Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Easy Peasy


Erin Siegel recently shared a tutorial on bracelets made with a bead closure, waxed linen, and a link. You can find it here. I loved the idea. So simple and fun and really quite elegant in its simplicity.

And easy, except for the part where I tied knots in two strands of leather and had to force the leather through the beautiful glass beads by Julianna, and I didn't have a bead that was right for the closure. But really all together too easy once I worked things out.


After several minutes (maybe 30 or so) of frustration trying to fit the round peg in the square hole, a light bulb went on. Probably all of you have had this particular light bulb on for several years. So you can go ahead and snicker if you like. But do it quietly OK :-) Yep, that's it. A pair of sissors and a couple of deft clips and that leather slid right through the bead holes.  My knotting technique still needs some serious improvement.


I'm feeling pretty pleased with the closure on this. It's one of my bronze bead caps that I dapped a little too vigorously and bad things happened to the hole in it and the edges went a little wonky. I love when I can save something that was destined for the rubbish bin. I really like how the leather loop kind snugs up under the bead cap. I've had this bracelet on all day. I am never taking it off. Well maybe I'll take it off to shower. But otherwise, never ever.

Thanks, Erin for this great idea. I'm making another one for a special person. Mostly because when that special person comes to visit this fall, I know for sure that if I don't, she will be wearing this one on her way home.

12 comments:

SueBeads said...

Very nice!

Pearl and Pebble said...

It's wonderful!! (And I would have never thought to cut the leather either)Pretty beads and great idea for the bead cap:)BTW these are the best bead caps, I love the ones I picked up-thank you!

Barbara Lewis said...

I really like this! Simple for daily wear with just enough color and design to keep it interesting. You make me want to work with bronze clay ... when I retire!

sharon said...

Great bracelet and I love the simple beauty of it! Thanks for sharing LeAnn!

stregata said...

It is lovely - just the right kind of bracelet to keep wearing...
Such a lucky person, that special person! ;o)

steufel said...

Hihihi, know what you mean - had that expierence a few weeks ago too:-) And: beautiful bracelet!

Erin Siegel said...

Wonderful! Oh, I wish I'd known you were struggling with the leather, but you figured it out for yourself which is the best part. You can use that trick for any cord that's wide or thick. You can do it for some ribbons, too but I also like to use a big eye needle to string beads on most ribbon, though. Love your version of the simple bracelet! Thanks so much for the mention and the links!

The Joy of Nesting said...

Oh my gosh it's so good to read your voice LeAnn!!! I can't believe I'm finally back home in Bloglandia!!! I have missed you dear sister!! Oh and I have missed the big move and the settle in and way to many things. It will take me the rest of the summer to get caught up, oh but I'm looking forward to it!!

It's those simple little feats we master that seem to bring the most rewards.

Pattie ;)
Mazatlan Mx.

My Life Under the Bus said...

LOL!!! I do this with pearls all the time - like a monkey trying to use tools - the lightbulb goes off and I realize I can use thinner wire (der) . As far as your comment on my blog I also read cookbooks, Cooking Light and the new Food Channel magazine (drool)and then get really hungry and have something stupid lol

My Life Under the Bus said...

...and Huzzah! for using something you might have gotten rid of !!! This looks great!

Laura Twiford said...

I love the bracelet but especially loved your sense of humor this morning, just what i need, like a breath of fresh (not smoky) air!

Cristi Baxter Clothier said...

Love this piece! I've got some great shibuichi pieces from Zoa Art that would look great in this simple design.