Making my own jewelry

[Yliander]

well I've set myself the project of making some matching jewellery to go with my new open costume as I don’t have the new top yet – just the kilt.

Anyway I’ve found suitable sites to order the quantities of stones that I want – going with light siam and light siam AB in a mix of sizes - as new kilt is red & gold and my top is black.

I’m wanting to make matching collar and cuffs and am not sure what I should use as the base for the pieces – I was thinking black elastic, with large flat hook and eyes as closures – what I’m not sure of is will the stones stick well straight on to elastic? Is there something else I could use as the base?

[hamstersphere]

Maybe try making the cuffs out of something non-stretchy, like suitably coloured felt, and stoning those. It's probably the most sturdy if they attach with velcro. Then, to make them stay put, tack a loop of narrow elastic (the loop diameter should be big enough to keep them on, but not cut off circulation, heheh) onto the inside of the felt cuff. Only tack one point down (or else they'll stretch to the whole cuff diameter) and tack them at a point opposite the velcro, so if the velcro unhooks they're less likely to fly in weird directions.

You probably don't need elastic for the neckband ... just measure felt backing carefully so it's the right size to go around your neck securely. :)

[Me]

I would not recommend stoning elastic to make bracelets. When I have received gowns with stoned elastic straps, there were always stones missing from the straps. It looked like the elastic had stretched and popped the stones away.

When I've purchased gowns that came with matching bracelets, the designers used the same fabric used for the gown. Sometimes they'll just sew simple flat straps and stone them and sew hooks into them, or they'll fill them to make a puff look and stone them.

On a side note, within the past week or so I've received several e-mails asking me what materials I use. Kind of odd how these things ebb and flow. I guess everybody is gearing up for competitions. :)

[elisedance]

[COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana]well I've set myself the project of making some matching jewellery to go with my new open costume as I don’t have the new top yet – just the kilt. ......

Sorry, but ballroom dancing in a kilt? Sounds like an exciting new trend :artsy:

[Yliander]

thanks for the advice.

not sure about velcro - think it could be a little bulky - and I don't trust it - like the idea of the felt and propably easier to find than black elastic.

although concerned about it not giving .... can but give it a go - and if it doesn't work well bring on the acetate LOL

as to the kilt - I don't actually do ballroom dancing - well I didn't am learning a bit of waltz at the moment - I just like to use your sparkly costumes ideas :D

[SPratt74]

thanks for the advice.

not sure about velcro - think it could be a little bulky - and I don't trust it - like the idea of the felt and propably easier to find than black elastic.

although concerned about it not giving .... can but give it a go - and if it doesn't work well bring on the acetate LOL

as to the kilt - I don't actually do ballroom dancing - well I didn't am learning a bit of waltz at the moment - I just like to use your sparkly costumes ideas :D

Actually, velcro isn't that bad. It works well with me since I have very thin arms. I also have some that hook together, but they don't work well with me. They tend to slide up and down more, and that gets rather annoying. I'll probably have to wear the outfit without them. It's probably a matter of preference though. I'd wear what you'd feel most comfortable with.;)

[Yliander]

Actually, velcro isn't that bad. It works well with me since I have very thin arms. I also have some that hook together, but they don't work well with me. They tend to slide up and down more, and that gets rather annoying. I'll probably have to wear the outfit without them. It's probably a matter of preference though. I'd wear what you'd feel most comfortable with.;)

True - I need them to be firm and stay in place as we do a number of lifts - hence why I was thinking of elastic.... - like the idea of felt with elastic inside

errrghhh so many choices to make and I have to decide on the stones in the next couple of hours if I'm going to have them for the weekend.

I so should have been doing this a month ago errrrrghh

[and123]

Most of my stoned bracelets and armbands are made from very wide elastic covered with stretchy fabric. The stones don't tend to pop off like they do when you try to glue them onto naked elastic.

[etp777]

Yep. If you use fabric from the dress, likely to be some type of spandex with some stretch anyway, so if you use it over elastic as and123 said, or turn it into the poofed up donut bracelet like Me said, shouldnt' have issues with stones coming off.

