Stringing Crazy

Posted by Angelique on February 16, 2009

Now that I have started making jewelry, I have been trying to make as many as I can. I made ten bracelets total in December, but as I mentioned in the last blog, one of my aunts bought five of them and the other four were given as gifts for Christmas. So at the end of December I was left with one. An alexanderite bead set. I don’t have a good picture of that one yet, still trying to figure out what color background is best so that the alexanderite beads will show up as their true color in the picture. When I figure it out, I will let you know. But for now, here are a few pictures of some of the ones that sold:

This first one is 6mm black cube beads with (I think) 3mm hematite cubes and 2mm crimper beads in between to give it a little bit of silver shine to match the clasp and chain. I found I like to work with spacers, crimper beads, and head pins when making these sets. I prefer not to do necklaces because they are too long, but eventually when we put my stuff on etsy, I will make them as special order if we have the beads available. My Mom is helping put my site together. I don’t think I could do any of this without her; she really is a huge help.

 This second set is made with 6mm hematite beads and metal tube spacers with 3mm round spacer beads in between each. So far, I have stuck with metal spacers because I like the way they look in the jewelry. My Mom keeps trying to get me to branch out into other avenues, but since I have just begun making jewelry, and I can only work in my spare time between school, kids, and studying, I haven’t felt up to experimenting. Maybe during the summer when I have more time I will give it a try.

This is the last good picture I have so far. I was supposed to take pictures this weekend of the three bracelets that have homes with my Grandma and Aunt in San Antonio, but I forgot my camera at home in Freer….I remembered the charger for the batteries, but it doesn’t do a whole heck of a lot of good without the batteries or the camera they are in.   Ah, well, I will get the pics next time I am in town (Tuesday), and maybe I will even remember the camera.

We can hope anyway. Now, where was I? Oh yes, the last bracelet. This one was made with 4mm fire polished violet AB beads with 2mm crimper beads in between. I like the purple color, and it shines so pretty. The only problem with this one is that if you look really close, I didn’t loosen it enough. The bracelet is a little too tight and zig-zaggy. That’s the best way to describe it. I have started pulling the bracelets after they are knotted so that they aren’t so tight anymore. It pulls the knots further into the other beads and gets rid of that not-so-pretty zig-zag look. As for this bracelet, I guess it slipped through my web of inexperience. It’s okay though. I’m learning as I go. I think that’s the best way.

Aside from the ten bracelets in December I have since made three others, but my Grandma bought one of those already, so I am down to three now. If I can ever get enough bracelet sets made, I will put them for sale online. They have been selling before I even have a chance to get pictures, but I am not complaining by any means, I am very happy I have sold as many as I did. I honestly didn’t think anyone would want them. So I am thrilled that everyone likes them so far. I just hope they keep liking them and continue to buy them. Once school is over I will really be able to put some time into this. So I’ll be asking for you to wish me luck when that time comes.  

Hope everyone is healthy and happy!