A bracelet on the wrist is a universally flattering thing—be it a simple, single row of beads, or a colorful, chunky statement piece. Worn as a single item, or stacked one atop another to create a lovely mosaic, bracelets are a staple in any jewelry collection. They are also incredibly fun to make, offering everyone from the beginner to the seasoned crafter a wearable outlet for their creativity.
One of the country’s top up-and-coming jewelry designers, Jade Gedeon shares her unique techniques and beautiful ideas in her new book, BEAUTIFUL BRACELETS BY HAND [Page Street Publishing, November 2014, $21.99 US]. Jade, owner of We Dream in Colour, offers readers 75 of her favorite designs and provides the tips and secrets needed to create unique, wearable art. Jade’s designs and jewelry are featured in over 800 retail outlets across the country including Anthropologie.
Jewelry has long been a means of personal expression, and thanks to ever-evolving materials and casual style challenging its traditional notions of stature, it continues to become more and more fun. I am so happy to be able to share this pleasure anyone who loves to create new things,” Jade says.
This holiday season and beyond create your own jewelry to celebrate with or give as gifts. Jade’s designs feature easy-to-find materials such as beads, chain, fabric, metal, plastic, wood, and more. Projects include:
Chandelier Drop Bracelet—a stunning piece featuring a gold chain with oversized sea-blue chandelier prisms
Little Gem Wrap—a lovely combination of tan suede cord and bright lilac beads
Beach Treasure Bracelet—chunky wood pieces tied together with leather rope
Coded Bracelet – hide a message in your bracelet with interesting beads
Raku Handpiece – handmade scarab bead creates a rustic, earthly finish
Great Glitter Bracelet – party perfect and infinitely glam using sparkling links
Lace Cuff—glamorous thick, bright gold lace is pretty and bold
Bohemian Wrap Bracelet—blue and yellow block colors make a simple yet exciting piece
“There is something undeniably appealing about the richness that things with age and patina bring to our lives, and whether by material or finish, many of the projects presented in my book reflect this notion. The materials are affordable and easy to obtain and there are endless opportunities for you to personalize them to your own tastes.”
With so many different materials and methods to choose from, all of which can easily be found at craft stores and hardware shops, BEAUTIFUL BRACELETS BY HAND makes crafting jewelry that will be cherished for a lifetime as much of a blast to create as it is to wear.
About the Author
Jade Gedeon’s influences range around the world. Owing much to her family’s nomadic lifestyle, Jade enjoyed extensive exposure to a multitude of nations and cultures growing up. Born in the United States and raised in Trinidad, she has made her home in numerous countries. She showed a talent in drawing and fine art at a young age and went on to win a major art award. Subsequently she has displayed her work in prominent galleries, illustrated several publications and attended on scholarship one of America’s most prestigious art schools, Pratt Institute. She was also invited to Denmark’s Design School where she studied in Copenhagen.
In 2002 she decided to put her artful background to work to create wonderful things. As the owner of We Dream in Colour, Jade has since sought to offer accessories that range from the quirky to the elegantly refined. And that she does indeed. The pieces are witty, surprising and fashioned to stand out from the crowd—ensuring the wearer sparkles from season to season. Her jewelry has been featured in Vogue, The New York Post, Lucky, Self, InStyle, Marie Claire and People, and is sold in over 800 stores, including Anthropologie. She lives in Essex, Massachusetts. To learn more about her unique designs visit her website, www.WeDreaminColour.com.
BEAUTIFUL BRACELETS BY HAND
Seventy Five One-of-a-Kind Baubles, Bangles and Other Wrist Adornments You Can Make At Home
by Jade Gedeon
November 2014 / Page Street Publishing
$21.99 US; Paperback
ISBN: 9-781-62414-090-7
Ebook also available.
