Blog a la Cart

Around the Farm // 4

We’re headed out to the Poconos for our usual Labor Day antics. Two of James’ a capella besties from college, and their families, are joining us.

When I asked Sunny if she was ready to fight in her first Tomato War, she responded, “Mommy, fighting is very bad. We don’t fight.”

How do you explain pretend battle to a preschooler, with the caveat that under normal circumstances (i.e. any day other than Labor Day) you refrain from hurling tomatoes at your peers?

We’re looking forward to one last summer hurrah before tackling a very busy September.

1. One of our mountain views. *swoon*
2. Kaki, purveyor of dirt. Kid loves her garden.
3. Chickens and their domain, namely the compost.
4. Abundant, beautiful Swiss Chard
5. Sisterly sweetness. I can hardly stand it.
6. On a walk.
7. Not on the farm, but at the bowling alley. Sunny laying claim to her bowling ball.
8. Impressively tall sunflowers.
9. Why hello, Nemo.
10. Sunset on the farm.

Beaded Wrap Bracelet // diy

I first tackled this DIY over our Easter vacation in South Carolina visiting James’ family. I finally documented it over our summer vacation in Cape Cod visiting my family. And I made it a goal to post it before the official end of summer, i.e. before Labor Day!

And yes, we do realize that we are very fortunate to have family that lives in such desirable places. Thanks Moms and Dads!

I know I’m late on the Chan Lu Beaded Wrap Bracelet bandwagon. My crochet beaded bracelet from last summer was certainly a nod in that direction, but this project is definitely a more direct reference. It’s tricky to explain the beading, but think FIGURE 8s, and you’ll be fine. It may take some practice, it certainly did for me.

Let’s get started!

MATERIALS:
Beads (I ultimately found that I preferred smaller beads, with more wraps around the wrist). Experiment with different colors and textures to vary the wrap.
String for the borders (bead supports) of the bracelet. You can do leather, hemp, whatever appeals.
Beading wire. Super thin. I opted for black.
Clip board
2 binder clips
Scissors
Button of choice (for the clasp)


DIRECTIONS:

1. Start by determining how many times you’d like the bracelet to wrap around your wrist. Measure out that length with the string for the bead border, add an extra 6-8 inches, then double over. Then unwind at least 5-8 times the amount of wire in that length. It’s a lot of wire! Tie a knot at the end where the string doubles over with the wire. See image below. Snip the excess wire.

2. Now practice your figure eight skills by winding the wire between the two strings a number of times before you begin beading. Keep wire tight and even. Then use a clip board to clip the top of the bracelet to the top of the board, and use the clamps to hold the two strings at the base of the board. This will help you keep an even tension as you bead.

3. String on your first bead.

4. Slide the bead up the wire and in between the two pieces of string, with the base of the wire and bead tight against the strong on the left side.

5. Wrap the wire over the top of the right string and bring around back and up between the two strings. See below.

6. Now string the wire back in through the bead, from right to left.

7. Pull the wire tight and this will brace the bead in place. See below.

8.  Finally, wrap the wire over the top of the left string, around back, and up the middle. Pull the wire tight to fully brace the bead.  Then do the process all over again with the next bead (jump back up to Step 3).

It will take some practice to get an even tension and the hang of the beading. As the wire length shortens, the process will become easier and easier. Once you reach the desired length for the bracelet, do a few figure eights with the wire (no beads), then tie off the wire and strings in a knot, add a button that will fit in the hole at the top of your bracelet, and tie one final knot.

Then lie out and enjoy the sun! Play at the beach! Go for a swim! The great thing about these bracelets is that they are super wearable. Enjoy!

Photos and Tutorial: Courtesy of Ashley Weeks Cart