Silence Is Not Always Golden!

What have I been doing these past six months?  Good question!  For some reason, I manage to keep very busy...but not always doing the things I love the most!  There's no way I can summarize these last months in one post, so I'll give it to you in bits and pieces.  Here's the first of several "bits"...

I spent a total of four short weeks (from January into February) taking care of grand-baby #8 while her babysitter recuperated from surgery. While Viv is technically past the baby stage (she's 2), she is the baby of all of my grandchildren. It definitely was a different routine for me (and for Viv), but I was so glad I was available to have this quality time with her! We had a blast!

In March, I attended a bead show in Pompano Beach, FL.  After I experienced my first show a few years ago, I learned that my brain goes into overload upon entering a convention center full of beads of all colors, sizes and shapes...along with so many other things that serve to fill my head with such an abundance of creative ideas!  Now, before I go to a show, I sit down and make a "Supply List" and vow to stick to the list! (Yeah, right...but I have good intentions!)

At the top of the paper is a note to myself to be on the lookout for a new technique or idea that will appeal to those of you who love jewelry as much as I do! And of course, this show did not disappoint...I found a new design using rolo chain and leather cord.  This cuff style bracelet is adjustable, very comfortable, and is one that can be done in just about any color chain and leather.











The one on the left is made with two strands of silver plated rolo chain and silver pearlescent leather cord.  The one on the right is made with three strands of silver plated rolo chain and turquoise leather cord. I've made them with antique silver, copper, brass and goldtone chain...pink, copper, champagne, black, brown, green, and turquoise leather.  Such endless possibilities!

After mastering the cuff style, I went on to make a double wrap bracelet with burgundy leather cord and four sizes of platinum Swarovski pearls...and, as you can see, it was much more of a challenge...but beautiful for sure!

I've done one other style of leather and chain in a triple wrap style...one in goldtone chain and gold pearlescent leather and the other one in silver plated chain and black leather.  I have not yet photographed the silver and black, but here's a picture of the triple wrap bracelet done in the gold-on-gold combination.  The clasp is a loop on one end and a base metal button on the other end.

Of course, I have plenty of exciting designs to talk about, but I'll save them for the next writing or two. I haven't really been silent...I've been in my loft bending and hammering wire, and dapping!  Sometimes my hubby thinks it sounds like Santa's workshop! 

"Silence is golden.  Duct tape is silver."

Carole