple truth' with the message 'happiness shared' and a faded red bloom. It is a nice sized piece in a lacy yet substantial bezel so I thought I should keep it simple with thick leather cord. I call this stack 'chasing happiness.'
A few weeks ago, our community lost a truly special soul in Miss Judy Glende. The news of her death just a few short months after a diagnosis and a hopeful round of treatments was indeed a blow to so many of us. I only knew of Judy through her blog, the publications she graced and our emails, but I truly thought of her as a kindred spirit and friend. She is our beading angel watching over us now!
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| {embrace change - photo from Judy Glende} |
Judy loved vintage finds and incorporated those with her unique etched pieces. I had the good fortune to get a couple of her etched pieces with the intention of creating something special to honor Judy's spirit. I created two bracelets that are for sale separately in my Etsy shop, but are in similar color schemes so that they could be worn together. In fact, they not only can be worn as two separate bracelets, but they can be attached and worn as a choker necklace as well! I think that Judy would have approved of that ingenuity! Since she was so dear to the beading community, I incorporated a lot of different art beads in each sticking to similar colors of pink, mauve, cranberry, emerald and forest green with touches of white and copper metal.
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| {embrace what you love & change your life - bracelets created in memory of Judy Glende} {embrace what you love - featuring Judy's etched copper, Chinese character 'heart' ceramic link from Erin Siegel, ceramic gear from Karen Totten, polymer clay from Jeannie Dukic, ceramic heart from Mary Harding, copper clasp created by me} {change your life - ceramic butterfly from Melanie Brooks, beaded link from Kristen Stevens and three little Humblebeads from Heather Powers, copper clasp created by me} |
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| {wearing them together as a reminder to embrace what you love and change your life!} |
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| {connected together they make a great necklace!} |
I plan to take the profits from these bracelets and double it for a donation to the memorials that have been established in Judy's honor.
Thanks for sticking with me on this long post. Now off to the rest of the hop!
terrabeadworks.com
theresestreasures59.blogspot.com
sweetbeadstudio.com
missyrappaport.blogspot.com
mylifeunderthebus.typepad.com
fredbeansnook.com/blog
theresestreasures59.blogspot.com
sweetbeadstudio.com
missyrappaport.blogspot.com
mylifeunderthebus.typepad.com
fredbeansnook.com/blog
I had a paisley button down shirt I loved in high school. Ok, for someone that never makes bracelets...I'm speechless. You are a master artisan. The sari silk ribbon and cord one makes me drool. I'm still trying to get my hands on some of those faceted Polymer clay beads. Are those from Barbara?
ReplyDeleteI did not know Judy, in fact I never heard her named until someone included me in the group on Facebook. So "THANK YOU" for using one of my beads Erin.
Simply stunning Erin! I totally adore the purple paisley stack, my favourite colours. So what was this about you being wrist challenged????
ReplyDeleteSee, you can do it! These all turned out so lovely.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite is the Hope stack. Love the colors and charms.
I can't even pick a favorite. They are all so wonderful and eclectic! I knew you'd make something totally fabulous!
ReplyDeletelove, love, love!!! fanciful devices is my favorite place to look and get inspired... your pieces have inspired me, too!! i will be back to look again!! and... i am going to get the tutorial.. keep up the beautiful designs!!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous Erin! I too wore paisley and I love the colors with the purple and greens. Love the Yone metal heart. I lived in SF, and have been back many times and I have never been there. This summer when I go back - I am going to Yone! Also a nice tribute to Judy. Your pieces are works of art as always. : )
ReplyDeleteThanks for taking time to play!
Tracy
Miss Erin, you always inspire me and wish that we could sit down together for a coffee or two so that I could see your workspace and see how you come up with such amazing jaw dropping designs. I truly love what you do, and you are also a bright shining light in this community and have a wonderful open and giving heart!!! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteWonderful work Erin! I have come across the tutorial a couple of times now...I think it's calling to me!! :) I love love love the look you've created.
