Saturday, April 21, 2012

Wrap, Stacked, and Layered Challenge

[Wordy and picture heavy... sorry! Scroll down toward the bottom for the completed stack if you wanna skip over the story... I don't mind... promise! :-)]


The big reveal is here! Tracy Statler over at makebraceletsblog.com put together this lovely blog hop challenge of putting together a collection of bracelets that wrap, stack, and layer. Wrapped, stacked, and layered bracelets are all the rage right now. I don't make many bracelets for myself so I took this challenge to create a collection of bracelets just for me!

The challenge:
-Gather bracelets, making at least one or two, into a new and wonderful collection of decadent arm candy!
-The minimum was 3 bracelets total, but the more the merrier.
-"Have fun and mix colors, textures, and different materials." = Straight from Tracy's post about the challenge!
-And of course, photograph said bracelets!

Here we go! (Sorry in advance for the long story :P)

To tell you the truth, I completely forgot about this challenge until Tracy sent out the reminder email 11 days ago. Things have been really crazy on my end with sales picking up (YAY!) and new designs spilling out of my head. I remember clearly the morning I got the email. I had a rough night of no sleep, a common enough thing lately but that morning was really really rough. I happened to go on Facebook and watched this video of an Alzheimer patient listening to music and just coming alive at the sound of his favorite songs. This video had me in tears and missing my grandfather. He died just a few years ago and every now and then, I get hit with a massive wave of longing to see him and hear his voice. He wasn't really there toward the end of his life. It was very sad and I was very angry Alzheimer's. But every time he relearned my name, he would sing the song "Rose Marie." And when my mother put music on for him, he would sway in his wheelchair and sing and hum with the music. It was such a beautiful thing.

I finally fell asleep that morning around 9am and woke at noon after dreaming I was back in my grandfather's garden, picking broccoli with him. You see, he was an agricultural professor in the Philippines and loved plants and nature. And I like to think I get that from him.

My hand reached for my phone, as it always does every morning, to check my email and there was Tracy's reminder email. And I knew, just knew, one of my bracelets was going to feature natural beads to remind me of my Lolo.

These are big-leaf maple tree seed beads. They're made from actual seeds. I bought these beads thinking of my Lolo and have been waiting for the perfect project to work them into and this challenge was it.

I knew I wanted to use some of the silk sari ribbon I bought a few weeks ago. The rolled ribbon has such a beautiful, colorful, and organic look to it. I used some waxed Irish linen cord as my anchor cords, a coconut disk and crystal rondelle for a clasp, and made some square knots for this bracelet. If you need a tutorial for a square knot bracelet, Rebecca wrote a lovely tutorial for Art Bead Scene you should check out! For the hole for the coconut disk to slip into, I just did two over hand knots leaving a space for the clasp to slide into.


Playing off of the colors of my first bracelet, I knew I wanted to have something with a little more sparkle. Something with way more color to it because while the ribbon I used is very colorful, the strips I ended up using didn't have much variation.

So, I grabbed a bunch of seed beads for color...

... and some silver star dust beads for some sparkle (along with some peridot chips... my birthstone, btw :D)...

... added some memory wire and made myself a second bracelet! The seed beads I used here are size 8. Some are silver lined some are matte and with the sparkly star dust beads and organic peridot chips, this bracelet is so fun! I love the texture and the sparkles.

I added a leaf charm and Czech glass flower to throw in a bit more of my nature theme into the bracelet.

Now, with the two bracelets together, I wanted to do a quick wrap bracelet.

Take some embroidery floss (I chose to use 2 colors here), some size 6 seed beads, and a size 3.75 hook and you can whip up a quick and colorful wrap bracelet. I didn't really follow a tutorial for the beaded crochet chain. I just sorta winged it. I'm sure if you Google "crochet bead chain," you'll get some really awesome tutorials.

I chose purple for this because I think that's the color that's missing from my collection of bracelets.

Now...

... add 2 old silver bangles from my jewelry collection and you get...

It's a bit messy, but I love it.

And it feels great on my wrist. Very comfy and so many happy colors.

