With cuff design in mind...(Part 11)

Even your wrist needs to get away once in a while. Treat it to a vacation with this adjustable cuff made of reused and recycled maps.

Map of Paris France Area Cuff Bracelet by VSC83

Where can YOUR jewelry take you??? If you're wearing one of VSC83's original "map cuff bracelets", the possibilities are plenty. Oakland based Etsy seller, Victoria, crafts these ingenious cuffs using upcycled maps. Each cuff has a metal base that makes it adjustable, a black satin ribbon lining that makes it comfortable and a glazed coating that makes it durable. A perfect conversation piece, VSC83's cuff are simply..."rockable"! Read all about this map-lovin'-lady in this week's artist interview...

Q: What makes your shop unique?
I love to work with recycled/reused items when I can, as well as make my own findings and beads in order to create designs that you won't see everywhere else.

Q: How long have you been designing cuff bracelets?
For about seven months now (I've been designing other items for years though.)

Q: Describe the cuffs you design (materials, style, special features etc.)
I'm currently designing map cuffs, which use re-purposed and recycled road and street maps. No two cuffs are ever exactly alike! My favorites are the old National Geographic maps I was lucky to find, which were printed in the 1960s. I've also done aeronautical chart map cuffs, which were fun!

Q: What type of woman do you imagine wearing your cuffs? (Include the name of at least two celebs that you think would love to rock your cuff and tell why...)
The type of woman who wears my cuff is fun, confident, and also sentimental! In general, my cuffs represent a geographical location close to the wearer's heart. This allows them to take that memory with them wherever they go in the form of a fashionable accessory. I could envision a musical artist - anyone from Madonna to Miley Cyrus - wearing this cuff, since they are on the road a lot and probably miss their hometown!

Q: Finish the following sentence: "I consider myself a cuffie (lover of cuffs) because..."
...they come in all shapes and sizes, colors and styles! I also love the adjustable ones, since I have a smaller wrist and many "normal" bracelets are too big.

With cuff design in mind...(Part 10)

Taking it to the edge and back again, this decoupage cuff is uber cool...even a little dirty --- but in a good way.

"Life is a Dream Graffiti Grunge" Decoupage Bracelet Cuff by Dolores Mederise

Love is clearly a battlefield in this graffiti-ed out cuff. Street tough with a refined air, New York designer Sylvie created this urban piece using decoupage --- a technique of decorating something (in this case a lightweight metal cuff) with cut-outs of paper or other flat material, and then overlaying it with varnish or lacquer. Sylvie's cuffs, sold through her Etsy store, Dolores Mederise, come in a plethora of styles --- some retro, some renaissance, a few Asian-inspired, others geometric, still others that are soft and romantic. There really is a cuff to satisfy every woman's tastes in her well-thought out treasure of a store. Read all about this up-and-coming designer in this week's artist interview...

Q: What makes your shop unique?
I think the cuffs make my shop unique. Most of the cuffs I've seen use the traditional technique of decoupage by using a variety of pieces of paper layered over each other. I look for specialty designer and handmade papers that I use in one large piece.

Q: How long have you been designing cuff bracelets?
I have been making wire crochet cuffs for 2 1/2 years under my other shop name Albina Rose. I've been doing decoupage for over 20 years. Just last fall, I combined my love of beautiful papers, decoupage and making jewelry. The result was these funky cuffs.

Q: Describe the cuffs you (materials, style, special features etc.)
Well, the cuffs I design reflect a variety of styles that depend on the materials. Two of them were made using real pressed leaves and Queen Anne's lace. Very natural and organic with a wonderful texture. The design of the paper usually dictates the style of the cuff--elegant, artsy, funky, whimsical, or edgy.

