Barbarella

The seemingly bleak economical and environmental outlook these days leaves people yearning for protection and security. This climate can't help but impact designers during their creative process, so it is no wonder tougher, utilitarian jewelry is making its way onto the scene. Case in point? Staple Brit label Burberry Prorsum and the recently launched Dannijo. Both lines used barbed wire as inspiration for bracelets that send a "Don't mess with me" message. Juxtaposed with dainty, ethereal dresses, these bracelets will keep you looking sharp all spring!

From left: Dannijo bracelet; Burberry Prorsum bracelet

What You'll Need:
3 yards thin leather cord
Jewelry clasp
One bead
Superglue
Scissors

Begin by cutting two pieces of cord, each one yard long. Tie a knot at one end, then twist the two strands together and tie another knot about six inches from the opposite end. Slip on your bead then tie another knot, adding your jewelry clasp, to secure it in place. This serves as the length of the bracelet that you will wrap around your wrist.


Now it is time to make the barbs. Cut your remaining yard of leather cord into five inch pieces. While pinching the small piece of cord to the bracelet with your thumb and forefinger, wrap the loose end around itself and over the end you are pinching about three times. Leave the last loop a bit loose and slide the end of the cord under the loop, which acts as a knot to keep the barb from unwrapping.


Put a dot of superglue over the knot and snip off the excess cord. Make one barb at four inch intervals along your entire bracelet.


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Learning the Ropes

Marc Jacobs has a reputation for doing some pretty off the wall designs, leaving his audience with either a "love it" or "hate it" opinion. For his resort 09 handbag collection Marc catered to the yachting crowd - quite literally - with his line of "Fluo Passementary" handbags (def. - trimming with braid or cord). Working with neon rope typically used to station a yacht or sail boat to the dock, Marc created beautifully woven works of art to add as decoration on his simple leather satchels. Whether taking a trip someplace warm or battling the brutal cold, this handbag adds the perfect pop to any outfit for the new year.


What You'll Need:
Handbag
Assorted rope (found at Home Depot)
Flat back gems
Hot glue gun
Scissors

Begin by taking your largest gauge rope and create symmetrical loops around the front center of the handbag. This takes a bit of experimentation until you come up with a design you like.


Once you know how you are going to lay out the rope, cut the proper length. Take your hot glue gun and put a dot on the end of the rope to prevent unraveling. Squeeze a thin line of glue on the bag in the shape of your design and press the rope on top. If your bag has a flap like mine, be careful to only glue on the top part of the flap. The rope has enough structure that it keep its shape and hang over the bottom. Continue gluing until your design is complete, then come in with a second (slightly thinner) rope and add to your first design. As a finishing touch, glue a few colorful gems in the center of your loops.


To finish the handbag, tie a long piece of rope around the end of one side of the handle. Begin tying the rope in basic alternating knots, as you would if you were braiding a flat hemp necklace. When you reach the other side of the handle, put a dot of hot glue on each side of loose rope. Once dry (approximately one minute), snip the excess rope off as close to the knot as possible.


xx,CC