Saturday 25 February 2012

7000 Bracelets for Hope Blog Hop


Welcome to the 2012 blog hop in support of the 7000 Bracelets For Hope campaign and hosted by Erin of Elysian Studios and Christine of One Kiss creations. The campaign is run by the Global Genes Project which exists to raise awareness and support for the 30 million people who suffer from one of the 7000 identified rare diseases. The bracelets made in support of this course are passed on to families who have children suffering from these diseases in a gesture of love and support.


I've actually made two bracelets. Because the brief was to create simple, flexible designs I went right back to when I started making jewellery and made a memory wire bangle - I used to make lots of these but probably haven't done so for a couple of years now, This one combines denim blue Czech and Japanese glass beads with lampwork beads by Sabine Little and pewter accents. The two heavy pewter tube beads add a little bit of bling without making it too dressy. The bracelet is finished with glass beads charms and two little bird charms so I've taken a little bit of creative license and called it 'Bluebirds of Hope'. I must apologise for the poor quality of the photo's for this bracelet - they were taken in bad light and I had intended to reshoot them. However, an incident involving a cat, a table and a hard floor made that impossible and I will be camera shopping later today! It really does look much better in reality!





After I'd made this I was clearing out some old clothes and happened to come across a denim jacket. Deciding that I was never going to wear it again I thought about whether I could use it to make a bracelet. This is completely out of the norm for me as I do not feel comfortable working with textiles. I also happened to have just bought some buttons for no other reason than I thought they were pretty so I got them out and had a little play...and the result was this denim cuff.




I've simply sewn the buttons onto the denim and added a couple of little blue goat skin bows for extra contrast and texture. I can't really call it a clasp but the means of closure is provided by the existing button hole and 2 buttons make it adjustable. As I say, not at all my usual thing but I think it's quite fun.


Thank you so much for stopping by and supporting this event. To see what all the other participants have created simply click on the links below and start hopping.


Lesley







64 comments:

  1. Beautiful bracelets! -And true denim in second one :) So glad you are participating, I am too.

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  2. How cool is that cuff bracelet, love the colorful buttons!

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    1. Thanks Niky - buttons are my new love...like I needed another one!

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  3. Hey Lesley...how cool are your bracelets...and how ingenious to create that bracelet out of a jean jacket cuff...I think you may have started a new fad...lol...anyway its been so fun to be able to partake in hopping around the blogosphere ....have a great day!!!

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    1. Thank you mIss Lana - so glad to have connected again...:0)

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  4. I love the denim bracelet with the buttons, too!!! so cute!!!

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  5. Great ideas with both bracelets, so pretty!

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  6. Lesley,
    I love your bracelets! The first one is gorgeous. I have never used memory wire need to try it. The denim cuff is so fun and cheery and I'm sure whoever gets it is going to do a happy dance. Oh and about the camera, your cat gave you a good reason to upgrade, happy shopping!
    Therese

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    1. Thanks Therese, and as for that darned cat...the camera wasn't very old so she is in the dog house for sure...!

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  7. Lesley! I have so much to say about how beautiful both of these bracelets are I don't know where to start!!! They are fabulous!!!!! I keep going back to the memory wire bracelet and just keep staring at it! STUNNING!!

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    1. Thanks Sally -I'd forgotten how much fun memory wire bracelets were and so easy...I might be doing a few more now...

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  8. Lesley, these are beautiful! The memory wire bracelet is a wonderful combo of colors...I am loving the lampwork beads and the birds. And the denim---what a great idea, and a bit brave too. I love how you bought the buttons with no idea as to why. Good impulse, as the result is a comfy, cheery bracelet! Thanks so much for hopping!!!

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    1. Thanks Christine - I'm not normally brave with textiles but I thought if ever there was a time - this is it!

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  9. Both are great and really fit the theme of wearing with jeans!

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  10. Lesley, I am so impressed with the scope of your work. Both bracelets are beautiful and creative in very different ways! Looking forward to seeing more of your creations.

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  11. Very clever! I've never seen such a pretty memory wire bracelet! I have a little of that wire and keep forgetting to do anything with it (I think I have one of everything out there, oh dear). And the denim cuff is PERFECT for the genes/jeans idea!

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    1. Thanks `lori but I'll take a bet you've got more than 1 of everything...?!

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  12. Just beautiful - both of them. I really think memory wire is under utilized and I think you have created a gorgeous bracelet using it. They are so comfortable to wear. And I love the blue jean bracelet. It is perfect for this theme.

