Bracelets :: The Collection

Lately, I have been mixing and matching all sorts of leather, beads and findings to create bracelets. Over the last year I've been hoarding, well collecting all shapes and sizes of leather along with fun focals and closures.  As you can see, the stack of bracelets is growing.

If you've visited me lately you will have already seen a few of these posted. There was the Game of Thrones hop hosted by Heather of Humblebeads where I created a Daenerys Targaryen dragon head bracelet. There was also a hop to celebrate Alenka's birthday who has a love of butterflies, so I did one in honor of her.Then there was the one from last week where I was trying to solve for keeping a gorgeous lampwork bead (by Lea Avroch) from sliding all over the place. 

But there has been more. Much more as you can see. This stack represents the ones that are finished. There are actually quite a few more in various stages of 'doneness.'  Then there are the bits and pieces mapped out on the bead table waiting their turn to make it to the mat (the bead mat of course).

I really have been loving this braided leather. It is soft and easy to work with, and well looks a bit Medieval which of course is right up my alley. This particular one with blond leather, a copper twist focal and strong copper closure was designed by the Bead Girl. She loves to paint while I bead or glue away. But the last time I had a whole mess (yes I mean mess) of leather and findings spread out across the table she grabbed this combo and ask "what about this Mom?" Yes, yes I believe that will work is the only answer for that.

The vast majority of my materials I've picked up from my friend Melinda Orr. She always brings an enormous, movable stash (on wheels) with her to Bead Fest. And Linda Younkman and I will sit literally for hours oooh-ing and aw-ing through our discoveries. She always sends us off with things to try. Which leads me to my growing love of leather. I'm sure you've all noticed it cropping up in my designs over the last year or so, and I have Melinda to thank for my obsession! I blame her entirely.

Now that the weather is warming up, and the sun is finally here, I've been able to get a few decent pictures. I have most of these listed over on my Etsy, so I can make room for new additions to my growing collection of these babies.