Made By Lex

Chan Luu inspired bracelet tutorial

I went to borrow some jewelry from my mom’s extensive jewelry collection and found these gorgeous bracelets by Chan Luu. She has a bunch of different versions but I love these single bands.

So I did a little research and found some great video tutoirlas on how to make them. Rather then doing my own I”ll just share a few links with you that I gathered info from to make my own.

Aunties Beads Video

Copy Cat Step by Step

I wanted to make one that was a little organic looking. I took this necklace that I had with some kind of stones and took it apart. I used the existing closures, the plastic jewelry rope it was on and added the leather. That way I didn’t need a big knot at the end.

After that I did the instructions that they said and added by toggle at the end.

Here were my problems:

1. My stones were very irregularly shaped. So it made it more challenging.

2. I ran out of my jewelry thread halfway so I needed to add more of a different one so the thread changed colors halfway through.

But I still love the way it came out.  I just love the way the irregular stones look and I can’t wait to layer it with lots of other bracelets.

I’m totally hooked on making these and I can’t wait to try some more out!

Oh! And THANK YOU for all the closet ideas! They were perfect and I have tons of new ideas now. Also, the black maxi dress is done, I’m just working on editing all the pictures. Coming next week!

Gold Runway Inspired Bracelet Tutorial

I was really inspired by this bracelet I saw in October’s edition of  Vogue. It was not only  heavily layered, but it had small flyaway pieces. I love loud jewelry like this.

Then I realized how many random pieces of jewelry I have laying around. I decided to try my hand at my own piece.

Get a piece of flesh-toned fabric, whatever length you need. I made mine about 2.5 inches wide. I sewed it together so the edges would be  clean.

The next thing I did was mark where I wanted the pieces to be. Since it would be curved, I knew I wanted larger pieces a the top of my wrist. I used an invisible ink pen and marked the center of the top of my wrist, and where the jewelry needed to stop at the ends to have room for my clasps.

Then start gathering!   You could stitch them on or use jewelry wire, but that was way too much for me for a project like this. So I relied on my best friend, hot glue.

Get a toilet or paper towel roll to place your on. You want to glue the pieces on to it while it’s on here since it will give you a curved surface. Glue away!!

Go BIG here!! Don’t skimp. Just layer and fill every space you can. Use old chains, buttons, jewels, buttons, crosses, unmatched earrings, etc…

Here’s my completed piece!!

For a closure, I used snaps. You could use a zipper, eye/hooks, buttons… And in retrospect, I would have added the closure at step 1.

Here’s my bracelet all opened up so you can see each piece. I wore it the other night with black pants, an army green silk tank and just this. It was a great statement piece.

I wore it here with a batwig sleeve top.

Have fun with this one! I’d love to see your own renditions!

$1 High Fashion Bangle Bracelet

First, grab 5 strips of chiffon. Cut them 1.5in by 3 inch. I used these three cream then two in a taupe color.Squeeze them in the middle….

.. then stitch them. Here’s what you’ll have.

I got this bangle in the dollar bin at Target.

Here are a couple more that I absolutely love.
this Vera Wang Silkor this other Chanel.
Cut the fabric the length of your bangle and wide enough to cover it all the way around. Hot glue it on one side. Make sure to pull tightly so it doesn’t pucker at all.

Then do the other side. I think its LOVELY just like this. Think how many you could make with beautiful fabrics!

For an extra step, I covered the inside with this gold hem tape to cover the fabric that was folded over.

Now get your chiffon pieces and layer them on and stick with hot glue.

I added this blue bead to the center. But vintage pieces would look amazing or pearls!

I love how big and bold it is.

Now go make some one of a kind, couture statement bracelets!!(That cost a buck!) How great are these for gifts!! I’m going to be making LOTS of these for Christmas!