Q: What type of woman do you imagine wearing your cuffs? (Include the name of at least two celebs that you think would love to rock your cuff and tell why...)
The type of woman I think likes my cuffs is probably age 25-45 and has good taste. She likes unique and artsy. Doesn't mind standing out a little. Probably likes to be noticed. I don't really follow celebrities so I'm not that familiar with them. But I think maybe Angelina Jolie would wear a 2-inch wide, edgy cuff because that's who she is---edgy, unique and confident. I can picture Debbie Harry (Blondie) wearing one of my cuffs also. She is bold, fearless and original. And that belies my age because she was very popular in the 80s and always one of my favorites.

Q: Finish the following sentence: "I consider myself a cuffie (lover cuffs) because..."
...even though I'm on the shy side, I like to be different from other people. I love artsy cool stuff and original one-of-a-kind works. My cuffs give me a little individuality that allows me to stand out just enough without screaming "Look at ME!"

With cuff design in mind...(Part 9)

Pretty in purple with a passionate print. This cuff + Your jeans = Earthy chic!
Triple strand cuff bracelet in ornate medallion print by Ponder and Stitch

Say "Salut" to Amy, cuffies! This Woodstock, Illinois artist shares her talent with the world in her Etsy shop, Ponder and Stitch. Sewn with love, her cuffs would go perfectly with your most comfortable tee and pair of dungarees. Amy's love of sunny florals and happy colors comes across strong in her work, and gives it a truly "laid back cool" aura. Her signature cuffs (like the one above) have either three wide or three skinny bands of vintage fabrics and are topped off with a chunky vintage button. Read all about this cutesy cuff maker in this week's artist interview...

Q: What makes your shop unique?
I'd like to think it's unique because I tend to gravitate toward vintage materials and give them a modern twist, like vintage, rustic feed sack turned into a modern bracelet!

Q: How long have you been designing cuff bracelets?
I've been making my cuffs for a little under two years.

Q: Describe the cuffs you design (materials, style, special features etc.)
I like to use vintage or vintage-inspired fabric, usually with dainty floral prints. I think the most noticeable thing about my cuffs is that they are multiple stranded. I think it adds detail and a new look. :)

Q: What type of woman do you imagine wearing your cuffs? (Include the name of at least two celebs that you think would love to rock your cuff and tell why...)
A lot of my cuffs have a kind of boho feel and look great with long summer dresses...hmmm, it's hard to pick celebs, though. I'd say maybe Kate Hudson and Nicole Richie.

Q: Finish the following sentence: "I consider myself a cuffie (lover of cuffs) because..."
...it's a great way to accessorize simply without going over the top. I love my cuffs!

With cuff design in mind...(Part 8)

Like a mermaid resting in the cool sand, this eco-friendly needle felted cuff still manages to look oh so warm and cuddly.

Turquoise Felted Wool Cuff Bracelet w/Needle Felting by Needles and Kims

Straight out of Louisville comes an artist taking upcycling to a new heights. Kim, the designer behind Needles and Kims is an Etsian and long time needle arts aficionado --- getting her kicks from creating OOAK needle felted and embellished purses, home accessories, and cuffs (bien sur!) from old sweaters she's machine felted herself. All in lovely muted colors, they are extremely soft to the touch and comfortable to wear (Kim will actually size the cuff to fit YOUR wrist at no extra charge). Her cuffs remind me of my favorite stuffed animals...only all "growed" up! Read all about this eco-friendly crafter in this week's artist interview...

Q: What makes your shop unique?
Everything in my shop is made from repurposed wool (sometimes cashmere) sweaters that I machine felt. My shop is ecofriendly—I love to “reuse and renew”.

Q: How long have you been designing cuff bracelets?
Just since February! My focus for the last year has been on felted wool purses and I just decided a few weeks ago to branch out a bit.

Q: Describe the cuffs you design (materials, style, special features etc.)
A natural look with a bit of glitz, eclectic, sometimes romantic, sometimes with a nostalgic flair. I embellish my cuffs with vintage buttons, yarn, interesting fibers, wool roving, and/or repurposed jewelry. I needle felt the yarn, fibers and roving into the felted wool. I like to add embroidery sometimes.

