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Many people keep bracelets and hand them over to future generations to strengthen the family generation ties. Other than going for very expensive designer bracelets that would probably be out of fashion within a few years, making handmade bracelets is a better option. It not only saves on cost, such bracelets are also more likely to make a greater impact when handed over to generations or given as presents to loved ones.
Handmade bracelets can be made out of almost anything tangible, beaded bracelets are however among the most presentable and simple to make.
Stylish beaded bracelets come in varying designs, from paper-beaded bracelets to beaded bracelets made using crystals. Making a crystal-beaded bracelet requires: A pair of scissors, clear drying glue, a stick pin, two packets of red nylon cords with attached needles and around 70 beads, eight millimeters in diameter.
Before starting the procedure for making the beads, it is essential to have a plan in place. The plan involves drawing out a simple sketch of the final bracelet so that it turns out to be symmetrical. Draw a circle to represent the center beads and smaller circles to represent the other beads on both sides. This provides a good base to work on the bracelet, with the end-result in mind.
The first step involves the selection of the beads. The choice is based on color, design, and size. In this case, red spherical beads are being used. The size of the holes in the beads would determine the number of nylon chords that would be used. If a single strand of nylon cord is used in a large hole, the beads have a greater chance of slipping off from the bracelet. Assuming that the beads have a medium-sized hole, two strands of nylon cord are used.
Holding the two-cord lengths in place with a needle fixed on one end, leave six to eight inches from one end then create an overhand knot. Making the knot is very simple; first loop one end of the cord over another. Then take one of the ends, pull it under and let it pass through the hole. Pull both ends of the cord apart so that it tightens. With a secure knot in place, insert the first bead into the needle end, through the nylon cord, sliding it up to the very end where there is the knot.
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n the opposite side of the cord with the first bead, tie another lose knot. Insert stickpin into the loop. With the pin inside the loop, drag the loop up to the side with the first bead. As soon as the knot is in place, tighten it by pulling both ends of the cord then remove the pin.
This process is done repeatedly, adding beads and tying a knot, until all the 70 beads are firmly fixed on the cord. Depending on the desired final design, multiple beads could also be fixed on the cord before knotting the cord. Larger knots made next to the center bead would make if firmer since it is large with a larger inner hole. However, one bead should be set aside for connecting the bracelet when the process is complete.
Insert the cord ends without a needle into the final bead. Then insert the cord ends with a fixed needle and pull both ends through. Take one end of the cord and tie an overhand knot as shown earlier on the other cord. Just like before, using a stickpin, drag the knot into place and then tighten it. The cords should be pulled so tightly that there are no gaps between the final beads and the tied knots. Repeat the same procedure on the other cord.
Take the leftover cord and insert it through an extra bead on either side of the final bead that was added. Trim the excess cord with a pair of scissors. Finally fasten the cord ends down to the bracelet cord, using a small amount of clear-drying glue.
When selecting the material for making these crystal-beaded bracelets, it is important to go for quality products. Beads that have rough inner edges should be avoided as they are likely to wear off the nylon cord, and the bracelet will break off with time. Investing in quality material would save on the time and resources required for repair. The chances that a repaired bracelet would not look as appealing as the original one are also very high.
There is nothing as good as giving someone a gift that has been self-made. The
dedication and time spent making a bracelet is a sincere symbol of love and value for the receiving party. Designer bracelets might be posh but still not suite an individual’s taste. However, a self-made bracelet would always receive greater appreciation. There is no need for struggling to purchase expensive designer bracelets when the process of making them is quite simple.
For most colorful choice of beads and supplies for this process check FeelingInspired's beads and supplies shop.
http://www.feelinginspired.com.au/
Photo:
http://www.prlog.org/
