Make Bracelets! - Bracelet Making Tips & Design Inspiration by Tracy Statler

10/4/2014 Make Bracelets!
| Bracelet Making Tips & Design Inspiration byTracyStatler

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The Missing Link Blog Book Tour
Posted by tjstatler on Oct 16, 2013 | 112 comments
Hi Friends.

Imexcited to bring you day two of the virtual launch party and blog hop for Cindy Wimmers brand new wirework book The Missing Link. I amhappy to have contributed two designs to this book. If you have not heard of The Missing
Link yet or missed Cindys post yesterday, you can go here to catch-up on day one.

10/4/2014 Make Bracelets! | Bracelet Making Tips & Design Inspiration byTracyStatler

I was honored when Cindy asked me to contribute to her book. If you know Cindys work, she creates amazing jewelry with wire and beads. She has a beautiful design aestehtic tending toward a modern vintage style. I was a bit worried
my work would not be cohesive with the other designers in the book and it would stand out (not in a good way) because of the rustic nature of many of my designs.
After I got my contributor copy in the mail, I felt at peace and was encouraged by all the designers creations being so different. I think the variety creates an atmosphere in the book where people with all different skill levels and many different
aesthetics can be inspired and learn a lot.

Warning! You may find yourself RUSH ordering some new wire when you get this book!

If you are new to wire working, you will definitely be challenged by this book, but the step-by-step instructions will get you through each link. The step-by-step pictures also really bring it all together. Cindy did a beautiful job showing all the
tools and supplies you need to get started working with wire.
If you are fairly experienced in wire working, you will not be disappointed and will find unique links that expand your wire work horizons. The links are organized into Easy, Moderate and Advanced categories. The advanced links are
challenging but very doable if you follow the instructions.

Here is a picture of a necklace I made for the book called Create Your Dream, using the lightbulb link.
I snapped this photo when my advance copy arrived. I flipped it open and saw my necklace featured on the full page adjacent to the title page. That was a fun discovery!

I also have a bracelet design in the book
featuring the wrapped infinity link, pictured in the center above. I shouldnt give it all away so Ill show you the link surrounded by some light bulbs.

You can order the book directly fromCindy. She will send you a beautiful hand signed copy. A great opportunity!
If you cant wait another minute to see the book, then by all means go here to get the ebook directly fromthe publisher. Patience is definitely not my virtue!

If you are feeling lucky, you could win a copy!
Leave a comment by clicking on the comments below the title of the post above and let me know a little about yourself. Do you use wire? If so, how much do you use wire in your jewelry making? Would you consider yourself an
aspiring wire worker, a beginner, fairly experienced or an expert?! Make sure your name and best email appears in your comment signature or in the comment you type on this post so we can contact the winner.
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I will randomly draw a number at the end of the day on the the 20th fromthe comments below and pass the winner along to Cindy.
The winner will be announced on October, 21st on her blog. If you win, the book will be shipped directly to you fromInterweave, the publisher.

I amjoined by 4 other incredibly talented designers in this book and they each have a stop on the blog hop. Heather Powers will make a guest appearance as well. Each day, you have a chance to win a copy of the book and other goodies
as you travel around to each site.

October 15-Cindy Wimmer (Sweet Bead Studio)
October 16-Tracy Statler (Make Bracelets) *You are Here!
October 17-Lori Anderson (Pretty Things)
October 18-Kerry Bogart (Kabs Concepts)
October 19-Diane Cook (Rosa & Josies) & Heather Powers (Art Bead Scene)
October 20-Christine Damm (Stories They Tell)
OCtober 21-Cindys blog, Sweet Bead Studio
Have Fun & Good Luck!

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Pearls, Pearls, Pearls!
Posted by tjstatler on Sep 15, 2013 | 20 comments
Hello Again Friends!
Long time no post. My brain fog regarding a big possible move around the world has cleared. I have done what I can for now to prepare still not knowing for sure whether we are going to stay-or-go. For now, life goes on here in Virginia
and I amback to full steamahead!

I ammaking my blogging re-entry with a post about pearls and a design challenge that inspired me fromMishel Designs. Michelle Buettner loves pearls so much that she has a diploma in pearls fromthe Gemological Institute of America. She
is the perfect designer to issue a jewelry making challenge using pearls, pearls, pearls!

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Pearls also happen to be one of my favorite gems to use when I ammaking jewelry and I have quite a collection of cultured freshwater pearls in different colors, shapes and sizes. I like to use themin ways that makes themlook modern and
fresh. Not that pearls ever have or ever will go out of style! I like to combine themwith leather and use themin slightly unexpected ways.