Q: What type of woman do you imagine wearing your cuffs? (Include the name of at least two celebs that you think would love to rock your cuff and tell why...)I imagine women who wear my cuffs like to have a fun touch in their wardrobes. They are women who have a sense of adventure and aren’t afraid to be themselves.I can easily see Ashley Judd wearing my cuffs. She’s a natural beauty, confident in herself and not afraid to do her own thing. I can also see Sandra Bullock wearing my cuffs. She has a casual look and a fun attitude.

Q: Finish the following sentence: "I consider myself a cuffie (lover of cuffs) because..."
...they’re just so much fun to wear! The ones I make are very soft and comfortable too.

With cuff design in mind...(Part 7)

A pastel collage of vintage sparklers on an antique brass hinged cuff --- now THIS is a statement bracelet.

Hidden Garden Cuff by Tied Up Memories

Back from my hiatus to bring you this sensational designer of uber romantic cuffs. Atlanta dweller Tracy, of Tied Up Memories , is the artist behind these delicate looking Victorian pieces. Feminine to the nth degree, Tracy's masterful usage of vintage cabs, crystals and pearls puts these cuffs in a different stratosphere. Hold your pinkie out as you sip a cup of tea and read all about her in this week's artist interview...

Q: What makes your shop unique?
My shop is unique because most of my creations are one of a kind. I incorporate vintage findings in my jewelry that gives it a unique appeal

Q: How long have you been designing cuff bracelets?
I just recently started making cuffs. A customer requested that I make one. So I tried to make a cuff that was different and stay true to my style.

Q: Describe the cuffs you design (materials, style, special features etc.)
The cuffs that I design are antique brass cuffs. I love antique brass. It has that vintage feel. I incorporate a collage of vintage and new findings and apply them to the cuff. The possibilities are endless when it comes to a collage on the cuff!

Q: What type of woman do you imagine wearing your cuffs? (Include the name of at least two celebs that you think would love to rock your cuff and tell why...)
Two celebs that I would love to rock my cuff are Cameron Diez and Sarah Jessica Parker! To me Cameron looks like a she would wear cuffs. She is fun and stylish and full glam! Sarah is a fashion icon and loves vintage style so I could see her wearing one to match any one of her outfits!

Q: Finish the following sentence: "I consider myself a cuffie (lover of cuffs) because..."
...I truly enjoy making them and love that people enjoy wearing my cuffs!

With cuff design in mind...(Part 6)

Green moss and fuchsia berries come together in this crocheted cuff that reminds me of the colors you'd find on a walk in the summer woods.

Spring Cuff by The Needle Nerd

"I love to crochet. If I'm sitting, I'm crocheting. My grandmother taught me to crochet and I've found love in it..." Darla, the face behind The Needle Nerd, shares a bit of herself in her Etsy bio. This mother of two from rural Ohio, offers shoppers a variety of crocheted and knitted items, all handmade, and all in vibrant hues. While it was her cuffs that caught my eye (kinda reminded me of those terrycloth wristbands we used to wear in the early 90s...only much much cooler), I also love her hats, wash sets, nesting bowls and something called "apple cozies" --- oh so clever! Read all about Darla's darrrrling designs in this week's artist interview...

Q: What makes your shop unique?
I'm always trying new ideas and bright colors and making my items top quality. I love custom orders! When someone comes into my shop I want them to see an item and think "I've gotta have one of those" :)

Q: How long have you been designing cuff bracelets?
I've been making cuffs for about 2 years now. I try to make them unique with color, accents and designs.

Q: Describe the cuffs you design (materials, style, special features etc.)
I usually find the perfect mix of yarn colors and the most fun part is finding the accents I LOVE BUTTONS!!! Then I usually get an idea of what I want to do. Then I just begin the play process trying different stitches widths etc.

Q: What type of woman do you imagine wearing your cuffs? (Include the name of at least two celebs that you think would love to rock your cuff and tell why...)
Perhaps Ani DiFranco, Alanis Morissette or maybe even Pink :D I can make different sorts of cuffs for different sorts of styles, so who knows, the possibilities are endless.

