Project of the month: Shimmering Crystal Bracelet

printable version

Materials for a 7" bracelet:

• 68 x 4mm bicone Swarovski crystal beads in 3 to 4 colors (colors A, B, C & D)

• 2 x 4mm sterling silver round beads

• 50 x 2mm sterling silver round beads or size 11 seed beads in galvanized silver color

• 2 ft x C-Flex beading wire (0.012 mm)

• 1 x crimp tube

• 1 set of clasp

Tools: Chain nose pliers (for crimping, you can also use crimping pliers or magic crimper), wire cutter

Estimated cost: $30

Estimated time: 1.5 - 2 hours

Step 1.

Slide one side of the clasp into  center of the beading wire. String 1 x 4mm silver into both wire. Pull tight.

Step 2.

Separate the wires. On EACH wire, string 1 x color A crystal, 1 x 2mm silver bead, 1 x color B crystal. Then, string 1 x 2mm silver bead into one wire, string the other wire into the same 2mm silver beads from the opposite direction (criss cross). Pull tight.

Step 3.

Separate the wires. On EACH wire, string 1 x color B crystal, 1 x 2mm silver bead, 1 x color C crystal. Then, string 1 x 2mm silver bead into one wire, criss-cross the other wire into the same 2mm silver bead from the opposite direction. Pull tight.

Step 4.

Separate the wires. On EACH wire, string 1 x color C crystal, 1 x 2mm silver bead, 1 x color D crystal (or color A, if using only 3 colors). Then, string 1 x 2mm silver bead into one wire, criss-cross the other wire into the same 2mm silver bead from the opposite direction. Pull tight.

Step 5.

Separate the wires. On EACH wire, string 1 x color D crystal (or color A if using 3 colors), 1 x 2mm silver bead, 1 x color A crystal (or color B, if using 3 colors). Then, criss-cross 2 wires into 1 x 2mm silver bead. Pull tight.

Step 6.

Repeat Steps to make diamond patterns until reaching the desire bracelet length minus 3/4". Separate the wire. On EACH wire, string 1 x crystal (continue your color pattern), 1 x 2mm silver bead, and 1 x crystal (next color on your pattern).

Step 7.

String 1 x 4mm silver bead, 1 x crimp tube and the other side of the clasp into both wires.

Step 8.

Loop the wires back through the crimp tube. Pull beads close to the clasp and crimp with chain nose pliers or crimping pliers. Cut the excess wire. Learn about crimping techniques

Variations:

1. Add daisy spacer beads between crystals instead of 2mm beads.

2. Use button for closure instead of clasp. Use 2mm silver beads to make a loop large enough for the button.

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