Mixing it Up

by Staci Louise Smith

I don't know if I qualify as a mixed media artist or not, but I do like to mix it up.  I use quite a variety of materials in my jewelry.  

I really love fabrics, though I don't sew all that much.  I also enjoy when I can re-purpose something.

A few years ago I made these really fun recycled leather cuffs.  

This was one of my very first ones.  Soon after this I started to add fabric behind them, and use my own etched copper pieces as well.

  

They sold really well for me.  They were comfortable, fun, and adjustable.  After one whole season of making them, I was burnt out.  I have a sort of love / hate relationship with my sewing machine.  

They also take a lot of little steps to make.  

This year though, I have been struggling with bracelet designs, and so, I pulled out my bin of leather and dug into my fabric and silk scraps, and once again, I am making a batch of recycled leather cuffs.  Mixing it up!

I have only gotten this far.............................

They are sewed for the first time.  Now I need to rivet them and sew the two sides together.  Then, they get made into a finished bracelet by adding grommets, chain and clasps. 
(I am so happy when I get to use fabrics) 

The best part is...................
I am finally excited again about bracelets for my next show!  

Do you ever get burnt out on a design?

Have you ever revisited an old design down the road?

I know I find it fun to do that once in awhile, and I also find, they always change the next time around.