Copper Cuff

Don’t be so hard on your self, Brenda. The one thing that makes a cuff easier to do is practice, practice, practice! You have some very good elements in your design and your color choices are excellent. I don’t know how long ago you finished the cuff but my advice, speaking as a long time teacher, is to put it away and don’t even look at for at least a week. When you take it back out you will be better able to see what you have. Right now all you see are the elements that didn’t turn out the way you wanted. Figure out just what didn’t work and see if you can come up with a different approach. If you have other photos showing the sides please post them so we can see the whole piece and maybe give you additional advice so you won’t give up after the first try.

For a first attempt, I think you’ve done a great job. Don’t give up, it gets easier each time you do another one and listen to LRC.

Brenda, I’m with LRC and 3K on this one – don’t be so hard on yourself! You’ve chosen some wonderful color elements, and I like the arrangement. Whatever you do, don’t give up! You have some great potential here!

Another thing you might want to do, Brenda, is look through all of the bracelets that have been posted on the Design Gallery. This will give you a chance to see all of the variations used by different beaders/artisans. The bracelets cover a broad range of designs and techniques. And you are probably right about the tutorials. They will give you detailed instructions. Every little bit of information you can find will be helpful in some fashion. Now, get back on that horse.

I agree, don’t give up! Please check out my copper and green cuff bracelet and hint for a tutorial. It’s never easy doing a cuff and even I gave a few hints in the comments on the bracelet. Do as we say, not as we do, huh?! Keep beading … and cuffs are always fun to practice with and develop our skills quickly.:-) SLS

Here is another possible source for info on wire cuff bracelets: “Beautiful Wire Jewelry” by Irina Miech copyright 2009 and available on Amazon. One of the other cuff makers posted this information but I failed to write down who it was.

I know little about wire work. I have only seen this site from the eyes that have seen a lot of commercially made jewelry. Let me tell you it gets to be precise and boring. 32 years of retail and being a shopaholic I think gives me a little right to be a critic. I think this is a beautiful piece. Beauty is definitely in the eye of the beholder. Some times the development of a creation and the end product are not exactly as we perceived it. The wonderful out come is to be praised and enjoyed.. sort of having a bad hair day because you have worn your hair the same way for 5 years and today it just doesn’t work and all your co-workers say “Who did your hair I love it.”

I like many of the things you’ve done. I agree with some of the other chicks that you need to step away from it for a while. Then come back to it again.

I have to go now. the children are calling…

I am so proud of you for trying!!! I really like your stone choices and I agree, that you are too close to the piece just now to see what you did right!!! I think it is pretty.
It is not ugly, but a learning experience is not always the way we envision it. I have that problem with my paintings, too. I have to step away before looking again—and quit obsessing over one little thing when all the rest is really very nice. Give yourself a break! and kudos for the attempt.

Brenda, I am so proud of you for making a cuff!!! I haven’t taken that leap yet and still can’t quite figure out what on earth is holding me back!!! LOL Fear of failure? Fear of success? Who knows! Anyway, I really like what you’ve wired together and kudos to you for sharing it with us!!! I agree with all the beaders who said to put it away for awhile and ignore it. Sometimes we can’t see the forest for the trees. Oh, that was clever. Let me write that down. ROTFLOL

I say wear it and I think you’ll be happy with the compliments that you get! SLS

Brenda, I agree with everyone else. I think it is really pretty and love the colors you have used.. I would definitly wear it !!

Brenda – I agree with Shannon – wear it! I bet you’ll be surprised by all the compliments you’ll receive. You’re being very hard on yourself by comparing yourself to artists more experienced with wirework. At least you’ve tried. I haven’t done that yet.
Smart to start with copper. And I really like your bead choices. Looking forward to your next project!

I think it’s pretty!!! I’ve made a cuff the other night but I was so excited when I bought 12 gauge wire that I didn’t check to see if it was aluminum…and it was unfortunately!!! So the cuff isn’t very sturdy, I’ll post it soon.

I like it. If you won’t wear it you can send it to me to wear!
Cause I’m not brave enough to make my own yet!

Oh boy girls you are going to have everyone of us trying that one day.

Looks fine to me–I suggest you wear it. You will get compliments–I have when I have worn mine–most people are not used to seeing wire work like this.

I love it… and would agree with all the above comments.