[Yliander]

right - given, time and available materials - I've ended going the straight elastic option

I did try felt on Elastic but wasn't happy with how the base looked

so now waiting for elastic to dry after dyeing with tea. Figure for shouldn't loose too many stones...

and next time be more organised and do fabric casing over elastic

[Yliander]

well I've made 4 wrist bands - 2 for me and 2 for my dance partner, done some lace to go on my top and am a 1/3 of the way through choker.

as I was stoning straight onto the elastic - decided to go for a double glue application - a think layer of glue evenly over the elastic and then a good dot of glue on the stone - end result seems to be working - wore my wrist band at training on Monday night and no stones lost so fingers crossed.

the hardest part had been getting the length of the bands right.

[tanya_the_dancer]

I made bracelets and a choker necklace from 1 1/2 inch nude velcro strips. My guess is that I saved around $150 compared to what I would have paid for the same type of jewelry at a competition.

[Yliander]

I made bracelets and a choker necklace from 1 1/2 inch nude velcro strips. My guess is that I saved around $150 compared to what I would have paid for the same type of jewelry at a competition. I have no idea if I've saved money - as due to time factors no way to even think of ordering them - factoring in my hours of labour... guessing I would end up about the same cost - but if I go with just materials - miles ahead :D

How do velcro strips work as bases...

[and123]

I think you'd still need to attach fabric to the velcro. That material seems rather tight and slippery for gluing, though it does not stretch so stone poppage would be lessened vs. naked elastic.

[anp73ga31]

To make a bracelet for me (which per my request was about 5 stones wide), my mom used a strip of material she had cut off my dress and a piece of that stuff that is really stiff (not sure what its called as I dont sew but its what you make collars out of?). She put snaps on it and make it fairly snug so that it wouldnt turn (and it doesnt, even over my gloves). Anyway, it turned out great and I used gemtac to glue the stones on the fabric. It looks really good. Will probably do that every time I need a bracelet to match a dress, though i will never attempt earrings. Too complicated for me and I can get a really cool, fairly intricate pair that someone else labored over for around $30 at a comp(or at least I did last time and I absolutely love them! would NEVER have been able to make them myself...she used stones other than the flatbacks which further complicates things in my mind).

[tanya_the_dancer]

I think you'd still need to attach fabric to the velcro. That material seems rather tight and slippery for gluing, though it does not stretch so stone poppage would be lessened vs. naked elastic.

No, it works perfect. It's not slippery at all. Glue the stones to the outside of the softer part of velcro strip.

[tanya_the_dancer]

I have no idea if I've saved money - as due to time factors no way to even think of ordering them - factoring in my hours of labour... guessing I would end up about the same cost - but if I go with just materials - miles ahead :D

How do velcro strips work as bases...

Velcro strips seem perfect if you need something linear. I don't think they would work for more complicated shapes or something with cutouts. As for the cost, well, let's see. I've seen a bracelet like mine go for about $75-80 at a comp, and a necklace for $100-125. So let's say the whole set would cost around $250. I paid about $2 for 2 feet of velcro strip, and about $40 for the stones, and maybe $5 for a bottle of glue. And then I spent about 2 hours gluing the stones on, I think. So that was about $50 worth of supplies and 2 hours of my time. If I made $100 per hour, that would be break-even deal, but I don't.

[and123]

So glue to the fluffy half, not the hooky half of velcro?

[tanya_the_dancer]

So glue to the fluffy half, not the hooky half of velcro?

Yes.

[latingal]

So glue to the fluffy half, not the hooky half of velcro?

Just to be clear, I think tanya said the back side of the fluffy half. I bought a bracelet at a comp from a vendor ant this method was used....

[Dave]

well I've made 4 wrist bands - 2 for me and 2 for my dance partner, done some lace to go on my top and am a 1/3 of the way through choker.

as I was stoning straight onto the elastic - decided to go for a double glue application - a think layer of glue evenly over the elastic and then a good dot of glue on the stone - end result seems to be working - wore my wrist band at training on Monday night and no stones lost so fingers crossed.Probably a bit late to comment, but one thing about applying a lot of stones to elastic is that you'll lose a lot of elasticity in the process (the stones don't stretch, which prevents will the elastic they're glued to stetching either).

I wouldn't stress too much about the occasional stone coming off during a lift - you can always glue them back on. I assume you know that for maximum strength the glue should slightly overlap the stone edges? Otherwise the tendancy is that although the glue holds, the stone comes off its foil backing. Nearly all the stones we've lost have been because of this, not the glue itself.

What I would worry far more about is making sure neither of you can get a finger caught underneath a wrist band. Though that depends on the lifts you're doing, obviously.

