Not a whole lot of time for crafting here. Actually there’s not a whole lot of time for brushing teeth, showering, finding matching shoes…crafting has sadly fallen off the deep end of the priority pool. But, with that said I was able to squeeze in a quickie the other day…it’s the epitome of easy.When I used to sell my jewelry I called these bracelets “Everyday Bling”, they’re Swarovski crystal, super sparkly, but casual enough to layer on & wear with a tank & jeans. Their purpose today however is to be my ‘nursing reminder bracelet’. I needed something cute but stretchy so it’d be easy to slip back & forth all day (and night) long. I can barely remember where the bathroom is located these days so trying to keep track of which side I nursed on last is actually kind of tough. With these I just slip the bracelet back & forth whenever I feed the baby, then the next feeding I know which side is up.
For the bracelets you’ll need:-stretchy elastic beading string
-swarovski crystals (I used 4mm bicones but you can use whatever beads you’d like, a small/med size bracelet took 44 beads)
-super glue
**A quick note on how where to buy crystals. My favorite site is fusionbeads.com, I’ve been using them for years because they have a great selection, free shipping with no minimum purchase & some of the best prices. If you don’t have time to order online then you can grab a couple packs at your local craft store. Just be warned they yank the prices up, makes me so mad.
Start off by cutting a piece of elastic string that’s about 10″ long. Next string a “stop bead” at the bottom so the crystals won’t go sliding off while you’re beading. To do this pull the bead to about 2″ from the end of the string, then put the string back through the bead again. What you’ll have is a non-permanent way of holding a bead in place. Hmm, a picture might be easier to understand for this…Next just string on as many beads as you’d like until you get your desired length. To seal the deal I triple knotted the two ends together pulling each knot really tightly. My favorite trick for making the knot on jewelry string permanent (and hidden) is to put a small amount of super glue on the knot & then slip a bead right over it. This way it’s held tightly but also hidden inside a bead. That’s it! I know, I can hardly get away with even calling it a project it’s so easy…To get Samster involved I let her string some big plastic beads for her own necklace & bracelet then I sealed them up the same way.Lucy was kind enough to babysit Sophie so we could get this little project done…Speaking of the newest member of our family she’s still a very very good baby. Although I gotta say, life is much harder than I had anticipated…after nighttime feedings having to get two kids out of bed, fed, dressed & try to brush my own teeth in the process…it’s really really tough. It’s times like these that I get bummed out about not living near family. We’re managing but it’s definitely going to take some time to relearn what “normal” is for our little family. More pictures of our zoo to come…right now I’m being beckoned by a 2 week old.
Alida L.
Those are too cute! I have never made jewelry before but I want to give this a shot!
Oh, and If all else fails you can always squeeze each boob and see which one's harder 🙂
Jenny
Hang in there. It will get easier. Then it will get harder again, but then it will get easier again. 🙂 Cherish every day!
emedoodle
and after 18 mos of nursing howcome I didn't think of that? lol. 🙂 Good call!
Sarah Faith
Good tip about the glue. I have never been able to figure out how to seal those elastic strings for beading. I always end up tying them super tight and then they break, dropping beads everywhere! I also tried melting it but that just broke it too. Never thought of glue.
And hey, thanks for checking in 🙂 but don't worry about us/ making room in your schedule for blogging right now. We'll be here when you're ready! It definitely is an adjustment with every new baby. I'm on #6 (she's 6 weeks old) and I still sorta forgot how much more TIME every simple thing takes! And with just a toddler as your older child it's even harder, b/c you have to make sure the baby is safe whenever you get some "me" time (by "me" time I mean, showering or using the bathroom, heh). Actually come to think of it, I have showered with my next older toddler for months after each new baby just to keep an eye…
Anyway. Rest up and get used to your new family dynamic! Best of luck.
Papgena Made It
So glad that everything is fine!
I am sure you are handle it fine, we mothers have a tendency to be too harsh with ourselves!!
The bracelets idea is cool, I used to twist the strap bra from the last side I nursed.
Gabby
Good idea. I just wore a hair tie around one wrist and switched that back and forth since it's what was available.
Krista
Thanks for sharing. A great idea! Hang in there. I have to say having my second child was really overwhelming. It is especially hard not having family around. I hope you are able to grab a nap on the weekends.
Krista
Emily
Great glue tip. I'm so glad you included pictures of your darling girls. As you know, life will get easier; it just seems like forever when you're in the middle of it.
Leigh Anne
These are so cute & a great idea! Hang in there! It does get better….at the point you are at, I was basically just surviving. But, time flies and you'll be back on track soon! Congrats!
Dagny
I put a bobby pin or another hair clip on my bra, which I am still never without (nearly 10 months later). A bracelet would be much cuter. The super glue is a great tip. The pics of your little family are too cute. I didn't know dogs were such good babysitters. Maybe I should get one…my gerbils don't pay very good attention.
kali
This is such a cute post! I love both of the bracelets. And the last picture is adorable.
Jill
hand in there – Ruby is 8 weeks now, and I can tell you it does get easier. 🙂
Melissa
What a great idea! Why didn't they teach that in nursing class? 3am and trying to figure out which side to nurse on was never fun. You are doing so well, I could not even get dressed with one, no idea how you can craft with two! Congrats!
Vicky
I found my nursing bracelet in my dresser drawer this morning. It was a god send. Trying to cope with small children and remeber which breast is next is not an easy task.
Breanne & Shannon
Thanks for the tip on the bracelet!!! I've always wanted to make one, just didn't know how. … quick question for you. I am LOVING your watch!!! What is the brand, and where can I find one?!
Breanne & Shannon
Thanks for the tip on the bracelet!!! I've always wanted to make one, just didn't know how. … quick question for you. I am LOVING your watch!!! What is the brand, and where can I find one?!
Jessica Osbourne
Love the bracelets-what a great idea! And I know what you mean about not having family nearby. I am in the same situation and it is really tough. My husband and I have only been out once without our daughter and she is 16 months old! We just don't know anyone we trust to watch her while we go out. Hang in there!
Hilarious Homemaker
Boy, that's a lot cuter than pinning a safety pin on the cup of your bra. lol
carrieinasia
Love that purply color, so cute for fall. Because I'm sure that's what you were going for.
p.s. cute watch 🙂
gale
I had a wooden beaded bracelet when I was nursing and I used it to remind me this way. It was great because I'm scatterbrained on a good day-forget about having to deal with mommy-brain.
Angela
Just a little tip about the chaos in the morning. You should start letting Sam do some things on her own. It may not be perfect and she will make a mess, but it will ease so much of your burden. Make the bottom shelf of the fridge for Sam. Put her yogurts, fruit, and snacks down there so she can just go in and get them herself. Also have a bottom cabinet with her cookies, crackers, and cereal, as well as, bowls and plates. That way she can pour herself a bowl of cereal or grab some crackers to snack on while you tend to Sophie. Also, you will be amazed how much she knows about putting her own clothes on if you let her. You may be already doing these things, but if not, you should start. Her clothes may be on backward, but it will make her feel like a big girl and relieve you of some of the pressure of being at everyone's beck and call.
Rafahi Family
Such a great idea. I myself also have a hard time remembering which side I nursed my little girl on last. I think this might just be what I need! Thanks for sharing.
Anonymous
love your michele watch =)
Bracelets
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