my newest bracelet has gotten several comments/compliments about my use of lace in the beading. i wanted to add more texture than i was getting with just the different bead types and sizes, and being resourceful, remembered i had this thin lace, so i knotted it on. it really gives the bracelet more character - dont be afraid to try random things!
art and creativity is all about what you like to put together, and your own sets of preferred materials and shapes will show through after practice on your own. dont be afraid to learn ways things go together from others, their vision will be different than your own once the project is completed. dont feel pressured to polish up your style if you like the unpolished. figure ways around that to allow for your own style to feel finished, without resorting to standard shine. it isnt an easy task, but it is achievable.
let me walk you through how i made this bracelet:
chose a color or theme
i chose a goth/victorian/slightly steampunk and black, violets, reds, with accents of whiteish
collect your materials. (beads, charms, memory wire or stringing material and clasps) i have a large collection of odd beads charms, and other such things.
go through it and pick uot the beads or objects you definitely want in the bracelet. fill in the rest with beads that add to the feeling you want with your bracelet.
do a rough layout, or a complete layout on a design board
honestly i usually completely wing it, but i also end up restringing sections several times. it works for me, the rest is up tto you
string it, do the finishing touches
i used basic wire loop ends to keep the beads on, the end loops i attached a jump ring with a cowrie shell, and another with a few jingley beads. i tied on the lace scraps somewhere in the middle of putting this one together. shine up anything that you want, make sure there are no loose and unused loop ends, tie up or attach the ends of your stringing material, making sure it i s secure. little things like using all loop ends makes things look/feel more finished. i wrapped steel wire around the white glass bead, as it needed some extra, darker texture.