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    1. Thanks Jean - I think as we progress we sometimes leave the more simple things behind and really for no good reason. I will certainly be making some more after this refresher.

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  13. These are so pretty! I love how you upcycled the denim and made it into something so wonderful. There will be a couple of very happy mothers that receive these.

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  14. I'm in love w/the memory wire bracelet - I would wear that everyday and bet the person who gets it's will too! And the blue-jean one - too fun indeed!! Lovely designs!

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  15. Love the wrap style and ALL the pretty beads - and that bird is fantastic!!

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  16. You may not have been creating memory wire bracelets for years, but you definitely haven't lost the eye for it! That bracelet is awesome. I really like the shades of the colors you used in it. And that pewter is a beautiful addition.

    Your second bracelet was really a stroke of genius. Last year and this year I contemplated also using actual denim into the design somehow, but you totally made it the design. Since I'm a button hoarder, I really, really like the addition of the colorful buttons.

    Your designs are going to make two families very happy. Great job!

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    1. Aw thanks Hope - I have the rest of the jacket to utilise now so looks like some button shopping might be on the cards...:0)

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  17. I agree with Hope- that memory wire bracelet if gorgeous! I love all of the beads you chose. The denim cuff is very whimsical and fun, and I think it's great you tried something different- follow your muse where she takes you! Thank you so much for joining us on this hop!

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    1. Thanks Erin - and thanks for putting this together.

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  18. Wow! How lovely your designs are. Your denim cuff is the coolest ;)

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  20. Lesley, i so love both of your dsigns! That blue with the pewter beads is stunning, and you rocked that cuff! Work with textiles more, my friend!

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    1. Thanks Holly and well...I have to do something with the rest of that jacket!

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  21. I love the memory wire bracelet! I was just asked to make one, which will be a first for me! Love all those beads you used! But.....the denim bracelet is ingeniuous! So thoughtful of you!

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    1. Thanks Patti - look forward to seeing your memory wire bracelet -they're good fun to make.

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  22. I love that you expanded to work with textiles. The cuff is adorable. Both bracelets are perfect.

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  23. Two very different, but wonderful bracelets to give with hope. The denim is my favorite, very fresh, indeed.

    Lynda

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  24. Beautiful choices for these 2 - I like both, and the recipients will do to, I am sure.

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  25. The memory wire one is just gorgeous :) The jean cuff... that is cute!

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  26. How I love, love, love your memory wire bracelet. I've never made one, but you've inspired me to give it a go! The colors are just perfect, and I've enjoyed investigating all the details on the individual beads. And the jean cuff bracelet - positively inspired.

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    1. Thanks very much - definitely have a go, they are great fun to make and easy to play with the bead combos until you get what you want. Good luck.

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  27. Oh that memory wire bracelet. I think I'm in love. Those lampwork beads are gorgeous and the beads and pewter accents you chose... so pretty.

    That cuff is so much fun! I LOVE buttons.

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  28. I made a memory wire last year, I love how versatile they are. The beads you used in it are just wonderful. I'm so impressed with the jean cuff. I love how that idea just hit you and you ran with it. A great idea, and great execution. Two beautiful bracelets to make two ladies' happy.

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  29. great use of the silver tube beads on the memory wire, I wish I had thought of that!the denim cuff is so playful,the strped button is so fun!

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    1. Thanks you - I am now officially in love with buttons!

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  31. As with everything you touch, these are very creative and so appealing! You bring whole new class to "memory wire" with your first bracelet! I must take note! I just made my 2nd memory wire bracelet ever...not sure how I missed this step in the jewelry-making process, but I'm coming to it late! :-) Your's is a work of art though with the metal components and unique beads!

    The 2nd one may not be your norm, and I would never think of it either, but i sure would love to wear it! :-) It's so cute, looks comfy and cheerful!

    I'd say you have two great "hits" here!

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    1. Wow, what can I say - thanks you so much for you kind words Sharyl, I'm so glad you enjoyed hopping here!

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  32. I can't believe you created both of those bracelets--they are so completely different. I really like them both. Your memory wire bracelet takes that basic design to a whole new level with your beautiful bead choices and arrangement. And the use of real denim in the second bracelet is so creative!

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  33. Lesley - what beautiful designs for both bracelets!

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  34. So lovely Lesley! I've never made anything with memory wire before...your gorgeous piece might just be the example I needed to give it a try :)

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  35. I love both of the bracelets you designed: the first one because I love the freedom of memory wire and how beautifully it creates a multi-strand look, and the second one because I love blue jeans and cuff bracelets! Just lovely!

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