Oh. My. Gosh. I haven’t created anything with beads in a long long time. Too long.
I think the last time I made a beaded bracelet, I was a teenager. Mom bought me all the supplies needed and I made bracelet after bracelet. Well, until the time I was beading a bracelet on elastic cord, using a sewing needle to thread the cording through the beads. I pulled too hard on the needle and the elastic snapped. Guess where the needle went ? Yep, right into my thumbnail, eye-end of the needle first. Ouch! I still cringe when I think about that experience. Dad had to pull the needle out of my thumbnail with a pliers. Let me tell you, it wasn’t one of my most pleasant experiences in life. I’ve pretty much avoided elastic cording projects ever since.
Today I made several bracelets using wire. Just simple bracelets. Bracelets that I plan on wearing All. Summer. Long.
I chose the semi-precious stones Amazonite for their color. Amazonite is a transparent to opaque gemstone that has a beachy green and blue tone. The stone reflects the foliage of the Amazon rainforest. I love that. They remind me of the beach or pool, and the colors look fantastic on a tanned arm. 😉
If you believe in the healing properties of stones, it’s interesting to note that Amazonite is said to benefit those who suffer from gout, liver, and heart related problems. The stone is also supposed to be good for the brain and nervous system. It’s said to work on metabolism and help promote a good night sleep. It’s also supposed to be good for helping with stress, traumas, and soothing energies. Amazonite is often referred to as the “hope” stone, and a good luck charm. All of that sounds good to me!
If you don’t believe in the healing properties of stones – what have you got to lose? Just go with it! They still look great. And you might be surprised if this stone actually improves your health and wellness!
Here is a really quick and easy way to use these stone beads to make a bracelet. I hope you get a chance to make one for yourself, and enjoy it all Summer along with me!
I only write about things I have or love – and I’m sharing them with you because maybe you’ll love them, too. The links in this post may contain affiliate links. I’ll receive a small commission (at no expense to you) if you make a purchase after clicking on my link.
What You Will Need:
- 9″ to 12″ length of Wire
- 25-35 of 6mm Beads (or 18-24 8mm Beads)
- Spacer Beads (optional)
- 2 Crimping Beads
- 1 Lobster Clasp
- 1 Split Ring or Solid Ring
- Crimping Tool (or Needle Nose Pliers)
What You Do:
- Cut wire to length – measure your wrist for bracelet size, then add at least 3 to 4 inches to the overall length (you’ll need this extra length to finish the ends of the bracelet)
- Thread crimping bead onto one end of wire, along with a split ring or solid ring
- Thread wire back through the crimping bead, leaving the split ring in the loop of the wire
- Crimp the crimping bead in place (make sure the wire is secure so it doesn’t slip out of the crimped bead)
- Thread beads onto the wire, including over the extra wire coming out of the crimping bead
- Continue to thread beads in any order until you reach the length desired
- Thread a crimping bead onto the end of the beaded bracelet, along with a lobster claw clasp
- Thread the wire back through the crimping bead, leaving the lobster claw in the loop of the wire
- Crimp the crimping bead in place, and cut excess wire
One Step Further:
- Make a Set – Why stop at one bracelet? Make three! I made three bracelets of each stone, as shown – one using 8mm stone beads, one using 6mm stone beads, and one using 6mm stone beads with silver spacer beads. Wear all three-in-a-set together for a great look!
- Use Different Stones – There are many semi-precious stone beads to choose from. Find a favorite color and make several more sets of bracelets. For example, I made another three-bracelet set using Matte Moonstone beads and another three-bracelet set using Matte Cherry Quartz. They’re all so pretty!
- Add Embellishments – Add charms to the jump rings for added pizzazz. Use spacer beads to add more sparkle. Be creative!
Do you make jewelry? I would LOVE to see your bracelets! Share in a comment below!
Share on Pinterest!
Really like the bracelets in the frame, what a great idea! Thanks for sharing.
I’m a beginner with wire. What kind of wire did you use? What gauge? I made one with 24 gauge. It’s turned out okay but the clasp needs work. I need to practice. I love your bracelets! I have only made stretchy bracelets up to this point. Thank you very much!
Hi Susan – Thanks for your note!
I use 27-gauge wire Soft Flex Beading Wire – https://amzn.to/3gs8QCV – it works very well, is sturdy, and is easy to bend for the clasps.
I also make wire wrap bracelets using memory wire. Here’s a how-to article on the wire wrapped bracelets – https://www.jaydeemahs.com/day-1-of-national-craft-month-wire-wrapped-bracelets-using-vintage-glass-beads/ – with this type of bracelet, you don’t have to worry about adding clasps. 😉
I hope this helps. I’d love to see your creations!