Warm weather is returning, and I can’t help but start thinking about my summer stack. Of bracelets, that is. Aren’t you excited about sandal-wearing sunny days and sitting-by-the-pool Saturdays? To get my arm party ready for summer, I updated my friendship bracelets with a bit of glam from a few antique jewels. Go ahead and put a bright red pedicure and an evening of bracelet making on your to do list for summer.
Here’s what you’ll need for to make your own jeweled macrame bracelet:
- Natural braiding cord. You can get this at any craft store or at Wal-Mart.
- Two small jump rings for each bracelet. Mine were about 4mm.
- Antique jewels with two loops purchased here.
Step 1: Attach a small jump ring to each of the loops on the jewel.
Step 2: Cut four pieces of cord: two 40-inch long pieces (the outer working cord) and two 15-inch pieces (the base cord).
Step 3: Thread one 40-inch cord and one 15-inch cord through one jump ring. Keeping the longer working cord on the outside, pull the 15-inch base cord taut in the center and tape it down.
Step 4: Now braid a square knot. Cross the left strand over the base strands. Then cross the right strand over top of the left strand. Pass the right strand under the center strands and up through the loop. Pull the cord tight, keeping the base strands straight.
Step 5: Tie the same knot, starting on the right side. Cross the right strand over the base strands. Then cross the left strand over top of the right strand. Pass the left strand under the center strands and up through the loop. Pull tight.
Step 6: Keep alternating the knots until the bracelet reaches halfway around your wrist. Repeat on the other side of the bracelet.
Step 7: To make the closure, knot all four strands on one side of the bracelet and cut the ends. On the other side, make a small loop with the middle base cords and knot. Knot the outer cords and snip the ends. Dab a bit of glue on the ends if you want.
Channeling your inner 13-year-old is highly recommended because braiding these is incredibly soothing. An evening session of bracelet making and Real Housewives is better than Prozac.
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Can you delete some of these comments. I’ve used so much ink just trying to get to the project. There are 46 pages most of them are all comments. I can’t pick what I print cause I’m printing from a tablet. I’m sure others would appreciated it also.
Nice! I especially appreciate that you give the lengths to use. Recently I made a necklace using that type of cotton cord (different brand) I bought at Michaels, but it was in a kids’ section, not with jewelry or sewing supplies. I liked working with it.As you probably know, you can also end them with sliding beads or sliding knots as with Shamballa bracelets. To attach clasps you can wrap wire and make loops on the ends or add the type of end crimps often used with leather cord. Jump rings may be needed or helpful depending on your choice of clasp. I’d use glue to secure ends with any method. Where do you get the jewels? Thanks!
I’m just getting in to making some pieces. What width of braiding cord did you use?
Great idea. I’ve done shamballa style bracelets with this technique but love using one focal bead!
Cute. All that knot tying takes some patience.
You are bringing back memories! I used to make and sell friendship bracelets when I was in 6th grade. I had a box that I’d bring to school and everyday at lunch, I’d set up shop. They really ARE relaxing to make, aren’t they?! Yours are a bit more polished than mine were, though. :)
You are totally reminding me of Reese Witherspoon in Election right now – love it :) And yes, I could sit and make these for hours and hours. Maybe I should put up a little booth at Caroline’s school, ha!
i am in 6th lol and i make them.
I love how elegant these are. I used to make much less elegant bracelets like these as a kid, wonder if I’d sit down and do it again because I love these
Very cute, love how you layer things and use more than one… Look great all together :)
I love doing those, kinda addictive !
I have a feeling you lost me on the braiding technique. Way too clever for me. I’m so jealous you’re heading into summer!
I am the worst DIYer and I am terrible at braiding anything. I can only dream of making these. They are so pretty!! x
The bracelets look so lovely!
I just love these! My friend and I have been looking for the right kind of cord to go with some charms we’ve been eyeing at the bead store. This is a great tutorial for jogging my memory on bracelet making! Thanks so much!
Love. They came out so cute, and they don’t look super hard to do!
Oh, how cute! I used to love macrame when I was a kid. You are so incredible with DIY’s and the wearable kind are my favorite.
Love this… totally a camp craft gone glam! Will have to try this one!
Take care,
Trish