Q: Finish the following sentence: "I consider myself a cuffie (lover of cuffs) because..."
...I love creating styles for just the right person. They are so fun and the compliments I get from them make it even more satisfying!

With cuff design in mind...(Part 5)

Soft Cyprus green flowers seem to dance with joy on this demure hand embroidered felt cuff.

Queen Anne's Lace Green Silk Embroidered Wrist Cuff by Waterrose

Waterrose is a refreshing sight on the vast Etsy landscape. Designer Rose's intricately embroidered cuffs made of hand dyed felt and lined with linen or silk are a delight. So soft and feminine, they make me ache for something hand crafted --- an heirloom only a grandmother could concoct. Read all about an artist taking needlework to new heights in this week's artist interview...

Q: What makes your shop unique?

I think the type of embroidery designs that I create make my shop unique. Embroidery seems to now be making a comeback, just like knitting. This comeback is important for all arts to keep them alive and appreciated.

Q: How long have you been designing cuff bracelets?

Three years.

Q: Describe the cuffs you design (materials, style, special features etc.)

About three years ago we were traveling down the Pacific Coast Highway and we came to a quilt shop. I'm a quilter as well. As I walked around in the shop I found the most amazing bundle of felted wool. I didn't know what I was going to do with it. It sat on my design table for about three months and then I had an ah ha moment. I had been doing some embroidery and was wondering how to turn it into wearable art...well the wool felt was the perfect canvas.

Q: What type of woman do you imagine wearing your cuffs? (Include the name of at least two celebs that you think would love to rock your cuff and tell why...)

My buyers range in age from 18 to 80. Also a mom or two who have purchased a piece for their younger daughters for special occasions to keep as heirloom pieces. That is quite a question, what two celebrities I think would rock my cuff. While she isn't alive, I think that Katharine Hepburn would have been a perfect candidate. She had such class and style and was never overstated. And, also Katherine Heigl. I think that she is fun and spirited and appears to appreciate beautiful accessories.

Q: Finish the following sentence: "I consider myself a cuffie (lover of cuffs) because..."
...for me these cuffs are an extension of an art that I love doing. So I create cuffs because I want a customer to look at the piece of art and think about the design and the love that has gone into making this special accessory.

With cuff design in mind...(Part 4)

Crisp and classy, this cuff will add just the right touch of western elegance to your spring wardrobe.

Romancing The Stone Cuff by SeptemberRose76

From her Anaheim home, Etsy newbie, Anna, crafts these southwestern chic cuffs, which she then sells in her meticulous on-line store, SeptemberRose76. Bold yet versatile, these beauties have the perfect balance of "cowgirl cool". Anna's store is simply choc full of cuffs (many limited edition or OOAK) and every bracelet uses real leather and is layered with semi-precious stones, wooden beads, shells and studded metallic accents. Read all about the genius behind SeptemberRose76 in this week's artist interview...

Q: What makes your shop unique?
As much of a trend-following fashionista as I consider myself to be, I really strive to make my pieces unique and different from anything you could pick up at a local boutique. I've had a love affair with cuffs since I can remember, and I always gravitate to the ones that are the most bold, stand-out pieces. I'm not a wall-flower, and I don't think the type of girl wearing my cuffs is either! These are truly statement making accessories, guaranteed to be noticed.

Q: How long have you been designing cuff bracelets?
I began crafting for September Rose very recently, in January of this year. I've worked in the fashion industry for the last 10 years, in various segments including buying, merchandising and, most recently, designing. I've been a swimwear designer for the last four years, but I've always secretly wanted to start my own jewelry/accessory line. Naturally, I already knew it would have to be my favorite accessory, the cuff! I have a huge collection of them, and am always on the prowl for that next, unique piece. I had all these ideas about what I thought would look cool, so I finally decided to make my own. I showed a good friend, and she encouraged me to move forward with trying to sell them......and that's how September Rose was born.

