Are you a fashionable crafter who loves making your own jewelry? Look no further! In this tutorial, we will guide you through an exciting and creative project - crafting a gorgeous, beaded bracelet using Preciosa beads. Bracelets are versatile accessories that can add a touch of style to any outfit, and by following our easy steps, you'll have a unique piece of jewelry in no time!
The full list of Preciosa beads, components and tools needed to complete this project can be found below. If you click on the product description (link), the respective product page will open, where each item can be viewed and added to cart:
Component | Component Name / Link | Quantity |
Preciosa Bicone Beads Topaz AB 2X 6mm | x 38 | |
Preciosa Seed Beads Topaz S/L Size 8/0 | x 100 | |
Preciosa Seed Beads Light Topaz S/L Size 8/0 | x 10 | |
Gold Plated Bolt Ring Clasp 6mm | x 1 | |
Gold Plated Jump Ring 6mm | x 1 | |
Illusion Cord Clear | x 1 | |
Thread Cutter | x 1 | |
Round Nose Pliers | x 1 | |
Chain Nose Pliers | x 1 |
Step 1
Cut your Cord
Measure out 1.5m of the Clear Illusion Cord and cut it with the Thread Cutter, this length will allow for the weaving and should provide enough excess to allow for flexing up and down in size depending on the width of the wrist with length left available for knot tying at the end.
Step 2
Attach the clasp
Thread the Illusion Cord through the Bolt Ring Clasp until it sits at the halfway point. We recommend finding a way to secure the claps to a fixed position on your workspace so that you can control the tension as you begin weaving.
Tip:
A drawing pin pushed into a lump of Blue Tack, which is then pressed down onto the work surface is a good way to hold the clasp steady while you work.
Step 3
Begin building your first loop
Thread 5 Topaz seed beads and 1 Topaz AB 2X Bicone bead onto the illusion Cord on either side of the clasp.
Step 4
Make the threads cross over
Add 1 Light Topaz seed bead onto one of the threads, then pass the other thread up through the same bead in the opposite direction. When you pull the Cords taught this will create a closed loop.
Step 5
Make your next loop
Now that the pattern has been started, each side of the loop should follow the bead sequence listed below:
Each time you need to make the Cords cross over, use 1 Light Topaz seed bead to close the loop.
Step 6
Repeat pattern
Repeat process described in step 5 until the growing bracelet is long enough to wrap around the intended wearers wrist. You will find the Cords criss cross throughout the bracelet and the repeating pattern should look like this:
Step 7
Complete the last crossover
When the bracelet has reached the desired length, add one final Light Topaz seed bead. Then tie the Cords together on one side of this bead and then thread the tails of Cord back up through the beads of the last loop. When you have rethreaded back up through to the bicones on the other side of the loop you can trim the tails. Doing this strengthens the final loop, conceales the trimmed tails and guards against the knot untying in future.
Step 8
Add the Jump Ring
Take the Chain Nose and Round Nose pliers and gently twist open a jump ring and then slide the opened ring through the Light Topaz seed bead that marks the end of the bracelet. Once it is fully slotted through, use the pliers to twist it closed again.
Tip:
Always use a twisting motions when opening jump rings to avoid weakening the metal.
You have successfully crafted a stunning beaded bracelet using Preciosa beads. Remember, jewelry making is a beautiful blend of creativity and precision. With practice, you'll develop your own unique style and create exquisite pieces that reflect your personality. So, grab your supplies, let your imagination run wild, and start designing your next beaded masterpiece!