Making Bracelets

Making bracelets is one of the easiest jewelry projects to complete. Using a few basic jewelry supplies, beads and charms, you can craft beautifully dazzling designs. The expense for making bracelets can be quite small if you are purchasing your beads or almost nonexistent if you recycle old beaded necklaces and earrings. The first instructions are for making bracelets using memory wire. This method will give you a bangle bracelet style with the illusion of wearing several bracelets at once. The second instructions are for making bracelets using a toggle clasp. This project is slightly more advanced but not difficult. Making bracelets is a simple craft for the beginner and a perfect make it/take it project for a teen sleepover.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Memory wire
• Beading wire
• Variety of charms and beads
• 4 crimping beads
• Toggle clasp
• Measuring tape
• Needle nose pliers with wire cutters
• Towel
• Masking tape

Making a Memory Wire Bracelet

1. Measure loosely around your wrist 3 1/2 times using the measuring tape. This may be tricky using one hand, so enlist a friend's help. This measurement will allow the bracelet to coil around the wrist at least three times. If you would like more spirals, simply measure around the wrist that many more times.

2. Measure the memory wire using your determined measurement and cut using the wire cutter part of the needle nose pliers.

3. Grasp one end of the memory wire using the needle nose pliers and bend into a small, closed loop.

4. Lay your beads on a towel in a repeating pattern.

5. String the beads in order onto the memory wire's unbent end. When almost full, grasp the end of the memory wire with the needle nose pliers and bend into a small, closed loop like the other end.

Making a Basic Toggle Clasp Bracelet

6. Cut a 10-inch piece of beading wire. Attach a piece of masking tape 2 inches from one end to prevent the beads from slipping off.

7. Lay out a 6-inch bead design on the towel. String on the beads from the untaped end.

8. Remove the last bead and string on a crimping bead. Replace the bead you removed, another crimping bead and one side of the toggle clasp.

9. String the end of the bead wire back through the closest crimping bead, the last bead and the second crimping bead. Squeeze the crimping beads with the tip of the needle nose pliers. Thread any remaining wire into the rest of the beads.

10. Turn the bracelet you are making around. Remove the tape from the end of the bracelet. Remove the last bead and string on a crimping bead. Replace the bead you removed, another crimping bead and the other end of the toggle clasp.

11. Repeat step 4, making sure to all the beads are snug together.

Tips & Warnings

• Most wrists are about 7 inches around. If the wrist you are making your bracelet for is larger or smaller, add or subtract the difference from your wire and bead design.