Monday, May 17, 2010

Makin' It Monday-Beaded Bracelets

I needed something to give to my Grandmother and my hubby's Grandmother for Mother's Day.  I found some cute thrift store items to use as pots for their flowers, but I wanted to give them something else as well. At one of my many trips to Hobby Lobby I found some really pretty beads to make into bracelets.  Did I mention that these beads were half off..I just can't bring myself to pay full price for anything at Hobby Lobby.  I really don't know how they stay in business, but if they are willing to give me deals (at least what I perceive to be a deal since they mark stuff down all the time) that is cool with me.

To make the bracelets I bought the beads that were already strung.  You could use loose beads and wire if you have that on hand.  I also purchased the fasteners and Jump Rings (the little wire loops).  I needed two sets of pliers for this project.

After removing the beads from the card board I found a plastic thread running through the beads.  I took a jump ring and opened it with my pliers.

Then I ran it through the plastic thread at the bottom of the beads.
Then I attached one end of the fastener to the jump ring.

Next, I pulled out the plastic thread from the top of the beads.  It was just looped and shoved down in the beads.

I took another jump ring and slipped the thread through the ring and tied the thread in a knot. 
Then you want to run the thread back down through the first couple of beads and cut the thread.  Leave enough of a tail to run through at least one or two more beads, depending on the size of the bead.
After running the tail back through the bracelet open the jump ring and attach the other piece of the fastener.  Don't forget to close the jump rings and try to get the two ends touching as smoothly as possible.

If you have a larger wrist you can adjust the length of the bracelet by adding beads, or knotting the thread so that there is more thread showing.  This option will allow the beads to slide around on the bracelet.  So do what works best for you!

Your done!
Happy Crafting!
 













UndertheTableandDreaming

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8 comments:

  1. Great gift idea! Makes me want to get all my jewerly making stuff out of the closet!

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  2. I love to make jewelry - I really should make time for it more often.

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  3. Hi great gifts! I´m just into the jewelry making world and appreciate the closure part described in the tuto!! it´s great! Drop by from Tea Rose Home link party!

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  4. Those are gorgeous! I've been wanting to dive into jewelry making so this is some good inspiration for me :)

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  5. These are simply fabulous! The beads are gorgeous! I may need to go hunt down some! Beautiful job! Hope you are enjoying your weekend! ~Stephanie Lynn

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  6. Very very cute! I am always up for a cute beaded bracelet! Thank so much for linking up with Sweet Charli!

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  7. Love these! The beads are incredible! Thanks so much for joining The Sunday Showcase Party! I greatly appreciate it. Hope you have a wonderful week! ~ Stephanie Lynn

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  8. Hi Amy! Just wanted to let you know I’ll be featuring your braclets today! Stop by and grab a featured button if you like! Thanks again for joining the Sunday Showcase! Hope to see you again next week! ~ Stephanie Lynn

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