I want to be a blogger. I really do. I know you probably can't tell considering this is my second post since I signed up, but hey, it's a work in progress! I absolutely need to start making it a priority... But Instagram is so easy ;) At least I'm here now, right? So, here it goes.. My very first tutorial! :) I hope you enjoy it! I stumbled across this idea as a result of my mom being absolutely obsessed with Victoria Emerson bracelets. She showed them to me a few months back and hinted that she wanted some for Mother's Day. They are absolutely gorgeous but can run as much as $199. YIKES. Sorry mom but that's not happening on my budget. I have this tendency to see things and be like, "Hey! I could make that! Why buy it?!" And sometimes I'm right. A lot of times I'm wrong. Or it ends up being way too time consuming, which, paired with cost of materials, makes it completely worth it to just buy. These bracelets are somewhere in between. I thought I was going to pull my hair out the first time I made one, but don't let that scare you away! I have since made multiple more and have learned lots of tips and tricks that make the process immensely easier. Yay for you :) Let's start with the basics: What you need. -Beads - $5+. The rounder, the easier. Those shiny, gorgeous beveled ones will make a spectacular bracelet but they will also drive you insane in the process. Because they have edges, the beads get a bit wonky when you string them on and they do not want to stack nicely - resulting in a crooked bracelet. Possible? Absolutely. But I wouldn't suggest it on your first go. Also, bigger beads are a good idea for your first try. Not HUGE, but not those super microscopic 4mm ones either. Not only does it require a lot fewer beads to make a bracelet (which also means less stitches), but they are so much easier to thread. Win win! -Leather Cord - $2. I prefer 1mm diameter. I used 2mm for my first couple of bracelets and it definitely works too. However, I like the beads to be the main attraction and thinner leather helps make that happen. Definitely get at least 2yards. Go with 3 yards if you want more than 4 wraps around your wrist. -Beading Needle - $2.50 (set of 4). These things are awesome. I had never used one before. They are insanely flexible and the eyes are HUGE, making threading a breeze! -Thread - $2. For this specific bracelet, I used pearl cotton thread in size 5. You can also use Nylon thread or Polyester thread. If you use Nylon or Polyester, I would suggest doubling your thread for more support. I love the way this bracelet turned out using the cotton thread but it was kinda a huge pain in the ass. I definitely prefer the end result, though. Will go into more detail later. -Button - $2 (set of 4). I like the kind with the hook in the back but anything should work. -Scissors. Because cutting your thread is easier than biting it. -Shallow Dish. Not completely necessary but it's a nice way to keep your beads together and easily accessible. And we're ready to go! Fold your leather cord in half. String your button onto the cord, making sure it is close to the fold. Cut a long piece of thread. I usually go for about an arm span's worth for this first part. Open the eye of your needle, insert your thread and pull it down so it locks into the needle. You're ready for your first bead! This one is the hardest so hang in there :) Push the needle through the bead. It will be A LOT easier if you keep the bead on the needle instead of pushing it down onto your thread (as pictured). Weave the needle over the first piece of leather and under the second. Keeping the bead in place with your fingers, start to pull your thread through the bead, stopping when you have roughly 6 inches of thread through the bead. Your thread should be under the second piece of leather. Make sure you have a little bit of room between the button hook and your bead. Bring the needle and thread over your second piece of leather and string it back through the bead, making sure to pull it under the first leather strand. The easiest way to picture this is as a figure 8. Repeat this same stitch through the same bead to keep it in place. Over the leather, through the bead, under the leather, wrap over the leather, through the bead, under the leather... Ensure that your bead is securely in place. Knot your strands and cut the short one. WHEW! I promise the rest are easier :) Reneedle your thread and let's get down to business! Once again, make sure your thread is under the first strand, as pictured. String a bead onto your needle and weave it over and under, just like you did for bead #1. Hold the bead in place with your thumb and pull the thread through, making sure it pulls under the leather. Wrap the thread back over the leather, through your bead, and under the leather. Repeat, repeat, repeat! This is the same process as the first bead, but it is MUCH easier because you already have some tension on your thread. Remember, figure 8. Pull your thread so that it is taught, but don't pull it too tight or the beads will start to bunch! If you are using cotton thread, you will likely have to use your fingers to adjust most of the stitches to make sure they are tight enough. Annoying, but worth it in the end because it keeps everything tight and straight. Keep going until you start to run out of thread. Knot on a new piece and test the knot to make sure it is going to hold. You can add a small drop of super glue or clear nail polish if you would like, but be careful! Too much will make the knot too big and it will not thread through the bead. Cut your ends down. Don't knot until you have to! Pulling the knot through the beads can be tricky, so get your knot as close to the end as possible. Continue with the bracelet in the same pattern you did before :) **Remember how I said that the cotton thread was a huge pain in the ass? Well, here's why. It is already a thick thread, which is AWESOME both aesthetically and for support, but getting a knot through these beads is not easy. At all. It took me a while to make it work. I purposefully made my thread strands realllllllly long so that I would only have to do one knot. Periodically check the length of your bracelet. I like mine to be 3 wraps long most of the time. Once you achieve the length you want, do an extra figure 8 through the final bead. If you are using a thinner thread, do a couple extra figure 8's. Leave a loop on one side on your final figure 8. Make a knot with the loop and the single thread on the other side. Cut down the ends. Congrats - you're in the final stretch! It's all easy peasy from here. Make a simple overhand knot with the two strands of leather. Now, we need to make some knots to create "pockets" that you can string the button through to close the bracelet. Make a double over hand knot. You want your pocket to be large enough the slip the button through easily, but small enough that it catches the button so your bracelet will stay on. Roughly 3/4 inch seems to work for me. Make a few more double overhand knots if you would like your bracelet to be adjustable. Cut off the excess leather and you're DONEZO! Congratulations :) Hopefully you got through it without too much frustration... I know I was ready for a glass of wine after my first one, but I promise that it gets easier! Such a fun Sunday activity and they would make such a wonderful, thoughtful gift. Everyone loves handmade :) And the best part? The options are ENDLESS! So many colors and bead types to choose from. Make sure to hop over to Instagram and share any bracelets you make using this tutorial - I would love to see what you come up with! Tag @hannmadeit in the comment section :) I am also going to be giving this particular bracelet to a lucky winner! To enter, you must like the tutorial photo on Instagram and follow HannMadeIt. To get an extra entry, repost the picture and make sure to tag me! Do you make wrap bracelets? What do you do differently? Have you found anything that makes the process easier for you?

