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
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
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.
,
Where are adjustable crimp ends for necklaces sold? Love your work (PLAY)?
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!
What is a crimp bead? I am just starting this.
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
That is really really cute. I love the leather cord.
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!!
That is darling!! You make the cutest jewelry! Thanks so much for sharing this too at Thursday's Temptation.
Jill
Another great bracelet! Thanks for linking to Things I've Done Thursday!
Very pretty! I love it! Thanks for sharing at Terrific Tuesdays.
Rachel
adventuresofadiymom.blogspot.com
Love it! Awesome!
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
What a pretty bracelet. As they say here in Australia 'Good on ya, for DIY too! You are so clever. God bless x
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.
Stopping by from the Welcome Wednesday Blog Hop! http://kingofsaving.com
It's lovely, well done. xo
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!
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.
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
Love the bracelet! So cute!
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???
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
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.
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.
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.
Adrienne that is adorable! Nice job! I learned the hard way about buying beads with big enough holes!!
So pretty!