Building upon “Simple Bracelets I”, these bracelets are a little more difficult and require more tools. Be sure to keep notes and take photos of your bracelets so you can recreate any you design.
Steps
1. Loose wrap.
Using three pieces of hemp or other cording, slide a bead onto one of the strands and then knot all three pieces of cording together. the single bead should have room to move. This is a fast bracelet to make. Try one or more.
2. Silk wrap.
Start with a piece of silk ribbon that you can wrap around your wrist multiple times and tie off. Add an o-ring with a charm or more. Knot the o-ring in place so the charms don’t accidentally come off as you’re putting on / off the bracelet. Make one.
3. Wrap.
A wrap bracelet is designed to go around your wrist three times or more. If you’re giving it away, I like to give multiple places for the button to go through the cording so it can adjust to different widths. Explore the different ways to make a wrap bracelet. Try one.
4. Crochet.
Using only a chain stitch, you can add the occasional bead or not to your bracelet. If you want beads, you’ll want to put them on before you start crocheting. Try to make a simple crochet bracelet.
NOTE: You can crochet with wire instead of yarn or thread. If you want to explore this option, do some research first as crocheting with wire has some unique challenges.
5. Bead and ribbon.
This bracelet will be tied on. Tie a knot at one end of your ribbon with enough remaining so you can tie the ends of the ribbon together. With a needle and thread, put a knot into the knotted ribbon (be sure to hide it), then string on a bead. You’ll wrap the ribbon around half the bead and stick the needle through both the ribbon and the bead. Continue so that the ribbon looks like it’s moving up and down the bead string. Be sure to securely knot the end with enough ribbon to tie the bracelet together. Try this with different beads and ribbons to find a look you like.
6. Locker hook.
While still simple, this bracelet will give you an entirely different look. The base is hooking rug canvas and strips of fabric, thick yarn, ribbon, etc. You’ll need a locker hook. The process is to just pull the fabric up through the holes in the canvas. Make a colorful bangle.
7. Charm.
You can purchase a pre-made charm bracelet or make your own out of o-rings or wire and findings. The fun part is making and attaching your own charms. Using beads, make charms to fill your bracelet. You can also make charms to share with your friends for their own bracelets. Need help with charms? See the “Simple Charms” Enrichment Project badge program.
8. Popsicle stick.
Depending on your wrist size, you may choose to go with tongue depressors instead. However, the process is the same. Explore how to take a flat stick and make a bracelet. If you’re interested, try making one.
9. Ring bracelets.
Also known as slave bracelets or hand chains, these are a step up from a simple chain bracelet. The design goes around your wrist as a bracelet and your middle finger as a ring with chain attaching the two. You can do it with just chain, chainmail, add beads, etc. It can be as simple or elaborate as you wish. Explore these bracelets. Find a pattern you like and try it!
10. Your design.
After all the research and experimentation, you’re ready for the next step. Make your own! Combine elements from simple bracelets or create a unique design. Share your final completed piece with others.
Supplements
SUPP_Simple Bracelets II_2in_12up_larajla
- Avery 2.5” round label printable, 12-up
SUPP_Simple Bracelets II_Checklist_larajla
- Badge checklist
Sites to Explore
- honestlywtf.com/diy/diy-wrap-bracelet
- thediydreamer.com/crafts/silk-wrap-bracelets
- www.allfreejewelrymaking.com/Miscellaneous-Jewelry/How-to-Make-a-Wrap-Bracelet
- www.limabeads.com/Learning-the-Ladder-Stitch-T33
- www.crochetpatterncentral.com/directory/bracelets.php
- www.twinkleandtwine.com/2012/10/tutorial-ribbon-and-pearl-stretch.html
- snapguide.com/guides/make-a-ribbon-and-bead-bracelet-style-1
- happyhourprojects.com/ribbon-bead-bracelets
- www.colorcrazy.com/pages/make-locker-hooked-bangle-bracelets
- curious.com/theresapulido/series/locker-hooking-for-beginners
- thegraphicsfairy.com/make-popsicle-stick-bracelets
- www.instructables.com/id/Popsicle-Stick-Bracelets
- anuschkarees.com/blog/2012/08/20/diy-turquoise-beaded-ring-bracele
- www.birchbox.com/magazine/article/hand-chain-bracelet-diy
- www.thespruce.com/hand-chain-bracelet-340559
Get the infographic here > larajla blog post
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