I was playing around with a double leather link and wire wrapped it with pearls and a few tiny bead caps as an accent. The double leather link makes an interesting bracelet focal.
I knotted smaller 6mm, large hole pearls on brown C-lon bead cord along with faceted, sterling silver nuggets and faceted clear quartz. It could be a necklace or a wrap bracelet. I have been wearing it as a bracelet that wraps around my
wrist 4 times.

For my second design, I created a pair of asymmetrical earrings strung on 26g sterling silver wire. There are three different kinds of pearls in these earrings. The smallest are teeny tiny, 1mmrice pearls. It amazes me that a hole can be drilled
in such a small pearl! I also used peacock biwa pearls as the base of the triangular shape that have an amazing luster and color and a single large hole 6mmpearl that is the same pearl used in my wrap bracelet above. I used a faceted iolite
bead to play off the color of the peacock pearls.

Buying Advice For Pearls:
I tend to buy most of my pearls in person froma variety of vendors at bead shows I attend. Many of the vendors at these shows dont have good retail websites you can visit to see their inventory.
I like to see and touch the pearls because the luster, color and texture of the nacre, the outside coating of the pearl, can make a pearl amazing or just completely flat and so, so. It is hard to completely judge those qualities online.
However, I have purchased pearls frommany of the popular online bead stores and if you do, make sure they give the pearl a grade. I like to spend a little more for an A or at the least an AB grading if buying online becasue they should
have better luster. When I go below that, often I find I amdisappointed.
I have had some luck with JBC Beads in the past buying large hole pearls online. They show the pearl grading. Lately it seems I amonly buying large hole pearls to use on all sorts of cording and leather. You can also search Etsy suppliers.
There are tons of shops these days selling large hole pearls and often you can purchase just a few pearls to test the quality.

Head over to Mishels blog for more buying resources and to learn about the history and the vast variety of pearls that exist. Spend a few minutes to hop around and take a look at the other participants blogs to see many gorgeous pearls used
in interesting ways! There is some swoon worthy jewelry. Thanks for hosting this wonderful, pearl filled blog hop Michelle!

Pearls! Pearls!! Pearls!!! Blog Hop Participant List:

MiShel Designs Pearls! Pearls!! Pearls!!! Blog Host
Sadafulee,Always in Bloom
Antiquity Travelers
Jewelry By Jasvanti
Bead Contagion
Back Story Beads
Sharyls Jewelry and Reflections
Silver Niknats
Fresh Baked Designs
Lisa Yang Jewelry
Designed by Vera
Serena Trent
Amy Bright
Carefree Jewelry by Lisa
Agape Creations Jewelry
Klassy Joolz
Beautifully Broken Me
One Kiss Creations
Stories fromthe City of Brass
** Make Bracelets! ** You are Here
Carolyns Creations
Raindrop Creations Jewelry
Freestyle Elements

Thanks for stopping by!


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Far, Far Away?
Posted by tjstatler on May 30, 2013 | 30 comments
Hi!
There has been a lot of nothing happening on Make Bracelets lately hasnt there?
Heres whats going on.
I have had to put tons of things on hold as my attention has been drawn to possible alternate universe plans.
Jewelry making has largely been pulled off the table except for a special project, a quick trip to a bead show and very few special orders lately. Ive had to be tentative with so many people lately including my own kids which has been so
hard. Life has been in major limbo. No booking kid camps, summer vacations, no new purchases for the studio.
We may be making a big move. Far, far away to SINGAPORE. It is not for sure yet - but very possible. The girl froma small rural town in WI, then IN, then San Francisco and now Metro DC (albeit the far edge) in Northern Virginia may
be packing up her home of 10 years, putting it in storage and headed Far East for a few years!
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Singpore Skyline. Photo credit: Get In Travel
Singapore Art Science Museum. Photo Credit: San Diego Reader
The possibility of Singapore surfaced several months ago when my husband was asked if he would be interested in a new position overseas. He is not in the military so the thought of a job overseas was not on the radar. He runs a sales group
in the telecom& video conferencing technology industry. Totally not on the radar.
We are still waiting to see if the numbers make sense. Singapore is crazy expensive. Lots of corporate red tape and waiting, back and forth on details on how it could all work. Its been a drain. Tons of research on schools, cost of living,
international taxes, housing and life in Singapore for an American Expat family. This has been taking up my time. Not to mention the thinning out of 10 years of lifes accumulation with two kids in our current home.
This next week could bring pivotal change in my life. The details are supposed to come.
Thats why the crickets have been chirping on the blog.

