by Kristal Wick

One of the easiest “go-to” designs I have found is a multi-strand necklace or bracelet. WHAT? You say these look soooooooo difficult? Not true! Once you master the multi-strand, you’ll be hooked! I like to start by making piles of my fave components; for example, sitting in my studio on a chilly (16 degrees below zero) January day in Minnesota, I CRAVED a splash of beach so I grabbed some TierraCast® dolphins and seashells, beautiful blue Swarovski Tahitian pearls and crystals and frosted seed beads to give the piece a sea glass effect. Use three different colors of beading wire with one exposed to add an additional dimension to the necklace. It’s trendy these days to mix metals so I threw in copper components to reflect the shades of glistening sand and a bit of silver to represent the crest of the waves breaking up on shore. Whether you’re physically on a beach or visiting one in your mind, I hope this seashore delight will help you get through this long winter! Use three colors of beading wire – one color exposed – to add an additional dimension to the necklace.

Multi-Strand Blue Necklace

(1) A005473 – Soft Flex TRIOS Beading Wire – Tranquility

(10) FTCT0001 – 2mm Sterling Silver Crimp Tube Beads

(10) Z008729 – 4mm Antique Copper Plate Crimp Bead Covers

(1) TC00690 – 22mm Antique Copper Vine Hook & Eye Clasp Set by TierraCast

(1) CH00018 – 3.4mm Antique Silver Plated Double Cable Chain (Sample shown uses 2 pieces of 2’ chain)

(2) TC01253 – 2 Inch Silver 21 Gauge Eyepin by TierraCast

(2) TC00001 – 6mm Copper Oval Jump Ring by TierraCast

(2) TC00545 – 4mm Antique Copper Beaded Bead Cap by TierraCast

(2) SW00839 – Swarovski® 6mm Indicolite Round Mini Bead Style #5052

(2) TC00304 – 9mm Antique Silver Spiral Cone Bead Cap by TierraCast

Strand 1

(1) SB00367 11-9263 – Lined Light Seafoam AB Miyuki Seed Beads Tube

(1) SB01996 LDP-1F – Matte Transparent Silver Lined Crystal Long Drop Miyuki Seed Beads Tube

(6) TC00314 – 11mm Antique Silver Diamond Bead Frame by TierraCast

(6) SW00839 – Swarovski® 6mm Indicolite Round Mini Bead Style #5052

Strand 2

(10) FTCT0001 – 2mm Sterling Silver Crimp Tube Beads

(10) Z008729 – 4mm Antique Copper Plate Crimp Bead Covers

(10) TC01116 – 4mm Antique Silver Beaded Heishi Spacer by TierraCast

(10) TC00018 – 3mm Antique Silver Beaded Heishi Spacer by TierraCast

(5) SW00680 – 12mm Tahitian Swarovski Pearl

Strand 3

(1) SB00486 6-9149S – Silver Lined Capri Blue Miyuki Seed Beads Tube

(8) TC01150 – 9mm Antique Copper Small Shell Bead by TierraCast

(32) TC00632 – 4mm Antique Copper Scalloped Bead Cap by TierraCast

(16) SW00512 – Swarovski® 6mm Bicone Crystal Denim Blue AB2X Style #5328

(4) TC00001 – 6mm Copper Oval Jump Ring by TierraCast

(4) TC00066 – 16mm Antique Silver Dolphin Charm by TierraCast

(4) TC00113 – 14mm Antique Silver Small Spindle Shell Charm by TierraCast

Strand 4

(1) SB01832 DB1847F – 11/0 Matte Dark Seafoam Delica Duracoat Galvanized Seed Beads Tube

