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!

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.

New Arrivals!!!

The anchor and infinity bracelets and jewelry are becoming very popular.  There's an endless array of ways to use them.  Leather can be threaded through an anchor then wrapped around the wrist, a very fashionable look!  We carry a nice selection of anchors and infinity findings and you can find them here on our Dry Gulch Beads and Jewelry Website.

What's In Your Heart?

This silver-plated heart blank is decorated with a single red rose, hearts, crystals, and pearls, and speaks of love.  It is finished with leather, crystal chain and more pearls.  This necklace has matching earrings and can be found here in our Etsy Store.

This heart blank can be personalized by adding your distinctive flair!  Fill your heart with your favorite photo or altered art.  They can be found here on our Website.  What's in your heart?

“Your vision will become clear only when you can look into your own heart.  Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakens.”

                                                                                                                ~Carl Jung~

"Box of Chocolates" Heart Pendant

This beautiful antique copper heart-shaped pendant blank is filled with pearls and crystals, then colorfully wrapped with a red leather bow.  This sweet necklace has no calories!!!

“Write it on your heart that every day is the best day of the year.”

                                                                                                 ~Ralph Waldo Emerson~

Leather Trends For Spring

The new Spring trends are full of leather looks.  I love the look of this fashionable multi-strand, leather bracelet.  Paired with the contrast of the purple lampwork makes this bracelet very beautiful - so rugged, yet so chic!!!



Chain and Leather Bracelet Class

There is so much to talk about that I don't know where to start. The woven chain and leather bracelet class was taught by our guest instructor, Kristin Girard.



Loved the contrast between the chain and leather as they all were really nice color combinations.
And then...

…we topped off our class with a little Chocolate Mousse.  What a relaxing and enjoyable afternoon!

 

You can see more of Kristin Girards beautiful designs here.