Here's a list of all the lovely participants! Happy hopping!

makebraceletsblog.com
ahteesblog.blogspot.com [YOU ARE HERE] :)
songbeads.blogspot.com
sadafulee.blogspot.com
beadlolabead.blogspot.com
stringsattachedcindi.blogspot.com
carolynscreationswa.blogspot.com
cathiecarroll.blogspot.com
pinterest.com/chrisdeweerd
beatnheart.blogspot.com
storiestheytell.blogspot.com
tellyourgirlfriends.com
mamasgottodoodle.blogspot.com
copperdiem.blogspot.com
copperpennydesigns.blogspot.com
greenshoot.blogspot.com
twentytwelve-mmxii.blogspot.com
delle56.blogspot.com
elizabeth-marengoalhajas.blogspot.com
treasures-found.blogspot.com
erinsiegeljewelry.blogspot.com
ferrarioriginalsyahoocom.blogspot.com
facebook.com/handcraftedserenity
PaisleyDesignStudios.com
pixiloo.blogspot.com
hintjewelry.blogspot.com
silverrosedesigns.blogspot.com
daisychaindesignsjewellery.blogspot.com
jazzierich.blogspot.com
site.jkdjewelry.com/blog
jeanetteblix.com
glassaddictions.com
jerrisjems.com
howienjoylife7997.blogspot.com
overthemoon-design.com
katerichbourg.com
pinterest.com/kk0725/stack-it-up-bracelets/
kimmykats.com
kymhunterdesigns.blogspot.com
lamplightcrafts.blogspot.com
lelamccracken.blogspot.com
etsy.com/shop/goingtribal
inspiredadonments.blogspot.com
lorelei1141.blogspot.com
freshbakeddesigns.wordpress.com
lindysdesigns.blogspot.com
maryhardingjewelrybeadblog.blogspot.com
maureenmeanswell.blogspot.com
maybejustperhaps.blogspot.com
beadrecipes.wordpress.com
tekaandzoe.blogspot.com
miri100.blogspot.com
melissameman.blogspot.com
kenshostudio.com
beadingbymalindekoning.blogspot.com
havanabeads.blogspot.com
eclecticteaenshrinements.blogspot.com
roxidesigns.blogspot.com
stefaniessammelsurium.blogspot.com
thestudiosublime.com
sandivolpe.com
sharondriscoll.blogspot.com
sedillohillstudio.blogspot.com
sunshinebliss.com
sharonsjewelrygarden.blogspot.com
MiShelDesigns.com
aujourlejour-shelly.blogspot.com
blueberrycrazy.deviantart.com/gallery
uniqueboutique-creativetouch.blogspot.com
starhitchedwagon.blogspot.com
terrabeadworks.com
theresestreasures59.blogspot.com
sweetbeadstudio.com
missyrappaport.blogspot.com
mylifeunderthebus.typepad.com
fredbeansnook.com/blog

Lolo, Lola, and me. Miss you so much.
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58 comments:

  1. Karen MitchellApril 21, 2012 at 2:03 AM

    Love your bracelet stack! I'm really loving sari silk at the moment and I particularly l love your first bracelet. I'll have to go and check out the tutorial at Art Bead Scene. You have a great sense of colour!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. RoseApril 21, 2012 at 3:09 PM

      Thank you, Karen! I love ABS. I read their blog regularly :D

      Delete
  2. Therese's TreasuresApril 21, 2012 at 2:14 AM

    Hi Rose,
    That was a very touching tribute to your Grandfather. My Dad's Mother had Alzheimers and it was very sad to see her disapear from us. Your bracelets are very pretty I really like the first one.
    Therese

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. RoseApril 21, 2012 at 3:15 PM

      Hi Therese! I'm sorry about your Dad's mother. Alzheimers is such a heart-wrenching disease. I'm glad you like my bracelet :)

      Delete
  3. sandi mApril 21, 2012 at 2:35 AM

    What a lovely tribute to your grandfather.
    Such a pretty stack. I took me years to give in and use memory wire, and now I love it. Those tree seeds are awesome!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. RoseApril 21, 2012 at 3:17 PM

      Thank you, Sandi! I was the same way with memory wire... mostly because with the first coil I ever bought, I broke some cutters on it and just ignored it until last year! Lol.

      Delete
  4. AnonymousApril 21, 2012 at 2:54 AM

    These are absolutely delightful and supercharged with color. I love them

    ReplyDelete
  5. RebeccaApril 21, 2012 at 3:28 AM

    WHat a beautiful post. It is so lovely to know the story behind people's jewellery, and I'm glad my tutorial played a small part in it. I'm a singer as well (hence 'Songbead'!), and a couple of years ago a group of other singers and actors did a series of concerts visiting stroke wards and home's for those with dementia. It was incredibly moving to see how our singing reached out to some of those who were clearly very poorly, incredible to see the connection that rhythm and melody made with those who are so locked away from the world. Thank you for reminding me what a wonderful thing it was to be part of.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. RoseApril 24, 2012 at 6:30 PM

      Hi Rebecca! Oh I loved your tutorial! Even though I'm a jewelry teacher at a craft store and I'm technically qualified to teach "knotting," your tutorial was such a helpful resource!

      What a wonderful thing you did for those living in that home. And what a wonderful talent, singing :D Thank you for visiting my blog!

