How to Make Bracelets & Anklets

Choose from a variety of beads when crafting your bracelet or anklet.

Making a bracelet or anklet for yourself or as a gift has a wonderful bonus of you, the artist, being able to pick out your beads or stones from the variety of sizes, colors and shapes found at craft stores. Use either a copper wire or an elastic cord, though most beginners learn with elastic cord, which allows for flexibility and room for error.

Things You'll Need

• Beads or gemstones
• One larger bead or gemstone
• Elastic cord
• Scissors
• Tape

Instructions

1. Measure the circumference of your wrist and/or ankle and add 4 inches. Cut the length of the elastic cord to that measurement.

2. Tape one end of the cord to the work space to avoid having the beads roll off. Thread the selection of beads or stones one at a time onto the cord until you reach the last four inches.

3. Thread the larger bead or stone onto the cord. Take the opposite end of the cord and thread the cord through the last large bead or stone. The cord will be overlapping in the final bead or stone.

4. Take both ends of the cord that are in a crisscross lay and thread them through an additional bead or stone. Repeat this with one additional stone or bead.

5. 

   Completed homemade jewelry

   Knot the remaining exposed cord to finish the bracelet and/or anklet.

References

• Bead Age: Power Bracelet