Vinyl Bead DIY Multi Strand Bracelet

Hey friends!  I’ve got a fun DIY multi strand bracelet to share with you today.  As long as you can glue two things together, you’re going to like today’s project! I’ve had my eye on these vinyl disc beads for a while now, trying to decide how to use them.  I was staring at the strands and thinking I liked them just how they are – and with a bit of glue and a couple of tools, I can wear them that way!

I experimented with two sizes from today’s post sponsor, Happy Mango Beads.  This way, if you like larger or smaller beads, or more or fewer strands, you know how many you will need.  They’re slightly irregular (which is what makes the layers look so cool) but either the 2-3mm or the 4-5mm sizes work well with the glue-on end caps.  I’ll leave links to the products that I used below, in case you want to do some shopping, or learn more about these supplies.

Here’s what you will need to make this DIY multi strand bracelet with vinyl disc beads:

• Vinyl Disc Beads from Happy Mango Beads (used here: 2-3mm light blue and 4-5mm multi)
• 2 – End Caps – 17mm Pewter Cap with Bail from Happy Mango Beads
• 2 – 5mm jump rings
• 12mm lobster clasp
• Chain Nose Pliers
• Your favorite stringing medium (Fireline, beading wire and crimp beads, etc.)
• Jewelry Glue

So first – the stringing.  I am going to admit here that I did not un-string and re-string these beads; I used the cotton cord they came with.  For better strength (especially if you like this design and want to make them and sell them) I recommend re-stringing them on beading wire or cord.  If you’re using the pre-strung cord, cut a length LONGER than 6.5 – 7 inches (depending on your wrist size – I used lengths of 6.75″) because you’ll need enough extra cord to tie a knot.

If you’re re-stringing them properly, you can use a crimp bead or a snug knot at the ends of your strands – and conserve beads as well.  You’ll be able to get 4 parts (and possibly 5) from one 34-inch bead strand.  If you tie a knot, add a drop of glue to the end of the knot to help secure it while you work.

Next, add a few drops of glue into one of the end caps, and insert the bead strands.  Don’t rush this step – it can take a minute for the glue to dry enough to get a good grip on your bead strands.  If it’s not dry enough and your strands fall out, just replace it, and try not to get any glue on your fingers.  For one, you just generally want to avoid gluing things to yourself!  But mainly, you want to be sure that you don’t leave glue fingerprints on your nice shiny end caps.  The 4-5mm beads fit 2 strands nicely, and the 2-3mm beads will require 3 strands.

Once your strands are dry enough to continue working, use pliers to add the clasp to your bracelet.  Because the bail on these end caps is a nice big circle, I used two jump rings to attach the lobster clasp (so that the clasp faces the right direction when you go to wear it).  If you’re using a hook or toggle clasp, you will want to attach each end of your clasp with one jump ring.

So the hardest part about this easy DIY multi strand bracelet is literally just waiting for the glue to dry!  Once your beads are strung, both these bracelets took me 20 minutes to make, including drying time.

I hope you enjoyed this simple vinyl bead bracelet project, and I’ll catch you guys again soon!