      Delete
  6. LolaApril 21, 2012 at 4:21 AM

    Beautiful story ... beautiful bracelet stack. I love how one of the silver bangles you included looks wire-wrapped and handmade. You have a great eye for combining pieces!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. RoseApril 24, 2012 at 6:34 PM

      Thank you, Lola! I love that bangle as well. It's been with me forever, it seems :)

      Delete
  7. Stories They TellApril 21, 2012 at 4:25 AM

    Why would we skip over the story-- it was charming! Love how you did the step-outs and explained your process to such a lovely and colorful stack. Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. RoseApril 24, 2012 at 6:36 PM

      It's quite wordy and I read something recently that "successful" blogs keep their posts short as to not bore their reader. My thinking is if I have a story to tell, I'm going to tell it! Lol!

      Thank you for visiting my blog :)

      Delete
  8. maureenbApril 21, 2012 at 4:36 AM

    LOVED your story! LOVED your stack! LOVED how you shared your how-to and resources! As a matter of fact, I went to your sari ribbon source and picked up some myself! thanks for that too!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. RoseApril 24, 2012 at 6:37 PM

      Thank you, Maureen! I'm so glad you visited LaShel! Her ribbon really is so yummy!

      Delete
  9. AnonymousApril 21, 2012 at 5:18 AM

    A beautifully, colorful stack of bracelets. Your silver bangles are the perfect addition to your creations!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Linda YounkmanApril 21, 2012 at 5:31 AM

    Beautiful colors. I love your stacks and the story. Great job.l

    ReplyDelete
  11. Tracy StatlerApril 21, 2012 at 5:36 AM

    Rose! Your bracelets are beautiful. I love the colors and textures. What a nice story about your Grandfather. Those natural seed beads are really neat and that bracelet is really amazing. I'm glad the email worked and you did not forget! : ) Tracy

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. RoseApril 24, 2012 at 6:40 PM

      Thank you for hosting this challenge, Tracy! It was so much fun!!!

      Delete
  12. Lorelei EurtoApril 21, 2012 at 5:38 AM

    So Pretty and fun! Thanks for the step by step photos too, that was a great idea!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. RoseApril 24, 2012 at 6:42 PM

      Thank you, Lorelei! I took the pics with Instagram and made a quick collage on my phone using an app called PhotoGrid.

      Delete
  13. AliceApril 21, 2012 at 6:26 AM

    Rose, I love the story about your grandfather. My mother passed away in June from cancer, and I would give anything just to hear her voice again.

    Your bangles are beautiful! I love those maple tree seed beads and have never seen anything like them.

    Blessings to you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. RoseApril 24, 2012 at 6:42 PM

      Hi Alice! I'm so sorry about your mother. <3

      Delete
  14. RaidaApril 21, 2012 at 6:47 AM

    That sari bracelet is amazing! I love how you used all the different types of bracelets to bring different textures to your stack.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. RoseApril 24, 2012 at 6:45 PM

      Hi Raida! The sari bracelet is my fave from this stack and I've been wearing it everyday. Thank you so much for visiting my blog!

      Delete
  15. TesoriTrovatiApril 21, 2012 at 7:36 AM

    Love the colors. Great memory as well. I am going through this with my mom. She just turned 66 last night. Way too early to be going through this. Now when you wear this it is a good memory. Thank you for sharing! Enjoy the day.
    Erin

    ReplyDelete
  16. StaceyApril 21, 2012 at 7:41 AM

    Thank you for sharing your story! What a beautiful reminder your bracelet will be. I love the stack...don't think it's messy at all..very bohemian...very bright...very happy!!

    ReplyDelete
  17. UnknownApril 21, 2012 at 7:50 AM

    Hi Rose, I am new to your blog and just love that your inspiration came from your Lolo, such a beautiful sentiment and way to honor your memories. I love what you did and the textures that you mixed together are wonderful!

    ReplyDelete
  18. JoApril 21, 2012 at 8:06 AM

    Beautiful colours and textures, and I love the story behind your inspiration. Thank you for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  19. JenHoneyApril 21, 2012 at 8:24 AM

    Wow wow wow! Really fun bracelets. You've got a new blog follower ;)

    ReplyDelete
  20. Cathie CarrollApril 21, 2012 at 9:10 AM

    Thank you for sharing your inspiration along with your creative stack.
    I added some of my greatly missed Aunt Patti to my stacks so I completely understand.

    Best regards,

    Cathie

    ReplyDelete
  21. AnonymousApril 21, 2012 at 9:42 AM

    Your stack is really nice! I really like the color of the crocheted bracelet - I need to add that color to my collection also. I've been trying to teach myself to crochet a bracelet, without much luck, but I guess now I'll try again.

    ReplyDelete
  22. UnknownApril 21, 2012 at 9:52 AM

    I enjoyed all your words! That video was really amazing wasn't it, music is so powerful. I am in love w/ your first bracelet, the beads & the sari ribbon, nice combo choice. Beautiful stack!

