ECT TV Episode 1: Elastic Stretch Bracelet
I'm so excited to present to you ECT TV Episode 1!In this episode you'll learn:
- How I got my start making jewelry (and started again).
- How to make an elastic stretch bracelet (my first jewelry creations, in honor of the first episode.)
- A tip for thrift store shopping to get inexpensive beads (or if you don't have a bead store near by)
Here's the video:As promised, here is the photographic tutorial, which includes an extra tip to customize even more! (If you are a newsletter subscriber, I will send the tutorials to you each week via PDF, easier to print and take to your work table.)
Tools and Materials:
- Beads - I used these Cranberry Red Recycled Glass Beads 10mm - Africa from Happy Mango Beads
- Optional: Additional dangles or other beads. I used little heart dangles from my collection
- Elastic stretch cord
- Scissors
For extra customization, you'll need these additional tools and materials (optional):
- Charms - I used heart charms from my collection
- 7 mm jump rings
- Chain nose pliers and bent nose pliers (or 2 pair of pliers of your choice really)
The first part of this tutorial is the same as the video tutorial. The end (for extra customization) is additional and not in the video!Step #1
Create your bracelet design and lay it out. You can use just all the same bead or any combination you like. If you're using just one bead and making a solid bracelet, this isn't necessarily required.A note about choosing beads: Choosing beads with a larger hole will make it a lot easier to bead on the elastic cord.Step #2Cut the elastic cord to the desired length. To figure out the size, measure around your wrist and then add at least a few inches on each side. If this is your first stretch bracelet, add even more to the ends to make it easier to tie the knot.Step #3
String the beads onto the cord.Step #4Tie the ends in a knot. I'm going to use colorful yarn here so you can see how to actually make this knot.
Start a regular knot: cross the ends and then pull one end through the loop. (It's like when you're starting to tie your shoes)
Do the same again, but do not pull it tight yet!
Take one end and pull it through the loop and through again.
And then do it with the other end.
Pull the knot tight. Pull both the ends of the cord and the cord that's hold the beads to pull tight at the same time.Step #5
Pull on the bracelet a few times and make sure the knot is secure. (If it slips, then try the knot again.)Once it's secure, cut off the excess cord and then hide the knot inside a bead.That's it!Extra customization:
Okay, grab a few charms and jump rings and your pliers and you can spice this up even more!Step #6
Open a jump ring. Hold the jump ring with 2 pliers (I'm using chain nose and bent nose pliers). The opening of the jump ring should be centered and the pliers on each side.(Or watch a short video on how to properly open and close jump rings here.)Step #7
Push one pair of pliers back and pull one forward, maintaining the circle of the jump ring and open it.Step #8
Slide a charm on the jump ring.Step #9
Place the jump ring on the bracelet between 2 beads. Close the jump ring just like you opened it, but opposite.Step #10Repeat for however many charms you'd like to add.*Alternatively, you could place the charms on jump rings and add them to the bracelet as you are beading it.Step #11Enjoy your new bracelet!
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