ReplyDeleteSo pretty Ms Erin I don't know how you do it! Gorgeous sets and lovely touches! XOXO
ReplyDeleteExtraordinary stacks, Erin! Love the little bits of fashion history you shared. Oh boy....high school....strange times :P
ReplyDeleteYep I totally had paisley capris! Erin I am truly blown away by all your designs and where the inspirations came from. I am honored more that words could ever express that one of my little components is in one of your amazing creations. I love you!
ReplyDeleteAmazing! Loved each and every one of them...am going to have to come back to drool over them :)
ReplyDeleteI love, love love all things paisley! & remember button covers? I can put my hands on two sets right now!!(plus I'm pretty sure I still have some blanks...)Your use of fiber has really inspired me to try more in my work. Great sets!
ReplyDeleteGreat combinations. I particularly loved the encircled by hope stack. Very different styles in each.
ReplyDeleteYour bangles are gorgeous! And I love that each has a story.
ReplyDeleteI had to laugh at the paisley skorts story. I had some too, in brown/blue/copper. I wore them proudly with a white button-up shirt with a gold and pearl pin just above the top button, and the sleeves puffed at the shoulders. I loved that feminine romantic style. I would wear it again if my kids would not disown me.
Your tribute to Judy is wonderful. I know she would love the piece you made in her honor.
Wow! Obviously, you are no longer "wrist-challenged"!! you did a giant leap from a bead on a bangle! And I don't think I've seen the phrase "Tesori twist" either, it certainly describes what you created. Each one is so intriguing and does indeed show off the "Tesori twist"! I 'm guessing you would recommend the Tribal Gypsy tutorial? I was just thinking about it! Extra-ordinary work, like you always do :)
ReplyDeleteWhat fab ideas to borrow! Really wonderful work.
ReplyDeleteCynthia @ Beatnheart
Erin, they are all sooo gorgeous! I especially love your use of textiles , so the 'encircled by hope stack' is my fave. Very nice work all around!
ReplyDeleteAll your bracelets are just beautiful and a visual feast, but that dragon, wow! and your paisley bead is gorgeous, fabulous art work!
ReplyDeleteThose are all super unique! Love them!
ReplyDeleteOh BEAUTIFUL!!! I love them all, but the purple paisley stack is just gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteOh my. Paisley. I love paisleys. I love purple. That first stack is making my soul dance and toes giggle. I know, that's strange but I'm in love.
ReplyDeleteLove your collages! I love how you show the detail in each little shot. Such a wonderful idea. :D
All of your stacks are so distinctive. And you always seem to come up with a great story for everything you create. These are no exception. Your bracelet stacks are really something special!
ReplyDeleteErin, you are really an overachiever. I just love all of your stacks. I wish I could pick a favorite, but they are all dynamite!
ReplyDeleteEverything is gorgeous, and I bought that tutorial!
ReplyDeleteEach collection you made is lovely! The "Purple Paisley" is my favorite. So gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteI think you're well over the wrist challenge phase! Those are all amazing, I would wear any of those in a heart beat. Beautiful work.
ReplyDeleteLove the references to old high school outfits. And I couldn't honestly pick a favorite stack, although, I too LOVE dragons. Also, I just want to point out...you are a bit of an overachiever, which I love about you ;-)
ReplyDeleteWow Erin! Everything you created is beyond beautiful. I would love to see you create a tutorial...not like your plate is full already or anything! ;) Thanks for stopping by my blog.
ReplyDeleteNice to hear the whole thought process that brought you to the gorgeous creations we are looking at. Lovely indeed!
ReplyDeletebeautiful work!
ReplyDeleteAll are wonderful!! Great combinations. Wonderful work.
ReplyDeleteMiri
Hi Erin,
ReplyDeleteWow you did a wonderful job on creating your bracelets. I would say you are no longer bracelet challenged. They are all beautiful, you never disappoint in the beauty factor.
Therese
Erin, I'm so glad you faced your fear and did it anyway 'cause these bracelets are awesome -- and your attention to detail is incredible! I personally am neck-challenged, but if I can overcome my fear half as beautifully as you did, I will be one very happy camper!
