I share a Birthday Month with several friends. For one, this year's birthday will be much harder. Not only are she and I "Virgo Babies", her oldest daughter is one too. Earlier this year, it was a joyful day when they welcomed her daughter's first baby and my friend's first grandbaby. Sadly, that precious girl was taken suddenly last month.
I wanted to do something to show my love for them and to remember her. Sapphire is the birthstone for September so blue was a given. I had some Sodalite beads I was saving for a special project. This was it.
Supplies
- Sodalite Beads
- Elastic Stringing Cord
- Bead Caps
- Teddy Bear Charms
- Jewelry or Superglue
My original plan was to use the blue crystal beads shown here as a focal but I didn't love it once I strung it on the cord so I switched to an opaque white crystal bead shown here. Aesthetically and symbolically, the white bead worked better representing her innocence.
I love these pink clips from Dollar Tree for Jewelry Making! I cut pieces of the stretchy cord longer than I need because I like the extra length for tying tension. Others measure more precisely. It's a personal choice. Starting with the bead cap, string the gemstone beads until you reach desired length. In general my bracelets are about 7 and 1/4 inches when finished.
I love Loctite's Gel Super Glue for jewelry making. EVERY brand, and I mean EVERY, of Jewelry Glue I've tried ends up getting gloopy and clogged and I've thrown more tubes away because the glue won't come out. This stuff works just as well for me and never clogs. Tie an overhand knot, dot with a small dab of the glue, then tie again. If I'm using heavier beads, I do this again. Using a wire cutter or small scissors, trim the ends.
I was at Michaels and saw these Teddy Bear charms by Bead Landing and they seemed perfect to add to these.
I used the silver ones which I used 7MM jump rings to attach. TIP: When I add charms, I add them where I knot the bracelet.
Of course, I also made a card which I coordinated with the colors in the bracelets.
Nothing can replace their loss but I hope these small things made from the heart will show my love.
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6 comments:
My heart! I am so sad for your friend and her family, losing that precious child. Prayers of strength for them. Having a caring and loving friend such as yourself can make it a bit easier during times of grief. Love the bracelets and your beautiful card.
What a beautiful idea, and a lovely gift.
I am saddened to hear about your friend's baby. It's a difficult situation that no one should have to endure. Please know that I am sending my prayers and positive thoughts to her. Your kindness towards her, as well as the wonderful bracelet you gifted her, will surely be treasured forever.
Gorgeous...they will love them!
What a thoughtful gift and a lovely thing to do for your friends. I, too, lost a baby in Sept. My birthday is in Sept. and my SO has 3 grands and I have a grand with Sept. birthdays. Prayers for your friends family; grieving loss of my babies is definitely the hardest thing I've ever had to do.
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