Apr 14 2009
Learning How to Make Bracelets is a Snap!
It’s certainly no secret that the jewelry you have on can either make or break the clothes you’re wearing and learning how to make bracelets can definitely broaden your choice of jewelry pieces. Having just the right collection of accessories to add to your wardrobe is truly something you should consider, especially if you want to be at your most stylish. But it’s also true that amassing a collection of beautiful jewelry can be rather expensive. However, one great way to cut down on these costs while also enjoying a wide variety of pieces is to make your own beaded bracelets. Besides being great fun, it’s also the perfect way to display your creations as well as your personal taste.
Luckily, making your own beaded bracelets is relatively easy to do, however, you’ll just have to make sure you have all of the necessary supplies before starting. To begin making your own jewelry you will need some essentials like scissors, flat-nosed pliers, clasps, straight pins, bead tips and glue, special beading thread, and of course, the beads! When buying your beads, have fun and be creative! Also, you’ll need a few towels as well as a clean, flat space to work on.
Once all of your supplies are in order, it’s now time to get down to some serious jewelry making. First, decide how long you’d like the bracelet to be, most are approximately seven inches in length, but just remember to add a few inches if you choose to make an ankle bracelet instead.
Next is the fun part of deciding which beads to use for your bracelet. Here’s where your imagination and ingenuity come in as there are no set rules to follow. But, one good rule of thumb to follow is spacing out larger beads with smaller ones in between as these spacer beads, as they’re called, add interest to the bracelet’s overall design. Also, you’ll have to choose which type of clasp to use along with the bead tips and will need two tips and one clasp for each bracelet you make.
To begin, you should have all of your beads and tools in place near your workspace for easy access. Taking the time to plan your design ahead definitely pays off in the end as it saves you the frustration of trying to find what you need and having the end product not turn out as you had envisioned.
Once you have a general idea as to your design, you’ll then need the beading thread, making a knot at one end and trimming away any excess that remains. Now, thread the bead tip down onto the thread and add a small drop of bead glue on the knot near the open part of the bead tip. After the glue has dried, use the pliers to push the open edges closed completely.
Next, continue threading the beads onto the thread in the order you choose, finishing off with the other bead tip. Make another knot and using the straight pin, push the knot down into the open bead tip. Once there, cut the excess thread and close the ends as you did with the first tip.
Now, all you’ll have to do is attach the clasp and to do this you will need a bead hook and your pliers. First, simply take one side of the clasp and hook it through the bead tip and secure them together with the pliers. Finish off with the other side and you now have learned how to make bracelets of your very own!
