Awhile back I made these seed bead earrings for The Sweetest Occasion, and they rank as one of my all-time favorite DIYs. They are so colorful and dangly!
But I gave them away because as much as I love earrings, it's just too darn hard to wear them with grabby little hands around (I'm talking about the kids here :)). The pretty blues and silver kept calling to me though - we are headed to the beach in Delaware soon and I.AM.SO.READY. I finally decided to make a piece of jewelry I could wear without fear of losing an earlobe.
Supplies needed:
- Thin thread. I got this pretty green thread at a thrift store and I think it's for crochet.
- 90 seed beads per bracelet (50 in one color and 40 in another)
- 2 small ribbon crimps
- Lobster clasp closure
Cut a piece of thread about 21 inches long. Then dip one end into glue and let it dry. This creates a needle like effect that makes stringing the beads much easier.
String 10 beads in one color (I did cobalt blue) then 10 in another (silver) and then 10 in the first color (blue). Push the beads down almost to the end of the string and cut off the last 7 inches of the string. This is the first layer.
String again (using the same glue-hardened end) and reverse the pattern: 10 silver, 10 blue, 10 silver. Slide the beads down again and cut another 7 inches. String the last layer like the first: 10 blue, 10 silver, 10 blue.
Line up the 3 layers and trim the length to fit your wrist. Attach the 3 strands on one side with a small ribbon clamp. Repeat on the other side. Attach a lobster clasp for the closure with a jump ring if necessary.
Delicate bracelets are my fave. Especially in beachy shades of blue. I kind of went on a bracelet making binge. Don't forget to check out these cool braided T-shirt bracelets to accessorize with, or search our website for necklaces and other projects. It's such an easy way to refresh any outfit.
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Deb Lorincz says
I love the idea but I would have liked it better if the picture of the finished project was on a darker surface so that I could see the details better. (Like were they knotted so they didn't move around, etc.)
Gloria Fisher says
Very effective, simple and pretty, good post
Sharon says
I haven't worked with tacky glue b4, but these look so simple to make I want to try.
Suzanne Harper says
Am I allowed to make a few for selling to raise funds for Cancerresearch U K Please. They look great and although here in Great Britain we may not have as much sun there are people who love to go to sunny climes for their holidays. I think these are brilliant
Rachel says
Hi... what size seed beads did you use for this bracelet.? Seed beads come in so many sizes.
Julie says
What size thread did you use? Very cute and excited to make these this weekend.
marie says
Hello,
Thank you for sharing. It's a lovely idea !
But there is something I don't understand. How do the beads stay in the right place ?
Cordialement from France.
Marie
gerbermom says
Hi Marie! The beads do move around a bit but it's not too bothersome. If you don't want the to move around, I'm thinking you could knot the string on either side of the beads.
tips says
simple but nice!
:)
elle sees says
dainty and adorable! I'M IN ALL CAPS?? HEHE
brigitte says
MERCI POUR LE PARTAGE DE CETTE BONNE IDEE
I WILL TRY TO TRANSLATE / THANK YOU FOR SHARING THIS GOOD IDEA
SORRY FOR THE GREAT LETTERS
BONNE JOURNEE
Shannon at MadiganMade says
These are stunning. aND SO SIMPLE... i WANT TO MAKE 30 OF THEM. tHEY ARE PERFECT TO TAKE TO THE BEACH. (hAVE FUN!)
Shannon at MadiganMade says
Not sure why I look like I'm shouting here. Sorry. (the caps are all on as I type in the comments... it looks like I'm shouting... but I'm not. Well, maybe... I do really love these!)
gerbermom says
Something funky is going on with the all caps - it's not just you! :) But thanks Shannon - I had to force myself to stop making this too, I could have kept stringing all day!
Kiersten @ Oh My Veggies says
Can I go to the beach too? :) I used to love seed beads when I was a kid and I think I might even still have some of them in my craft box. Maybe just enough to make a bracelet!
gerbermom says
Yes, you can definitely COME TO THE BEACH - I'D SAY WE'RE DUE A COCKTAIL! :)
Susanna says
So pretty and dainty :)