Quartz and Metal Leather Bracelets by Dry Gulch

Hi all!  This is Catherine here from Dry Gulch Beads & Jewelry!  In between moving our store to our new warehouse, we filled out a custom-order too!  Our client, the fabulous Allisson, an instructor at our favorite yoga place in Bentonville, Arkansas (Yoga Story!) commissioned us to make 20 stamped disc and long leather bracelets that say "Namaste."  After a few trial runs, I started stamping and photographed the creative process.  Enjoy!

I started with thick copper and nickel metal, using our disc-cutter I cut circles and then little circles out of the big circles.  After that came the letter stamps for Namaste.

Next up was the leather wraps.  I used a dark brown soft suede strap, 36 inches long, double looped onto the ring.  This length makes it so these pieces can be worn as multi-wrapped bracelets and anklets, or long necklaces.  I also drilled a hole into the top of the rings so I could hang a crystal.

Now comes the sparkly part!  These rock crystals are hand-faceted quartz drops!  These lovely dangles add the perfect amount of flair and organicness to these bracelets.  Quartz is said to have numerous metaphysical properties.  In ancient Japan, it was believed quartz was formed from the breath of white dragons, the stone thus gave its wearer great power and clarity.  The word Namaste is a traditional greeting/goodbye used in yoga, and means "I honor you" or "I honor myself".  So, while the quartz may bring confidence and positive energy to the wearer, also Namaste can bring humbleness and friendliness.

The finished bracelets!  Above shows them as they could be worn long, and below what they look like on a wrist.

These bracelets were definitely a blast to make!  I loved putting all of the elements together, and especially adding the quartz crystals.  These bracelets are custom, and can be made on request!  They are $15.  Thank you for reading, and namaste!