All these thoughts have been taking a turn in my psyche over the last few months making it a bit hard to concentrate. Major overwhelm. Ive really never felt this way before.
THEN
My thoughts turned to: I hope there are high quality jewelry supply stores in Singapore! Wow, we would be so close to Thailand and hub of the silver trade! Oh man so much closer to the gemstone manufacturing capital of the world.
I found out that one of the biggest jewelry trade shows in the WORLD happens each year in Singapore in October! I did this research before I researched the international schools Yep, priorities. : )

The huge question of whether to stay or go will work itself out one way or another. Weve done our research and now it is just a waiting game. The kids still have no clue. My husband and I have had to talk in code around my 5 year old and
avoid the subject all together when my son is around. I do not want to upset themduring end of year test taking at school if this whole thing does not come to pass.
If it does, the great thing is you are all just as close as ever via the web. You will get a glimpse of life and beads and the handmade jewelry scene in Singapore. Imvery thankful for technology. Ill keep you posted!

Hope you are having a good start to your summer season!


Id love to hear fromyou if you have lived abroad with elementary or middle school aged kids for a few years, especially Singapore or other Asian countries. I keep hearing frompeople I talk to in person it was the best decision they ever
made!

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Silver Pricing Lowest in Years
Posted by tjstatler on Apr 24, 2013 | 5 comments
Have you seen silver prices lately?! They are down to the lowest prices in almost three years!

I havent purchased silver sheet or wire for quite awhile because I stocked up the last time prices were semi-reasonable and I use it sparingly because of the prices. As you may know, silver has been on a three year run with prices ranging as
high as $48+ (briefly) a troy ounce mostly hanging out in the low to mid $30s. When I first started making jewelry and started paying attention to silver prices it was about $12 an ounce. Ah the good old days! The jewelry supply market
has adjusted by providing cording, leather, alternative metals, silver plating and silver filled options widely available and attractive with so many stylish components to choose from.
For me, you still cant beat sterling silver for certain things. I was looking for some half round beaded silver wire the other day because I want make some cool silver links with it and its not manufactured in brass, copper or silver filled! I was
pleasantly surprised when I noticed the pricing.
I thought I would pass along this info to you if you have been wanting to invest in a little silver but have been scared by the high prices and have sort of given up on silver as an option. Dont get me wrong, silver is still a bit of a splurge but it
is in a much more reasonable price range right now. Around $23 an ounce as I amwriting this.

Here are some geeky charts if you like that sort of thing, like I do to see just what I amtalking about.

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Last time prices were this low was October , 2010

I was feeling a little sassy the other day after looking at the numbers and dove into my silver stash with less caution and went for some nice thick 16 gauge wire and whipped up a little sterling silver bangle for myself. I oxidized and tumbled it
and I kind of like how it turned out!

Have you been holding off on buying sterling silver supplies? If so, maybe its worth a little look in your stash to see if need to restock or its time to try something new. It will set you back about $10 less a troy ounce then it did a few months
ago!
P.S. I get most of my si l ver by wei ght from Ri o Grande, Monster Sl ayer or Thunderbi rd Suppl y. There are many Etsy sel l ers suppl yi ng wi re and sheet as wel l as beadi ng stores but be aware that thei r pri ces may not refl ect the l ower pri ci ng. Shop smart and compare. Many ti mes,
what you pay i n shi ppi ng fees makes i t a good deal or not. If you are onl y orderi ng a smal l amount then bead stores, some Etsy sel l ers or Ri o Grande may be your best bet.

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A Few Words About Passion
Posted by tjstatler on Apr 13, 2013 | 5 comments
Passion is above all a remedy against boredom.
Joseph Brodsky

Try new things.
Amaze yourself.
Discover your Passions & Pursue them.
Repeat.

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Have a great weekend!

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Upcycled Silk Ribbon Yarn Jewelry
Posted by tjstatler on Mar 27, 2013 | 5 comments
Nicole fromDarn Good Yarn just sent me some of her new and very awesome upcycled, reclaimed silk sari ribbon cards. Her packaging has been reimagined and now comes in 5 yard sections that are perfect for jewelry designers and
crafters who dont require a full skein and want a more consistent and wider range of color for their designs.