(26) SW00779 – 3mm Crystal Jade Swarovski Pearl

(1) SB00483 6-9148FR – Matte Transparent Light Blue Miyuki Seed Beads Tube

(10) TC00545 – 4mm Antique Copper Beaded Bead Cap by TierraCast

(5) SW01150 – Swarovski® Crystal 14mm Aquamarine Emerald Cut Bead – Style 5515

Strand 5

(1) SB00485 6-9148 – Transparent Aqua Miyuki Seed Beads Tube

(1) SB00041 8-9234 – Sparkle Metallic Gold Lined Crystal Miyuki Seed Beads Tube

(1) A018807 – 8mm Baby Blue Czech Faceted Rondelle Glass Beads

Multi-Strand Blue Necklace Steps

1. Cut five 16 inch pieces of beading wire (various colors).
2. Crimp one end of the wire leaving a small loop.
   
3. String the following onto strand #1:
   Three Lined Light Seafoam AB Miyuki Seed Beads
   Seven Matte Transparent Silver Lined Crystal Long Drop Miyuki Seed Beads
   Antique Silver Diamond Bead Frame
   Indicolite Round Mini Bead
   Series: 20 Matte Transparent Silver Lined Crystal Long Drop Miyuki Seed Beads
   Antique Silver Diamond Bead Frame
   Indicolite Round Mini Bead
   Repeat the series four more times and add the following:
   Seven Matte Transparent Silver Lined Crystal Long Drop Miyuki Seed Beads
   Three Lined Light Seafoam AB Miyuki Seed Beads
4. Crimp beading wire end leaving a small loop.
5. Add Copper Oval Jump Rings to the four dolphin charms
6. Crimp one end of the wire leaving a small loop and string the following onto strand #2:
7. Slide the following series onto the beading wire:
   Series: Crimp tube
   3mm Antique Silver Beaded Heishi Spacer
   4mm Antique Silver Beaded Heishi Spacer
   12mm Tahitian Swarovski Pearl
   4mm Antique Silver Beaded Heishi Spacer
   3mm Antique Silver Beaded Heishi Spacer
   Crimp tube
8. Lay this strand down next to Strand # 1 and space the pearl series in the center of the first 20 Matte Transparent Silver Lined Crystal Long Drop Miyuki Seed Bead series and crimp on either side of the pearl series.
9. Gently squeeze the crimp covers over the crimps.
10. Add the series again and crimp about an inch down the beading wire. Repeat steps 8–10 for the remaining three pearl series.
    NOTE: Before doing the final crimp on each strand, make sure they all end up the same length. Adjust the number of beads on each strand to ensure this.
11. Crimp beading wire end leaving a small loop.
12. Crimp one end of the wire leaving a small loop and string the following onto strand #3:
    Three Silver Lined Capri Blue Miyuki Seed Beads
    Series: Antique Copper Scalloped Bead Cap
    Bicone Crystal Denim Blue AB2X
    Antique Copper Scalloped Bead Cap
    Silver Lined Capri Blue Miyuki Seed Bead
    Antique Silver Small Spindle Shell Charm
    Silver Lined Capri Blue Miyuki Seed Bead
    Antique Copper Scalloped Bead Cap
    Bicone Crystal Denim Blue AB2X
    Antique Copper Scalloped Bead Cap
    Silver Lined Capri Blue Miyuki Seed Bead
    Antique Copper Small Shell Bead
    Silver Lined Capri Blue Miyuki Seed Bead
    Repeat the series seven more times alternating the Dolphin charms and Spindle Shell charms, then add two Silver Lined Capri Blue Miyuki Seed Beads.
13. Crimp beading wire end leaving a small loop.
14. Crimp one end of the wire leaving a small loop and string the following onto strand #4:
    Two Matte Transparent Light Blue Miyuki Seed Beads
    3mm Crystal Jade Swarovski Pearl
    Series: Five Matte Dark Seafoam Delica Duracoat Galvanized Seed Beads
    3mm Crystal Jade Swarovski Pearl
    Matte Transparent Light Blue Miyuki Seed Bead
    3mm Crystal Jade Swarovski Pearl
    Five Matte Dark Seafoam Delica Duracoat Galvanized Seed Beads
    3mm Crystal Jade Swarovski Pearl
    Matte Transparent Light Blue Miyuki Seed Bead
    3mm Crystal Jade Swarovski Pearl
    Five Matte Dark Seafoam Delica Duracoat Galvanized Seed Beads
    4mm Antique Copper Beaded Bead Cap by TierraCast
    Swarovski® Crystal 14mm Aquamarine Emerald Cut Bead
    4mm Antique Copper Beaded Bead Cap by TierraCast
15. Repeat the series four more times then add the following:
    Five Matte Dark Seafoam Delica Duracoat Galvanized Seed Beads
    3mm Crystal Jade Swarovski Pearl
    Matte Transparent Light Blue Miyuki Seed Bead
    3mm Crystal Jade Swarovski Pearl
    Five Matte Dark Seafoam Delica Duracoat Galvanized Seed Beads
    3mm Crystal Jade Swarovski Pearl
    Matte Transparent Light Blue Miyuki Seed Bead
    3mm Crystal Jade Swarovski Pearl
    Five Matte Dark Seafoam Delica Duracoat Galvanized Seed Beads
    3mm Crystal Jade Swarovski Pearl
    Two Matte Transparent Light Blue Miyuki Seed Beads
16. Crimp beading wire end leaving a small loop as in Step #2.
17. Crimp one end of the wire leaving a small loop and string the following onto strand #5:
    Transparent Aqua Miyuki Seed Bead
    Series: 8mm Baby Blue Czech Faceted Rondelle Glass Bead
    Transparent Aqua Miyuki Seed Bead
    Sparkle Metallic Gold Lined Crystal Miyuki Seed Bead
    Transparent Aqua Miyuki Seed Bead
    Sparkle Metallic Gold Lined Crystal Miyuki Seed Bead
    Transparent Aqua Miyuki Seed Bead
18. Repeat this series 17 more times. Add a Transparent Aqua Miyuki Seed Bead and then crimp beading wire end leaving a small loop.
19. Open eyepin, insert one end loop of all five strands and close the eye pin. Repeat for the other necklace end.
20. Slide on Antique Silver Spiral Cone Bead Cap, Swarovski® 6mm Indicolite Round Mini Bead, Antique Copper Beaded Bead Cap and make a simple loop on the end. Repeat for the other necklace end.
    