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DIY $220 BRACELET FOR $5

This summer’s most omnipresent trend is definitely the friendship bracelet, which is pretty awesome considering that they’re so affordable and simple to make on your own! While scouring the Interwebs for a tutorial, I came across an amazing step-by-step lesson on HonestlyWTF, an inspiring fashion site that hosts a hodge-podge of imagery spanning the realms […]

I've been eyeing the beautiful silk ribbon yoga bracelets on Etsy for a long time. However, I'm not about to spend between $25 to $60 for one. The total cost of this one was $6. Now I know it's not professional, but it works for me. First I purchased the ribbon on Etsy and then found some charms in my stash of collected yard sale finds. I went with a religious theme on this one. All I did was gather together three charms (all are sterling and were purchased at various yard sales for less than 25 cents) put them

The '80's were my "runnin' around years." Yep. That's me and my dear friend Brian in 1986. Yes, I was wearing royal blue pumps and stirrup tights. I subscribe to the adage "If you wore it the first time around, don't wear it the second time around." All of you can rest assured that those blue pumps will not be making an encore appearance any time soon. But there is one recycled trend that I just love, LOVE. The stacked bracelet. Cramming as many slim bracelets on your arm as you can and never, ever, ever taking them off. And you know what? I wore them the first time and I am wearing 'em again. I like this updated version that much! Only this time I am making them. I was inspired by two great online tutorials here and here. Read on to see my take on this fast and easy project. I used: About 20" of 1.5mm leather. About 6" of 2mm ball chain. About 36" of size F nylon bead thread. A button for the closure. You'll see that later, as I did not select it until the end. Check your stash of craft stuff. I used what I had. Here is how to do it: Make a loop for the button clasp. Fold the leather in half so there is a loop at one end. Loop the thread so it has a long and short tail. Lay the thread on the leather with the loops pointing away from each other. (Normally, I would have checked the loop size against the button to make sure it fits. I chose the button at the end and got lucky that it fit.) Use the long end of the thread to wrap the doubled leather and the second tail of the nylon thread. Wrap once tightly and then once to the right of that first wrap. That makes a crossover and helps keep the wraps tightly in place. Wrap down towards the loop of the nylon thread, about 8 times. Pass the long end of the nylon thread through the loop. Pull the short end of the nylon thread to tighten the loop. The loop will pop underneath the wrapped segment. Pull on both threads to secure. Cut short end of the thread away. Lay the 6" piece of ball chain along the doubled strand of leather. Use the remaining thread to wrap the ball chain in place. Stop about 1/2" short of the finished length. (I stopped at about 6 3/4"). Wrap the end about 5 times and tie a half hitch knot (make a loop and pull the end through and repeat.) Seal the knot with clear nail polish. Wait a few hours to cut away the remaining thread to let the polish dry and seal the knot closed. Slide the button on one strand of the leather. Tie the ends of the leather in an overhand knot. Trim excess leather leaving about 1/4" tails. Here is my collection of bracelets so far. The blue is a longer one that wraps twice. I made the clasp from 14 and 12-gauge copper wire. The rhinestone one features a sugar skull button from Anne Choi and the mermaid button is by Cynthia Thornton of Green Girl Studios. I'm off to make a few more... there is still room on my wrist!

DIY 3 Styles of Leather Bracelets for Guys | Gift ideas for Men | Father's Day Gift | How to make a Wrap Bracelet | How to make an Infinity Knot Bracelet #diy # crafts #jewelry #gift

Beaded Wrap Bracelet: This Instructable guides you through the steps to create a beaded wrap bracelet. This project is an excerpt from my free introductory Jewelry Class! You're welcome to experiment with your materials! The colors, shapes, and sizes are all matters of p…

This is about that time of year when I start to really long for warm and long, sunny days. Consequently, it’s also about that time of year when the idea of a beach vacation is being…

Many designers have turned inexpensive souvenirs that you might have picked up for a few dollars abroad, into fashionable—and expensive—commodities at home. Think Indian bangles or Tibetan pr...

This fabric wrap bracelet is extra-fun because it’s a great way to use up those scraps from other sewing projects. You bought those fabrics because you loved them, so why not wear them?

After recently cleaning out my jewelry collection, I was motivated to save a much neglected set of brass bangles by giving it a summer-inspired overhaul. And since there isn’t anything some colorful embroidery floss and…

Truboo is a DK weight yarn, 100% rayon from bamboo, made that perfect for those who love working with natural fibers. This eco-friendly yarn is soft and breathable, making it great for breezy garments that are perfect for transitioning from spring into summer. Truboo® was one of four Lion Brand® yarns to receive a Business Intelligence Sustainability Award for 2022.

truebluemeandyou - Posts tagged bracelet

Second to the daily chain bracelet, the Tila bead bracelet is my favorite summer accessory. Not to mention they are insanely easy to make. Miyuki Tila beads are little square and rectangular glass beads and…

You should all know by now that we are all about stacking bracelets on our wrists. The more, the better. In fact . . . the most, the best! With that being said, we’ll show…