How to Make a Cord and Rhinestone Friendship Bracelet

Rhinestones add sparkle to friendship bracelets.

The next time you make a friendship bracelet, get creative by using sparkling rhinestones and a leather or fabric cord instead of traditional thread. Rhinestones are made of crystal, glass or plastic and generally feature flat, foiled backs that are ideal for gluing onto surfaces. The stones feature faceted surfaces which allow them to sparkle and shine against any type of material. When making the bracelets, use the correct type of glue to ensure durability.

Things You'll Need

• 1-inch wide leather or fabric cord
• Tweezers
• Adhesive

Instructions

1. Choose the bracelet materials. Pick a fabric or leather cord that is at least 1-inch wide as well as flat-backed rhinestones in the desired sizes and colors, such as clear, pink or blue. Cut the cord to fit if it doesn't feature a premade closure, such as a snap or buckle.

2. Pick up a rhinestone with tweezers and apply a dot of the appropriate type of glue to the back. Use an epoxy when gluing glass or crystal rhinestones to leather and basic white craft glue when using plastic stones; epoxy may dissolve the foil backing on plastic stones. Use a specialty fabric glue when attaching the stones to fabric cords.

3. Press the rhinestone onto the cord in the preferred location and hold until the glue sets. Glue just one large rhinestone in the center of the cord or attach small stones all across the top of the cord.

4. Allow the glue to dry according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Knot the ends of the cord together to secure if it doesn't feature a closure.

References

• Land of Odds: Crafter's Dilemma: What Glue Do I Use?
• Rhinestones: Sparkling Quality