21. Add desired chain length (the sample shown uses 2-¼”) to simple loop.
22. Using a jump ring, add the toggle to the other end of the chain. Repeat steps 20-21 for the other necklace end.

 

Leather wrap bracelets is a trending favorite to spice up a boho outfit or rock out to a head-banging concert or add to a casual outing with your girlfriends. Wrap bracelets are a must-have for 2016. We will show you how to make wrap bracelets with illustrated tutorial that you can download.

They may look difficult to make, but after a few attempts, they are honestly easy to make. We will show you a tutorial on how to make these bracelets using one-hole beads and super duo beads, as well as a few tips and tricks to help you make these wrap bracelets.

 

The basic components you need for these bracelets are:

1. Button findings: which will act as your clasp. Button Ends will work well, also.
2. Leather or cotton round cord: these could range from 1mm to 2mm or larger, depending your preference and on the size of beads you are going to use. The length of cord needed for your bracelet will be determined below.
3. Thread: you can match the thread to your leather cord to hide the look or to add color. Check out some Beading Thread options but keep in mind that you will need a thin enough thread to go through the hole of your beads twice.
4. Beading Needle: size will be according to your thread and bead’s hole size.
5. Adhesive: Hypo-Cement with precision tip, is a good choice to glue thread ends or any fast-drying glue will do.
6. Beads: use your preference of beads or seed beads. Have enough if you plan to have a multi-wrap bracelet.

 

Determine leather length needed for a wrap bracelet

Use this method to determine the leather cord length you may need for a multi-wrap bracelet.

Take your wrist length and double the length. Multiply that by the number of wraps you want and then add 12”. That will give you an approximate cord length you will need to start your bracelet. (The extra 12” factors in the button knot, end knot(s) and bead size.)

Example:

2 wraps for an 8.5” bracelet: (8.5” x2) x 2 wraps = 34 + 12 = 46” needed.

Or

4 wraps for a 7.5” bracelet: (7.5” x2) x 4 wraps = 60 + 12 = 72” needed.

Keep in mind, these total numbers are approximate. You will want to test the wrap length while you’re making your bracelet. Having extra length is better than being short on your wrapped length goal.

 

Basic Leather Wrap Bracelet Tutorial

The basic weaving of the thread will be going under the leather cords and then coming over leather cords.

 

Click HERE to View and Download an illustrated PDF tutorial on how to make these Wrap Bracelets. You can also save/download this pdf file.

 

Czech SuperDuo Leather Wrap Bracelet Tutorial

 

With Czech SuperDuo seed beads, you will be layering the bead holes to create a layer sequence. Below is a tutorial on how to make this SuperDuo wrap around bracelet.

Click HERE to View and Download the SuperDuo bead wrap bracelet PDF tutorial and to download illustrated pdf tutorial.

 

Example Wrap Bracelets

Here are some of our inspired wrap bracelets.

This is a simple one-wrap bracelet. Think about using a different thread color than your leather cord color for a mix of colors.

Use more than one bead on each layer for more embellishment options.

Make a bracelet with multiple combinations of beads to create a fun layered look.

These SuperDuo beads look like tiny stone pebbles, don’t you think? Try a SuperDuo mix set for a colorful bracelet or create a zigzag pattern. What will you try?

 

Other Tips

How to add on additional thread: Tie thread to closest leather cord and glue with Hypo Cement or fast-drying glue. Cut off excess. Tie new thread to leather cord, glue knot and continue.

How to hold leather strands: An alternative to holding the leather strands, for stability when adding beads, is to clamp the button to a clipboard.

How to straighten leather cords: While you are stringing on beads, adjust previous beads with fingers to straighten out leather cords. Or when you have reached your desired bracelet length, lay the bracelet down and run your hand across your bracelet. This will help to smoothen and straighten your leather cords.

How to tighten threads/bead layers: If you find that your thread does not keep your bead(s) sandwiched in place or the bead sits loosely, sew up and under the cords and through the bead again. Over and down through the bead. Sewing through the bead twice on the leather cords will give your beads a tighter hold.

Tighten leather knots: If your leather cord knots are loosening, add a small dab of fast-drying glue or Hypo-Cement to knot(s) for tighter holds.

How to make an adjustable bracelet: Make additional knotted ends for an adjustable bracelet.