Q: Describe the cuffs you design (materials, style, special features etc.)
I am in love with the free-spirited meets rock n' roll vibe of the "boho chic" movement, so I tend to have a blend of both natural and metallic elements. All my cuffs are made with high-grade, genuine leather, and then embellished with semi-precious stones (turquoise is my favorite!), wood, shells, and all kinds of metallic studs. I think the combination of these materials, together with precise finishing techniques, give my pieces a rustic yet sophisticated feel. I want someone to be able to wear it with their white summer dress and sandals by day, and then jeans and sky-high heels at night.

Q: What type of woman do you imagine wearing your cuffs? (Include the name of at least two celebs that you think would love to rock your cuff and tell why...)
I would say that my product is geared towards a very hip, fashionable and celebrity/trend-driven female market. I would put my target customer's age range at about mid 20's to 30's. Particularly anyone who follows the "boho" style.... And definitely a girl who wants to command attention when she walks in the room! If I could get my jewelry on any celebrities, Rachel Zoe and Nicole Ritchie would be my top picks. I think they precisely embody the style, and way of eclectically mixing elements that I idolize.

Q: Finish the following sentence: "I consider myself a cuffie (lover of cuffs) because..."
...I am a confident, strong women who enjoys being noticed for her bold fashion choices.

With cuff design in mind...(Part 3)

"Stir It Up" in this laid back, chunky and colorful, upcycled cuff.

Beer Bead Cuff Bracelet by Electric Penguin

This week's talented cuff creator is Pam --- a Philadelphia based designer whose work has a relaxed island vibe. Her cuff bracelets (the one above made of wood tube beads hand wrapped with beer labels) channel a Jamaican sunset, pair of steel drums, and a glass of warm rum. In her reasonably priced Etsy shop, Electric Penguin, you'll find uber funky bracelets, earrings and necklaces often combining hemp or leather with glass or ceramic beads. Read all about this down-to-earth soul in this week's artist interview...

Q: What makes your shop unique?
It's fun, funky, cool, eclectic and NOT the same type of pieces you see all over Etsy (my apologies to those sellers!!)

Q: How long have you been designing cuff bracelets?
Since October 2009 - not long at all!

Q: Describe the cuffs you design (materials, style, special features etc.)
My favorite is made of beer beads (upcycled beer labels on wood tubes) with brown leather. I also make them with ceramic tubes and hemp.

Q: What type of woman do you imagine wearing your cuffs? (Include the name of at least two celebs that you think would love to rock your cuff and tell why...)
Definitely someone not wanting the same old, same old! And not too formal either. I'm thinking Demi Moore and Courtney Love.

Q: Finish the following sentence: "I consider myself a cuffie (lover of cuffs) because..." ...they're chunky and eye-catching!

With cuff design in mind...(Part 2)

Simple enough to wear everyday. Smart enough to be noticed. This expertly made sterling cuff is meant to be stacked!

Sterling Silver Cuff Bracelet by Purple Design Studio

Not too long ago, I sat down with Ruth --- a trained illustrator turned stay-at-home mother of three. Her Etsy shop, Purple Design Studio, has a rustic elegance about it that is echoed in her designs. (If she'd told me her workshop was in a restored 1930s barn, it would have come as no surprise). Besides cuffs, she also creates some clever yet functional, jewelry display frames that I'm dying to get my hands on! Find out what this Kansas "cuffie" had to say about her work in this week's artist interview...

Q: What makes your shop unique?
It is part of me. I design jewelry that I love.

Q: How long have you been designing cuff bracelets?
It has only be about a year since I first started making them and am looking forward to making many more.

Q: Describe the cuffs you design (materials, style, special features etc.)
They are made of a simple sterling silver rod, some of them are patterned, some are plain. Several can be worn together or one individually depending on the persons taste. Each cuff is cold forged; formed, hammered, filed and polished.

