This one basic beading pattern can be used to create many different looks depending on your bead choices. Use the formula to easily design your own bracelets using beads you have on hand or purchase new ones. You can also take a cherished piece of vintage jewelry and use the beads to make an updated and most appreciated gift.

Finished size: Adjust length to any size

Skill: 1    Time: 1    Cost: 1

You will need: (for each)
Note: Select coordinating colors of beads, wire, toggle, etc.
• 2 large focal beads*
• 6 to 10 accent beads*
• 12 spacer beads*
• Two crimping beads*
• Toggle clasp*
• Wire guardian* (to reduce abrasion from clasps)
• 19-strand beading wire*
• Beading board* or bead mat
• Wire cutters*
• Crimping pliers*
• Chain-nose pliers*
Optional: a split ring and tag charm

*The following products were used for this project: Beadalon beading wire, board, wire guardians, crimp beads, jewelry tools • Darice Jill Mackay Collection clasps • Fire Mountain gems, beads.

Note: See end of article for product information.

STEP 1: Measure wrist. For beading length, measure just above the wrist bone and add 1″ for a loose fit and ½″ for a tighter fit. Note: The beading length is usually 7″ for an average adult.

STEP 2: Cut beading wire. Cut wire twice as long as the beading length to make sure you have enough to comfortably add the clasp. Note: The average length is 14″.

STEP 3: Plan the design.  Plan the beads out on a beading board or mat. Arrange them in the order they will be strung.

Beading Formula:
• The beading area is divided into four sections with a little space at the beginning and end.

• Use two focal beads and an odd number (three or five) accent beads. Change this to suit your bead choices.

Spacer Beads: Begin with a few spacer beads. Adjust the number of these beads to make the exact length you need.

Focal Beads: Use two large beads with spacer beads in between. The color and type of focal beads will determine the accent and spacer bead color and findings color.

Accent Beads: Three to five accent beads with spacer beads in between

Spacer Beads: 1 1/2″ length of spacer beads (or to fit the beading area)

Accent Beads: Three to five accent beads with spacer beads in between

Spacer Beads: End with a few spacer beads. Adjust the number of these beads to make the exact length you need.

STEP 4: Assemble one side. Thread beading wire through a crimp bead, the wire guardian, and loop on clasp. Pass wire back through the crimp bead. Use the crimping pliers to crimp and secure the clasp onto the wire. Leave a 1″ wire tail.

STEP 5: Beading. Thread beads on wire following the formula. Use samples shown as inspiration and then design your own! 

STEP 6: Finish. Thread wire through a crimp bead, the wire guardian, and the loop on clasp. Pull snugly. Pass wire back through the crimp bead and 1″ of the beads. Use the crimping pliers to crimp and secure the clasp onto the wire. Optional: use a split ring to add a tag charm to the clasp loop.


Sample Bracelets
Note: Use the basic beading formula with a few changes to accommodate the beads and the desired length.

Blue & Copper Nugget Bracelet
Focal beads – 2 caramel 20mm x 15mm agate faceted nugget beads
Accent beads – 3 amber 10mm faceted round vintage glass beads
Accent beads – 5 blue/copper 7mm faceted round vintage glass beads
Spacer beads – 9 clear blue 4mm E-beads
Spacer beads – 5 copper metallic 8mm tube beads
Spacer beads – 14copper metallic 3mm round beads

Green & Blue Lampwork Bracelet
Focal beads – 2 green/gold 15mm x 13mm rectangle Lampwork beads
Accent beads – 3 clear/blue 10mm rondelle Lampwork beads
Accent beads – 5 green/dichroic 12mm rondelle Lampwork beads
Spacer beads – 10 4mm green faceted round crystal beads
Spacer beads – 12 7mm gold finish fluted rondelle beads
Spacer beads – 12 7mm gold finish beaded rondelle beads

Blue & White Lampwork Bracelet
Focal beads – 2 blue/white 15mm flat round Lampwork beads
Accent beads – 5 light blue 10mm spiral glass beads
Spacer beads – 8 light blue 4mm E-beads
Spacer beads – 12 7mm silver finish fluted rondelle beads
Spacer beads – 10 7mm silver finish beaded rondelle beads

Blue & Plum Lampwork Bracelet
Focal beads – 2 blue/plum 15mm flat round Lampwork beads
Accent beads – 5 plum 8mm semi-round pearls
Spacer beads – 3 silver 7mm barrel filigree beads
Spacer beads – 21 silver 7mm fluted rondelle beads
Spacer beads – 7 straw 4mm E-beads
Spacer beads – 10 light blue 4mm E-beads

Black &White Bracelet
Focal beads – 2 white howlite 15mm puffed rectangle beads
Accent beads – 3 black 10mm faceted oval crystal beads 
Accent beads – 5 white howlite 5mm cube beads 
Accent beads – 3 white howlite 10mm square pillow beads
Spacer beads – 8 silver 4mm star beads
Spacer beads – 6 silver 3mm round beads

Sources:

Beadalon
www.beadalon.com

Darice
www.darice.com

Fire Mountain
www.firemountaingems.com