How to Make a Cherokee Bracelet
Originating in the Southeast region of America, Cherokee Indians encompass three tribes that are recognized by the federal government: Oklahoma's United Keetoowah Band, the Eastern Band, and the Cherokee Nation in Oklahoma. Their history is vast and varied, and most were relocated to Oklahoma during the Trail of Tears in the nineteenth century. From difficulty came immense beauty in the form of arts and crafts. Cherokee Indians create jewelry from wood, stones, corn beads, gold and other natural materials.
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Things You'll Need
- Assorted wooden beads (including those with flat sides)
- Corn beads
- Glass seed beads
- Paint
- Super glue
- Nylon thread
- Scissors
- Wood paint
- Paintbrush
- Paper
- Pencil
- Silver alligator clasp
- Magnifying glass
- Pin
Instructions
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1
Cut the nylon thread to the length of your wrist diameter plus an inch. If you are making a bracelet for someone else or just want a general size, measure 6.5 inches for a petite size, 7 inches for an average-sized wrist and at least 7.5 inches for a larger wrist.
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2
Find out the translation of your name in Cherokee and practice writing it out on paper. Use the wood paint to draw the design on the sides of the flat wooden beads. If the beads have two flat sides, then paint both sides and give the paint time to dry.
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3
Attach one part of the silver clasp to one side of the nylon thread by tying a double knot to it. Cut off the excess thread, then add super glue to secure it. After the glue has dried, place the thread horizontally in front of you.
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4
Place the wooden, corn, glass, and seed beads in front of the thread in the order in which you want them on the bracelet. The beads with your name should be in the middle of the bracelet and have small seed beads in between them to make them easier to read. Experiment with the order until you find the look you desire.
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5
Thread the beads one by one onto the nylon thread. Use a magnifying glass as necessary for the smaller seed beads. Use the pin to widen the center of the beads that do not fit on the thread.
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6
Measure the bracelet against your wrist with all of the beads on the thread. Due to the thickness of the beads and the stretch of the thread, you may need to add or take away some of the beads. Adjust as necessary so that it will both fit comfortably and not slide off of your wrist.
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7
Tie the second part of the clasp to the end of the bracelet. Make a double knot and add a small amount of the super glue to make it more secure. Let the glue dry before wearing the bracelet.
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References
- Photo Credit Thinkstock/Comstock/Getty Images
