How to Make Pearl Stretch Bracelets

A pearl bracelet is a timeless and classic accessory.

Stretch bracelets are wonderful gifts for young girls. Children love stretch bracelets because they are easy to put on and take off, and fine motor skills required to fasten clasps may elude some girls until they become older. Plan an afternoon to create stretch bracelets with your daughter as a fun craft project. She'll love it because she gets a lovely bracelet to wear that is easy to put on and looks just like yours.

Things You'll Need

• Pearl beads
• Elastic cord
• Scissors
• Spring

Instructions

1. Design your bracelet. Use pre-drilled freshwater pearls to create a genuine pearl bracelet. These can be quite affordable if you do not insist on buying perfectly round Grade A pearls. However, if you need to work with a tighter budget, purchase pre-drilled glass pearl beads from a local craft store or an online jewelry supplier.

2. Measure your wrist or your child's wrist and add 2 or 3 inches to that measurement. The additional length of the cord will allow you to tie knots and cut off frayed ends without worrying about the bracelet becoming too small to wear.

3. Cut beading cord of the appropriate length. Inexpensive elastic beading cord will work with most pearls, but for a more professional finish, purchase more expensive clear elastic cord. Unlike regular elastic, this cord will not become stretched out and large, and the clear color allows you to tie subtle knots that most people will not notice on a bracelet.

4. Open a standard sized binder clip, insert your cord between the jaws of the clip and release the clip to secure your cord inside the clip. This traps your cord and allows you to add beads to your cord without worrying that they will fall off the other end.

5. String your pearls onto the cord. Weed out any beads with imperfections, such as discolorations and rough spots.

6. Open the binder clip to release the end of your cord and tie a knot to finish your bracelet. Make sure that your knot sits exactly at the base of two pearls so that you don't create an unsightly gap in the bracelet when you tie your knot.

Tips & Warnings

• Give your daughter a beading party and let her do this project with her friends. They will all have a pretty bracelet to take home and it's a great way to throw a party on a budget.