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Bra Strap Jewellery Sets

by Tamara Summers.
(Pink Pearls by Tamara)

Well, I have finished my first collection of detachable bra straps with matching jewellery!

I made ten sets, which I delivered yesterday.

I worked on many different styles – some styles originated from me, others were ones that Teresa (the lady that asked me to make them for her business) requested or showed me pictures of and said that she liked.

I have included pictures of five of these sets. I only photographed one strap from each of the pairs because it was easier to get everything in that way.

After doing the first few pairs and learning afterward that they weren’t long enough, there were a couple of beautiful ones that I couldn’t find a nice way of making longer. So those ones will be make into other jewellery pieces, which I will be very excited to complete and share later! 🙂

You’ll notice that some of the straps don’t have clips on the ends, or only on one end. That’s because Teresa forgot to bring me all the clips I needed when we met a couple of weeks ago, so I attached them at her place yesterday. She orders and supplies me with the clips for her business, but I’m going to experiment with making my own findings for the ends for my own business. It’s not really much different than doing a clasp, so it should work I think.

As is usual for me, the majority of the elements are repurposed. I prefer to work that way. All of the straps measure 22” long, and many of them are 18” plus 4” of chain to make them adjustable (with a lobster claw clasp). When you consider that there are two straps, you basically have to have three feet of whatever material or pattern you want to use, plus chain, or more if the straps are stretchy and you are not using chain. It’s like making two necklaces.

So here’s an overview of my bra strap jewellery sets:

Picture 1 – Tangerine Abalone Set – This was the first set that I created, and the straps are the most supportive. The beads were sewn onto a couple of thick elastic headbands that I cut apart. I absolutely loved the tangerine colour, and had to have it for this summer! I added silver glitter and crystals to the abalone shells, and a bit of coral nailpolish for extra colour.

Picture 2 – Hot Pink Happiness Set – I’m in love with the colour of this set, and found it really hard to part with. It has to be my favourite set I think! I sewed the dyed stone beads onto the fabric and added bits of chain to lengthen these straps.

Mother-of Pearl Chain Set – I made these straps out of a long necklace. The flatness of these discs makes them more comfortable. There is no stretch to this, but it can be adjusted by the chain extension and lobster claw. Teresa had shown me pictures of chain-based straps, so I made up a few. They are quick and easy to make.

Picture 3 – Green Lace and Buttons Set (there’s something about green lace for me this season!) – There is turquoise elastic under the lace, forming the base for the straps. I sewed the buttons and small turquoise stone beads onto it. For the bracelet, I used a combination of sewing and wiring. I had so much fun with this set, and absolutely love the bright colours! Because this strap is stretchy, it can also be worn by some people as a halter, using only one strap that comes around the neck and back down to hook.

Picture 4 – Golden Pearls and Glass Set – this is a beaded pair of straps made primarily from a vintage necklace. There were also larger pearls, and large faceted glass beads, which I will use for another project. They were too large and uncomfortable for this. I chose instead a slightly flattened glass bead as a focal bead. I used 1mm stretchy cord for this. Teresa loves this set!

Feel free to let me know what you think of these, and what your favourite is.

I have already restrung a pair of straps for Teresa that she had bought wholesale. The very light faux pearls (plastic, not glass) did not hang straightly because they were strung with wire. Bra Strap Re-Creations? 😀 And she sent me home with a little bag of “unusables” yesterday. I’m hoping she’ll see quality in what I make for her.

I thought I was done bra straps for a week or so, but I have a meeting planned with the other lady who markets my creations this Tues. She asked on Thurs., “Could you bring some of your bra straps with you?” So I said … “Yes, I can bring some” (what else do we say in those situations, right :D) So back at it!!

Tamara Summers
Pink Pearls by Tamara