Here is another tutorial I found on Joann's Website. I thought it was an interesting bracelet, but again, I wanted to change a few things about it. What is pretty cool about this bracelet is that you don't have to have specific beads for it. You can pretty much work with what you've got. You can also recycle beads or use leftover beads from previous projects. I hate the fact that the website gives you step- by-step directions but without any visuals. Unfortunately, a lot of people ( like myself ) are strictly visual people and would rather LOOK at step by step directions versus reading them. This is why I wanted to create another visual tutorial. Here is the original design:
The directions said the following:
SUPPLIES & TOOLS:
- Cousin®:
6mm Metallic Blue Rounds (1 pk)
4mm Blue Bicone Mix (1 pk)
Blue Glass Bead Mix (1 pk)
Silver Metal Anchor Toggle (1 pk) - Silver crimp tubes (6 pc)
- Silver .45mm 7-strand beading wire (30")
- Needle nose pliers
- Crimping pliers
- Wire cutters
DIRECTIONS:
1. Cut (3) 10" lengths of beading wire.
2. Using crimp tubes, attach each wire to a toggle end.
3. Thread 6-1/4" of beads onto each strand. String beads staggering sizes and styles.
4. After each strand has the same overall length with beads, loosely braid the three strands together.
5. Use crimp tubes to attach each wire to the other toggle end.
6. Trim the excess wires.
2. Using crimp tubes, attach each wire to a toggle end.
3. Thread 6-1/4" of beads onto each strand. String beads staggering sizes and styles.
4. After each strand has the same overall length with beads, loosely braid the three strands together.
5. Use crimp tubes to attach each wire to the other toggle end.
6. Trim the excess wires.
_________________________________________________________________________________
My own directions:
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
Step 1: Gather the beads you would like to use for the bracelet. I used some of my old and left over beads for this bracelet. I also had a small anchor charm which I used as a closure ( the anchor doesn't have to be as big as on the original photo ).
Step 2: Cut 3 12 inch strings ( I used standard beading silk thread ). You can use wire or thread - it is up to you.
Step 3: Put a stopper bead on one of the strings before you begin your work.
Step 4: Start putting your beads on the first string. I suggest using some sort of pattern. I did try to use "random" beads in the beginning, but it just did not look right.
Step 5: Repeat step 3 and 4 with the other 2 threads. You can follow the same pattern, or create a different one for each string ( like I did ).
Please remember to put a stopper bead at the end of each thread, just like you did in the beginning.
Step 6: Take all 3 threads and go through the needles eye with all 3 threads. Make sure your project is aligned and all strands are at the same place / location.
Step 7: Take 15 - 25 seed beads and put them onto the needle. Pull through the first seed bead in order to make a closing loop. The reason why I say to take 15 - 25 seed beads is because you want to create a loop big / small enough for your anchor.
Step 8: After you have pulled through the 1st seed beads, tie your strings into 2-3 knots, secure the thread with crazy glue / cement and cut off the strings.
Step 9: Pull up your beads strands so that they are tightly placed against your loop.
Step 10: Pull the other 3 threads through the needles's eye.
Step 11: Attach your anchor and pull through one of the white bead stopper beads.
Step 12: Secure your thread by tying 3 knots right after the stopped bead. Use some crazy glue / cement to secure the thread and cut the remaining thread off.
And here we have it !
Check back soon for more tutorials and other useful information about handcrafted goodies !!
