Second Encounter

Some donor pieces are memorable because they're beautiful.

This belt was memorable for entirely different reasons. 😂

Predominantly red, and breathtakingly ugly, it nevertheless contained these wonderful patterned coconut-shell beads. I'd actually encountered the very same style of belt once before and rescued its beads to create a stretch bracelet — so you can imagine my disbelief when another one somehow found its way into my hands.

Clearly, we weren't finished with each other.

This time I did something different. I linked the individually patterned coconut-shell beads together using large jump rings, then added a section of leftover silver-tone chain featuring a tiny green crystal and a reclaimed silver-tone lobster clasp.

Each bead has its own individual pattern, with a paler natural underside, giving the finished bracelet plenty of character.

The donor belt may not have been destined for a second life — but its beads certainly were.

Original Love to Sparkle design.