Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Bangle-O-Rama

I think the craze for wrist-to-elbow bangles was restarted by Marina Rios of Fanciful Devices.  She has been making stacks of them and just released a tutorial loaded with hints and inspiration.  She makes wonderful piles of them that look ancient and rustic. Check it out!

Bangle stacks offer a great opportunity to use up the little bits and pieces you have hoarded, and to stretch your imagination with simple techniques such as wrapping or lashing with pretty fabrics or wire.  Think of the acquisitive traveling tribal trader who finds things and cobbles them together, over years of time and grime, and you have the right idea.



This project started with a handful of thrifted bangles, oxidized and then variously wrapped or hitched with sari silk, racked (a nautical knot) with waxed linen, or lashed with wire and beads.

Next, charms were added:  a souvenir scarab, an antique green bead with cap, a frosted jade cross with copper wiring, an ancient spun glass bicone, two-toned bead, and a contemporary sugar-glass bead.

Also, since we associate coins with that gypsy look, a fine old Chinese coin and a coin charm from tribal Afghani jewelry.  And an altered hamsa charm.  And hand-stitched 20s era seed beads.

7 comments:

  1. OH!!! you so made these your own with your awesome style and sharp eye for ... awesome... and also your awesomesauce. which i didnt mention in the tute...
    i lurrrrvvv these!!!! so so so so goooooood! i like that word- 'hitched'! i might have to borrow it...

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  2. LOVE these - SOOO much! Happy Wednesday - go out and rock those bangles, girl!

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  3. Ooooh, your bangles are lovely! I've yet to make mine but looking forward to it (might start tonight). Love that hamsa charm, I've always loved those. xxx Juliette

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  4. Woot! Yes, awesome indeed! I can't wait to get back to my studio & try this...nice work!

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  5. Totally in love with the textiles on these amazing bangles

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  6. I love the use of the different textures, linen, sari silk, cord, beautiful!

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  7. You rocke d the bangles... Funny you and I posting on the tute... Heck I can't stop making them.

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