How to Make Infant Bracelets

Make gemstone versions of a typical baby bracelet.

Infant bracelets are a traditional keepsake gift for a newborn and his or her parents. The bracelets were typically made from elastic string and embellished with square-shaped colored beads and beads with the letters of the baby's name. Create a modern and trendy variation of this customary gift by making the infant bracelet from imitation crystal or gemstone beads and adding gemstone or metallic alphabet beads to spell the new baby's name. The bracelet project is also an easy gift that an older sibling can help make for the new baby.

Things You'll Need

• Stretchy elastic cord
• Tape
• Gemstone or metallic alphabet beads
• Gemstone or crystal beads

Instructions

1. Cut a piece of stretchy elastic cord to about 5 inches long for a young infant. Add an extra inch or two for an older baby.

2. Lay the cord out straight and tape one end of the cord to your table to keep the beads on the cord while you work.

3. Lay the beads on your work surface in the order you would like them on the bracelet. Arranging the beads before threading them onto the cord lets you make sure the name fits properly in the center.

4. Arrange the gemstone or metallic alphabet beads in the center of the cord and the crystal or gemstone beads on each side. Leave about 1/2 inch of the cord empty at each end to join the bracelet ends together.

5. Slide the beads onto the cord in the order they appear in your arrangement.

6. Remove the tape and tie the elastic ends in a knot. Slide any excess cord into the nearest beads.

References

• "Making Jewelry with Gemstone Beads"; Barbara Case-Speers; 2007