Let's Make A Valentine Bracelet!
Making a beaded bracelet is easy and fun! This project will cost you around $5.00 and you can keep it for yourself or give it to a friend for a special Valentine gift! Caution - making beaded jewelry is addictive!
Bead supplies are easily found at most craft stores including places like Hobby Lobby, Michael's, and Wal-Mart. Many additional sources of bead supplies can be found at online stores and on e-bay.
Materials Needed:
- 1 spool of .5 mm clear stretch bracelet elastic cord
- 1 pkg. of silver or gold heart spacer beads
- 1 pkg. of mixed glass beads in shades of pink, white, clear, red, etc.
- Scissors
- A towel or paper towel to work on
Things that are helpful, but not required:
A bead-sorting tray on which you lay out your bracelet.
A bead storage container with locking compartments.
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Do NOT cut the elastic cord. Pull out a foot or so and sit the spool on your desk or lap. On a washcloth or paper towel (so the beads won't roll around) lay out: 1 heart bead, 4 glass beads in different colors. Repeat until the bracelet is your wrist measurement. Then just string the beads in that order onto the elastic bead cord.
Leaving a 2" tail at each end, cut the bead cord. Tie the two ends together in a slip knot. Retie the knot 5-6 times to make it nice and secure. Trim the ends to about 1/2" and re-thread them backward through the beads on either side of them. If you wish, you can put a dab of super glue on the ends to make them stay put. Or, you can simply cut the cord very close to the knot and tuck the knot inside a bead hole!
If you would like to make a fancier bracelet, you can invest in a toggle clasp. some silver crimper beads, and a pair of jewelry pliers. At each end of the bracelet you add a silver crimper bead and one part of the toggle. Then you run the cord back through the crimper bead and clamp it with the jewelry pliers. Repeat with the other part of the clasp on the other end.
One last note - I have to tell you "Sheila's Rule of Beads." It is: one bead on the string, three on the floor! I have trouble with motor skills and I drop things all the time. So if you have similar problems don't let it discourage you - just sweep the strays up when you're done!
Enjoy making your beaded treasure!
Written by: Sheila Talley © 2008, butyoudontlooksick.com