[Yliander]

Probably a bit late to comment, but one thing about applying a lot of stones to elastic is that you'll lose a lot of elasticity in the process (the stones don't stretch, which prevents will the elastic they're glued to stetching either).

I wouldn't stress too much about the occasional stone coming off during a lift - you can always glue them back on. I assume you know that for maximum strength the glue should slightly overlap the stone edges? Otherwise the tendancy is that although the glue holds, the stone comes off its foil backing. Nearly all the stones we've lost have been because of this, not the glue itself.

What I would worry far more about is making sure neither of you can get a finger caught underneath a wrist band. Though that depends on the lifts you're doing, obviously.

thanks for the thoughts - the elastic doesn't need to stretch - as it has hook and bar catches - well unless it is an emergency LOL

the stones are pretty much all sitting in their own little bed of glue :D

[Artemia]

I'm going to resurrect this thread because it's the best one I found in the search regarding making your own jewelry.

I seem to be dying for projects to do with these hundreds of hotfix rhinestones I have lying around the house, but I am a rhinestoning noob when it comes to doing anything with them.

I was thinking making some sort of choker might be fun, but google has not been able to provide me with any sort of 'how to' make jewelry with swarovskis.

I would really appreciate any sort of 'getting started' tips anyone might be able to offer:

If my stones are hotfix, can I still do this or should I hand glue them? (And if I have to hand glue them, what kind of glue should I get and how do I use it?)

What backing should I use? I'm not really sure what is meant by velcro in this case, do they sell nude velcro in rolls or something?

What if I wanted to make something that was a shape other than "rectangular strip"?

I have a feeling at the end of the day I'll probably fail if I just try to make this up as I go along, so I have come to the place where the knowledgeable people reside to help me feed my rhinestone addiction!

Thanks! :)

[and123]

Yes, you can glue hotfix stones. I use GemTac. Others swear by E6000. It's a personal preference. Yes, they sell nude velcro in strips or rolls. I have made wrist/arm bands and chokers by covering wide elastic with either nude fabric or colored fabric to match whatever costume I'm accessorizing.

I'll let others who do this more often than I answer your other questions :cool:

[Artemia]

Ok, I think I get it... use the loop part of the velcro as the bracelet and attach the hook bit at the end on the back in order to provide a fastener?

What about if I wanted to make something with a shape?

Thanks!

[and123]

Eh, no, not quite what I meant, though I suppose it might work. I cover wide elastic with stretch fabric (nude, colored, whatever). For wrist and arm cuffs, I generally sew it closed and stretch it to get it on rather than use velcro fastenings. For chokers, I use hook-and-eye, clear snaps, or velcro as a closure, just at the ends.

What kind of shape are you trying to make? Like flowers and such? Hair adornments, earrings etc.? Haven't done too much of that, but other DFers have. I've used wide belt-type material (kind of a thin flexible plastic fused to fabric - can't recall the exact name right now) to make cuffs too, and I think this could be cut into a shape or design.

[fire_dancer]

I've made cuffs for my dresses before, and one thing that works well for me is to take a piece of lightweight bendable tagboard and cut it into the size/length you desire, then cover that with fabric. Leave about 1'' where the tagboard does not close. (i.e. - if you're making a bracelet and you want it to be 5 inches around, only make the tagboard bracelet form 4 inches around). Then, allow the fabric covering it to extend the extra inch or so, so it leaves a little to overlap. You should end up with a covered tagboard bracelet with an inch or so of fabric that is flexible. By sewing velcro onto this flexible overlap portion, it allows the bracelet to move and bend (and be fastened) while still allowing the bracelet to keep its shape. And the tagboard makes it durable.... I've worn mine through countless showcases/competitions, and it's still going strong! Not to mention the backing is more secure than velcro (and more comfortable, since it's covered in fabric) so the stones don't pop off or shift at all.

Just another thing to consider, if you're looking to make your own jewelry! :)

[dlgodud]

I recently started to make my own bracelet. I used elastic bands for main part and velcro on both ends of elastic. Used gemtac glue to put Swalowsky stones. I bought thick and wide elastic. Before putting the stones, made some design and cut the elastic following my design. Then, I started to put stones and when I finished that process I cut velcro the size that I can put both end of elastic and glued with gemtac. So far it looks fine and stones are still attached on elastic.

[Artemia]

My smooth gown's accessories are made out of black lace, beautifully stitched together to make the necklace/bracelets.

