After going through my stash of beads a number of times without getting the proper idea, one day it just came to me: a Shambhala bracelet. A symbol of peace, tranquillity and happiness - exactly what I am for when creating my pieces, and exactly what the families of the children will need!
To test my abilities (I have done one long time ago - it seems to be a skill similar to bike riding: once you learn it, you'll never forget it!) I used the only blue beads with large enough holes that I had in my household at the time - this is the first bracelet:
Love at first sight! Quickly went to the store and got another set of blue glass beads; they have to be blue, otherwise I have a number of suitable beads: purple, green.... no blues... you'd think the way I love blue I would hoard them. I figured out that as soon as I get something blue I make it immediately in a wearable piece :)
This is the 2nd Shambala bracelet:
I meant to do a few more - maybe next time (at least I'm optimistic!).
Instead, I have decided to add a couple of charms: Angels - I'll be using them this week for Martzishor (read more about our beautiful tradition here) and I made more, just in case.
This was my try at the 7000 Bracelet Blog Hop - I'd love to hear what you think about it!
Please check below the other participants - and make sure you visit them!
I love them both, but especially the first. The blue and black look so good together. Your knotting looks great!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you, PinkChapeau (nice name :)) - yes, indeed, the turquoise one looks much better in pictures (it's probably the contrast). Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteI love your idea too - with the coordinated pair; lovely pair!
I love these, especially the first one. I'd love to learn this technique as I've seen some very trendy bracelets like these and really want about 90 or so of them!!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Sandra - it is a very easy technique. A great article on how to make one is on ArtBeads: http://blog.artbeads.com/2012/02/chocolate-and-caramel-shamballa-bracelet/.
DeleteThe trick is in having an even number of knots between the beads (otherwise they tend to turn a bit) and in following the which side goes where instruction carefully (otherwise, again, your knots will spiral).
When you learn it - it helps to stay away from silk cord :) Try cotton or leather - they won't slip as easily as the silk one!
I was just thinking the same thing! Coming to leave a compliment, but really wondering how you make these! So nice of you to share the link!
ReplyDeleteYou've matched your skills with some great looking beads, and ended up with wonderful results!
Thank you, Sharyl :)
DeleteThese are too cute they both turned out great and two that's one more than I did. I was pretty happy to get that one done and blogged.
ReplyDeleteThank you - I made two just because I had too much fun knotting the first one :)
DeleteYou did a great job with both of them. I know the recipients will feel the love and caring. Your colors are beautiful. I love seeing all the different shades of blue we've come up with.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Shirley, I hope the recipient(s) will like it too!
DeleteWhat beautiful bracelets! I love the knotting technique you've used.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Holly - one of those days when an idea just comes out of the blue ;)
DeleteHello!
ReplyDeleteFoarte frumoase brăţările, iar îngeraşii, pe post de mărţişoare, sunt o idee excelentă !
La mai mare şi mai multe realizări !
mama
My mom is saying she likes the bracelets and she thinks the Angel charms as Martzishoare is an excellent idea. I am glad she approves :) Just kidding - thank you, mom, for your comments. They mean a lot to me, as usual.
DeleteBeautiful bracelets!! And those Angels - lovely as well!!
ReplyDeleteThak you, Shel - now the task of wrapping them all and sending them away will start :)
DeleteBeautiful! Thanks for the sharing the link to the technique. I look forward to seeing your other designs!
ReplyDeleteThank you - and you're very welcome.
DeleteAlicia, these Shambala bracelets are fantastic and just so comfy and wearable! I love the idea of Shambala for the wearers of these. Great colors and such sweet angels! (and now the 3 Dog Night song will be looping in my head all day :-) ) Thank You so much for participating in this Hop!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Christine - I didn't think I will like them as much as I do... so much so that I don't really want to part with them :) Must check that song - at least you'll have some company. Thank you and Erin for giving me the opportunity to participate!
DeleteThose look terrific!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lori - yours is wonderful too!
DeleteI love the macrame on the Shambalas, and the angels are just what loved ones of ill people need. Angels are wonderful!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Mary - I had the same thoughts about Angels... I love them.
DeleteAlicia,
ReplyDeleteThose are very pretty and unusual I like the meaning behind them also very fitting for this project. The angles are very sweet also. There are going to be some lucky women to wear your bracelets.
