Tangerine Tango Watchband

This March challenge is to use up some leftover beads.  The way my beads are set up I really don't have leftover beads.  Occassionally, someone uses part of a string of beads and pay only for the number used and the rest are put into a bead case of odds and ends.  I have chosen beads from this case.  The next challenge is to use a new beading technique.  The two will be combined in this watchband. 

The beads chosen are carnelian 8mm round beads.  The color couldn't be better for the Pantone color of the year:  Tangerine Tango. 

  The technique is making a watch band with three strands instead of two.  After several attempts is was evident that there is no way to do it without going through one row of beads twice.  Therefore, it would be much easier if the center beads were large holed.  I switched the gold beads for some with extra large holes, however, the carnelian beads would not allow the stretch cord to go through them twice.  I had to go around them so it was lucky that I had orange Power Cord.  It is almost invisible and on a moving watch won't show as much.
   

The first attempt was way too short, so I added more beads.  Now it is too long and I must take it all apart again and remove some beads.  (That is why you will see a little tail of the knotted end here and there.)  I wanted to post this today so I will remedy that and another problem and edit this later. 

Altogether the watch is stunning. Can't wait to wear it.

Day 37: Patriotic Watch Band

Now for the watchband to complete the look--totally Red, White and Blue.  This is one of the first watchbands that I made last year.  It is a keeper.

This was made from all the random red, white or blue beads that I had in several mixed bead collections.  Each was large and showy.  I took my inspiration from a website called The Scarlet Lime.  I loved their watch bands.  They are no longer on the web by that name, at least I cannot find them. 

It looks good with any patriotic color.

Day 31: Patriotic Watch Bands

A couple of patriotic watchbands for Independence Day. Both are made with red faceted glass ruby round beads, royal blue rondelles, and silver beads. Top band (Red, Blue and Stars)is 6 3/8", and bottom band (Patriotic Watch Band) is 6 1/8" to the silver lobster clasps.

What is a holiday without a matching watch band?

Day 9 pg 2: Watch the Watchbands

Here are some watchbands I made for the girls at work, but I am unable to sell them at work--company policy (another great idea squelched). They are up for grabs because I made my own in gold at the same time.

First, turquoise and silver--two styles.

Next: Fiesta bands in two colors. Made for Cinco de Mayo.

Next, Jelly Bean, a summer fun band.

Last, white for the temple (an extra from a special order).

Day 9: Rio Tinto

Today was a laid back day. First I had to sharpen the saw. And clean up the worktable: write up several new projects for price and future reference, findings to put back into drawers, bead boxes to put away; unleased chaos reorganized.

Onward and upward. The best project for today was watchbands. One particular band lay undone for weeks for want of a clear idea. I wanted an everyday turquoise band that was not made with silver. Also, I wanted to try out a small watch face with single clasp. I came up with the Rio Tinto--turquois and coral, silver and gold. (A literal translation: A deep-colored river.) It speaks to the Type 1/3. (See Dress Your Truth for explanation.)

The watch face is silver with gold. The beads are turquoise and coral--a perfect marriage of beads. I like the way it turned out.