How to Make a Simple Piece of Jewelry

Anyone who's visited a department store lately knows the price of costume jewelry can be outrageous. In this eHow article, we'll tell you how to make your own beaded bracelet with semi-precious stones for a fraction of the cost.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Elastic cord
• Measuring tape
• Scissors
• Bead stopper
• Beads
• Glue

1. Gather your supplies. Beading is a very popular crafts hobby these days, so most of the items you'll need for your bracelet are readily available at a crafts store like Michaels (see Resources). Choose any beads or stones that appeal to you--many bead stores sell semiprecious stones like freshwater pearls and jade stones.

2. Cut a piece of elastic cord that is the length you want your finished bracelet to be plus 4 inches. For example, if you want your bracelet to measure 6 ½ inches around your wrist, cut your elastic cord 10 ½ inches long. The elastic cord can be any thickness--just make sure it fits through the beads or stones you want to use.

3. Attach a bead stopper to the end of your elastic cord to prevent the beads from falling off as you string them. Alternatively, clip a paper binder clip on the end of your elastic while you make your bracelet.

4. String your beads or stones on the elastic.

5. Finish your bracelet. Tie the two ends of the elastic into a square knot (right over left and left over right) after you finish stringing your beads. Trim the ends of the knot, then dab some glue on the knot. Slip the knot inside one of the beads.

6. Allow the glue to dry overnight before you wear your bracelet.

Resources

• Buy beading supplies at Michaels.

[Gourmet2Go]

on 1/8/2009 great info for beginners thanks a mil!