Working together with you to create custom horsehair objects- bracelets, necklaces, key fobs, and tassels
Each piece is custom to the amount of horsehair available. Styling with fittings will depend on the type of braid and the amount of horsehair. Start by Browsing examples of braid styles and past projects.
Collecting hair
Tail hair is best because of the length and strength. Mane hair is not as strong but can be used for smaller projects like key chains and tassels.
Wash when possible with a mild shampoo, dry and detangle the tail hair. Please don't use products like show sheen.Lift the tail to expose the tail bone, brush aside the shorter hairs on the outside so you're taking hair from inside, the cut will then be hidden. Choose the longest hairs of the same length from top to bottom near the tail bone. Only hair that is the same length can be used so the braid is consistent in size.Gather a generous pinkies diameter (when twisted together) of hair from one or more places. Holding together firmly cut the hairs about an inch from the tail bone. Wrap a rubber band tightly around each group an inch or so below where you made the cut. Make a loose coil and place it in an envelope.
Length of hair for projects -
Bracelet - 16"
necklace - 28"
Key Fob - 10" - 12"
Tassels - 14"
For the most accurate fit, it's best to measure the person's wrist with a flexible cloth/tape measure or string that can be measured with a ruler.If that's not possible or the bracelet is a surprise the size estimates below should help you guesstimate.
WOMEN
Estimated average female wrist size and bracelet circumference based on body-type.Petite women 5’ – 5’4”
Slim 5 ¼ – 5 ½”
Normal 5 ¾ – 6”
Curvy 6 ¼ – 6 ½”Average women 5’5” – 5’7″
Slim 5 ¾ – 6”
Normal 6 ¼ – 6 ½”
Curvy 6 ¾ – 7”Tall women 5’8″ – 6″
Slim 6 ¼ – 6 ½”
Normal 6 ¾ – 7”
Curvy 7 ¼ – 7 ½”
MEN
A general rule for men
Small wrist - 6 ¾ – 7” 8”
Medium wrist - 7 ¼ – 7 ½”
Large wrist - 7 ¾ – 8”
X Large wrist 8 ¼ – 8 ½”
Wrist circumference with recommended bracelet circumference for an average fit with a narrow bracelet.Wrist 6 ¼ – 6 ½” bracelet 7 ½”
Wrist 6 ¾ – 7” bracelet 8”
Wrist 7 ¼ – 7 ½” bracelet 8 ½
Wrist 7 ¾ – 8” bracelet 9”
Wrist 8 ¼ – 8 ½” bracelet 9 ½”
I've been braiding horses for shows for almost 60 years starting with backyard horse shows through the A show circuit. Creating horsehair jewelry from a certain special horse or horses creates a precious lasting object with fond memories.Please check out my pastel animal portraits.