How to Make a Wooden Saint Bracelet

St. Christopher and a guardian angel are popular depictions on jewelry that feature saints.

Many members of the Catholic Church choose to wear medals or other forms of jewelry with images of blessed saints. These items are not worn as superstitious protection, but rather as a remembrance of a particular saint and their vocation. The medal of St. Christopher, for example, is a popular saint observed on medals as he is most commonly considered the patron saint of travelers. A wooden saint bracelet serves a similar purpose and is intended as a physical reminder of a group of saint's sacrifices. Religious stores often sell wooden beads that depict various saints so that an individual can create and personalize their own saint bracelet.

Things You'll Need

• 7 wooden saints beads with double holes
• 2 yards of beading cord elastic
• 14 gold beads, glass or plastic, 3mm
• 3 crimp beads, 3mm
• crimping tool

Instructions

1. Measure twenty four yards of beading cord elastic and cut. Fold the elastic in half and cut in the center to make two 12-inch pieces of beading cord and set aside.

2. Slide one gold non-crimping bead on to each strand to start. Loosely tie a knot at the end of each strand to hold the gold bead.

3. Lay out wooden saint beads in the desired order. Slide the first wooden saint bead through the two strands or elastic beading cord. Follow with one gold bead on each strand to secure.

4. String the next wooden saint bead on to the cord and follow again with the gold bead. Repeat until all wood beads and gold non-crimped beads are on the cord. The bracelet should now start and end with the gold beads.

5. Measure the bracelet around the wrist to ensure that it will fit over the wrist with minimal stretch. Cut the excess cord.

6. Slide crimp beads on to the cord. Untie the knot in the opposite end of the bracelet and slide the cord through the crimp bead. Use the crimp tool to press down on the crimp bead to secure both ends to complete the bracelet.

References

• "The Catholic Rosary"; Catholic Medals
• "300 Christian and Inspirational Designs for Scroll Saw Woodworking: 150 Easy to Make Gift, Fretwork, and Jewelry Projects";Thomas L. Zieg; 1995