Book Spotlight: Beautiful Bracelets by Hand

There’s something truly wonderful about the form of jewelry we call bracelets. As a project, they’re right in the middle of the road – not as instant as earrings, or as lengthy as necklaces. They can be worn with anything but the longest of sleeves, and are comfortable in almost any weather. No piece of jewelry provides quite as much movement, jangle, poise, or punch to an outfit as a gorgeously made bangle or bracelet.

In her new book, Beautiful Bracelets By Hand,the founder of We Dream in Color has created a treasure trove of inspiring designs. Jade Gedeon’s 75 beautiful bracelets will delight beaders and jewelry makers of all skill levels. There are 8 chapters in all, dividing the projects by their essential materials. The Beads chapter features bold focals and understated heishi beads. Bits & Pieces encourages readers to experiment with found objects, buttons, and upcycled jewelry. There are also projects devoted to the beauty of Chain, Fabric & Cord, Leather, Metal, Plastic, and Wood.

Although the materials vary greatly from the first project to the last, the techniques used are both enticing for experienced beaders, and simple enough for the weekend crafter. Beautiful Bracelets by Hand includes instructions for wire wrapping, crimping, resin molding, polymer clay smooshing, simple woodworking, and much more. All of the projects are united by their very trendy looks and flair for decidedly pretty design. This book would make a fabulous addition to any crafter’s library.

Jade Gedeon and Page Street Publishing have generously provided a sample project from the book for Inspirational Beading readers to try. This Lace Cuff bracelet from the Fabric & Cord chapter provides a pretty pattern with instant gratification. Enjoy!

LACE CUFF

New or repurposed, lace of any sort makes a pretty piece. We picked vintage and antique metallic weaves to give this ladylike bracelet a little edge and a good pop of glam.

BITS YOU’LL NEED

• Two 7" (17.8 cm) lengths of lace ribbon (we used 2¼" [5.7 cm]-wide ribbon)
• Bias tape
• Four 19x5mm ribbon crimp ends
• Two 4x6mm jump rings, 18 gauge
• Two 10mm jump rings, 18 gauge
• Two 12x6mm lobster clasps

TOOLS

• Scissors
• Chain-nose pliers
• Flat-nose pliers
• Nylon-jaw pliers
• Hot glue gun

1. Big wrist? Small wrist? Wrap ribbon around your wrist so it is slightly loose. Trim so there is about a ½-inch (1.3 cm) gap between the ends. Cut your bias tape about ½ inch (1.3 cm) longer than your ribbon width.

2. Fold the excess bias tape into itself and crease. Do this on the top and bottom edge.

3. Since you’ll be using HOT glue, take care not to burn yourself. Press any edges down with a piece of card or a spoon rather than your fingers unless you don’t mind a blister or three. Now that we are clear on that, with a few dots of hot glue, stick the top and bottom folds down. Sandwich your ribbon edge in between the folds of the bias tape. Apply a few small dots of glue and fold and press (again with a card or something without nerves) the bias tape over the ribbon.

4. Center the ribbon crimp on the bias tape. With a pair of nylon-jaw pliers, firmly close the crimp onto the ribbon. Attach a 10mm jump ring to one end. Attach the lobster clasp with a 4x6mm jump ring to the opposite end.

5. Make another. That way one wrist won’t be jealous.

I would like to thank Page Street Publishing for giving me the opportunity to preview this gorgeous book, and for sharing the Lace Cuff tutorial. Inspirational Beading has not received compensation for mentioning titles or products in this post; however, actions you take from this page can result in a commission for Inspirational Beading.

Copyright 2014 Inspirational Beading
Jade Gedeon and Page Street Publishing Co.
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