How to Make Sterling Silver Bead Bracelets

A sterling silver bead bracelet is a versatile piece of jewelry that can be worn with any outfit. Creating your own jewelry can be rewarding and challenging. By following these steps, you'll soon be showing off your own stunning creation.

Things You'll Need

• Sterling silver beads
• Jewelry wire
• Wire cutters or sharp scissors
• Sterling silver clasp
• Crimp beads
• Flat nosed pliers or crimp pliers

Instructions

Selecting your supplies

1. Get your supplies. If you do not already have beading tools and supplies, check out your local bead or hobby store. You will need to have all of the items listed above in order to complete your bracelet.

2. Choose your beads. There are a wide variety of sterling silver beads available. Check out the selection at your local bead shop or hobby store to see what is available. Choose one type of bead or several complementary styles. Make sure you purchase enough to complete your project.

3. Choose your wire. Tigertail, a strong but flexible wire, is a good choice. You can also get beading wire, which is sturdy, but tends to hold it's shape. Use 20- or 24-gauge wire because it's the best. If you choose tigertail, sharp scissors will work for cutting the proper length. If you choose wire, you will need wire cutters.

4. Decide on a clasp. There are many different styles of clasps to choose from. Pick the type of clasp that you prefer. It can be lobster claw, toggle, box or fish clasp, or even S-hook. Make sure that you get a sterling silver clasp, regardless of which clasp you choose.

5. Buy two crimp beads to attach the clasp to the wire. Don't get crimp beads that are too large. For crimping, you will need either flat nosed pliers or crimp pliers. Crimp pliers give the crimp beads a more finished look.

Making your bracelet

1. Measure and cut your beading wire. Cut the wire at least one-half inch longer than the length you want your finished bracelet.

2. Attach one end of the clasp to the wire. Thread the wire through the connector on one half of your clasp, folding over about one quarter inch of the wire. Thread a crimp bead onto the wire, making sure to capture the tail in the crimp bead as well. If you are using flat nosed pliers, pinch the crimp bead and flatten, making sure you are as close to the clasp as possible. Once the crimp is flattened, pull on the wire to make sure it holds.If you are using crimp pliers, use the back groove of the pliers to flatten the crimp bead, taking care that each strand of the wire is on each side of the groove. After you've pinched the crimp bead, move it into the first groove of the pliers to create a rounded, finished look to your crimp bead.

3. Start stringing your beads. If you are using more than one style of bead, alternate the beads or string several of one type followed by several of another, alternating the pattern. Be creative. You are creating a unique piece of jewelry. Leave about a quarter of an inch of wire free so that you can attach the other end of the clasp.

4. Thread a crimp bead onto the wire, followed by the other side of the clasp. Fold the wire over and thread the end through the crimp bead. Crimp this bead as you did the first one.

5. Clip any excess wire close to the crimp beads, taking care not to cut the bracelet wire.

6. Show off your new creation.

Tips & Warnings

• Using different types, styles and sizes of beads can add texture and variety to your bracelet.

• You can also use crimp covers over the crimp beads if you prefer. Properly closed, the crimp covers have a rounded bead look and can make a piece look more finished.