[Catlovers141]

Not sure where this would go, but I got an idea a little while ago to make awareness bracelets for various mental health conditions. I wanted to do something that would be a good hobby for me, with all proceeds going to a mental health organization (have not decided which yet). I am still in the planning stages, but I was wondering what people think of this idea. Do you have any suggestions about how I could go about doing this, or if people would even be interested? I am trying to find a way to make them where they would be appealing but also not very expensive so people will want to buy them. I was thinking seed beads, but I am not sure yet. Any input is much appreciated!

[Okami]

Its a generous and sweet idea. I mean, if you can make it fly, then why the hell not? Honestly, I'm just surprised it hasn't been done before. You'll have to get incredibly creative. But I'm sure you could pull it off. I might not do bracelets since they're a bit common. Something unique that would really appeal to people's tastes. Seed beads are a lot of fun, so I think thats a good start.

I'm thinking if I did it, I'd probably work with memory glass and create pendants. People love a sense of individuality and that way each one is special. The nice part about this is that you don't have to buy the expensive memory glass brands from art stores. I used to use microscope slides. You can order them from vet suppliers for cheap. The only time consuming part is the soldering. But thats half the fun.

Plus you can charge a little more because people love to buy them. Just a thought though. I wish you luck with whatever it is you pursue. I love creative projects. I'd chip in if I could.

[Sabrina]

I think it is a lovely idea, although personally, I would never wear a bracelet that lets everyone know that I have a mental health condition. That's just me.

[yellowted]

i agree, i never wear bracelets as they get in the way, a necklace is a much better option in my opinion as the pendant could be clipped to a key chain for those who do not wish to wear a necklace advertising their difficulties.

[Catlovers141]

Thank you all for your responses:

Okami: I think that is a lovely idea. I like the idea of doing something unique because there are some bracelets and wristbands out there. I'm not sure I would be so talented though!

Sabrina and yellowted: The bracelets I was considering doing (although I do not have an exact design) wouldn't be an obvious reference to a mental health condition. Different physical and emotional conditions have different awareness colors, so the bracelets would simply be made of beads of that color. For example, self-injury is sometimes symbolized with the color orange. So for self-injury I would just make a bracelet with orange beads. It wouldn't say anything on it so it wouldn't be obvious that you are wearing it for this reason. Plus many people wear them in support of family or friends.