How to Create a Bracelet for Free

Create homemade bracelets using household items and old jewelry charms.

Creating a bracelet without incurring costs is easy to do using household items and free patterns and designs available online or in craft books. Designing and making your own bracelets and other jewelry will add a custom and unique touch to your jewelry collection.

Instructions

1. Locate materials that you already have to help create your bracelet. Some items that might be useful could include any kind of string or wire (for the base of the bracelet), beads, charms, and old jewelry you no longer want. Because there is no limit to the materials you can use when creating your own bracelet at home, you can expand your ideas to include yarn, buttons, and other recycled items.

2. Brainstorm for some creative ideas for the type of bracelet you would like to design. Visit sites on the Internet for inspiration. Think of various color schemes and patterns that are possible using the materials you currently have at home. Some popular websites for jewelry patterns include Beadage (beadage.net), All Crafts (allcrafts.net), and Art Beads (artbeads.com). Browse through each of the website's galleries and free pattern printouts to find a bracelet you would like to create. Print the bead pattern you would like to use to help create your bracelet. Once you have the pattern printed, organize your materials according to what the pattern requires and what you have on hand. You can then follow the pattern's instructions, or get creative with the materials you have, adding charms, beads, and other elements.

3. Measure an adequate amount of wire or string for your bracelet. Because the amount of wire or string will vary for each person, it is best to measure the string directly around your wrist to get the best estimate before deciding on the bracelet's length. Using scissors or wire cutters, cut the string or wire to the length of your choice. Be sure to leave additional room to tie the bracelet or close it off when complete. You can then begin stringing your buttons, charms, and elements from your old jewelry onto the bracelet.

4. Mix and match different charms, buttons and beads throughout your bracelet, depending on your design or pattern. Tie your bracelet, if its created from string, or use wire pliers to close and complete a bracelet made of wire.

References

• Beadage: Make Beaded Jewelry -- Free Beaded Patterns

Resources

• All Crafts: Over 50 Free Bracelet Patterns
• Art Beads: Bead Bracelets, Free Patterns
• Artists Helping Children: Friendship Bracelets Instructions