Saturday, September 11, 2010

earth elements boho bracelet

Moving in a new direction with my jewelry making. Usually I make necklaces and earrings but now I am bitten with the bracelet bug. Why didn't anyone tell me they were so much fun to make? This is my first one. I wanted an earthy, organic bracelet with movement and rich color.

These natural green beads are actually nuts. Aren't they cool? I put a Thai silver leaf between them. The cord is distressed leather and has fabulous lampwork glass beads by Ellen Dooley nestled between the tied knots. Barely visible in the above photo is a tiny square Thai silver bead with carvings on it. So cute! Also I ran out of silver wire (horrors!) and I am tired of regular brass or copper wire so I used art wire for the first time. I can tell you I am a total convert. The spools come in all sizes and colors (it's treated copper that won't tarnish) and make the components pop! plus adds lots of interest. Here I used a green artwire to wrap the leather cord and a reddish brown to wrap the skull bead.

Gorgeous chunky red tiger eye bead next to tiny earthenware bead by unknown artist and on the other side a beauty of a green lampwork bead by Ellen Dooley. Carved bone flower...

The charms are a carved bone hand & skull, and a brass fertility goddess. I particularly love the oversized snappy brass clasp. It looks like it would weigh a ton but it is really light and comfortable. For ease of movement with larger beads, the bracelet is a comfortable 8.5". Go see it now on my etsy store: http://jenniferstumpf.etsy.com.

Have a great weekend!