Znetshows and Bay Moon Design Partner to Contribute to 7000 Bracelets of Hope

Blue-themed bracelet donated to 7,000 Bracelets of Hope by Bay Moon Design

Cause bracelets have been available for breast cancer and heart disease but there has never been a unifying symbol, color or bracelet that represents the rare and genetic disease community.  That’s why the 7,000 Bracelets for Hope™ campaign was launched in 2010 by Global Genes.

Add caption

Global Genes is an advocacy organization for individuals with rare and genetic diseases. Their symbol is a denim ribbon, a play on genes=jeans. You can find more about the Global Genes project on their website (https://globalgenes.org/). This organization started the 7000 Bracelets of Hope initiative to provide blue-themed bracelets to families fighting rare and genetic diseases. The idea is that these bracelets give support and a little hope to these families. As well, the unifying blue theme may help spread awareness.

Znetshows offered their designers a chance to create some bracelets for this cause with their beads.  I jumped at the chance and searched their website by for cultured sea glass by color and found that I liked the light sapphire color for this project.  I then  selected cultured sea glass with double holes 16x8mm rectangular beads with spacers in light sapphire and cultured sea glass ring beads 16mm in light sapphire bottle-neck style rings from the choices in that color.

For the first bracelet which is pictured at the top of this page I used the cultured sea glass ring beads 16mm in light sapphire bottle-neck style rings.   I used Irish waxed linen thread in denim blue and a few white and blue beads that I had in my stash.  I purchased the thread from White Clover Kiln.  This Etsy shop offers a large selection of colors in this thread.

Rectangular shaped beads with multicolored spacers by Bay Moon Design

For the second bracelet I used Znetshow's rectangular shaped beads with multicolored spacers from my stash.  I combined the two rows of beads with Stretch Magic.  This type of cord is generally used to make beaded rings, bracelets and necklaces.  The slippery, stretchy nature of the cord can pose a problem; knots typically slide out very easily.   Knowing a technique to tie the knots can make all the difference in the success of your Stretch Magic project.

Tips for using Stretch Magic:

1.  Choose more than double the length of stretch magic cord that you need for your project.
2.   Add the beads. When you finish, there should be two or three inches of cord at either end with the beads in the middle.
3.  Bring both ends together, so that they are parallel to one another. Place one end perpendicular to the other one. The two ends should now be crossed, forming an "x." Holding the two ends in this position, take strand that is positioned on top of the "x" and bend it away from you. Allow the tip of this same strand to move down and toward you, back through the "o" that has now been created. Instead of pulling the ends taut (as one would normally do), repeat the over and through loop once more with the same strand. Now pull the ends tight, closing the loop and creating a knot.

4.  Add a drop of hypo cement glue to the knot. Pull the final bead over it. The glue will help to secure the bead over the knot and prevent your work from coming apart. 

 5.   Cut any protruding ends of the cord 1/4-inch away from the knot. Place a drop of glue at either side of the securing bead in each opening. Allow the glue to dry before wearing the jewelry.

 

Blue memory wire bracelet by Bay Moon Design

 I wanted to add a third bracelet to the cause so I decided to make a memory wire bracelet with some blue beads from my stash and I added a piece of denim colored fairy ribbon that I had left from another project. 

On each bracelet, I attached a card with a favorite quote of mine by Christopher Reeve--"Once you choose hope, anything's possible."

Tomorrow the three bracelet will be mailed to:

Global Genes

c/o  7000 Bracelets of Hope

28 Argonaut, Suite 150
Aliso Viejo, CA 92656

I hope you will consider helping this cause in any way that you can.   More information can found at https://globalgenes.org/.  If you are a beader, consider using Znetshows beads.  They are reasonable in price and the company is great to work with!  I love their light sapphire colored beads for this project.  In my mind, they are the perfect color.