The bracelet madness continues

A cheap and cheerful fix.
I made the bracelets myself and the bangle was my mum's, I wrapped round a ribbon and there you have it. :)
It's fun experimenting with unexpected combinations.

Homemade Bracelets

I love making bracelets and wearing them in bunches in a theme or having a couple above my watch. It's lovely having creations that are original to me, and just require some creativity and a little patience to make. All but one of the pictured ones is just a basic 'pick some pretty beads and string them on to an elastic thread', just making sure to tie the knot. Clear thread is best as glass beads among others can be semi-transparent. It should also be reasonably stetchy, but do not pull it around so much that it loses it's ability to bounce back or you end up with little bits of thread visible between beads (like the bracelet on the very left of the first photo).

Admittedly I used to have trouble with knots, and once had a rather embarrassing 'ah! my bracelets gone everywhere' moment at the till in a supermarket, so use an appropriate knot! The knot which I have used of late is apparently called a 'reef knot', it's just like starting to tie a bow and then doing the same again but reversed. Or if you're paranoid like me you repeat this know several times, but then it starts to get bulky! Lots of beads can be found for just a few pence each, chunky plastic ones for 2p even! If you know you want a lot buy in packs which tend to be cheaper per bead. But glass ones can get very expensive individually- £3 a bead for a whole necklace can make a rather large dent in you bank account. Not just for bracelets but for necklaces as well I would recommend not using too many heavy glass beads on a stretchy thread as it starts to droop and then there is exposed thread on the opposite side of your wrist/neck. So I tend to use the complicated glass beads on their own as showpieces with beads that enhance their beauty and don't take anything away from them around them.

Hopefully any bracelets you make will not only be unique but a whole lot cheaper than the mass produced ones you find on the highsteet.

2 months blogging and a sewing machine

I've now been blogging 2 whole months. :D

Thank you very much to those who support me and the blog; the lovely people who follow me, and the nice people who comment, and anyone who's taking the time to read my ramblings.

Two days ago I got a shiny new sewing machine! *oh the excitement!*

I finally set it up today, which took longer than expected as the instructions made the whole threading thing seem far more complicated than it actually is... unless you're a complete first timer you might be better off using your instincts/ just threading the needle the normal way to save a whole lot of trouble.

I actually haven't sewn with a machine in a few years, so I'm glad I'm not a complete disaster at it! I came across a lovely blue polka dot material I'd once (badly) hand sewn a little purse from, and, inspired by Jennie at the lovely Clover and Violet blog (http://www.cloverandviolet.com/2009/09/shop-expansion-giveaway.html) I made this card holder, though I don't think it's nearly as well made!!
First day of lessons at college tomorrow! Starting with Fine Art. :)