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!

AJE Earring Challange #15

These beautiful blue lampwork beads, the ceramic leaves, and the "Earring Creations" themselves above, are all made by Jennifer.  A little added Swarovski sparkle and some Sari Silk just make for a fun pair of earrings!

I made these copper earrings by adding lampwork flowers by Steve Rhoades of Bokomo Designs.  I attached them with lampwork headpins by Jennifer...a little hand-dyed ribbon brings them together.

AJE Earring Challenge Reveal #14

These earrings are made by my granddaughter, Gianna.  I must say, she mixed up a pretty cool pair of earrings!  She cut, pounded, and torched her findings, then crystallized and added a lampwork bead made by her mom, Jennifer.  These fun earrings are one-of-a-kind!

I most definetly got "hooked" in the bird's nest class!  These earrings are copper with moss agate eggs.  Dangling from the copper chain are Jennifer's beautiful lampwork leaves.

AJE Earring Challenge-Reveal #12

These beautiful Lampwork Beads and Earrings are made by Jennifer of Dry Gulch Beads and Jewelry.  The glass is from Striking Color Glass.  They pair so well with the copper and just a touch of patina.

I made these Sterling Silver Earrings with some Lampwork Beads that Jennifer made for me a while back.  The Swarovski Crystals just set them off!  My Grand-daughter, Cat, took all the pictures this morning among the growing and climbing Crypress Vines.  Looks like summer!!!

Local Jewelry Artist

Tisha Doyle of Goodie Two Shoes Designs, creates custom stamped sterling silver and copper jewelry designs.  Tisha specializes in personalized sports jewelry, like this adorable baseball mom charm bracelet, creating unique and timeless keepsakes.

Local Jewelry Artists

This silver filigree pendant is made by Heather Jones of Select Jewelry Designs on Etsy.  A beautiful,  delicate and highly detailed design.

 

Even though Heather works mostly with silver, she also works with copper and brass, making gorgeous one-of-a-kind pieces. 

The Bead Soup Reveal

Our partner for the first Reveal is Dana Hickey, of MagpieApproved.  Dana sent us these beautiful hand-made copper pieces.  There were so many different ways to work with these pieces, that it was kind of hard to decide :)  Things did change a few times, but here is what has been created.

  

It all started with the copper focal, the one with three loops, which just begged for a lot of dangles!  The linen fiber worked beautifully with the stones, and with the Raku Lampwork made by Jennifer of Dry Gulch Beads and Jewelry made it perfect.  When finished with the leather, it took on a Bohemian look - LOVE IT!

  

The earrings were made with Dana's matching wire-worked copper links and Jennifer's Raku Lampwork, tied together with the Linen fiber.

For this necklace, the beautiful copper and pearl toggle just needed to be the focal piece!  The copper side-drilled drops were perfect and looked so good with the toggle and the pearl medallion links.  The Czech glass, nuggets, and the rootbeer crystal dangle just seemed to complete this necklace.  The handmade hook finishes the back.  Such an elegant look!

  

With the copper piping beads that Dana sent us, we took them to the torch where they were enameled.  They turned out beautifully with a lovely purple.  They look very close in color to the purple lampwork beads.  All the beads were then gathered on 6 strands of leather.  We used copper sliders between the sections, pulling the bracelet together, and finishing it with a magnetic clasp.

  

This last necklace turned out completely different than I thought it would...you could say that it "evolved".  It all started with a filigree, and then a piece that had been etched.  With Spring now here, flowers seemed appropriate, and the wire-worked flower section was made.  So very happy to find these wonderful flower beads, they were perfect with the pearls and copper - VOILA!!!

Well, that's it!!!  Thank you, Dana.  We used ALL of your "Bead Soup" and it was very inspiring.

  Now, here's what we sent to Dana, you can click here to see what she has created.  Be sure to visit all of the other blogs for their creations.  You can find the list of participants at Lori Anderson Bead Soup Party.

Reveal #5 AJE Earring Challenge 2

The copper really accents the Sea Glass in this pair of earthy earrings.  I love the look of the torch-fired glossy enameled circles with worn-looking edges.

Designs Underway

I have an unbelievable mess on my desk, and it all looks so good!!!  No master plan as of yet, just a collection of visual stimulation.  I love the impact that copper makes when paired with natural woods and pops of jewel tones or pastels.  And then, of course, beautiful turquoise with copper, the perfect compliment.  I know one thing for sure, the Bead Soup sent to us from Dana Hickey of Magpie Approved has many possibilities, and that is my favorite part of the creative process.  The magic has begun and the transformation moment is happening.  There is happiness in creating things you love.

Steampunk Heart Collection

A one-of-a-kind steampunk inspired heart collection.  Each heart has a message.  The copper heart says "I pledge allegiance to the heart", the silver heart says "The key to love is in the heart", and the brass heart is "The queen of hearts".  Love these!!!  You can find these hearts here in our Etsy Store.

 

“A light heart lives long.”

                                  ~William Shakespeare~



Copper Collage Necklace

I love collage jewelry!!!  It's so much fun to use a variety of materials and create a rustic look.  This pendant has been enhanced with added patina and finished with a copper colored silk chain.  You can find this necklace here in our Etsy Store.



Reveal #2 AJE Earring Challenge - 2

These handmade earrings are lampwork cabachons that have been bezel set in sterling silver and copper.  The gemstones are turquoise mosiac teardrops topped with copper caps.  Flameworked by Jennifer and hand metal-smithed by Catherine of Dry Gulch Beads and Jewelry.