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Single Wrap Bracelet

• (1) Z005069 – 2mm Emerald Green Leather Cord
• TCZ0194 – 17mm Flower Button
• A006596 – Brown Beading Thread
• GS00490 –6mm Blue Dyed Impression Jasper
• A018854 – Gold Eye Beading Needles

 

Faceted and Gold Nugget wrap bracelet

• (1) A020532 – 1mm White Leather Cord
• BT00038 – 12.5mm Gold Circles Button
• A020510 – 4mm Gold Hematite Rondelle Bead
• GS00414 – 6mm Faceted Blue, Red & Brown Tiger Eye Gemstone
• A006587 – 6lb Crystal Fireline Thread
• A018854 – Gold Eye Beading Needles

 

Pink and Pearl Wrap Bracelet

• TC01262 – 15mm Brass Round Radiant Button
• A016808 – 8mm Pink AB Round Chinese Crystal Glass
• PR00284 – 8mm Preciosa Round Cream Rose Pearl
• Z001553 – 8mm Czech Fire Polish Shiny Gold Beads
• A019038 – 2mm Dark Pink Economy Leather Cord
• A006587 – 6lb Crystal Fireline Thread
• A018854 – Gold Eye Beading Needles

 

Arianna Caribe SuperDuo Wrap Bracelet

• (1) A020113 – 1mm Natural Red Brown Leather Cord
• TC01263 – 15mm Antique Pewter Round Radiant Button
• SB02239 – Turquoise Blue Picasso Super Duo
• A006596 – Brown Beading Thread
• A018854 – Gold Eye Beading Needles

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Happy January Birthdays! Being the first birthstone of the year, January’s garnet, also know as the “Gem of Faith,” derived its name from the Latin word Granatum or pomegranate, because it resembles a dark red fruit. While garnet is a rich red hue, it “signifies power, victory, truth, purity, faith, and protection,” (BirthstoneZodiac) as well as life, happiness and strength.

Swarovski® defines January birthstones with garnet and siam crystals. We have four simple jewelry projects to start your new year! Wear garnet or siam this year whether it is for showcasing your birthstone color or to showcase this vibrant red color.

 

January Crystal Earrings

This pair of earrings is made with TierraCast® bezel charm that uses Swarovski® crystals. Simply open up your sterling silver ear wire loop and slip these glimmering charms on. Because these charms are 18mm, they are the perfect statement earrings for January 2016!

 

January Bangle Bracelet

The fun thing about these expandable bracelets is that you can add any of your favorite charms. Add your garnet crystal charm and your favorite charms for this easy to do and wear popular expandable bracelet.

 

Red Golden Dagger Necklace

For this necklace, we paired sharp red dagger Czech beads with copper/gold-tone beads. Take some 22 gauge artistic wire and make a full loop. Before you finish it with a coiled wrap, insert your gold chain. Finish your loop with a wrapped coil. Insert your beads alternating between the dagger beads and copper/gold beads. Make another wrap loop at the other end while adding another piece of your gold chain. Bend your beaded wire piece to create a slight curve. Add your lobster clasp to one end of your chain and a jump ring to the other.

 

2-in-1 Necklace and Bracelet

We used Chinese crystal beads, brass bali beads, seed beads and Czech O beads to create this simple elastic-strung jewelry piece that doubles as a wrap around bracelet or necklace. Create this fun sequential design as long as you want for an everlasting jewelry piece you can wear year round.

Sources: Birthstone Zodiac: January Birthstone – Garnet. http://www.birthstonezodiac.com/birthstones/january-birthstone/

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January Crystal Earrings

• (2) TC02118 – 18mm Siam Crystal Charm
• (1 pair) FTEA0003 – Sterling Silver Earrings

January Bangle Bracelet

• (1) TC02103 – 16mm Siam Crystal Charm
• (1) A021132 – Silver Plated expandable Bracelet
• (1) TC01969 – 16.6mm Letter M Alphabet Charm
• (1) TC00141 – 22mm Key Charm
• (1) A011729 – Small Anchor Charm
• (5) A002413 – 4mm Jump Ring

Red/Golden Dagger Necklace

• AW00028 – 22 Gauge Natural Artistic Wire
• (2) CH00721 – 2mm Petite Cable Chain with Soldered Links
• (2) A011517 – 5mm Gold Plated Jump Ring
• (1) A011537 – 10mm Gold Lobster Clasp
• (7) A010294 – 12mm Siam Glass Dagger Bead
• (6) A020510 – 4mm Gold Hematite Rondelle

2-in-1 Necklace and Bracelet

• (1) A002290 – .7mm Stretch Magic Elastic Cord
• (49) A016781 – Light Siam Chinese Crystal Glass
• (7) A004246 – Silver Brass Plated Bali Style
• (84) SB02042 – Czech O Beads
• (140+) SB00066 – Size 8/0 Black Miyuki Seed Bead

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