Guys, I learned a new technique and I think I am in love!
So, last month I noticed a class at Beaded Bliss that I desperately wanted to take. I rearranged my work schedule specifically so I could be there and I learned how to make this!
Ok, so it isn’t supposed to curve like that, but it was my very first one! Trying a new technique is like making pancakes. The first one is always a bit wonky. I think I’ve figured out how to maintain better tension by now. But! Luckily, the weird curve on this one is completely unnoticeable once you put it on your wrist.
So, can we talk about that blue? Those Tilas are Matte Azuro (#4556) and when the light isn’t on them or they are flipped over, they’re a kinda plain smokey gray. But when you flip to that blue side and hit them with the sun, BAM they are the most gorgeous blue.
The Half-Tilas I paired them with are Matte Metallic Copper (#2005) and I used a kinda chocolatey brown leather with 8lb Smoke Fireline.
So, the technique involves using two strands of leather, folding them, and then basically doing loomwork with seed beads or two-hole beads, using those strands of leather as the warp. I had never done loomwork before, but it wasn’t as tricky to learn as I thought!
I also had to do some wire wrapping to secure the button to the tail threads, which was WAAAAAY out of my comfort zone. My wire working is abysmal. I can’t even make a wrapped loop, you guys. But Cathy was very patient with me and walked me through it and I think it turned out just fine!
*sigh* I’m in love, you guys. In fact, I enjoyed making this bracelet so much that immediately made a second one!
And look! It is perfectly straight! Ha! So, I used a mix of colors for this one that I already had in my stash. There are three Tila colors (Matte Metallic Copper, Matte Metallic Blue-Gray, and Matte Metallic Green Iris – #2005, #2001, #2008) and there are four Half-Tila Colors (the same three as the Tilas, plus Matte Khaki Iris – #2035).
I did put them in an arbitrary order and stick to it, but because there were more Half-Tila colors than Tila colors, the pattern shifted down as I worked and gave it a more randomized look. I used a silvery-gray leather this time and more 8lb smoke Fireline.
I did ask Cathy to supervise me again when it came to the wire wrapping portion, but I think it went ok! I also realized that I could use 6/0’s as decorations on the end of the strands. They slid onto the leather soooooo much easier than the copper beads I used in the first bracelet.
But, yeah, I can’t get over how well the colors turned out on this one. It’s still got my trademark neutrals and earthtones, but I think the color placement makes it look like some sort of fancy tile work. I don’t know, but I’m enamored.
So, that’s what I’ve been working on lately! I don’t get the opportunity to take classes very often, since I’m usually the one teaching them. In fact, I think this was only the second class I’ve ever taken. But I love taking them at Beaded Bliss and Cathy is a great teacher. If you’re in the OH/IN area, you’ve gotta seek her out.
So, thanks for indulging my new obsession! Has anyone else tried any sort of modified loom work like this? Does anyone do real on-loom loomwork? I’m thinking I might need to give it a try!
Wescott Jewelry 
What is the name of the loom you used?
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I didn’t use a loom at all. That’s why I referred to it as Faux-loom work. I just held it in my hand. :)
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Romie, you can use a clipboard if you want to, but put some fabric or layers of paper between the metal clip and the leather, otherwise it will mark it. Look on youtube for leather wrap bracelets to learn the basics.
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Both of these bracelets are gorgeous! Love the color combos! Great work!!
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can we buy the directions for this somewhere?
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It’s not my design, but you could try contacting the owner of Beaded Bliss at followyourbeadedbliss.com and see if she has the instructions she used for the class for sale. :)
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Sam what a great blog post! Your posts have a wonderful story telling quality to them.
Thank you so much for featuring my tutorial, hugs! Cathy
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Hi Wescott Jewelry,
Beautiful work on the outstanding purse. I have a three
Questions. 1 . What color beads and what size did you use
On the loop for the faux loomed bracelet ? 2. What size leather did you use in
Millimeters? 3. What gauge wire did you use to wrap button?
Thank-you. Happy New Year.
Sincerely, Char Rossi
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Hi, Charlotte! The loop is made with size 11/0 Miyuki beads in Matte Copper Iris (2005). I think the leather is either 2mm or 3mm, but I’m sure either would work just fine. And the craft wire was just a scrap bit, but I think it was 18 or maybe 20 gauge? I don’t think it matters too much, as long as it goes through the button holes a few times. :)
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Hi Wescott Jewelry,
Thank-you so much for the information about the Faux loomed bracelet.
I appreciate it very much. Have a good day.
Sincerely,
Char Rossi
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they’re amazing
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It has been quite some years since you did this bracelet. I discovered my interest in making bracelets only a few weeks ago and started of with simple elastic band bracelets, followed by macrame bracelets with beads. Then I somehow stumbled across your blog post and I was instantly blown away by the beauty of this bracelet. I especially like the second version.
So now I’m very eager to try and see if I’m able to recreate it.
Anyway, thanks for inspiring me!
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If you would like a mentor, I’d be happy to help you on your beading journey. You can find me in the Facebook group as Denise
https://m.facebook.com/groups/BeadingAndJewelryMaking/?ref=share
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Hi Quinn, if you would like a mentor to guide you on your journey into beading, I’d be happy to help you. You can find me as Denise here:
https://m.facebook.com/groups/BeadingAndJewelryMaking/?ref=share
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I’m confused, you wrote 2mm or 3mm leather cord. But that would mean the 6/0’s on the end of the leather cord wouldn’t fit as they have an inner diameter of 1.6mm ??
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Good catch! So, I didn’t put any information about the leather in the post, but it does look like I said “I think” it was 2mm or 3mm in a comment, but you’re right if a 6/0 fit on it, it must have been 1.5mm. But this post is almost six years old, so unfortunately I don’t have either piece of jewelry available to measure it with calipers to find out for sure.
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No problem, I use 2mm leather cord and I will search for something else.
Thanks anyway for inspiring me, even after six years. ;-)
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