Handmade Bracelets (Chan Luu Inspired)

Hey everyone,
I have been so busy with spring cleaning, getting ready for a couple swimsuit competitions, and starting a new job at the research lab that I haven't really had the time for much else!  If you follow me on my YouTube page PrettifulMakup than you know that I have been doing some day in the life videos, everyday, for about a month now.  I really enjoy them but a few people had mentioned that they think I am really trying to be like Lorraine Stanick from the YouTube page TheCurrentBoobies or TheCurrentCustom.  I love her videos, don't get me wrong, but I am in no way trying to copy her.  It's funny that people get that impression, but we have the same interests and hobbies and we belong to the same type of community on YouTube, of course our videos will be similar...there are only so many ways that one can make videos, especially if you are part of the beauty community.  How many different angles can you really hold the camera, how many different eye shadow reviews can you really have?  With that said, I tried to step outside that small world and let you see a different side of my life and that was the "real" side.  The sort of day in the life videos I film now are so easy and quick to upload.  I feel like I can film everyday and not get bored or sick of doing it.  Lorraine definitely had the right idea and I took that idea and put my own spin on it.  They do say that copying someone is the best form of flattery right?!

Anyway, on to the point of this blog post.  I have had an obsession now with bracelets and I think the obsession started when I actually went to visit the store/boutique "Exit Art".  It is actually the Stanick family store and they sell clothes, jewelry, art, furniture, housewares, and other little nicknacky odds and ends (that's designer odds and ends I might add).  I ended up wanting to visit the store because I live in Florida, Orlando for that matter, and my bf and I were going to visit family in Ft. Myers for the weekend.  Lorraine's store is in Sarasota, Longboat Key to be more precise, and that was only a few miles out of the way from our final destination, Ft. Myers.  I really wanted to go and personally take a look at the store I had always seen in the videos I watch on YouTube. I also really wanted to buy some 7 For All Mankind jeans and maybe a piece of jewelry or something.  I believe they have a couple different stores and we ended up at the one that's located under a resort, past the St. Armand's Circle location.  Patrick, my bf, wanted to go to this little shack that serves lunch, next to the boat dock, which was located across the street from Exit Art at that location....soooooo that's how we ended up there.  Anyway, I was so excited to visit the store and look around.  I was kind of nervous too.  It was weird, because I have seen Debbie, Lorraine's mother, on the videos as well, but now she was helping me pick out jeggings and telling me all about the designers she buys from!  It was really a great experience all in all.  Debbie was wonderful and a huge help when it came to deciding which pants to get.  She was super friendly.  I ended up purchasing some David Smallcombe cuff bracelets in silver and some black leggings.  Ever since I left that store though I had regretting not buying the beautiful Chan Luu bracelets.  They were gorgeous and came in many different styles and colors and materials.  They had this beautiful orange bracelet with gold beads scattered throughout the design.  It was really breath taking!  That was about a month and a half ago and since I had forgotten how much I really like the bracelets.  I had to put it out of my mind though because with the fabulous bracelet came a not so equally fabulous price tag!  The prices for her bracelets range anywhere from $100 - $350 dollars!  I could  not afford to pay that for a bracelet. 

Now....in more recent news....I had come across a video on YouTube that showcased a tutorial on how to make these famous Chan Luu bracelets.  I was intrigued and couldn't take my eyes off the screen.  After that I searched for more tutorials and pictures and DIY projects that featured this "Chan Luu Inspired" look.  I ended up finding wholesale websites for all the materials used to make the bracelets, like leather cord, waxed Irish linen thread, gold vermeil muggets, and the like.  I have since made four bracelets, which I will show pictures of at the end, and I am SUPER HAPPY and PROUD of the results!  I am even thinking about selling my own bracelets on Ebay or Etsy.  I told my family about it and now they all want Chan Luu bracelets as well.  I started taking orders on colors and materials that they like so I can start making them. 

It just goes to show, that if you truly want something, just take it/make it/do it!!!!!
Here are some pictures of my handmade "Chan Luu" inspired beaded wrap bracelets:

 This is the bracelet I made my sister.  Kierstin's Bracelet with pewter/onyx button and marbleized semi-precious stones, fire blown glass beads, and rose gold and silver Czech fire blasted nuggets on brown leather cord. Adjustable to three sizes. Wraps around standard size wrist 3 times.

 This bracelet was a quick little "lets see if I can even make it" bracelet.  It is kind of like a tester bracelet, but I am really happy with how it turned out.  It is a Chan Luu inspired wrap bracelet with Czech fire blasted rose gold beads on waxed cotton cord with tarnished family crest button closure.

There were my first two bracelets I made. Black leather cord with Czech fire blasted silver and rose gold beads with antique button closure. Natural beige hemp cord with Czech fire blasted silver and rose gold beads with tarnished family crest button closure.

Let me know what you think! I would love to hear your suggestions, feedback, or ideas on color combinations.  I don't have an Ebay account set up yet because I don't know when I will try to sell them.  For now I am just enjoying making them for my friends and family.