Ribbon and Gold Leather Bracelet ... DIY

When I saw this collage showing the gold tubes bracelet designed by french jewelry maker Marion Vidal, I thought that this was genius to use metal tubes and weave in wide ribbon.  It also looked so good on Blake Lively (collage courtesy of  Mode Walk )

I decided to make my own version of the bracelet by using gold colored pieces of the leather (2.5" x 2") and 1" wide grosgrain ribbon.   For the closure I used the same toggle closure I use on all my DIY bracelets.  Look HERE

SO, here is my process:
1. I made 5 "tubes" our of my 2.5"x2" pieces of gold leather using a thread and a needle.  You also can use a metal tubes, if you can find it.  For me it was easier to use the leather and I did not want this bracelet to be heavy.

2. Then I took two pieces of 1" wide ribbon and 24" long each, and started weaving in and out of each "tube"as I show on my diagram, through all five tubes, leaving some length for the closure.

3. Then I adjusted the length of the bracelet to fit my wrist and attached the closure with thread and a needle.  Voila!

See you next Thursday, September 13! Pin It

Silk Bead Bracelet... DIY

I did not post DIY project for some time and I am due to do that.

Please meet my new silk turquoise bracelet.  I love silk fabric for it's beautiful silky sheen and I also LOVE how it feels to the touch - smooth, sensuous and a little bit cool.  This is why I thought there is no better way to enjoy silk fabric than wearing it on my wrist.  I already made one  Silk Rope Braided Bracelet  and I really like wearing it.  Toggle closure works great on this kind of bracelets, so I used the same closure in my new  bracelet as well.  I also used the same golden chain for embellishment, small wooden bids and the same technique that I used when making my  Large Bead Necklaces

As you can see, the variation of making bracelets from silk are endless.  To make it happen, the only things you need to have is silk fabric, sewing machine to make a tube out of fabric (although it can be done by hand), toggle closure of your choice, small wooden beads, maybe some golden chain accent, thread and needle and Voila!

 
I like to wear this silk bracelet with one string of white fresh water pearls.  I think it creates nice contrast with intense turquoise color of the silk and allows it to stand out even more.  The combination of turquoise, pearl and gold also reminds me of Byzantine style jewelry, which I love.  Nail polish OPI Kiss on the Chic, #NLH31.

White large leather clutch in my hand - my DIY project as well, I will talk about it in my later posts.

I never talked about the source of my silks I use in my projects.  I find that the best variety of colors and prints, as well as different fabric textures, at the outlet fabric store.  Also, you should not forget to check your own closet.  You may find there the fabric you like but actual garment - not so much.  So, recycle and give that fabric new life! Pin It

Silk Braided Rope Bracelet... DIY

Yesterday I shared with you how I like my silk scarves and enjoy wearing those because of their colors, prints variety and no less important how silk feels on my skin.  I thought it would be wonderful to have a bracelet made from silk.  This way I would have luxurious feeling of the silk on my arm all the time I wear the bracelet. 

I chose my silk fabric in pink/peach color with marble effect pattern.  As far as bracelet design, it was not hard to decide what I want to make since I like the look of braids.  I also should add that I wanted this bracelet to be big and chunky.  I like how larger size bracelets emphasize slim wrist and this looks beautiful! 

All I needed to make this bracelet shown on the top picture.  It was:

• silk fabric
• toggle closure
• some small chain for embellishment and closure function
• filler in the shape of a rope 

...and if you can make a braid and use sewing machine at a simple level - Voila! Let me know if you were inspired to make one too. Pin It