For those of you that dont know Darn Good Yarn, Nicole works with factories overseas and upcycles silk scrap fromgarment factories in India and Nepal that would otherwise be thrown away. She gives women a means to make a living
for their families by salvaging and dying the silk remnants and making theminto beautiful yarns and ribbons to be used in any project you can imagine.

I have to give Nicole a public congratulations. She is sort of famous now! She recently won the grand prize in the Fed Ex Small Business Grant Contest. No small feat. There were tons of applicants awesome accomplishment Nicole!

Just look at some of these delicious colors They are so perfect for spring and summer.

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These ribbons make cool wrap bracelets! You can tie just a little bit of silk to an earring for a interesting design accent. They can be combined with chain, leather, wire wrapped beads or you can just simply add a great focal and some
beautiful beads for a necklace to create an easy pop of color.

I can just picture these necklaces dressing up a simple t-shirt and jeans!
Go check out DGY and tell Nicole congratulations. Shed like that!
Thats all for now. My house is grand central station this week. Tons of kids in and out for Spring Break. Have a wonderful Easter!

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Mini Video Workshop: Leather Infinity Links
Add A Little Rustic Chic To Your Jewelry Designs!

After many comments, personal emails and Pinterest pings about these beaded leather Infinity links, I have finally poured my heart out and created a mini video workshop to help you unleash a little leather link creativity. Thanks to everyone
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who cheered me on with this little project and for your patience when I said it is coming soon


Mini Video Workshop
Here is What You Will Receive:
I show you step-by-step in an over the shoulder view how to create these awesome leather links. There are endless possibilities to incorporate a little rustic chic into your necklace, earring and bracelet designs.
You will learn some simple tricks I use to create these quickly and easily and finish themso they look professional.
You will be given access to a private password protected page with full and unlimited access to the video, supply lists & resources.
Access to the leather links Pinterest board where you can showcase your designs.
A video photo gallery at the end of the lesson that shows some beautiful ways you can add designer touches to these links to kick start your creativity! Its set to some cool music. : )
Ability to ask me questions you may have about making these little pretties.
Approximately 17 minutes in length.
I will provide you with my list of favorite vendors I use online to purchase the materials you need to get started making these cool leather infinity links.

Click the Buy Now button below to purchase through PayPal and you will be on your way to making your own leather link creations to add a new look to your jewelry designs!
Important information:
The log-in information is sent to the EMAIL ADDRESS that Paypal has on file for you when you order. Once you log-in you will have instant and unlimited access. Please make sure the email address is correct in PayPal. If you run into
issues, you can email me here.
Creativity is contagious Pass it on!
-Albert Einstein.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
If you know some other creative people who you think would like this video, please share this post. Thanks!

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A Little Competition! Nina Designs Earring Contest
Happy March Everyone!

Nina Designs asked four of their blogging design partners to participate in a little Design-Off, so-to-speak, using some of Ninas beautiful sterling silver jewelry making components. Each of us were sent the same exact package of goodies
and our charge was to make a pair of earrings using at least three of the pieces they sent us. I snapped a photo of the components after I had already made two pairs of earrings so here are some of the pieces I didnt use. I will soon!

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I sat and looked at my choices for quite awhile not quite knowing what direction I was headed. I felt I had to add a little leather to my design because thats one of my favorite things to add to my jewelry and I always like to mix metals if
possible to add warmth and contrast. Those were my only thoughts when I started. My challenge was figuring out how to add leather to this pair of earrings and keep themwearable, not too big and not let the leather overwhelmthe pretty
sterling pieces. I printed the Pantone Spring 2013 color palette and then I was off in my jewelry making ZoNE! Here is what I created.


I made sure to carry the silver ball theme fromthe fun circle wheels throughout the earrings so I grabbed my torch, took my fine silver wire and created some large balled head pins for the gemstones. Wrapping the brass wire around the cord
ends, frommy collection, helped to give the earrings an artisan feel and I finished the earrings with some sterling french wires with a ball that I already had fromNina Designs to give it a subtle but cohesive look. I have to say Impretty thrilled
with these and they are totally wearable in real life!

Update: Congratulations to Andrew Thornton.

You have to go there to see what the other designers have made. Choose your favorite design and then vote for my earrings. Did you catch that? I mean vote for your favorite design. Really. My fellow challengers include: Lori
Anderson, Carmi Cimicata & Andrew Thornton. Talent overload! The winner receives $100 Nina Designs credit.

The voting runs today, through March 11, 2013. Thanks for your support!


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