Therese
Thank you, Therese - that's why I decided to stay with one style, it seemed so appropriate for this cause. I loved yours too (I am hopeless with seedbeads :)).
DeleteOh, you made me jealous about the Andrew Thornton kit, I've been trying to get one since November!
Oh these are wonderful! simply fun ;)
ReplyDeleteThank you - they were at least as much fun to make :)
DeleteLove your bracelets. I've made these, but didn't know what they were called or the story behind them. Thank you for sharing that. The first one is my very favorite. Great job!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jean - it is such an inspirational story. I have always been fascinated by Nepal, and by their mythical place - aren't we all looking for a space of pure peace, tranquility and happiness?
DeleteAlicia, your try was a success!! I am so glad you joined us for this hop! I love your bracelets- I am so envious of everyone who can make these gorgeous macrame bracelets (my last attempt was my college hippie phase!) I didn't know what a Shambala bracelet was, so thank you for sharing the meaning behind it! These are such lovely bracelets, and the women who receive them will feel blessed and loved!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Erin for the kind words, as well as for spreading the word and allowing me to be part of it... I had an amazing time trying to think what to do (and ended up making so many other pieces, or just making notes for the future :)).
DeleteI think the trick for these bracelets is to use the appropriate cord - a non-slippery one will work wonders for practice.
I agree with Erin's pst - I did not know what Shambala meant, so thank you for the education! Your bracelets are absolutly beautiful, perfect bead choices! And your little charms are sweet!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Patti, you're all very kind!
DeleteI love knot work and the use of it here for this projcet, is BRILLIANT!! Bravo!! Love what you have done!!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Elizabeth!
DeleteLovely bracelets, Alicia! The colours are so well chosen and I think you can always create different ones with other colours, they would look just as great!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Delia - I think the colours chose me :) Yes - I am on the lookout for suitable beads, as I had more fun than expected making these 2!
DeleteLove the shambala style bracelets. They are both so different. I am particularly partial to the teal and black. Great job.
ReplyDeleteHi Linda, and thank you for stopping by - I do like the turquoise one better too... It's something in that beautiful contrast :)
DeleteI love the style of your bracelets.Shambhala is perfect!
ReplyDeleteMy blog post is up now! Thanks for stopping by.
Cilla
Thanks, Cilla
DeleteVery fun and pretty bracelets, perfect for jeans! Thanks for paricipating in a wonderful project ;)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Lisa - yours is lovely too (I said it before: I am hopeless with seedbeads :))
DeleteNice ! I'm a fan of black and color... but that second one keeps catching my eye lol Two ladies will be very happy with these :)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Skye - I'll be happy to know it brought them a smile and a moment of peace.
DeleteThose are both very sweet bracelets that I'm sure will be adored by the ladies who get to wear them. Nicely done!
ReplyDeleteThank you - very kind of you (and everyone else who stopped by and left a note!)
DeleteAlicia I love your bracelets and what they stand for. They will bring their recipient much joy and much needed tranquility. You are so awesome!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Lorilli - we are all a very creative group, I love what we all created... I wish someone could make a collective picture of all the bracelets! That would be something to remember :)
DeleteLuv them Alicia! BTW I follow ur blog goggle RSS Reader! I'm Huge macramé fan & luv doing it so these are my Fav bracelets in Hop! U rock!
ReplyDeleteOh, wow, Shanti - thank you a lot! Considering I haven't done knotting in many years, I am truly humbled and honoured by all the responses so far, your makes no exception. You've been all so very kind, I hope the recipients of all our creations will feel the love that's in these bracelets!
DeleteLove the macrame - don't know how to do it so I am always in awe!! Beautiful bracelets!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Stacey - the technique is quite simple once you figured it out. A good article on how-to you can find on ArtBeads: http://blog.artbeads.com/2012/02/chocolate-and-caramel-shamballa-bracelet.
DeleteIf you decide to practice - make sure you use non-slippery cord for practice (thick cotton is the best, or hemp).
I just love these bracelets! The recipients will be very happy. Don't know how you do this style of bracelet, but they sure look nice!
ReplyDeleteOh, thank you - I think it's the 'simple, yet powerful' element at work. See my answer to Stacey - it is a quite simple technique :) Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteVery cool! I like your work alot!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Susan! I love your cuff too :)
DeleteHow pretty! love your bracelets!
ReplyDeleteThank you!
Delete