Sixty Six Bracelets Later

I finished the bracelets I talked about in the previous post! I'll admit it was not easy! My finger tips have yet to recover from handling the metal and sliding the waxed cord knots. I've been applying vitamin E oil repeatedly, which is quite soothing. I hope I don't develop huge calluses on my fingers... well, at least they'll match my unsightly nails!! The sanding did a terrible number on my nails.

So, after all that whining, I'll share with you some pictures of what started as basic pieces of metal and cotton string...

...is now this:

I really like the blue, waxed cotton (reminds me of jeans); I just love it!

All of the little bracelets have been neatly tucked away in cute, shiny, gift bags and ready to be shipped.

Although the project (66 handmade bracelets) was a bit daunting at times, especially when I would need to restart a piece because of an engraving error (this happened quite a few times because of a little mishap with my engraving machine. Although it set me back a bit, I powered through and was successful in completing the project without being overwhelmed. And I have to say, at the end of a project like this, I always feel happy to have given my all.

66 Personalized Bracelets to Make

I've got a large order of 66 personalized bracelets. How can I make all those bracelets without being overwhelmed and losing my mind?? One bracelet at a time. Being constant is the trick for me.

The first step was to take my template and mark the sizes on my metal and then "cut each one by hand with metal sheers." I know!! Who does that?

The strips in the pile you see in the 1st photograph, have all been cut and roughly sanded into shape (I use an electric power tool for that job). Because I'm using a power tool, the strips get hot! hot! hot! I cannot hold them without a thick cloth to protect my fingers.

Also, you'll notice I drilled the holes in the metal strips. I love drilling the holes! Because I dip the tip of my bit into beeswax, there is a lovely honey scent in my studio! Oh! And check out the wood piece in the top photograph (the bottom left corner). See the holes? Those are the holes I leave behind after my drill bit goes through the metal and into the wood. Better to do that than ruin my table surface!

My next step is brushing my metal for a nice finish!

I'll keep you posted of my progress!

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