Really - doesn't that statement make you cringe? Sure, there are some crafty people out there; but chances are that they aren't exchanging gifts with other crafty folks; and most people think that they're craftier than they really are. Believe me, I've been on the receiving end of the non-crafty... like the time I exchanged "Homemade" gifts with a now-ex boyfriend at his request. I slaved over a painted mural on a big ceramic pot, and then planted a big plant in it; because he said wanted more greenery in his place.
What did he make for me, you ask? Let me tell you: He wrote me a poem... and he ain't no Bard.
What did he make for me, you ask? Let me tell you: He wrote me a poem... and he ain't no Bard.
There once was a man named Robin Hood
Who lived in a Knottingham Wood
From old Friar Tuck
He ...
Well, he didn't write that that one, but you get the idea. It was along that line, and he was really proud. Me? I was less than impressed.
Having been on the receiving end of the non-crafty more than a few times, I'm a bit hyper aware that I might not be as talented as I'd like to think I am, and that people are just humouring me. So, I think it makes complete sense that I've decided to be crafty and make beaded bracelets for Christmas presents this year.
Did I mention that I've never done this before?
Here's what I've done so far.
This one was the first that I made, and didn't work out so well. There are some spacing issues, which you can see on the left side. (The wire's longer than the beads...oops)
I beaded this one together no less than 4 times. The pattern that I worked out ended up using so many beads that I could wrap it around my waist. I'd take some beads out of the pattern, string it together and find that it was too long again. Repeat, repeat, repeat. Then I thought I finally had it right; but I miscalculated the length of the fittings (clasps) and now the damn thing's too short. So, I have to start all over again.
Or maybe I can just give it to my niece. (Sure hope she doesn't read my blog.)
Either way, I've got lots of practice to do. At some point, I'd like to be good enough at these that they don't scream 'homemade'; and it occurs to me that December arrives in a week. That's seven days to master my new skills, so I better get to it.
In the meantime, I suspect that I'm going to become the proud owner of quite a few less-than-perfect beaded bracelets.
Did I mention that I've never done this before?
Here's what I've done so far.
This one was the first that I made, and didn't work out so well. There are some spacing issues, which you can see on the left side. (The wire's longer than the beads...oops)
I beaded this one together no less than 4 times. The pattern that I worked out ended up using so many beads that I could wrap it around my waist. I'd take some beads out of the pattern, string it together and find that it was too long again. Repeat, repeat, repeat. Then I thought I finally had it right; but I miscalculated the length of the fittings (clasps) and now the damn thing's too short. So, I have to start all over again.Or maybe I can just give it to my niece. (Sure hope she doesn't read my blog.)
Either way, I've got lots of practice to do. At some point, I'd like to be good enough at these that they don't scream 'homemade'; and it occurs to me that December arrives in a week. That's seven days to master my new skills, so I better get to it.
In the meantime, I suspect that I'm going to become the proud owner of quite a few less-than-perfect beaded bracelets.
Keep trying it will come alot easier than you think.I do it all the time. I will make a necklace and take it apart a gazzilion times before I like the way it looks. Trust em if you look at my blog you will see I spend alot of time on these kinds of crafts.
ReplyDeleteOoh - Nice work!
ReplyDeleteNot humoring you here, those rock and I don't mean because some of them have rocks, stones..you know. I really like the flowers.
ReplyDeleteOoooh, ooooh I really think the second bracelet is just my style. That is very cute. It is a happy kind of bracelet! You could feel nothing but happy with that huggin' your wrist.
ReplyDeleteI say you're off to a great start. They look good, and that's the hardest part. Now all you need to do is work out the technical issues and they'll be perfect!
ReplyDelete