Beads and Buttons Bracelet with Matching Earrings

Materials Needed:

Materials

• 1 decorative shank button that coordinates with your beads
• An assortment of large beads in the colors and styles of your choice
  We used 32 large beads in our design.
• Small spacer beads, approximately 4 mm, or small rondelle beads
• Thin spacer beads, such as daisy spacers
  We used approximately 70 daisy spacers.
• Clear Stretch Magic cord, .8 mm to 1 mm
• 2 long head pins in the same metal color as your spacer beads
• 2 earring posts or ear wires
• Jewelry pliers
• Wire cutters
• Scissors
• Jewelry glue or another glue suitable for securing stretch-cord knots

The exact number of beads and spacers will depend on the bead sizes, wrist size, spacing and button you choose. Before beginning, make sure the stretch cord passes through your beads and that all six cord ends will fit through the button shank.

Instructions

Making the Three-Strand Stretch Bracelet

1. Cut three 12-inch pieces of clear stretch cord. The extra length gives you room to string the beads and tie the finished strands without having to work too close to the ends.

2. String three small spacer beads onto each piece of stretch cord. This is where the button will go so keeping the beginning and ending sections the same on all three strands and using the small beads will help the bracelet gather evenly at the button.

3. On the first cord, string one thin daisy spacer, one large decorative bead, one daisy spacer and one small spacer bead. Continue repeating that sequence until the strand contains about 10 large beads (depending on the length you desire and the size of beads you are using):

(Daisy spacer, large bead, daisy spacer, small spacer bead.)

4. After the last large bead, add one final daisy spacer followed by three small spacer beads.

5. Repeat the same pattern on the remaining two cords. Each completed strand should contain the same quantity of large beads and should be approximately the same length.

6. Thread both ends of the first stretch cord through the shank on the back of the button. Repeat with the other two strands, bringing all six cord ends through the same button shank.

7. Check the bracelet size and tension. The strands should lie comfortably together without being pulled so tightly that the beads bunch or so loosely that large gaps appear.

8. Tie the two ends of each strand together with a secure square knot or surgeon's knot. Tighten each knot firmly while maintaining the desired bracelet size.

9. Place a small dot of glue on each knot to help prevent it from loosening. Allow the glue to dry completely, then trim the excess cord close to the knots without cutting into them.

Your finished bracelet stretches over the hand, while the button gathers the three strands and creates a finished focal point.

Making the Matching Earrings

1.Thread the following beads onto one head pin.

Daisy spacer, large decorative bead, daisy spacer, small spacer bead and one final daisy spacer.

2. Using jewelry pliers, bend the wire above the beads around to form a loop.

3. Hold the loop with jewelry pliers and wrap the remaining wire around the head pin between the loop and the top spacer bead. Keep the wraps neat and close together.

4. Cut away any excess wire and use the pliers to press the cut end smoothly against the wrapped section so that no sharp edge remains.

5. Repeat the same steps to make the second earring.

Make the Design Your Own

• Combine multicolored artisan beads with antiqued metal spacers and an engraved or patterned button.
• Use blue glass beads, silver spacers and a shell or pearl-style button for a cool coastal design.
• Choose pink, lavender or floral beads with an ornate silver button for soft romantic jewelry.
• Use pearl beads and gold spacers for wedding, anniversary or special-occasion jewelry.
• Mix coordinating beads rather than identical ones to create an artistic, collected look.
• Make the three bracelet strands in graduating shades of one color.
• Use birthstone colors to create a personalized bracelet or handmade gift.
• Substitute rondelles with rhinestones or crystals when you want more sparkle between the large beads.