String Quartet
Four variations on a bracelet theme are suitable for a night at the opera. Use whatever beads you happen to have on hand to create your own unique bracelet!
Skill Level
Easy
Finished Size
71/2 inches (including clasp)
Materials
Various metal castings featuring CRYSTALLIZED™ - Swarovski Elements crystals
Assorted small beads such as seed beads, bugle beads and small CRYSTALLIZED™ - Swarovski Elements crystals
4 (1mm) sterling silver crimp beads
2-inch sterling silver head pin (optional)
Silver metal toggle closure
19-strand nylon-coated stainless steel beading wire
Round-nose pliers (optional)
Chain-nose pliers (optional)
Crimp pliers
Wire nippers
Instructions
1) Measure wrist; add 6 inches to measurement. Cut two lengths of wire to this measurement. Hold ends of wires together and thread through two crimp beads, a crystal bead and straight end of toggle closure; thread wires back through crystal bead and crimp beads. Gently squeeze crimp beads and fold in half with crimp pliers; separate wires for remainder of stringing.
2) On each wire, string an equal number of beads and thread wires through metal casting. String an equal number of beads on each wire again. Repeat, alternating castings and beads, until beaded area of bracelet equals wrist measurement plus 1 inch; end with casting.
3) String an equal number of beads on each strand of wire. At this point, wires will be worked together as in step 1. Thread wires through two crimp beads, a crystal bead and through loop on remaining end of toggle closure. Thread wires back through crystal bead and crimp beads; gently squeeze crimp beads and fold in half with crimp pliers. Thread wire ends through several beads; trim excess wire close to beads.
4) For optional dangle: Thread desired beads on head pin. Use round-nose pliers to form a loop at top of beaded pin; attach loop to circle end of toggle clasp before closing.
Reprinted from Learn To Bead Jewellery © Company's Coming Publishing Limited