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04/11/2012

Star Beaded Bracelet

I was shopping with my family over the weekend, and fell in love with a simple beaded bracelet in American Eagle.  I turned it over, and upon seeing a $16 price tag, I immediately put it back, went home, and made my own.  Fortunately for the DIY-mamas like me out there – inspiration is free!

And you know what?  I like mine even better!  The bracelet I was looking at had a button closure, but for simplicity’s sake, I used a set of crimp tube ends for my bracelet.  It finishes with a cleaner look and that appeals to me, but certainly feel free to use a button or a knot if you prefer something more organic-looking.

Time: 30 minutes
What you’ll need:

  • Small diameter leather cord
  • Crimp beads
  • Large seed beads or other beads with large holes
  • A few “feature” beads to add interest.  I had 8 star beads leftover in 2 different sizes from another project.
  • Clasp/closure of your choice

I cut some 8″ strands of 1mm leather cord.  I went ahead and crimped one end… mostly to confirm how many strands would fit before I got to work. ;)  This is one of those adjustable crimp ends for necklaces, I just removed the extra links since it’s a bracelet.

I had to rule out some of the beads I was originally thinking I’d use, because the holes weren’t big enough.  So if you are buying beads, be sure they have large holes!  Fortunately my stars were big enough… or else I really would have caved and gone bead-shopping. ;)

I didn’t go with any real pattern, I wanted it to look random.  I added a crimp bead (don’t crimp it on really tightly, if you really muscle it on, you will likely cut into your leather.  You only need the crimp to be secure enough to keep your beads from sliding around, so that you can control the spacing).  Then I added anywhere between 1-4 beads, and another crimp bead.  Once I got a few added and was closer toward the center of the bracelet, I added the stars.  If I had more, I wouldn’t have worried about centering them, but this is what happens when you use up your stash.

I just did the same thing for all three strands – kept my spacing and number of beads random.  Then I double-checked the length against my wrist, trimmed down the ends to even lengths, and added the crimp closure to the other end.  This was a really simple bracelet to make and I love how summery it looks!

Some of you who read my jewelry posts have asked about just how big a stash I’m talking about to be able to make so many projects without having to buy a thing.  Er… sadly, it’s true.  I have an obscene amount of jewelry supplies… please don’t judge me…

This isn’t even counting my big bin with all my metal stamps, punches, and pliers, either – just the bead stuff.  I just love beads so much, and they’re not very big, I tend to pick up anything that looks pretty.  But hey – I’m doing a pretty good job at this stash-busting thing lately… the stores I frequent have probably thought something terrible has happened to me. ;)

I link up to these great parties!
~ Adrianne

Filed Under: Bracelets, Jewelry, Tutorials

copyright policy and terms of use

I love it when you love my work! All tutorials and photos published at Happy Hour Projects are copyrighted. If you would like to feature my tutorial on your website or share it on your social media you may use one photo to feature, as long as you provide a link back to the original post.

If you feature a photo, it may not be accompanied by the project tutorial or recipe, whether in my own words as it originally appears or paraphrased by you. This also includes personal sharing on social media and Pinterest. Publishing multiple photos from a project, or including instructions with an accompanying photo are not permitted and you will be asked to remove them.

I love to share my projects, and my tutorials, recipes, and e-books are ALL free for your personal use. However, photos and ideas that are published to this site are my protected intellectual property. You may print them at home, but please do not copy or distribute them. I also allow all designs to be made and sold at fundraisers, craft fairs, etc. If you are selling a piece made from one or more of my free tutorials in your online shop, I require that you use your own, original photography, and include a link back to my website to credit me as the designer.

I hope you enjoy what you read here, and please be fair when you share!

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Barbara Leutzinger says

    01/17/2021 at 3:44 pm

    Adrianne,
    I would like to know where to buy the 2 sizes of star beads. The bracelet you made is just so cute. You did a fantastic job. If you have a newsletter I hope that you could put my email address on your list. Just have gotten interested in jewelry and beading. Have been a crafter actually since the 1970’s. Do not see how it could be that long. I am very much into sewing but now I want to try jewelry. Love your work. You are very talented.
    Sincerely, Bobbi Leutzinger

    Reply
  2. Sandi Hodge says

    11/09/2017 at 7:01 am

    Thank you Thank you Thank you
    My Stash looks like yours , yours like mine, like you said , that’s not all of it.
    I Love the Bracelet, You do Good.
    I’ll follow your recipe as that’s what I call patterns.
    ,

    Reply
  3. RuthAnn Copeland says

    09/21/2015 at 6:07 pm

    Where are adjustable crimp ends for necklaces sold? Love your work (PLAY)?

    Reply
    • Adrianne says

      09/23/2015 at 7:47 am

      Hi RuthAnn,

      I found those at Hobby Lobby a few years back. Since I do most of my shopping online these days, these are some really nice crimp-on end caps for 1mm leather: https://www.goodybeads.com/store/products/Y007194.htm

      You can also use a glue-on style as well. Actually Goody Beads has more end caps than any store I’ve ever shopped, so there are a lot of options there. Thanks for the note!

      Reply
  4. Lisa says

    07/09/2015 at 1:13 pm

    What is a crimp bead? I am just starting this.

    Reply
  5. evas-body-by-vi says

    04/26/2012 at 1:52 pm

    This is a great idea and what inspiration! You are driven by the inspiration bunny! I'm not crafty but I certain enjoyed reading this post and will pass it on.
    Best regards,
    Eva

    Reply
  6. Pam says

    04/16/2012 at 4:34 pm

    That is really really cute. I love the leather cord.

