Things You'll Need
Tape measure
49-strand beading wire
Flush wire cutters
Lobster claw clasp
Crimp beads
Crimp pliers or chain-nose pliers
6 mm round beads (1 each): burgundy, turquoise/teal, white, green, purple
6 mm round wood bead
4 mm silver or gold round beads
Jump rings
Prayer box charm
The use of beads to complement prayers is an old tradition that has recently experienced new birth as crafters and jewelry makers have added new designs. Prayer bracelets join traditional rosaries and other necklaces or waist strands as a means to focus prayers. The well-known 23rd Psalm lends itself well as a theme for a prayer bracelet.
Step 1
Measure the circumference of your wrist. Add 3 inches.
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Step 2
Cut a beading wire to match your measurement.
Step 3
Thread one end of the wire through a crimp bead and then through the connector on the clasp. Thread the wire back through the crimp bead. Close the crimp with the pliers and cut the wire end flush with the wire cutters.
Step 4
String a metal bead on the wire.
Step 5
Add the burgundy bead. This corresponds with the words "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want," as burgundy represents both leadership and richness.
Step 6
Add two or three metal beads. The number of beads will depend on the size of your wrist.
Step 7
String the turquoise bead, which symbolizes emotional healing, to represent "He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters."
Step 8
Add two or three metal beads.
Step 9
Thread the white bead, which is a sign of purity, to the wire for "He restores my soul; he leads me on the paths of righteousness for his name's sake." Follow it with two or three metal beads.
Step 10
Put the wooden bead on the wire to stand for "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff comfort me." Add two or three more metal spacer beads.
Step 11
String the green bead, for generosity and prosperity, as a reminder that "You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over." Thread the next set of spacer beads.
Step 12
Add the purple bead, representing royalty, to call to mind "Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."
Step 13
Thread the end of the wire through a metal bead, a crimp bead, a jump ring and back through the crimp bead. After checking the fit, close the crimp bead with the pliers and cut the excess wire with the flush cutters.
Step 14
Open a jump ring and place the prayer box charm and another jump ring on it. Close the jump ring.
Step 15
Use the second jump ring to attach the charm to your bracelet, either near the clasp or in the center of the bracelet.
Tip
For a dressier bracelet, replace the round beads with bicone crystals, substituting a brown crystal for the wood bead and space them with pearls.
Substitute a cross or other religious charm if you are unable to locate the prayer box charm.
If you find the clasp difficult to open, substitute a toggle clasp.