Would you believe this bracelet design began with the chain?  It’s funny how I was sure that would be the star player (or at least a large supporting role) but then the design evolved.

While digging through my stash I found this leaf pendant I had made while working through Christi Friesen’s book, Flourish.

It’s made by shaping Sculpey Ultra Light Polymer Clay into a leaf shape, baking, and then carving off chips with a blade (a messy, messy process, with static-y bits of foam sticking everywhere.) It was then painted with Christi’s Swelligant copper paint and green patina.

I made three of these back several months ago, and just chucked ’em into my experiments bin, not being really impressed. But now, I kinda love it. Funny how that goes. 🙂

Anyhow, this is a fun sort of project for you to dig around in your stash, maybe rediscover some old treasures, and make something fun with them!

You can watch the Chunky Leaf Bracelet Video Tutorial over at YouTube.

Happy Creating!

Materials:

• 1 large focal bead or connector piece
• 6 inches (or so) chain
• toggle clasp
• approximately 1-inch diameter decorative ring
• assorted beads to match/compliment focal, chain, ring and clasp
• waxed linen twine

General Instructions (watch video for more details):

Arrange jewelry elements in pattern that is pleasing to you.

My order is: toggle bar of clasp, 6mm bicone bead, 8mm bicone bead, leaf focal piece, 8mm bicone bead, decorative ring, 12mm bead, double length of chain, ring section of clasp.

String a 10-12-inch lengths of waxed linen twine through one end of your focal and meet ends together. Tie an overhand knot next to your focal, treating both strands as one. Slide your next bead onto one strand of twine and tie another overhand knot. Repeat to add all beads you want, then slide toggle bar of clasp onto one strand, tie strands in a square knot (right over left, then left over right.) Trim off ends.

Repeat in a similar manner to add remaining beads, decorative ring, chain and ring of clasp, check fit after adding chain and trimming down chain as needed.

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