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For those of you who didn’t know I used to own my own jewelry business called MJennings Designs, LLC. Just last night I said to my husband it feels “nice” to not be beading like crazy during the holiday season. However, it did make me think of how when I started beading what a stress reliever it was. I thought I would share with you a few basics on how to make a beaded bracelet as it is very frugal to make your own handmade gifts. Not only frugal but there is something very special about getting a gift from someone that they made for you.
To make a beaded bracelet you need the following supplies:
Bead Stringing Wire – I suggest using Soft Touch or Soft Flex – Test Strength 26 lbs. Medium – all purpose wire, .19 in Diameter and 49 strands
A variety of beads of your choice – I love working with Swarovski Crystal and Sterling Silver
4 crimp beads (I use 2 on each end)
And the following tools: Crimper, wire cutters and flat nose pliers.
1. First you need to measure your wrist or estimate for the recipients wrist. The average bracelet is 7″ finished. You will need to allow 3 additional inches of wire for a 7″ bracelet. So you would cut 10″ of wire.
2. Next string your beads on the wire. Beading 6 inches of beads and allowing approximately 1 inch for the toggle clasp.
3. Finally you are going to slip on your crimp beads on each end of the wire as well as your toggle and bar.
4. Using your Flat Nose Pliers pull your wire through the crimp beads and toggle and pull your wire through at least 2 beads.
5. Make sure that you have some slack in the strand.
5. Crimp your crimp beads tightly. I use 2 for “insurance” Use the lower hole on your crimping tool, press to close the crimp bead and that is what “holds” your beads onto the wire.
6. Clip off any remaining wire.
Now you have the perfect gift for someone special on your list.
I suggest purchasing supplies at Michael’s using coupons or through BlueMud.com.
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{ 12 comments… read them below or add one }
Oh, thank you for this post! I dabbled in making beaded items and have a drawer full! Just might have to pull them out and make MYSELF a bracelet! Need something to sparkle for Christmas!
Thanks for this post. I have wanted to learn how to bead for awhile now. Do you have any books or websites that you recommend for a beginner? I have 2 kids ages 5 & 8, so this would be an infrequent thing, but I would like to make some things for myself! Thanks!
You make it look so easy
Wonderful instructions! Thank You!
I love this post, and have always wanted to try my hand at making beaded jewelry. So pretty! Can’t wait to give this a go. Thanks for your tutorial!
I tried to get into beading but could never get the clasps right. They kept breaking. I think I will try again now! Thanks for sharing!
My mother used to make beaded Indian jewlery. This brings back great memories. Thanks!
Very interesting. I have never tried to make a beaded bracelet, you make it look so easy! Just maybe, I’ll dabble!
You make it look so easy! I have made earrings before, but never a bracelet. Yours is really pretty! Thanks for showing us all how to make one!
This post makes it look so easy. Will be sharing it with my teen daughter who loves to learn new things like this.
I have made many beaded necklaces and bracelets (both for gifts and to sell) but havent been doing it lately……. YOU have given me the motivation to get back into it!!! Thank you so much
I won some handmade lampwork beads and didn’t have a clue what to do with them. Now I have bookmarked this so I can purchase supplies and come back to do this. I am a klutz but with your help I’ll try it!
Loved your beadery creations! Thanks for sharing how to do it! I still have the keychain we made at the MOPs Crop years ago on my keychain. It has held up so well!
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