And now that the gift has found its way to its owner, I can talk about the hell I went through to make this bracelet. *grin* Well, it was... a trial. A very, very big trial. I was juggling techniques, trying to figure out exactly how I wanted to do this and what I wanted to make it out of. I was actually disappointed at first, because a few things couldn't be exactly accurate due to what the clay kept doing/annoying me with, but now... yes, I've had time to step back and appreciate it. I want to make more, but the charms will have a slightly different style. This is definitely one of a kind.

And because I am me, and have to interpret everything, I rather liked the idea of the silver wire wrap around each crystal. It sort of represents Cosmos' energy and influence, the silver working its way through the chain and the eternal loop. ...Yeah, stop looking at me like that.

If you're not familiar, Dissidia is a "Final Fantasy fighter" that I keep meaning to take breaks from but keep picking back up for "just another couple of battles", so that should tell you something.

I came across this lovely little shop in the town next door recently, and took a look at their jewelry. Lovely stuff, I must admit. And then I looked closer. "I can do that."

So I... did. *grin* Well, the original was covered in beads. I... didn't have that many. *cough* Nor did I have the astounding variety. But for what I already had, I think this turned out beautifully. Reminds me of a dragon's hoard for no particular reason, as well.

(Sold)

The combination of an unpracticed hand and a new blade can at least have a sparkly result. It belongs in the "definitely, without a doubt, handmade" category, but I can't say I'm in the least bit disappointed with it. This was an experiment all the way through, from how the pattern was transferred (mild failure; the lines weren't deep enough, and blind cutting with a new blade IS NOT FUN), to cut, to the blending of paint and pigment. I think it turned out quite amazingly for all that it's been through (a.k.a. me), and the fact that I found a very rich red silk ribbon was the perfect touch. In case you can't tell, both the red and the white portions have incredible iridescent sparkle that changes with the light source. I know, me and sparkly.

While this piece was made as a semi-bracer/to cover the back of the hand, it works perfectly as a bracelet for the larger-wristed (which is not me, with my scrawny little wrist) or an arm band for any size. There are many possibilities when it comes to how to lace it, as well.

(Sold)

Alright, who didn't see this coming with my first real leather project? ...Okay, me, but it worked out somehow. Technically speaking, this is pretty awful. Learning by doing means making a lot of mistakes, and they're all here. That said... I managed to swing with it and turn it into something awesome, because mistakes are what lazy people call missed opportunities.

Yes, it's leather. Hand-tooled so that the crest rises slightly above the background, which the pictures... kind of do an okay job representing. (Pictures from the side all came out awful.) It is of course sparkly shiny gold, and rich semi-shiny green (the green extends to the back, as well). The ribbon is 100% silk and an earthy brown/dark bronze color. It's shaped so that it can fit just about any arm size, so no worries there. It's not recommended to be used as a wrist cuff, however, because that would require the leather to bend more, and that would more than likely crack the leather itself.

(Sold)