Today’s word – Compromise or better yet, find balance. Not just in life, but in creating jewelry.  Each piece that is intended to be symmetrical needs balance.  The same design on each side, Heavier in the center with smaller beads towards the back so it fades away. A small clasp. There are always exceptions to the rules, but you must know the rules before you can break them. Pearls are evenly space around the entire necklace.  They also have a tiny knot in the silk thread they are strung on to keep them from rubbing against each other.  That’s why they should be stored hanging, so they don’t rub against each other in a jewelry box. When designing a bracelet, you need to follow the same rules, only much shorter.  That’s where the challenge comes from.  The average necklace is 16-18 inches long.  The average bracelet is 7-7 1/2 inches long (including clasps).  Be sure your design (whether strung or bead woven) is 1” shorter than the finished size to accommodate the clasp. This heart bracelet needs to be 7 ½ inches long with clasp.  I’ll have to modify the design to make sure it fits because of the type of clasp, it requires several rows to taper down to the ribbon clasp.  I'll bead the total width for 6" then taper down for 1/2 inch and then put on the ribbon clasps. for the total length. Whether I'm bead weaving or stringing, I plan my projects ahead.  There's nothing more depressing than having to tear a project apart because I didn't plan. Plan for balance.