Project Description
This project started at the recent CHA Winter Conference. At the Aitoh Origami and Paper Crafts booth, they were using their amazing Japanese papers to cover wooden bangle bracelets. So, OK—I made a couple bracelets and was generally pleased with the results. The patterns and colors of their papers are outstanding—beyond beautiful. Yet, there was something not quite “finished” about the bracelets.
When I got home to my studio I coated the bracelets with 3D Crystal Lacquer by Sakura Hobby Crafts. This was the finishing touch that I was seeking. It added just the right amount of shine and polish to the bracelets. Plus the lacquer will help to protect the paper.
I was so thrilled with the results that I decided to make a necklace to go with them. I started with a blank wooden disk two inches in diameter. I cut one 2 1/2″ circle and one 2″ circle from Aitoh’s washi paper. I painted the reverse side of the 2 1/2″ paper circle with a thin coat of Aleene’s Quick Dry “Tacky” Glue. Next, I carefully centered the disk onto the glue side of the paper circle and smoothed the paper, working from the center toward the edge, all the way around the circle. Then, I snipped tabs all the way around the paper circle at about 5/8″ intervals from the outer edge of the paper circle to the disk. Then, one by one I pressed each tab to the back of the disk being careful to smooth out any bumps. Next, I glued the 2″ circle to the back of the disk. I let the glue dry completely before moving on to the finishing.
When the piece was completely dry, I coated each side with 3D Crystal Lacquer, letting the first side dry before coating the second. The last step was adding the beadwork and jewelry findings. I used my Crop-a-Dile Big Bite to punch 1/8 ” holes in the disk—three along the bottom curve for beadwork embellishment and one at the top center to attach the ribbon tie. Here’s the finished piece to the right.
And here’s a close-up.
I’ve got other projects on my worktable using Sakura Hobby Craft 3D Crystal lacquers, so stay tuned. Teaser: I’m using colored crystal lacquers and a marvelous, rich, golden pearlized lacquer. Check out Crystal Lacquer Blogspot see other projects and learn more about 3d Crystal Lacquer.
I love what you did Carole! You are so creative and your jewelry is always so beautiful and unique!
Where do you get kids and adults wood bracelets?
Awesome! I really like your design and style. Very up-to-date and functional.
I love your jewelry Carole! Very artistic and something that could be worn casually or for a more formal event.
You rock Carole! This is awesome! You have such talent and are a great person to boot! Miss you!!!
This is awesome!!!! I dind't think you were paying close attention when we were at the show.
Carole is super talented!! She can watch about 3 things at once, learn those and create a 4th, all at the same time! LOL!
Stunning…and it is what EVERY girl needs! I need to make more jewelry! Thanks for inspiring me and have a great trip!!
Wow, these are wonderful and must be so gratifying to make. I have been beading for years and this looks like a great creative outlet with wow results.
Thanks for sharing.
LOVE this project
Wow, I love what you've done with these! The bracelets are beautiful and the necklace is the finishing touch. I was recently at a Premier Jewelry Party and these are SOOOO much better but I prefer "handmade" jewelry over costume jewelry.