Friday, February 24, 2012

Just 2 of "7000 Bracelets!"

Earlier this month, I decided to join the effort to make "7000 Bracelets" for the Global Genes Project....




...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:

Christine Altmiller said...

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!

Alicia said...

Lovely bracelts, Sharyl, I love both of them. I appreciate the time you put into making all the dangles - they look gorgeous.

Carole M. said...

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.

Thoughtfulhands said...

Great bracelets!!! The dangles are great worth all the time they took.

I also love the memory wire they look so fun to make.

Patti Vanderbloemen said...

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!

Shanti Harvell said...

Oh how lovely! Kewl you used Hope Charms w each design! Their gonna adore them!

T... said...

beautiful pieces Sharyl....love the first all blue and dangly...

Therese's Treasures said...

Sharyl, Your bracelets are beautiful and I like that you added the little hope charm nice touch.
Therese

Anonymous said...

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.

Marla said...

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 :)

Cillaw said...

Beautiful. I love all the little dangles.

Shirley said...

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.

Holly said...

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.

10KDgroup said...

Both are beautiful, Sharyl! So different, but gorgeous. The time-consuming dangles were definitely worth the effort!

Lori Anderson said...

Absolutely love!

Unknown said...

What pretty bracelets! The dangly charm one just shouts "HAPPY", while the other is soft and sweet and gentle.

Anonymous said...

I love these! How fun. These will be enjoyed...;)

Jean A. Wells said...

Beautiful bracelets. I love doing dangle bracelets - making the wraps makes me feel contented and happy. Love the memory wire too.
Great job.

Elysian Studios said...

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!

Karin Slaton said...

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!

LisaS said...

Gorgeous bracelets and wonderful stories behind them. I'm sure the recipients will love them ;)

Skye said...

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

CraftyHope said...

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.

Bits of Learning said...

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.

Lori Jean said...

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!

Stacey said...

Very pretty shades of clue! The little charms are perfect!

Terry Matuszyk said...

Both are so beautful and bright, and full of Hope!! The charms are perfect.

Shel said...

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!!

Michelle Mach said...

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! :)

Unknown said...

the HOPE charms are a really nice addition to the bracelets & the copper chain is fabulous!

windrock studio said...

I like these charms alot, too ... both bracelets are just lovely!

AntiquityTravelers said...

How wonderful. I too hope to bring some joy to these recipients!