Q: What type of woman do you imagine wearing your cuffs? (Include the name of at least two celebs that you think would love to rock your cuff and tell why...)
Oh, wow, this is a hard question! Women that love classic styles and great fashion with out the fuss in their everyday accessories. Angelina Jolie, Jenny McCarthy and Jada Pinkett Smith come to mind as busy stylish women/moms that would wear one of the cuffs in an outing to the park with the kids or stack several together for a great look for an evening out.

Q: Finish the following sentence: "I consider myself a cuffie (lover of cuffs) because..."
...I feel naked with out mine! I think that every woman should have at least one great cuff bracelet that can span any occasion.

Cuffed and Clustered... (Part 2)

Salut Cuffies,
There's still snow on the ground here, but this cotton candy dream cuff makes me hungry for a summer fair...Don't know if it's the ballerina pinks, the organic copper butterfly, the bits of sparkle throughout --- or a combination of all three --- but this piece makes me feel like daydreaming. Little details (like the fact that the butterfly has landed right next to three faux diamond "flowers") are what make this piece. Seandre' King, a New Orleans native now living in Sacramento, hand sews each bead. Pale pink pearls and a romantic mix of pink, burgundy, and clear seed beads blend perfectly with the rosy antiqued copper of the butterfly and chain. Finished off with a tan suede lining (for optimal wrist comfort) and an adjustable heart-shaped clasp --- it really couldn't get any sweeter.

Bisous,
Lee

Enjoy this cluster inspired by today's featured cuff!
"The Ruby Ballerina" curated by Lee Dorsey

With cuff design in mind...(Part 1)

Part knight in shining armor. Part damsel in distress. This ultra hip chain mail and ribbon cuff is 100% medieval siren!

"Holding It Together" bracelet by Moody and Sanguine

Recently, I had an opportunity to interview Denise, who works with her creative partner and friend, Melina, to design for Moody and Sanguine --- an edgy Etsy shop that sells everything from necklaces, to bags, to home accessories...and of course...cuffs. Find out what this "cuffie" from Halifax had to say about her work in this week's artist interview...

Q: What makes your shop unique?

What makes our shop unique is that we have items to suit such a variety of styles. We sell to people of all ages and of every lifestyle. We like so many things and can only guess that others are the same way.

Q: How long have you been designing cuff bracelets?

This particular cuff was the first of my design. I created it a year ago and it is easily one of our best sellers.

Q: Describe the cuffs you design (materials, style, special features etc.)

While the two of us work in different fields (jewelry and sewing), cuffs are definitely an area where we converge. I have been making chainmaille cuffs out of bright aluminum while Melina has recently been designing ones out of fabric. We even have some ideas that will merge the two media. Stay tuned!

Q: What type of woman do you imagine wearing your cuffs? (Include the name of at least two celebs that you think would love to rock your cuff and tell why...)

So many cuffs for so many different women. I would love to see this particular cuff in a Tim Burton movie, maybe worn by Helena Bonham-Carter. That would be a dream! (The interviewer agrees...a perfect fit Denise!)

Q: Finish the following sentence: "I consider myself a cuffie (lover of cuffs) because..."

... after all those years watching Wonder Woman how could I be anything else? I only wish I could deflect bullets with my wrists...

Cuffed and Clustered...(Part 1)

Salut Cuffies!
On this dreary hump day Wednesday, I wanted to share with you one of the most exquisite cuffs I've seen in a long time. This sea-inspired beauty is knitted and crocheted into a delicious concoction of fine and oxidized silver wire, Swiss blue topaz, Turkish chalcedony, Chatoyant Aquamarine, lagoon blue Apatite, Vesuviante and Labradorite. If that wasn't enough to sweep you away in the tide, notice how it is finished with a lobster clasp and extender chain adorned with a selection of blue gems --- a clever feature which ensures a perfect fit! Part of Houston artist Claire Perse's "Wire Lace" collection, it is a chance for you to indulge in the majesty of the ocean...allllllll...day...long.

Bisous,
Lee

Enjoy this cluster inspired by today's featured cuff!

"Aqua Indulgences" curated by Lee Dorsey