Brass+ Coconut DIY Bead Bracelet

-Hey friends!  Ready for a fun new DIY bead bracelet design today?  I’ve got you covered!  Combine dyed coconut beads with brass accents for an earthy, organic-looking DIY bead bracelet.  It only takes a few simple supplies, and the design is so versatile that you could make it in either a single- or double-strand style.

I got inspired by the selection at today’s post sponsor, Happy Mango Beads.  While I often use natural stones in my designs, I don’t often use wood or coconut.  It’s just not typically my style – but I loved the shade of these denim blue coconut beads!  Read on for how this piece came together, and you can shop the links below to make your own!  (Note: I could have sworn I got the hook and eye clasp at Happy Mango Beads once upon a time, but I’ve been shopping there for several years now, and it appears to be discontinued in the brass finish.  It is, however, available in the silver pewter finish, and the metal accents are too! You can always shop a different clasp style, or change the finish in this tutorial.)

Here’s what you’ll need to make this DIY bead bracelet:

• 8mm rondelle coconut beads (I used denim blue)
• 41mm hammered pewter tube bead with brass finish
• 6 – 13mm brass oval pewter beads (you may skip these if you’re making only a single-strand tube bead bracelet)
• Coordinating 20-lb hemp cord, about 36 inches
• Jewelry Glue (I like Super New Glue)
• Hook and Eye clasp (you can use any clasp you like, Happy Mango Beads has some great toggle clasps)
• Scissors

First, cut 36″ of hemp into 4 equal length (9-inch) strands.  Tie them in an overhand knot if they fit too loosely in the cap – the knot will fill the end cap completely.  This step may or may not be necessary depending on the style clasp and the weight of the hemp you’re using.  If you are using glue-on hook and eye clasps, glue the ends of your hemp into one cap with a few drops of jewelry glue.  (For a more traditional toggle-style, you can simply tie a 18-inch length of hemp through the loop.)

The advantage to using a double strand of hemp in the project is just to fill the glue-on end caps.  You may choose to use single strands.  But if you’re doubling them, separate them into two groups of two to string your beads.  Add approximately 1/2 – 3/4 inches of coconut beads onto each strand, and then string a 13mm oval bead onto both strands.  Then, continue stringing coconut beads on each strand.

When you reach a length of 3 inches of beads + the end clasp, it’s time to add the tube bead to one strand of hemp.  Continue on the other strand with more coconut beads.  When they reach an equal length, repeat the pattern you began with of 1/2 – 3/4 inches of beads, offset by a 13mm brass oval.

When you reach the end, tie another knot and glue the opposite end cap into place.  (For toggle clasps, tie the toggle into the knot.)  Jewelry glue dries quite quickly, so it should be ready for wear within 10-15 minutes!

The end result is a bracelet that makes up quickly, with lots of room to modify the length and details!  Try adding a brass tube bead to both strands, or add a dangling charm!  The length can easily be adjusted of you string your beads first, and check your lengths before adding the clasps.  I typically make a 7.5-7.75 inch bracelet for myself, but you can make this design larger or smaller.

Thanks for joining me for today’s DIY bead bracelet idea, and I’ll see you all again soon!