Story by Wendy Davies
The very first thing I teach in my jewellery classes is how to make a bracelet. I do this because it’s fun to do; and it’s relatively easy to complete, leaving my students proudly wearing their very first handmade piece after just one lesson.
Just so you know what I’m talking about, here’s an image of the type of bracelet you’d create in your very first class (though not exactly like this either – it depends on the beads available):
But this is only the beginning.
Because there are many more varieties available on top of this simple one. All of which I slowly introduce to my students over the six weeks we are together. There’s also an infinite number of ways to change, adapt and combine simple (and not-so-simple) designs so that whatever you create will be unique and individual to you.
Really, this is one of the main reasons why I enjoy making my own jewellery so much, not to mention how much I love passing on this … fascination … to others.
All the following images are bracelets made (and worn) by me. I’m showing them to you to demonstrate just how many varieties of bracelets you could create (especially if you attend my jewellery-making classes), not to show off. … Well, maybe a little bit of showing off is involved … Believe me, this is a very small sample of the possibilities available.
The basic, and possibly easiest bracelet to create is by threading elastic through some beads, using my special, top-secret method of ensuring it never comes undone in the way you can’t see where it starts, or where it finishes.
The next one I introduce my students to uses those earring loops they’ve just learnt how to do (and definitely need more practice with), creating what I call a ‘chain bracelet’. (Not because you are using a chain – which you can do – but because you are making a chain of beads with those pesky loops you need to perfect.)
And then, just for something different, my students get introduced to the jewellery wire (tiger tie) method. I use this as a means of demonstrating making a necklace because the process is exactly the same, just smaller.
After they have mastered this my students have the skills to try anything they so desire. So, the world is open and ready to be plundered.
This could be a three-in-one bracelet:
Or a charm bracelet…
Or something chunky…
Or something really unique – something you would only wear on very special occasions indeed:
And that’s not mentioning bracelets using things like leather, beading cord or even woven beaded bracelets. There are so many types and designs that I’d be surprised if you couldn’t find one that you absolutely wanted to make for yourself, like yesterday.
After this (and yes, my bit of showing off included) you should now know that a bracelet (any bracelet) is NOT just a bracelet. It’s a creation. A unique, individual creation. Something you should be proud to wear. Anywhere. Any time. With anything you want. Which is just as it should be, I say.
So, can I encourage you to join one of my beginner jewellery classes at the Thurgoona Community Centre? They are held over six weeks on a Friday. You don’t need anything, just your enthusiasm, to start. So, contact the Centre for more information, including when the next classes will start.
For more information contact TCC 02 60431588 or check out course information at Jewellery Making Classes