Storing Deity Jewelery

Over the years I’ve tried a number of different options for storing my deities' jewellery and have found a system that works best for me. I've tried small plastic zip lock bags to store the jewelery sets that were then placed into larger zip lock bags with the matching outfit. However, the problem with this system is if you want to mix and match different jewellery you have to go searching through all the sets. As such, the system I currently use keeps all the jewellery easily on hand so it’s easy to find a specific item when you're dressing your deities. The system basically uses storage boxes you can find at any craft store. I use one with large compartments (designed to hold spools of thread) to hold the larger crowns and mukut pieces. This container also has some larger compartments (I believe designed to hold sewing scissors) that come in handy for storing flutes and other accessories. I also use similar containers with smaller adjustable compartments to store the necklaces, bracelets, and smaller crowns. When selecting your storage container look for one that has a lid that closes tightly, this will help keep the jari (metallic thread) work on the crowns and mukut pieces form tarnishing over time. Additionally, I find the inside of the lid comes in handy for storing peacock feathers. I just use blutack to stick them to the inside of the lid so when I need them they're ready to use.

Even with this system I’ve found it difficult to keep track of the small bracelets. This can be a bit annoying when you're dressing and you can't find the other piece of a pair of bracelets. This is especially a problem with the elastic ones, with the bracelets that open and close the two pieces can be linked together to keep the pair from getting separated. To solve this problem I've recently begun storing the bracelets on safety pins to keep the matching pairs together.

Stay tuned I’ll be posting more techniques for necklaces in the coming weeks. A few readers have requested instructions for belts and turbans and I will be working on those as well. If you have any requests feel free to email me

DIY Deity Jewelery: Necklaces- Part 1

Multi-Stranded Necklaces

These necklaces are easy to make and the technique can be modified to accommodate multiple strands, I have tried up to five strands simply add more needles. Additionally different beads can be used to create endless patterns.
Supplies:
1. Scissors
2. Sewing Thread (I find polyester thread works best for this technique as nylon beading thread is too stiff for this style)
3. Big Beads
4. Seed Beads
5. Extra Fine Beading Needles

Step 1: Cut two lengths of the sewing thread approximately 1m each, then String on one of he beading needles (the beading needles can be a bit difficult to thread, they often come with a ‘threader’ that makes the task a lot easier)onto each piece of thread. Next position the needle in the center of each thread. And tie all the ends together, resulting in two strands of double thread.

Step 2: Now we begin beading. First string on a few of your larger beads passing each bead through both needles. To begin the pattern string on the large bead through both needles followed by your desired pattern on each needle. For my pattern this means passing the large bead through both needles and two seed beds one big bead and two more seed beads on each needle followed by passing another big bead through both needles.
Step 3: Continue with the pattern until the desired length. In this case I had to modify the pattern a bit in the last link to create the length I required. Now you can make the pendant. For this string a big bead through both needles and then on each needle string two seed beads a big bed and another seed bead. Then pass you needles back through the pendant beads except the last seed bead (see step 3a above).

Step 4: Continue the pattern to make the second half of the necklace finishing off with the same number of big beads you began with and tie the two ends of the necklace together. Cut away the excess thread, optionally you can keep a little extra and use an incense stick to burn the ends of the tread to help keep your necklace together however be careful as if you burn too much your necklace will fall apart.
Here are some necklaces I made using this technique the pink and white one for my Govindaji was made using three needles and the green set for Chota Radha Gopinatha was made using four needles. Experiment with different strands and beads and you can create lots of different looks.

DIY Deity Jewelry: Bracelets- Part 2

Beaded Elastic Bracelets

These bracelets are extremely versatile, they are my favourite for Jagannatha, Laddu Gopal and Gaura Nitai. These bracelets are so versatile I have made them for all my deities.
First of all, the supplies you require for these bracelets are as follows:

1. Crimp Beads (these are optional, but they help make the bracelets stronger)
2. Pliers
3. Elastic Jewelry Cord
4. Beads of your choice (using different colours and shapes can create different looking styles using this technique)
5. Scissors
   

Step 1: Cut a generous length of the elastic jewelry cord and tie a knot at the end. Next string on the crimp bead followed by the beads.

Step 2: Feed the unknotted end of the jewelry cord back through the crimp bead (in the opposite direction) to complete the bracelet.

Step 3: Use the pliers to 'crush' the crimp bead securing the bracelet. Alternatively, you can eliminate the crimp bead and just knot the cord however due to the stress put on the bracelet when stretched over the deity's hands the crimp beads tend to hold up better over the long run. However, for Jagganatha and Laddu Gopal I find knotting works best as the bracelets can be visible from all sides and they do not need to be stretched as much. Finally, trim off the excess jewelry cord.

The finished product, I've found using different shapes and colours and sizes of beads works well with this technique. Also For my Gaura Nitai I like to use two bracelets with different sized beads.

DIY Deity Jewelry: Bracelets- Part 1

Double Stranded Wire Bracelets

These "double stranded wire bracelets" are my favourite because they are easy to put on my deities and they are quite simple to make.
First of all, the supplies you require for these bracelets are as follows:

1. Beading Wire (make sure the gauge of the wire is not too wide for the aperture in the beads you choose TIP: the bigger the gauge number the thinner the wire)
2. Beads of your choice (using different colours and shapes can create different looking styles using this technique)
3. Toothpick or other round object (for larger deities I recommend a larger object such as the end of a paintbrush)
4. Wire cutters
5. Pliers

Step 1: Using the wire cutters cut a piece of wire approximately 5-6 times longer than the final length of the bracelets. Bend the wire in half and place the toothpick or other round object in the middle (as shown above).

Step 2: Twist the wire together 2-3 times creating a loop and remove the toothpick. This loop will be used to hold the 'tail' of the bracelet so make sure it is big enough to allow you to easily fasten the bracelet on your deities.

Step 3: At this point you should have a loop with two pieces of wire sticking out from it. Begin stringing the beads onto the two pieces of wire ensuring you have the same number of beads on each strand. Experiment with different colours and shapes to create interesting patterns. TIP: if you are using large beads begin and end each strand with 1-2 small seed beads to help the bracelet keep its shape.

Step 4: Use the pliers to hold the two strands of wire together (approximately 1- 2 cm away from the beads), and begin twisting until you have a nicely braided tail. Then use the wire cutters to cut the tail down ensuring you have enough to hook into the loop at the opposite end of the bracelet. I recommend leaving it a bit long until you try the bracelets on your deities you can be sure they fit properly.
The finished product, when dressing all you need to do is feed the tail into the loop and bend it into a hook to keep the bracelet in place.

Stay tuned for DIY Deity Jewelry: Bracelets- Part 2: Beaded Elastic Bracelets