Where does one find lace appliques like this? I have googled and googled but found nothing but sequined flowers, etc, when so many gowns these days have these beautiful (and large) decorations of lace.

I feel like I'm being really dumb in my searching or something because no matter how hard I google, I never come up with what I seek, lol. (Half the time google tries to link me back here, it even linked me back to this exact thread earlier today!)

[and123]

Some sellers on eBay have lace that will work for this. You just need to use the right key words. Will come back and/or send you a message about it later. Need to crash for a bit. Zzzzz....

[and123]

The key words to use are VENICE LACE. It comes in applique form, by the length, and sometimes as full-width fabric (for bridal gowns, etc.), and you cut out the bits you want. You might even consider buying a cheap-o wedding gown on eBay and harvesting the venice lace parts (BTDT).

[gracie]

The key words to use are VENICE LACE. It comes in applique form, by the length, and sometimes as full-width fabric (for bridal gowns, etc.), and you cut out the bits you want. You might even consider buying a cheap-o wedding gown on eBay and harvesting the venice lace parts (BTDT).

That is a great idea. Why didn't I think of that. Maybe look at thrift stores too.

[fire_dancer]

At competitions I've seen the jewelry, especially necklaces, built on a nude-colored heavyweight fabric, usually with a clear epoxy-looking coating on the back. Does anyone know what this fabric is, and if it comes pre-treated with the epoxy backing, or what the backing is that they use?

[gracie]

This has been discussed on DF before. I believe some DFers thought it was a heavy net with latex painted on the back for grip. Also some thought the stones were set in a bed of glue or some sort of silicone type adhesive. Don't know what thread that was. Me and Tanya have both shown their work so perhaps search their posts?

[GGinrhinestones]

I just have to share with everyone that I made my first pair of competition earrings today - light siam and crystal AB clip ons. It was quite an experiment but seems to have worked out well! Added a couple of crystals to some hair combs to match, and now I'm debating whether or not to tackle bracelets/cuffs.

I'm adding stones to the dress in a week - my first major dress stoning project. Thanks for all the advice and help! If someone had told me a couple of years ago before I started dancing that I would be learning how to be crafty, I would have laughed at them. Funny how the crazy cost of everything ballroom leads you to develop new skills. :)

[dcharmd1]

thats awesome GG, i wish i could be crafty like that too but i always end up buying stuff from the crafts store and never finishing my projects, i' could be my worst critic but i agree with the crazy costs related to ballroom, i do my own make up and hair so i can save in that aspect

[GGinrhinestones]

thats awesome GG, i wish i could be crafty like that too but i always end up buying stuff from the crafts store and never finishing my projects, i' could be my worst critic but i agree with the crazy costs related to ballroom, i do my own make up and hair so i can save in that aspect

I always *try* to do my own hair and makeup, and then two or three different women have to fix them both. My talents, such as they are, seem to be limited to rhinestones and glue. :)

[tanya_the_dancer]

I started making my own hairpieces and bracelets so that a) I can match them to a dress which came without matching jewelry b) save $$ and c) have somewhat unique pieces (well, if it is just a fairly plain cuff, they are not going to be that unique, but eventually I will try to do something more complicated). I like the creative process of making them.

[tanya_the_dancer]

I always *try* to do my own hair and makeup, and then two or three different women have to fix them both. My talents, such as they are, seem to be limited to rhinestones and glue. :)

I can do my own makeup but not my hair.

[Jananananana]

To make that, I've used nude stiff mesh, parchment paper, embroidery scissors, and e6000.

You open a window, set up some fans to get that e6000 stench out, and you're all ready to go.

Measure your neck, draw out a design on the mesh, cut it out using the embroidery scissors, place the mesh on the parchment paper and start gluing the stones. The e6000 seeps through the mesh and creates like a gel-type flexible material and the mesh holds everything together.


This has been discussed on DF before. I believe some DFers thought it was a heavy net with latex painted on the back for grip. Also some thought the stones were set in a bed of glue or some sort of silicone type adhesive. Don't know what thread that was. Me and Tanya have both shown their work so perhaps search their posts?

[tanya_the_dancer]

To make that, I've used nude stiff mesh, parchment paper, embroidery scissors, and e6000.

You open a window, set up some fans to get that e6000 stench out, and you're all ready to go.

Measure your neck, draw out a design on the mesh, cut it out using the embroidery scissors, place the mesh on the parchment paper and start gluing the stones. The e6000 seeps through the mesh and creates like a gel-type flexible material and the mesh holds everything together.

