How to Make Beaded Mommy & Baby Bracelets

Using real or faux pearls in your bracelet can give it an heirloom effect.

You can create a sentimental gift for a mother you know with handmade beaded bracelets for both mother and child. These unique personalized gifts are especially cherished as a new or seasoned mother welcomes a new child into the world. Using simple household tools and a few inexpensive materials that can be found at most local hobby stores, you can add small personal charms, the baby's initials or the baby's birthstone for a one-of-a-kind keepsake gift.

Things You'll Need

• Beading wire
• Measuring tape
• Scissors
• Beads or crystals
• Initial beads
• Jewelry clasp
• 2 bead clasps
• Needle nose pliers
• Scotch tape

Instructions

1. 

   Use a flexible tape measure for an accurate measurement.

   Start by measuring the mother's wrist with the measuring tape and adding 2 inches to the number. Measure out a strand of beading wire and cut. This will be the mother's bracelet. Follow the same directions with the baby bracelet measurement. If the bracelet is going to be a surprise gift, keep in mind that the standard wrist size for a woman is seven inches and infant sizes vary depending on the age of the child.

2. 

   Scotch tape makes an excellent bead stopper while you work.

   Wrap a small piece of tape around one end of the bracelet wire 1/8-inch in. This will be used as a bead stopper. You will replace the tape with a bead stopper after you have finished stringing the beads.

3. 

   Create a pattern before you string beads so you can rearrange the beads if the pattern doesn't fit.

   Lay out the bead pattern you want to use. This is when you will place your beads and name beads. When creating the pattern, keep in mind the length of wire you have to work with. If you are spelling out names, create a bead pattern around the lettered beads. If you are using just two or three initials, create a pattern that fills the string while centering the initials.

4. 

   Creating your own pattern makes the bracelet unique.

   String your beads one at a time. Because you will be stringing one side to the other, it is important to create a symmetrical pattern around the focal point of your bracelet.

5. 

   Your finished bracelet will be a treasured possession.

   Measure your bracelet once all the beads are strung. There should be a 1/8 inch free space on the end of either side. Start with the free end. Using needle nose pliers, wrap the free wire around a jewelry clasp so that it makes a circle. Secure the two wires around the jewelry clasp by using a bead stopper. Repeat this step with the other end of the wire. Wrap the bracelet around the wrist and clasp together to verify the size.

Tips & Warnings

• Use crystals to make your bracelet shine.

• Create a unique pattern for each bracelet or the same for both.

• Add bracelet extenders to the child's bracelet so it can grow with her wrist size.

• Do not wash your bracelet because water may weaken the wire.

• Excessive tugging on the bracelet will break the wire.

• Adding too many beads can also cause the wire to break.

References

• Howtomakebeadedjewelry.com: Making a Bangle Bracelet
• Howtomakejewelry.com: Mother's Day Bracelet