For a few years now I have had the inkling to use the 2mm hand painted silks I carry (from Ute of Silk Painting Is Fun) for some sort of wrap bracelet, but have lacked in the pulling of any solid idea together.

When it was time to submit product for Beads 2015 (Stringing Magazine Fall) I decided to commit. I came up with the idea of using these TR5 Miyuki triangle glass beads, threaded onto a piece of waxed cotton (not the sticky waxed cotton, but the smooth kind). I added a 2mm silk ribbon folded in half, and simply braided the three cords together, leaving a bead on the waxed cotton as I worked.

Happily they did select these to be in their “cord” section, and you’ll be seeing my Evening Forest Color palette in that issue later this summer!

I have a difficult time when it comes to limiting myself with colors. I really have an addiction to color and texture, and add some slight OCD to it (or rather hyper focus) and you’ve got a lot of product. Here is one of my first mixes that I created: Originally titled “Marsha’s Happy Mix” it is now know as Jewel Tones since it really has some rich muted hues.

And instead of just making pretty mixes to be used on any color of silk, I decided to use what I’ve got. My Silk Color Palettes – which for the most part consist of 5 color strands!

This one below is my Halloween Orange Black Silk palette. I went one by one and picked out beads that I felt were in a good color family.

All braided up and ready for their closure button…

I started out by picking a few of my favorite Silk Color Palettes:

Woodland Realm, Stormy Waters, Vintage Rose, Caribbean Blue Green…

But then that addictive personality came out and was determined to complete the line. If I have all of these beautiful silk color palettes, and all of these beads that I can create with, why not offer all kinds of colors so that everyone can find something (because you know there is always going to be that person that asks for the one I didn’t make into a bracelet kit).

Besides – I LOVE color! And Texture.

And these little glass beads look like gems on this very soft and smooth silk!

Oh. What is not to love about these…

So 20 color palettes are picked, the design is created – and well tested and worn (they pair quite lovely with other fiber bracelets). Instructions are done and a couple of quick make and take classes at Sarafina Art House, and I am just about ready to launch these!

Cait Throop (BarefootWeaver on Etsy) handmade woven cuff bracelet and two braided silk beaded Marsha Neal Studio bracelets.

I am right now working on four listing for these in my Marsha Neal Studio Etsy shop (so much easier to use Etsy than overhaul my website at the moment):

One complete kit to make 5 wrap bracelets (with my ceramic disc bead/button).

One kit to make 5 wrap bracelets (without my ceramic buttons as you may have your own).

The other two are going to be these braided and available as a cord only, ready for you to finish (with or without my ceramic disc bead).

Beaded Silk Cord Color Palettes by Marsha Neal Studio

And hopefully I will be working with Sara and Kyla from Sarafina Art House to create a quick video tutorial on how to make these! I am trying to get my brain around that and really limit what I need to say. Not such an easy task when I get super excited about these and all of the possibilities you have once they are in your hands!