This whole thing started when I was attending a live blues performance and the guitar player broke a string, which found its way into my hands. I discovered that I could make bracelets from guitar strings and bass strings, which I have given to friends and family. Friends have brought me strings they used while performing in a significant event or competition which I made into jewelry that can forever have a special meaning for them. Since then, I have created bracelets, earrings, and necklaces, which I decided to try my luck at selling. And so, Bling & Strings was born.

I have donated some of my jewelry to various fund-raisers to use as raffle or auction items, and its great to do something so enjoyable that goes to a good cause.  Something about the whole creative process just feeds my soul.

I create all my jewelry by hand, using either new or used strings. Many of my used strings come from guitar shops that service their customers' instruments, pull off the old strings and replace them with new ones. They save the used strings for me, I untangle them, clean them and sort them by color and gauge. I don't always know who the original owner of the strings were. I like to think that perhaps they came from some kid who will one day become the next Stevie Ray Vaughan. All I know is the strings seem to have their own energy. If the strings were donated to me by a musician, whether local or otherwise, I will always give them a mention in the description of the item. Although if the artist is notable, I might possibly reserve that special item for use as a donation for a worthy fundraiser.

Since they are all custom made, none of my pieces are alike. Each is unique. If you see something you like but it is marked as sold, please email me, as there is a good chance I can make you something very similar.

Naturally, custom orders will take longer to ship than items that I already have available.

A note about base metals: all my jewelry is made using base metals, i.e. brass, copper, nickel and bronze. Some individuals can have skin reactions to these metals. I do have a product that I can treat your jewelry with if requested.

My sincerest gratitude goes out to friends and fellow music-lovers for so graciously giving me their support, their advice and their guitar strings!  Please give their websites a visit!

 

John Blancher, owner of Mid City Lanes Rock’n’Bowl, New Orleans, LA
Rocknbowl.com

Tony of Tony’s Muzik Store ~ Haltom City, TX
Tonysmuzikonline.com

Eddie Holyfield of Lust For Lucy ~ Current & Alternative Rock ~ Weatherford, TX
Lustforlucy.com