Snippets from a bead artist.

12.16.2014

A New Tutorial - Carol's Bracelet

I have a new tutorial out there in my Etsy shop!  I'm excited, because this really just flowed for me, and the last one was a bit of a slog.  I really like it, and best of all, the friend I named this for likes it, too!  Introducing Carol's Bracelet, a pretty and dainty piece which is really wearable:




I haven't taken my Montana/Egyptian blue one off since I made it.  ;)  I am addicted to them, and have been working on another one; gold this time, I think.  I love using the 6mm chatons, they add just the right amount of sparkle, and I like the 2mm pearls because they're fun to work with.  The 2mm crystals in the bezels are optional, and easily replaced with a size 11 seed bead.  If you'd like a copy of this tutorial, it is available HERE.

A few people have asked if it was possible to use a 39SS 8mm chaton in place of the little 29SS 6mm ones, and so I had to have a try this morning and see how it worked.  I thought I would share the results in case anyone else would like to try it that way, too.  BOY it is shiny!!!!


Here's what changes in the pattern; You will need to start your bezel with 8 Bs instead of the called for 6 As.  From there, use all Bs for Steps 2&3, and of course there will be more repeats around your base circle.  In Step 7 you use the same beads called for with the 6mm, again with more repeats.  Your crystal round will consist of 8 2mms rather than 6, and you will have a total of 8 picots around.  Make the connections as directed, the only change is that you will have three 'free' picots top and bottom rather than two.  :)


Because of the change in chaton sizes, you will most likely need to leave off the extra embellished diamond before your clasp.  I used Light Bronze #457L, Aqua Shimmer chatons, aqua AB 2mm and 4mm crystals and white pearls for my sample.


Before I go, I just want to remind everyone that my Annual Sale will still be happening this next weekend, as well - you can read more about that in my last blog post HERE.  Thanks for reading!






7 comments:

  1. I love this! I have several vintage chatons that I had no idea how to use-- They're smaller than most stones that I work with (I usually work with 14mm and up Rivolis) and I was going to use them in metalwork instead. However, your bracelet is so darned cute! I love what you created, and I agree- that deep blue one you made is a dazzler! ~Val

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    1. Thanks so much, Valorie! I hope you have time to make one, and that you enjoy!! :)

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  2. Thank you for the update to use larger chatons, nearly finished my first one (ran out of chatons due to change of colour, just ordered more) I had been thinking about trying to do it with larger chatons, very pleased with the design.

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  3. Yippee!!! I finished an SS29 chaton bezel - really didn't think my old fingers would be able to do it, but I had success!!! I do have one SS39 and will try the work around on it. I only have 4 SS29 stones, so will see what I decide to do with the bunch when the bezeling is done! Thanks Nancy....I love this pattern!! Jeanne

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  4. Nancy Dale, what an elegant and feminine design! This is so beautiful and you are so kind to adapt it for the larger Chaton. I really have had my head buried in the sand for months and have missed so many of your posts. I am so sorry my friend. I am so in love with the way to combine sparkle, subtle metal, a hint of pearly glow and delicate edges and lace. Bravo girl!!!

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