Bangles And Baubles And Beads, Oh My!

I have always dabbled in jewelry making. When I was little, I would tie dandelions together to make beautiful rings, necklaces, and bracelets...I think every little girl has done that at some time or another. Unfortunately after about 30 minutes these natural beauties start to wilt. I made a couple of copper pieces in college. Looking back, they were really ugly.

After college, one of my roommates from my time at Mercer University, and I tried our hand at jewelry making. Mary and I would cut the tops off of beer or soda cans, smash them flat with a hammer, use hot glue to make designs on them, then paint them and hang beads from them. Sounds lovely right? Hey, it was the 80's! A time of big hair, big shoulder pads, and yes, big earrings. We actually sold a few!

When Kevin and I were living in Cincinnati, I would make earrings out of paintings I did with watercolor. I would tear the painting into small pieces, then fold it and seal it with something to make it hard and shiny. Once again, not something you'd wear now, but they were okay for the time period. I actually had a store buy them from me and was so excited! I didn't get rich by any means. I probably spent more in time and supplies than I made. Nonetheless, I enjoyed making them and was happy that someone else liked them too.

As much as I'd like to be a great jewelry designer, that's just not my thing. Oh, I make and sell some pieces here and there but nothing to call a real jewelry business. Especially not like my friend Cheryl. She started making mommy bracelets about 14 or so years ago. She has actually made a business that earns a living! She fortunately has not only talent, but business sense. Check her website out at www.MommyBracelets.com.

As for me, I'll just keep dabbling. Below is a project for a bangle bracelet I like to call Ooh La La. It's very, very easy so give it a try!!!

Supplies:
Wooden bangle from DiyBangles.com.
Acrylic paint. I used Folk Art in Lipstick Red.
Rubber Stamp.
Ink Pad. Do not use one that is washable or it will smear when you seal it.
Diamond Glaze or any sealer.
Pendant or charm.
E6000 glue.

Directions:

Step 1:    Paint the wooden bangle with acrylic paint. I painted 3 coats to get good coverage. If you use a different color you may only need to do one or two coats. Red is always the hardest color to get good coverage. If you want a more natural look. you could stain the bangle or leave it plain. Allow paint to dry completely between coats.

Step 2:    Once your bangle is dry, put ink on your stamp and begin stamping the bangle until you have covered the entire bangle with your stamp design.

Step 3:   Seal your bangle inside and out with Diamond Glaze or a polyurethane of your choice.

Step 4:   Put E6000 glue on the back of the charm or pendant and place it onto the bangle.

Step 5:   Wear and Enjoy!!! Told you it was easy!!!

Here is another bangle bracelet...I glued scrapbook paper to the inside of the bangle then hand painted the outside with designs found in the paper.

Thank you to my daughter, Carrie, for being an awesome photographer!