Need Help Executing a Christmas Idea - Beaded Bracelets

[septbride2002]

Hello! This past month we lost my dear Aunt Nancy to cancer. Although we lost her to bone cancer, She was a breast cancer survivor and participated in all sorts of events. My Mom and my other Aunt have taken the loss of their sister very hard. And since neither of them really needs a lot of things in this stage of their lives I thought I would make them tribute bracelets.

I have never made tribute bracelets before - so I am very nervous in this venture. And I am unsure of the cost - not that it matters much. I was kicking around a couple of ideas and what do you think would work best. Beads would be pink and crystal and the words would be in silver

1) Do a three strand bracelet with their names Nancy, Marty, Marian.

2) Do a one strand bracelet with just my Aunts name

3) Do a one strand bracelet with the word Sisters

4) Do a one strand bracelet with the word Courage/Faith/Hope

~Amanda

 

[Rebecca12345]

what a sweet idea hmm I like them all

but maybe the first one with all their names would be most appreciated by your mom & aunt..as a remembrance

 

[denisem]

What a lovely thought. Any of those choices would make a beautiful remembrance.

However, I also vote for the 3-strand with their names. T'would be so much more...personalized and meaningful. Not something you could order from a catalog, y'know?

Denise < --- accused of not being sentimental at times

 

[septbride2002]

Does anyone have any tips for making the bracelets?

~Amanda

 

[Disneyland_emily]

Do you want to make them or have them made?

If you are planning to make them head down to a bead/craft store they have dozens of choices from cheap to nice quality beads there (or should) then get some fine elastic or fishing wire (depends if you want them to streatch or not) and then have fun!


-em

 

[Tinkertude]

If you have no beading experience I suggest a bead store. The staff will help you with your design. Also they will supervise the crimping (holds the thing together) and help you get it the right, size. It is very sweet gesture on your part. I know Mom and Auntie will be touched for you aknowleging that they are still sisters no matter what. If you have a Brighton distributor close ck out the bracelet the are selling to fund raise for Komen Foundation.

 

[TN Traveler]

Amanda,
I like the idea of using the 3 names but you have to think about how much money you want to spend. I have 3 daughters and
wanted to make myself a bracelet w/their names on it but it was well over $50 and I just couldn't do that. I'm now thinking about
using their initials. The Sisters would be nice too.....could you
incorporate their initials w/hearts? Like *Heart* M *Heart* M* Heart *N* Heart. ?? I've seen beads that are in the shape of hearts or what about heart charms?? If you use the heart charms, make sure you use rings to attach the hearts. I made a travel charm bracelet and didn't put the rings on the charm for my cruise ship and sun charm and have lost them but did put the rings on my other 4 charms and they're still on!

I have a friend that has beaded bracelet parties at other ladies houses. It's similiar to a CM party or any other home based party......The hostess will inivite friends over to make the bracelets and based on a certain $$ figure, she will give a % back to the hostess to apply to whatever she wants to make. Terri (my friend) helps the ladies select beads for their bracelets, shows them how to thread them and then will tie the catches on and crimp them down so they don't come apart.

I've made 3 different bracelets and hoping to make some more for Christmas presents. I love them!

Good luck!!
Karen

 

[ajksmom]

I think all your ideas are great. The more personalized the better.

As for making them - if you have a joann's, acmoore, or michael' s in your area they offer very low cost beginning beading classes that will give you alot of information, enough that you will be able to string these projects. As for local bead shops, if you will be buying in quantity (same style of beads and colors) you'll find shopping online much cheaper. Check out www.firemountaingems.com
www.auntiesbeads.com
www.riogrande.com
www.finedings.com
There are numerous others but I've used these companies almost exclusively as I find I can easily order more of a great bead when I find one that I love or need more of, and some companies just keep changing their stock.
Also check your local newspapers for bead shows coming to your area. The prices at some of these is great, most are open to the public.
I'd like to make one recommendation, that is for your stringing material. When I first started I couldn't decide what was best to use. I attended a "juried" jewelry show and asked alot of craftspeople what they used. For stringing basic necklaces and bracelets they ALL recommended a product called "accu-flex" as it was durable, flexible and didn't "kink". They mentioned that "acculon" was easily damaged by any rough areas in the beads hole and kinked very easily, "fireline" (similar to fishing line) was so durable that it will actually cut the wearer before it breaks but it doesn't hold its shape well, and using a thread type product (nymo) wouldn't be strong enough unless you are stitching with it. Accu-flex is available through www.firemountaingems.com.
I have been making jewelry for 4 years now so if you have any other ?'s you can PM me, I'd love to help.
BTW, if you have an addictive type personality - you know what you're getting into right? You wouldn't believe how many beads you can own, LOL!!

 

[MerryPoppins]

Love the idea of the sisters names! Let us know how it works out.