I glue stones on first, and once everything is dry, cut out the design using an exacto knife. Also, for my latest hairpiece, I double-layered the mesh. I glued stones on first, then when it dried up some, I glued a second layer of mesh to the back, then when everything was dry, I cut it out.

Also, I used E6000 this time, but I think I will use GemTac to work with the stones and E6000 to glue that second layer of mesh in the future. GemTac is so much easier to work with for stones.

[sambanada]

I used to make my jewelry all the time. Believe it or not, I used to use dental floss. I would glue stones on both sides. It is very strong, and doesnt rip. It can be used for hanging pieces (back) or necklace pieces.

[tanya_the_dancer]

Has anyone tried using a fake flower to make a hairpiece? Any tips there? In particular, how to make it sufficiently flat at least in the middle so that it can be attached to the updo with bobby pins?

[Artemia]

I turned a flower into a hairpiece for my first ever showcase-type event. I just bought a stem of fake flowers from the local craft store, selected my favorite and hot glued a clip (you know, the hinged one that opens like an alligator's mouth) down to the flower.

The tip here is to open the clip, place the bottom half of the clip into the glue, cover it with fabric, and then allow to dry. Provided the top half of the clip isn't glued down, it will work (and then no bobby pins needed.) You could likely adapt this to whatever type of hair clip you prefer, though bobby pins might be a bit flimsy. Just... don't forget the fabric or the clip will be glued shut.

[pinkstuff]

Hi

I have taken it upon myself to make some jewellery to go with my competition dresses and was looking for opinions/advice from those with more experience:

Wrist bands/cuffs:
What is the best way to attach them together? Have read some people use velcro, but does this become bulky? Or alternatively to use hook& eye, but without help, I imagine closing can be difficult. Or is it best just to sew the elastic into a circle? My plan was to get some wide elastic, cover it in material, stitch into a circle and stone. Any suggestions appreciated!! Also has anyone considered stoning bangles? My previous jewellery has been bought from cheap shops but they often make the base from metal which got caught (& nearly ruined) my DPs nice new shirt so am not going to use them again!!

Hair decorations:
How do you design the pattern? And how to make sure it stays in place! Do you usually attach with hairgrips?

Thanks in advance! Any thoughts/suggestions are greatly appreciated. This is my first experiment with this!!

[3wishes]

hmmm, my experience in making the arm/wrist bands - has been both. If you use elastic/covered with your fabric then stoned..cut the elastic shorter than your arm/wrist measurement. This is so your arm/wrist band does not slide up and down your arm. This would be something you do before fabric covering the elastic. If you use velcro - I use a stronger version than the run of the mill. The choice is up to you. Bangles? I've actually just taken the plastic bracelets that many stores sell - spray paint to match if they are not the right color, used e-6000 glue and stoned to my liking. Truly no one knew the difference. And I saved a bunch of bucks for myself.

[chocobebe]

another way of making bracelets was buying plastic bracelets as 3wishes mentioned, but wrapping it in skin coloured fabric and stoning it. Hook & eye actually isn't too bad. In the beginning it was tough to put it on, but as the glove softens up, it becomes much easier cause you can pinch it on. I don't prefer velcro b/c the velcro can look quite bulky, and takes that little bit of extra effort to match the ends properly :P

[mindputtee]

Hi

I have taken it upon myself to make some jewellery to go with my competition dresses and was looking for opinions/advice from those with more experience:

Wrist bands/cuffs:
What is the best way to attach them together? Have read some people use velcro, but does this become bulky? Or alternatively to use hook& eye, but without help, I imagine closing can be difficult. Or is it best just to sew the elastic into a circle? My plan was to get some wide elastic, cover it in material, stitch into a circle and stone. Any suggestions appreciated!! Also has anyone considered stoning bangles? My previous jewellery has been bought from cheap shops but they often make the base from metal which got caught (& nearly ruined) my DPs nice new shirt so am not going to use them again!!

Hair decorations:
How do you design the pattern? And how to make sure it stays in place! Do you usually attach with hairgrips?

Thanks in advance! Any thoughts/suggestions are greatly appreciated. This is my first experiment with this!!

I actually just made a cuff and am about to make a video tutorial on how I did it as I make the others. I used lycra and just sewed it in a loop a little smaller than it needed to be so it would be tight. It seems to be working great so far and it's a lot easier than dealing with elastic.