    Reply
  7. Amy says

    04/13/2012 at 7:39 pm

    Loooove your bracelet, girl! Great job! Way to avoid paying retail. :) Where did you get those star beads? I totally want to make one now. I'm so glad you shared this at Shine on Fridays!!

    Reply
  8. Jill says

    04/13/2012 at 3:38 pm

    That is darling!! You make the cutest jewelry! Thanks so much for sharing this too at Thursday's Temptation.
    Jill

    Reply
  9. Melanie says

    04/13/2012 at 2:15 pm

    Another great bracelet! Thanks for linking to Things I've Done Thursday!

    Reply
  10. Rachel says

    04/13/2012 at 3:03 am

    Very pretty! I love it! Thanks for sharing at Terrific Tuesdays.
    Rachel
    adventuresofadiymom.blogspot.com

    Reply
  11. Jean Davis says

    04/12/2012 at 11:19 pm

    Love it! Awesome!

    Reply
  12. Olah Momma! says

    04/12/2012 at 3:21 pm

    Oh I do 'stashing', only mostly in fabrics. I got a few with jewelries. And I do love that bracelet style!

    Following your FB, Pinterest and G+.

    Also inviting you to join my Yoplait Giveaway which includes VIP coupon for a free 4-pack of Yoplait Trix yogurt for kids and Yoplait branded items including an insulated lunch tote, ice pack, backpack, folder, zippered pencil pouch, pencils, erasers, and pencil sharpener (great for your schooling kid!). You may join it here: http://olahmomma.com/blog/intrixicated-yoplait-trix-review-and-giveaway

    Thanks!

    The Quiet Mom at http://olahmomma.com

    Reply
  13. Karen says

    04/12/2012 at 5:57 am

    What a pretty bracelet. As they say here in Australia 'Good on ya, for DIY too! You are so clever. God bless x

    Reply
  14. Maureen Hayes says

    04/12/2012 at 2:36 am

    Adrienne,

    This is so beautiful, I wish you were selling it! I have no jewelry stash, so I fear I wouldn't know how to crimp or have tools to do it. I do however have a stash of other art supplies so I understand the feeling of worrying about being judged! LOL! I really enjoy your blog and the projects you come up with, thanks for the great posts.

    Reply
  15. King of $aving says

    04/12/2012 at 2:35 am

    Stopping by from the Welcome Wednesday Blog Hop! http://kingofsaving.com

    Reply
  16. Katherines Corner says

    04/12/2012 at 12:20 am

    It's lovely, well done. xo

    Reply
  17. Kimberly says

    04/11/2012 at 8:45 pm

    I love it!! I have some leather cording and the fastener crimp things, I think I need to go through my stash and see what else I have. This is too cute!

    Reply
  18. Terry says

    04/11/2012 at 7:06 pm

    LOL – I'm so happy to finally get a look at this fabulous stash. And what a stash it is, ha ha ha. Thanks for sharing. I don't think I've made a bracelet with leather before. I must add this to my list of wishes.

    Reply
  19. Twins Happen says

    04/11/2012 at 6:28 pm

    Good morning sister! I am a new follower stopping by from welcome wednesday. I know it's not good to be jealous, but I SO am. I wish, wish, wish I were crafty. The bracelet is beautiful. I can't wait to dig into your blog and see what other delightful things you have created. Who knows, maybe you will be the inspiration to kick my butt into creative gear ;)
    xoxo
    Andrea

    Reply
  20. MrsFoxsSweets says

    04/11/2012 at 2:59 pm

    Love the bracelet! So cute!

    Reply
  21. Karen at Bargain-ista.com says

    04/11/2012 at 2:56 pm

    Oh that's darling! I love it :) Why pay $16 when you can make it yourself, you already have the stuff, and it comes out even cuter than the original???

    Reply
  22. stlavonlady says

    04/11/2012 at 2:50 pm

    Beautiful bracelet!! You did an awesome job. I myself am trying to be more crafty. I love trying new things! Thanks for sharing. :)

    Thanks for the Welcome Wednesday Blog Hop!!

    I am now following you through Linky. I would love it if you hopped on over to my blog and followed back. :)

    Thanks! Julie from Stlavonlady Beauty Tips and Tricks, Savings & More

    Reply
  23. rebekahdawn says

    04/11/2012 at 2:16 pm

    I love this! One of these days, when I actually get around to attempting some jewelry, this is going to be on my list to try. Pinning.

    Reply
  24. Heather says

    04/11/2012 at 1:02 pm

    Hi Adrienne – this looks like a project even I could do. Of course it would probably cost me $116 to make it after I bought all the supplies and tools as I've never done jewellery making before. But it does look like a fun and doable project.

    Reply
  25. Kadie says

    04/11/2012 at 12:55 pm

    I LOVE this!! Stars have a special place in my heart. I don't have any star beads though. Your stash is impressive to say the least.:) My yarn stash is starting to look like that.ha.

    Reply
  26. Danni Baird says

    04/11/2012 at 11:05 am

    Adrienne that is adorable! Nice job! I learned the hard way about buying beads with big enough holes!!

    Reply
  27. Shannah says

    04/11/2012 at 10:52 am

    So pretty!

    Reply

Trackbacks

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Hello, and welcome! I'm Adrianne, an artist, author, designer, and blogger in mid Michigan. I work from home, chase my two kids, and this once-city-girl is learning how to care for chickens and adjusting to life out in the country. I have a compulsion for daily creativity... sometimes it's jewelry-making, paper crafting, metal stamping, mixing and baking, or giving new life to recycled items. But with 2 young kids, time is short! My goal here at Happy Hour Projects is to share projects and tips that you can do in an hour or less. The ideas you find here are designed to add a little creativity in your day, no matter how much (or how little) time you have!

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