After posting a recent roundup of my favorite DIY bracelets from around the web, I wanted to make some of my own. Obviously I’m reinventing the “DIY bracelet” wheel, but I like the way these turned out using different kinds of ball chain (it’s also a much more simplified version of the leather and bead ones from last February). Anyways, I mixed and matched a bunch of different chains, rhinestone strands and chunky clasps to get a funky, layered bohemian look. Make sure to check out the long-short ball chain towards the bottom….it results in a “twist” effect.
Here’s how I made them……
First, you’ll need leather and/or suede lacing, various rhinestone strands and ball chain, chunky lobster clasps and embroidery thread (which I forgot to include in the photo):
Note: I picked up my lacing and chains at Target Trim in L.A.’s fabric district. Update: I found Ornamentea tonight, and they have a big selection if you want to order online.
Step 1: Cut a length of leather or suede lacing (for a double wrap I cut mine in 16″ lengths). Fold leather/suede lacing over the o-ring side of the lobster clasp as shown. Knot a piece of DMC embroidery thread around the leather to hold it in place:
Step 2: Lay your rhinestone strand or ball chain on top of the lacing and begin wrapping the thread around it to secure them together:
Step 3: As you get about 2″ from the end of the lacing add on your lobster clasp.
Step 4: Fold the lacing under the bracelet and continue wrapping the thread until you reach the end.
Step 5: Using metal cutters, cut the rhinestone strand or ball chain so it ends just before the fold. Knot your thread securely around the last section of chain.
Step 6: Use a needle to thread the end of the thread back down into the bracelet.
A finished bracelet!
I made one of the bracelets using a large ball chain….like the kind you would find on a lamp.
I double wrapped this one with thread to get a different look:
The finished double-wrapped ball chain bracelet:
My favorite is the long-short ball chain:
Because of the alternating sizes of balls, the result is a perfectly consistent twisted look once you wrap it with thread:
All alone they look like your basic wrapped bracelets:
I wear mine all connected together into one large strand…….
…..resulting in a funky, chunky, colorful wrap bracelet:
Click below to check out the leather/bead tutorial.….it involves a little more attention but they are still pretty easy!
My little bohemian Boo wore them as a headband for this photoshoot:
Check out all Lil Blue Boo accessory tutorials here!
Next up…..hex nut accessories. Just kidding.
Comments
LOVE! I have most of those supplies too…. I need more time to do these things!
Those look incredibly easy to make. Summer craft for my girls.
These turned out perfect. I’m really into the wrapped bracelets right now. I need to buy these supplies!!! Thanks
Oh…and you’re soooo not kidding about hex nut jewelry. I give you a little time and we’ll see a tute including them. LOL!
Wow! I love these. If someone would make them, I’d buy
I have so many of these bracelet tutorials bookmarked/pinned. Seeing all of your cute examples reminds me that I need to grab a few supplies so my girls and I can make some before school gets out.
Thanks for sharing and have a great weekend.
OH is it that easy? They look GREAT! I am normally ‘just’ a sewer….maybe I should expand my repertoire to some bracelets. Thanks!
Thanks for another awesome tutorial! Will be knocking out a few of those soon! My little one LOVES jewelry! Can’t get enough!
These look really easy to make, but when I tried it (a year or so ago) the whole thing fell apart after a few rounds – maybe the twine I used was too slippery.
I guess I’ll give it another try, your bracelets are amazing
hi anke these brarelets are fun to make, but they like to twist on you as you add the chain, after i get it started, i then clip it to my clipbord this take longer but i think it come out better . i use waxed lined cord it is sticker, i get this at ornamentea.com have fun marjy
ohhh love them!!! I will make these for myself and my girls. I can’t wait!!! Thanks for sharing great tutorials.
Great bracelets…my lil girl would love these!
I just LOVE them !!…. your tutorials make it look so easy & I can’t wait to make them…. I couldn’t get my supplies fast enough today !!! i was soo soo happy to find beautiful strands of Swarovski reduced from $55 (aussie$$) to…. $7 !!! Did i do a HappY dance !! i sure did !!! Thankyou for sharing xxx
Aw, cute bracelets and headband!
Fround you through …And Then She Made… and I’m so glad I did! OMG! I think ALL my nieces will NEED several of these! LOL! I’ll be adding you to my blog reader.
I just tried these today, and I’m hooked! I knew I needed to make some bracelets for myself because my wrists are so small that store-bought bracelets don’t fit! I am going to be making a ton of these! They are great to make while watching T.V. =) They look great and are fun to make!
Love these! Thanks so much for sharing.