    ReplyDelete
  23. LelaApril 21, 2012 at 10:03 AM

    Loved the story and love that top bracelet with all the fibers - it's such a great mix of colors and textures. Great work! :)

    ReplyDelete
  24. aneri_masiApril 21, 2012 at 10:31 AM

    Such a lovely tribute to your grandfather! Loved all the bracelets and how you have stacked them. Very very pretty...and meaningful!

    ReplyDelete
  25. CharmN JewelryApril 21, 2012 at 12:57 PM

    Nice bead-work done...quite intricate and the hanging charms look very sweet and cute.Charm Bracelets

    ReplyDelete
  26. TanyaApril 21, 2012 at 2:03 PM

    What a beautiful stack! The colors are amazing and the story is also beautiful. I love how the thin bracelets really compliment the first bracelet you did.

    ReplyDelete
  27. Kym Hunter DesignsApril 21, 2012 at 3:05 PM

    Your bracelets are so wonderfully colorful and complement each other very well! I love the big-leaf maple tree seed beads and the bracelet you made with them is gorgeous! A very loving way to remember your grandfather.

    ReplyDelete
  28. BeatnheartApril 21, 2012 at 3:07 PM

    You have inspired me to try using the sari ribbon as well... I just usedbitbto wrap but now i'm gonna try your technique... S really lovely stack !

    ReplyDelete
  29. Pretty ThingsApril 21, 2012 at 3:24 PM

    I love how they look all together! Particularly fond of the memory wire.

    ReplyDelete
  30. UnknownApril 21, 2012 at 7:13 PM

    Your story is very touching and the colors combined are just amazing - beautiful actually.

    ReplyDelete
  31. D'ElleApril 21, 2012 at 7:30 PM

    Love the colors!

    ReplyDelete
  32. ShelApril 21, 2012 at 9:32 PM

    Very touching story. I love your bracelets and how you showed them in the making - great photos, too!! Beautiful bracelets - all of them.

    ReplyDelete
  33. SharylApril 21, 2012 at 10:32 PM

    Beautiful, loving story...and a beautiful, lovely bracelet.

    ReplyDelete
  34. Mary HardingApril 22, 2012 at 5:43 AM

    Love your bangles, memories and color choices. Wonderful together. Thanks so for shainging them.

    ReplyDelete
  35. CraftyHopeApril 22, 2012 at 9:05 AM

    Let me start with. . .those beads you chose at the beginning are really very cool. And what a fab tribute to your grandfather!! Thank you for so much description into your thought process, designing, and making of these bracelets. I really love the "behind-the-scenes" action. Your end product is awesome. I love the colors that you used and the way it just seems to fit on your wrist. Wonderful post and product!!

    ReplyDelete
  36. Jewels By IneApril 22, 2012 at 11:51 AM

    The result is gorgeous!!

    ReplyDelete
  37. My Life Under the BusApril 22, 2012 at 1:31 PM

    Love the inside scoop and the colors are so bright and fun a great stack!

    ReplyDelete
  38. Kensho StudioApril 23, 2012 at 7:19 AM

    Love your bracelets! And very nice to read the warm memories of your Grandfather. Beautiful post and beautiful work. Thank you for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  39. HollyApril 23, 2012 at 8:01 AM

    Oh, what memories your story brought back...a great aunt of mine was Alzheimer's-lost back many years ago, when I was a small child. I remember how difficult it was on all of us. Thank you for bringing back the memories! It's good to reminisce. And your stacks are just lovely! I loved seeing how you created them all...

    ReplyDelete
  40. Malin de KoningApril 24, 2012 at 12:47 PM

    Dear Rose, You've made an absolutely awesome stack. Each piece is beautiful on it's own, and together they are even better. The first one, the one you made for Lolo, is sooooo nice. Beautiful! And I love that it is in memory of him. Very touching story. Thank you so much for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  41. Beth HikesApril 25, 2012 at 11:16 AM

    Love all the colors and textures in your stack of bracelets! xoxo Beth

    ReplyDelete
  42. kimmykatsApril 25, 2012 at 7:12 PM

    You ended up with a wonderful array of colors....I want the seed bead silk sari!! I need to sit down and make a colorful stack!! I have the most wonderful brights silk sari.....there just isn't enough time!!

    ReplyDelete
  43. BloggerOctober 15, 2016 at 9:48 AM

    Did you know that that you can make dollars by locking selected pages of your blog / site?
    Simply open an account on AdWorkMedia and embed their content locking widget.

    ReplyDelete
  44. UnknownJune 28, 2018 at 1:29 AM

    I need please to bay

    ReplyDelete

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