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!

Riveted Flower Cuff

Distress it, hammer it, paint it, bend it, and rivet it!  Sound fun?  Well, this class is filled with many different skills.  You can customize your bracelet, make it any size, and give it a pop of color.  Our instructor, Kristin Girard, is teaching this class on Saturday, April 13th, from 2-5pm.  For more information on signing up, check here on our Dry Gulch Beads and Jewelry Website.

Spring Flowers Woven Bracelet Class

Create this stunning bracelet using elegant pearls and sparkly crystals in a bead-woven pattern.  This beautifully finished bracelet is fun to make, in whatever color combination you pick.  Peggy Lierheimer will be teaching this class Saturday, March 23, 2-5pm.  For more information about signing up, check here on our Dry Gulch Beads and Jewelry Website.

A Little Bit Goes A Long Way

In this carefree and creative bracelet, a little bit goes a long way!  The contrast between the sparkly Chinese Crystal and the rougher texture of the pink magnesite works out very nicely.  The dark pink artistic wire section with viking knit added the perfect touch to this piece.  You can find this bracelet here in our Etsy Store.

 

Vintage Spoon Jewelry Class

Create beautiful jewelry with pieces from the past.  In this class, taught by Kristin Girard, you will make a bracelet and a necklace from Vintage Spoons.  Come and join us on Saturday, March 2, from 2-5pm.  For further information about signing up, check here on our Website.

 

Wire Crochet Bracelet Class

 

Beautiful and unusual bracelets were created by combining beads with wire crochet, yielding unexpected results!!!   They were all so very cool.   Our thanks to Kristin Girard for making our Wire Crochet Bracelet Class a fabulous and fun afternoon!!  If you would like to see more of Kristins lovely work, you can find it here in Etsy.

 

 

And, of course, we are happy to announce, “WE HAD CUPCAKES” !!!