[pinkstuff]

Thank you for all the suggestions. Have found some scrap material to experiment with so going to try both velcro & elastic to see which works best. I want to avoid anything too tight on my upper arm in case of unsightly bulges!!! Thought I might just use lycra loops for the upper arm jewellery.

[kckc]

I use polyester boning to make my bangles. Unfortunately it only comes in white and black, 1/2" width, but it holds its shape well. I've just recently started gluing fabric to it and haven't found the best way to do that yet but it is a great product. I get it cheaply on Ebay (2yds gets me 8 bracelets! for around $6.00) or you can buy it by the yard at Joann or Hancock fabric for a bit more. Ok, more than a bit, but might be worth it to see if you like it.

[tanya_the_dancer]

You can use rubbery bracelets, too. The yellow livestrong kind or similar. I raided my son's collection of rubber brancelets and wrapped them with satin ribbon, then put some stones on.

[pinkstuff]

I thought about the rubber bracelets but came to the conclusion I didn't have sufficient time for buy some. They seem ideal really.

[pygmalion]

Not sure where you are, so this may not be helpful. But they're sold in toy sections and at check-out counters of lots of discount and drug stores, all over the US. They're pretty easy to find. And, since they'll be covered, it pretty much doesn't matter what they say.

[Naululani]

I started making my own hairpieces and bracelets so that a) I can match them to a dress which came without matching jewelry b) save $$ and c) have somewhat unique pieces (well, if it is just a fairly plain cuff, they are not going to be that unique, but eventually I will try to do something more complicated). I like the creative process of making them.

I do make my own jewelry for my dresses too. Me too love the "creative process" making them ;)
I use different materials like crystals stones. fabric, pearls, beads, ribbons, feather, etc. It’s fun to make them!

[little_mouse]

I actually just made a cuff and am about to make a video tutorial on how I did it as I make the others. I used lycra and just sewed it in a loop a little smaller than it needed to be so it would be tight. It seems to be working great so far and it's a lot easier than dealing with elastic.

I would love to try and make a cuff and I'm just curious if you made your video tutorial? Would love to see it if you have!

[mindputtee]

I would love to try and make a cuff and I'm just curious if you made your video tutorial? Would love to see it if you have!

I did, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l69kY-CQQEM&context=C3f51456ADOEgsToPDskINGq7R3tWuG6JAM_Yd4eZ7 . I hope you find it helpful.

[little_mouse]

Thank you very much for posting that video! Everyone has such helpful suggestions, but when I actually see it being done, it really helps me.

Thank you!

[dancerdol]

mindputtee - you rock! This is one of the most interesting video tutorials - loved the speeded up section, the music, the running script below instead of talking head - you are one multi-talented gal!
I also make jewelry but, I use a chopstick or bamboo skewer with the end rubbed over a piece of beeswax to make it sticky- it makes it very easy to pick up stones.

[mindputtee]

mindputtee - you rock! This is one of the most interesting video tutorials - loved the speeded up section, the music, the running script below instead of talking head - you are one multi-talented gal!
I also make jewelry but, I use a chopstick or bamboo skewer with the end rubbed over a piece of beeswax to make it sticky- it makes it very easy to pick up stones.

Thanks dancerdol! I hate the sound of my voice and feel awkward talking into a microphone, so I decided to use a script instead, plus you can check exactly what it's supposed to say. I think I must've spent a good hour just going over it again and again to make sure I didn't have any typos. :rolleyes:

As for the chopstick, I got a bunch of those actual gem setter things, but the stones stuck to them a little too well and it got annoying. I like the dexterity I have with my fingers, but it does mean that they end up with a nice thing coating of glue at the end of the day. I've been working on stoning my dress and got some quite sticky fingers.

Now that I've been using these bracelets for a little while, I have to say that if I made them again, I'd use a clasp. Even though I like the look more as a loop, stretching them over my wrist is gradually making the stones fall off.

[dancerdol]

Some of the designers use a wide, thicker elastic inside of the stretchy fabric covering that you made. It keeps the stones on the fabric longer.
I can't use the gem setters or reverse tweezers etc. but, I was taught how to use the bamboo skewer (pointy end cut off) and the beeswax by one of the best "stoners" in the business and you can go really fast. i also use DSI glue - non-toxic and it comes off skin easily.

[mindputtee]

I might have to try that then. The thing I really need is something that will make all the stones sit right side up on my tray. Turning them all over is the most annoying part for me lol.