ReplyDeleteErin I loved reading about how you came to make these bangles. I love that you put lots of cool beads and charms on them and made them very Tesori. I knew you would come up with wonderful pieces and have enjoyed all of them. I am looking forward to trying some of the ideas in the Tribal Bangles tutorial. Thanks too for your special tribute to Judy Glende.
ReplyDeleteSuch beauty as always. I love all the colour and your atmospheric photographs. ANd Judy's bracelets/necklace are perfect and lovely, as to be expected :-)
ReplyDeleteI am SO sure I had that purple paisley skort and I seem to remember a boxy jacket with some sort of teal/cobalt blue/emerald green thing going on but - now that just sounds kinda weird!? And how clever of you to work in those old friendship bracelet skills! Love it all - Well Done! ~~T [loving this stacked bracelet blog hop... waaayy too much time spent browsing... must shower...]
ReplyDeleteI think the additions and the elements of the beautiful piece are very nice...they fall in fall like a smooth flow.Very nice colours chosen.
ReplyDeleteWow. I'm in love. I'm simply in love with what you came up with! I'm a Gypsy girl at heart, and it's being showing up more and more in my jewelry lately. Your work here is very inspiring! I wish I had the money right now to buy something from you to show just how much I love it >_>
ReplyDeleteOh my Miss Erin! You did wonders. Using Marina's tutorial and yet making each bangle totally your own style. I love it! Love! They are so happy fun and colorful, yet classy and with a feeling of importance, each in their own way. You used for instance that dragon link in a fun and fresh way. Inspires me to roam through my own bits and pieces I bought ages ago, and that I thought I'd never use. I have dragons, otters, dolphins and other fun things there. And knotting silk like that. I've seen it before. but NOW I want to try it myself. Yours is definitely one of my absolute favorite stacks.
ReplyDeletexxx
I LOVE that paisley clasp. Inspired mixing of materials!
ReplyDeleteYou're a woman after my own heart. My family teases me because I'm just like my Great Aunt, I remember every piece of clothing I've ever had.
WAUW what a cool blog hop! and you made really nice things!!
ReplyDeleteThey are so lovely, don't know which one to pick.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sharing these wonderful creations.
Hey Erin, all the bracelets are absolutely lovely. And how nice to have some of Judy's etched pieces to incorporate into the bracelet designs.
ReplyDeleteErin, just like you, you take a challenge and totally run with it! I was really blown away by your bracelet collections - and one wasn't enough. I have no idea how you found the time, knowing your schedule, to create all of these amazing, one-of-a-kind bracelets. They look so very beautiful grouped together - by theme, by colors, however you do it, you sure worked your magic on them. I especially like how you incorporated your own polymer components and also the silk ribbon.
ReplyDeleteThe pieces you made in Judy's memory are beautiful - from the art bead components to the color schemes you chose. I know she would be honored. Thanks for reminding me today of a dear friend from our community.
So lovely indeed =)
ReplyDeleteI like your 'embrace' & 'change'.
I love the stories with these bracelets! The purple and green is just grabbing me. What a stunning set of bracelets! Awesome girl!
ReplyDeleteHoly moly, you are ambitious! I love each and every one of these, Erin!
ReplyDeleteMiss Erin, what you've created here, as always, blows the mind. Your work is so emotional and very much screams "Erin"! I love all of your bracelets, and can totally see the inspiration outfits...and probably was wearing something similar myself once upon a time ;) Oh, and your Judy-inpsired pieces are incredible and a very fitting tribute.
ReplyDeleteWow!! This is an amazing collection .... love all your wonderful use of texture and color. You have certainly inspired me to try some new things! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteUr designs rocccck out my soul smiles as always and thanks for tutorial info I'm getting it! U r so awesomely talented and carry a beautiful vibe!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! The collections are stunning and incredibly beautiful! There is a perfect balance between textures and colors in each collection. No longer wrist challenged are you!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous work and textures and colors, you rock!!
ReplyDeleteI loved paisley in the 1980s and still do!!! Those stacks are just gorgeous with such a rich combination of colours and textures - what amazing photography too!
ReplyDeleteYou always come up with the neatest combinations! I love how you included words in your bracelets :) xoxo Beth
ReplyDelete