How to Make a Friendship Bracelet Professional Looking

Add beads to your bracelet for visual interest and texture.

Friendship bracelets are a special way to tell your friend you appreciate her. They're a token of your bond and are meant to be worn often. However, giving your friend a bracelet that doesn't look professional might make it difficult for her to wear your creation to work or any professional setting. A few simple modifications can help make your bracelet look sleek and polished and make it both a fashion statement and a special reminder of your friendship.

Instructions

1. Select muted colors with subtle contrast for your cords. Bright colors will give your bracelet a childish appearance and make it very noticeable on your friend's wrist. Stay away from primary colors and avoid shades that clash as these will be difficult to match to outfits and will make the bracelet look unprofessional.

2. Select a pattern that requires fewer colors. Having too many colors in your bracelet will make it too loud and will also make it difficult to match to professional clothing. Generally, avoid using more than three colors. If you're set on a pattern that requires more, be sure that you select colors that are in the same color family or are different shades of the same color.

3. Embellish your pattern with seed beads or gemstones. Although friendship bracelet patterns don't usually call for beads, adding these to your design will make your bracelet fancier and will make it look like a fashionable accessory.

4. Make your friendship bracelet close with a quality silver or gold plated clasp instead of the typical ties and knots. The clasp will add sparkle to the finished design and will eliminate the messy, unprofessional-looking tassels. Putting in the clasp will also insure that the bracelet is easily removable and will prevent it from getting ratty through wear in the shower. Toggle clasps and lobster clasps both work well with friendship bracelets.

5. Incorporate unique items into your bracelet that will add interest and glamor to the design. Add a charm, an antique button, a Chinese coin or even an earring or ring to your bracelet. Try to find items that are somehow significant and meaningful to your friendship, as this will make your bracelet special.

6. Make your bracelet entirely out of beads. Although the finished look will be different from the traditional cord bracelets that children make for each other, the gesture of a customized piece of jewelry will still be the same. Select your friend's favorite gemstones or beads in her favorite color and string them on a durable, slightly elastic thread. If the thread isn't elastic enough to slip on the wrist easily, finish the bracelet with a quality clasp.

Tips & Warnings

• If you add beads to your bracelet, use a single color or several colors that closely match the colors of your cords.

• Use a good quality clasp. Sometimes paying extra for a good clasp is better than having it tarnish or break, which makes the bracelet unwearable.

References

• Los Angeles Times; Bff With A Twist; Amy Scattergood; July 13, 2008
• Make Play Dough: Friendship Bracelets for Adults