Simple Stacked Stretch Bracelets

Are you a jewelry beginner?  You can still make some gorgeous arm candy!  Stacked bracelets are hot, and they are a great way to start small and create a great look.  Just choose a color theme, and you can combine beads in all kinds of patterns for a great look.

I chose a purple and silver color theme, and made up a few different kinds of designs.  The sky is the limit!  I’ll share some tips for patterns and for how to choose beads that will go together, but this inspiration stretch bracelet project can be personalized in any way that suits your style.

Supplies needed to make your own stacked stretch bracelets:

• Jelly Cord
• Scissors
• Beads you love

Yeah.  I have a lot of beads.  And these are pretty much just the purple ones, I confess.  If you are buying beads to make this project, the key is variety.  I LOVE these Big Value bead kits!  They come in several colors for any theme you want.  I used beads from the kit in all of the bracelets.  You should also pick out some size 6/0 seed beads (I love the Toho line) and also some crystal beads for some sparkle.  I also like incorporating some metal spacer beads too, to set off focal beads.  Focus on getting beads that are sized 4mm-8mm.

When you start stringing your stretch bracelets, just think patterns.  You can mix large and small beads (I like to set these off with metal spacers), you can use different colors or try a monochromatic pattern and use all the same color.  You can mix colors and use all the same size beads.  You can even do a mix of all these styles!

For each stretch bracelet, you will want to string about 7 inches of beads.  That is a standard wrist size.  If they are for yourself, you can even measure it against your own wrist to see if you need it a little smaller or larger.  Using the jelly cord is great, because not only will you not have to fuss with clasps, but it will stretch to put it in and take it off.

When you have your correct length, just tie a square knot to finish off the bracelet.  (This is just a standard double knot.)  You will want to pull the cord VERY tightly to secure the knot, then trim off the ends.

These are the different stretch bracelets I made.  As you can see, they are all different.  Some you could wear on their own, but some are a little plain.  Plain is great for setting off other designs, though!

In fact, plain is a great way to start, since they are meant to be combined with other patterns to create an overall look.  You don’t want too many complicated designs competing for “focal” status.  When they stack together, your eye won’t be drawn to the plain ones.

You can mix different shades and different colors.  Try making up some basic stretch bracelets in the favorite colors you wear – you can mix in other colors when you stack them!  It’s a perfect project to do now while the weather may be kind of crummy to get ready for those spring short sleeves!  Have fun!

About Adrianne

Adrianne is a writer, artist, designer, wife, and mom of 2 kids. She blogs at happyhourprojects.com where the theme is tutorials and recipes that can be made in an hour or less. Her favorite projects are jewelry-making, paper crafts, and recycled crafts. She participates annually in ArtPrize, an international art competition, and she's the author of the book DIY T-Shirt Crafts: 50 Ways to Recycle a T-Shirt (August 2015).

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