...our wonderful organizers being Erin Fickert-Rowland and Christine Altmiller.
The goal was to create a bracelet that would be rather casual, blue (to go with denim), and something that would fit most wrist sizes. With that in mind, I set to work!
I knew immediately how I wanted to make the bracelet. I started by collecting a container full of small blue beads that were anything close to denim in color--everything from light blue (faded denim) to dark navy. The beads were mostly glass but some were opaque, others Czech glass crystals, some glass seed beads, etc. Here's a little peak:
I started using bright copper wire to make the small dangles, but eventually decided to do a mix between bright copper and antiqued copper (permanently covered copper wire).
I had a big debate with myself about what sort of chain to attach these to, but finally went with a rather large copper one that had just arrived. In addition to being durable, it had the added luxury of being more adjustable in size. I made a hook and it can go into any loop in the chain!
Finally, as with other items I've made recently for people who are ill or to support people with illnesses, I added a "Hope" charm. So here is my finished bracelet:
Partway through that project, I started asking myself why I selected one of the most time-consuming designs for my bracelet when time was limited! It seemed I would get 5-6 dangles done each night before there was some interruption that stopped me!
Once I finished that one, though, I still had a BUNCH of those blue beads mixed together! I know many people start out making memory wire jewelry, but I had never used any until recently. I had just made a multi-colored glass bracelet and while it was simple and quick to make, I liked the look of it. I decided to make an extra bracelet to add to the collection of the 7000. It would just be one more person who would get a bracelet, I figured. So I whipped up this one, added a "hope" charm, and I'm sending it off too!
Like thousands of others, I'm hoping these bring some hope, joy, and a smile to their recipients.
Please take a look at the lovely creations of others who are participating in the "7000 Bracelets" project.
Sharyl
List of Participants:
Sharyl's Jewelry and Reflections <-- You are here!
32 comments:
Sharyl, these bracelets are beautiful! The memory wire one has such a softness to it. So pretty. And the other one-what a great mix of colors and beads in the dangles and a fantastic chain! Love them both :-) Thanks for hopping!
Lovely bracelts, Sharyl, I love both of them. I appreciate the time you put into making all the dangles - they look gorgeous.
I love the first one especially; but they're both lovely! The hope tag certainly makes each of them special in a meaningful way; like a little secret message.
Great bracelets!!! The dangles are great worth all the time they took.
I also love the memory wire they look so fun to make.
Very sweet, Sharyl! One of the bracelets that I made is very similar to your first one! I do love that style! And your Hope charm speaks volumes!
Oh how lovely! Kewl you used Hope Charms w each design! Their gonna adore them!
beautiful pieces Sharyl....love the first all blue and dangly...
Sharyl, Your bracelets are beautiful and I like that you added the little hope charm nice touch.
Therese
Sharyl - These are lovely bracelets! I was smiling when you talked about making a few dangles each night, (and how something always gets in the way), because that happens to me all the time! Great job, and kudos for giving memory wire a try. Love the hope charms, too.
Those are such beautiful bracelets! I just love the bit of Hope that you added and the colors are just perfect. Thanks so much for your kind words on my blog as well. Nice to meet you :)
Beautiful. I love all the little dangles.
Oh, I really, really love that first one! I can just imagine how long it took to make all those lovely dangles. And that copper chain is awesome! I love the size of the links. I'm so glad you were able to make two bracelets, and I'm sure the folks at Global Genes will be as well.
Sharyl, time consuming or not, that is a lovely bracelet, and someone is going to love it, I'm sure! And the memory wire bracelet is very cute too - very soothing and serene.
Both are beautiful, Sharyl! So different, but gorgeous. The time-consuming dangles were definitely worth the effort!
Absolutely love!
What pretty bracelets! The dangly charm one just shouts "HAPPY", while the other is soft and sweet and gentle.
I love these! How fun. These will be enjoyed...;)
Beautiful bracelets. I love doing dangle bracelets - making the wraps makes me feel contented and happy. Love the memory wire too.
Great job.
I love the "hope" charms you used on both pieces! These bracelets are each so lovely, and the recipients will love them! Thank you so much for joining us on this hop!
I love them both - they each have their own character. Combining the coppers in the first one gives such nice visual texture, and the second one is so bright and charming. The hope charms are the perfect finishing touch!
Gorgeous bracelets and wonderful stories behind them. I'm sure the recipients will love them ;)
Fabulous :) Love the hope charms you added! Nice touch:)
And yes, I too started out making dangles... then had that bracelet fail and never did fix it >.< all that time spent on making dangles that never got used lol
Your first bracelet is really lovely. It seems sophisticated but still casual, something any woman would love. Your second one seems to have a freshness and a brightness to it. It feels young and full of energy.
I know that whichever of these two bracelets are received, they will be appreciated and loved.
Sharyl, both bracelets are beautiful!! I love the charm bracelet, they are time consuming to make but they make such a great sound when worn! That beautiful charm bracelet is such a wonderful labor of love. Both bracelets will definitely bring hope to the women who receive them.
Copper and Blue go so well together and you bracelet proves it. So Beautiful! The 2nd bracelet will be sure to brighten and bring joy to the one who receives it. Also very Beautiful!
Very pretty shades of clue! The little charms are perfect!
Both are so beautful and bright, and full of Hope!! The charms are perfect.
I really like both of your bracelets you created. The first one is full of texture and movement and the second one is bright and cheerful, which I am sure is what is needed for the person who will receive it. Lovely designs!!
I love your charm bracelet with the mix of copper and blues! You're right, it does look like we were thinking similar things in our designs. You know what they say about great minds! :)
the HOPE charms are a really nice addition to the bracelets & the copper chain is fabulous!
I like these charms alot, too ... both bracelets are just lovely!
How wonderful. I too hope to bring some joy to these recipients!
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