If you are in the market for a bracelet why not make you own. You can make an original bracelet for a fraction of the cost you would pay for one at the store. No one will even know you made it yourself if you do it right. There are several alternatives when it comes to making your own unique bracelet. There are many types of bracelets. You can choose one with beads, charm bracelets are popular or a friendship bracelet is a good choice.
Beaded bracelets are probably one of the easiest to make. Supplies are available at any craft store or even Walmart carries supplies for this kind of bracelet. You will need:
Any kind of bead (plastic translucent or solid in color tend to work best)
Elastic string to put the beads on
Other decorations like smaller beads, shapes etc.
After you have all of your materials simply cut your elastic to the size you want and tie a knot at one end so your beads do not fall off. Then start stringing your beads onto the elastic in the desired pattern. When you are finished tie both ends together and cover the knot with one of your beads. Place the bracelet on your wrist and wear for any occasion.
Charm bracelets are becoming very popular for all ages. In order to make a charm bracelet you will need links for your bracelet. You can buy a plain chain with metal links or plastic links are also available. Now search for the style of charms you would like to decorate with and attach them to your bracelet using metal links or another type of clasp. Many stores and jewelry boutiques sell charms to add to custom-made bracelets. There are several companies that specialize in these types of bracelets.
Friendship bracelets can be made a number of different ways using a variety of materials. You can use yarn, plastic string, rope or hemp. A friendship bracelet can have decorations on it like beads or you can just use different colors of yarn. You can weave your bracelet, braid it or even crochet it for a fancier look. If you are making a bracelet using hemp for a macramé design here are some instructions. You will need:
Hemp—2 long pieces
Flower beads—8 beads
A safety pin or piece of tape
1. Fold the hemp in half. Hold both pieces of hemp together to make a loop by tying both pieces into a knot ¾” down from the fold. You should now have 4 strands. Make sure all 4 strands are about the same length.
2. Lay the strands flat on your work-space or lap. Tape or pin down to attach the top loop to your work area. It is helpful to tape stands 2 & 3 to your work area also. You may want to tag or mark stands 1 & 4 with tape or marker to help you keep track of your strand order.
3. Weave in a macramé pattern by following these steps:
Place strand 1 over strands 2 & 3 and under strand 4
Bring stand 4 under strands 2 & 3 and then through the loop made by strand 1. Tighten the strands.
Place strand 1 over strands 2 & 3 and then through the loop made by strand 1. Tighten the strands.
String the bead through strands 2 & 3. Pull strands 1 & 4 along each side of the bead resume weaving.
Be sure to tighten the cording ends after each weave and weave about 1” before adding the first bead.
4. Thread the 8 flower beads onto the strands about ¼” apart. After adding the last bead, continue weaving in the macramé patter for about 1”.
5. When finished, gather the 4 strands and tie them together into a knot. Then attach the bracelet to your wrist by threading the bottom knot through the top loop and then tie to secure.
Creating your own personalized bracelet can help reflect you and your personality to others. Bracelet making doesn’t have to be complicated. You can create a lovely piece of jewelry in a short amount of time. Get the materials you need then start creating and have fun doing it.
