Directions and Tips for Making a Handmade Stretch Bracelet

When you begin to make handmade jewelry, creating a handmade stretch bracelet is one of the easiest craft projects that you can start with. Handmade stretch bracelets are also fun activities for little children to do for craft activities as well.

Creating a bracelet only takes a few items to begin with: a role of 5mm Stretch Magic Elastic String, scissors, and a collection of your favorite glass beads. If you are working with children, you might like to try a collection of plastic beads. Glass beads are just a bit harder to work with and can break easier. Plastic beads are simpler to work with for children. The beads can be purchased at online websites such as ArtBeads.com,Fire Mountain Gems.com, or The Beadery. If you would rather buy your beads in a shop, you can visit craft shops such as Hobby Lobby or Michaels. If you want to save money, beads are also very affordable in the craft section at Wal-Mart as well.

Stretch string is a great item to begin making bracelets with. When you buy the thinner string such as 5 mm, it is easier to work with, and also easier to tie knots as well. Stretch string can also be purchased online, at your local craft stores, or at mass product stores such as Wal-Mart.

Once you have all of your supplies, it's time to begin planning your bracelet. If you have a large variety of beads, take a large bowl, and pour your collection inside of it. When children are participating in this project, it's easier for them to browse through the bowl of beads, so that they can pick out their favorite colors and designs. Make sure you have plenty of workspace, and put your bowl in the middle of the table. Have a piece of construction paper, a napkin, or piece of thin cardboard to lay your materials upon. Decide which beads that you would like to work with. Add some variety by choosing different colors, shapes, and sizes. This is your bracelet design, so you can make it however you would like. Once you have your colors picked out, then take your string and measure out the size of your wrist. Most average adult wrists are sized at about 7 ½ to 8 inches around. The wrists on children may be different. Some may be anywhere from 3 inches or up to 6 inches. It's best to take your piece of string and bring it around your wrist to measure. Make sure you leave enough string so that a knot can be tied after you have finished.

When your wrist has been measured, then you can begin stringing your beads in any order that you would like. Perhaps you would like to bead every other kind such as big, little, big, little; or you can go between colors: black, white, yellow, black, white, yellow, etc. When making a handmade bracelet, the design is created completely from your own imagination. Anything is possible in the world of arts and crafts.

After all of your beads have been strung, it's time to tie off your bracelet. Take the remaining string and double knot it. Make sure it is tight enough so that your bracelet will not break and everything holds together. Cut off the remaining string, and try to tuck your knot inside one of your beads. Then it's time to try on your new piece of jewelry!

Making stretch bracelets are fun and easy to do. It's a great ice breaker for parties even. All you need is a bunch of beads, some string, and a few willing friends. When you go out on the town, you can show off your beautiful colorful bracelet, and take in all of the compliments from people passing by and your friends. Perhaps, you might even get some requests to design one for somebody else!