Personalized Charm Bracelet
Lately, there have been a string of things in my life that make me feel kind of old. Like celebrating our 10th wedding anniversary. Like my last class of 8th grade students graduating from college this year. And like my “baby” cousin graduating from high school.
Here’s how I still think of Nikkie {she’s on the left}.
…and here’s how grown up she actually is. Isn’t she gorgeous? This was taken on the 9th when another of our cousins got married and Nikkie was in the bridal party.
I wanted to give her something special and meaningful for a graduation gift, so at first I thought about making a handstamped necklace. But she already has a necklace she wears almost all the time, so I decided to try a bracelet instead. Michaels recently started carrying some adorable little brass stamping blanks in fun shapes that I’ve been wanting to play with, so this was the perfect opportunity to make my first charm bracelet. Here’s how it turned out.
First, I cut a length of chain that went comfortably around my own wrist and attached a cute little heart shaped toggle clasp to it with some brass jump rings.
Then, I stamped on the three blanks. I decided on “2012” for her graduation year, “N” for her name, and “Tim,” her boyfriend’s name. They’ve been together for two and a half years and seem pretty serious {although we all know how easy it is to remove jump rings, right? Just in case}.
Then, I put four beads on separate head pins, did a little wire wrapping, and attached them in between the charms. Here’s what they mean.
Clear/Diamond-y: April birthstone for her birthday month
Red: January stone to represent her anniversary with Tim AND her high school’s color
Green: Her mom’s birthstone, August
Blue: Her dad’s birthstone, March
Nikkie lost both of her parents within a few months of each other a little less than two years ago. Her mom had a heart attack when Nikkie was very young and it caused so much scar tissue and damage that she continued to deal with the repercussions of it for the next 15 or so years until a complication finally took her life in October of 2010. Just a few months later, Nikkie’s dad passed away very suddenly due to cancer he didn’t know he had until it was too late for any treatment to be effective. I wanted to include something to represent them on her bracelet to remind her that they would be so proud of what she has achieved and the woman she’s continuing to become, and that they are still a part of who she is.
I love how it turned out and I hope it’s something she’ll treasure. She’s one special young lady.
Congratulations, Nicole. I love you!
Oh this is wonderful! What a sweet gift! Janelle
This is such a sweet idea. I love the little personal touches you added; remembering each of her parents. I am sure she will treasure it!
This is so cute! I don’t think I could ever do this myself, so it’s wonderful to see your gorgeous finished product!!
Melody
http://www.mypassionfordecor.blogspot.com
What a touching and beautiful gift! Great job!!!
Such a beautiful idea. I’m sure she’ll be thrilled. THanks for sharing this week at our party.
What a thoughtful gift! I am sure she will treasure it. It turned out lovely!
Oh my goodness,this is simply lovely! You always amaze me with your creations! Such a great idea lovely to see your cute finished product!!