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4 Simple Steps to an Easy Beaded Bracelet for Kids

teriann by teriann

4 Simple Steps to Create a Beaded Project With Your Child

When I first stumbled into the world of beading I was expecting my second child and was looking for a hobby that would suit my needs but yet still be kid friendly.

Making beaded jewelry has proven to be the right hobby/craft to fit that need.

I will share with you 4 simple steps to complete the simpliest beaded project that I use for children's classes.

Any person from 2 to 102 can make this simple beading project with a few supplies, two tools and a little help from mom or dad.

Read on to see how a simple beading project for you and your child will instantly create the memories for tomorrow and a token gift to commerate your time spent together.

Making 'Memories' With Memory Wire Jewelry

A lifetime treasure

type=textWhen I was a child, I received a gift from a most beloved Aunt. It was a pearl memory wire bracelet. I placed great value on this pearl bracelet and the value of this treasure increased when I lost my Aunt not too long after.

That has been over 35 years ago and I still have the bracelet. Of course it's not as pretty as it was when I first received it but it still is as precious to me and holds the memories of how much my Aunt loved me.

A memory wire bracelet is the project I'd like to share with you today. It is one of the simplest beading projects to make and my project of choice when conducting a child's beginner class.

Before I begin I like to introduce the materials we will be using in our beading project. You will need just a few supplies that are very affordable and easily available at any local hobby craft store.

So lets get started with our list of supplies.

Bead Mats are a Must

Cushion your work space

Beading mats are a must to have before you begin any project. It is very important to have a work surface that will absorb your beads and keep them from rolling all over.
Beadalon Beading Mats - Prevent Bead Rolling 12 X 9 Inch (Set of 3)

Beadalon Beading Mats - Prevent Bead Rolling 12 X 9 Inch (Set of 3)

Amazon Price: $0.50 (as of 05/27/2012)Buy Now

These mats are a blanket fleece and are an excellent product. They hold their shape and color. They never peel and best of all they are washable.

I've had my set for over 5 years now and they are still in good condition. If you buy these beading mats and you may never have to buy another one ever again except to increase your assortment or to have enough for when your friends come to bead with you.

Memory Wire

the base of your bracelet

Memory wire is a coil of wire resembling a 'slinky' and comes in a variety of sizes.

Sizes available, from smallest to largest, are a ring size, bracelet size (good size for children bracelets), a large bracelet size appropriate to accommodate for a larger wrist or can also be used for an anklet and then the necklace size which is a choker style necklace.

Memory wire is called memory wire because the coil of wire never looses it's shape, it will always remain coiled. I like to describe it as it never loosing it's shapes memory.

It is a heavy gauge wire and will need a heavy cutting tool to accommodate, anything light will only damage your tool.

Other characteristics to memory wire is the finish on the wire. It can be found with a shiny silver finish, a dull blackish tint, shiny gold finish or copper finish. The shiny polished finishes have a nicer feel and are more pleasing to the touch.

Select the number of coils that you want for your completed bracelet. In other words, how many times do you want your jewelry to wrap around? I do recommend that for the necklace wire you allow two wraps or estimate according to the size neck the jewelry is being made for. Before cutting be sure to add more for the allowance in closing each end.
Bright Silver Color Bracelet Memory Wire 12 Loops

Bright Silver Color Bracelet Memory Wire 12 Loops

Amazon Price: $1.59 (as of 05/27/2012)Buy Now

By starting with a good base wire for your bracelet you are providing yourself with a nice quality finished product.

Heavy Wire Cutters

Use the right tool for the right job

There are two tools that you will need to complete this project. I encourage you to start with a moderate priced and quality set of tools. Do not settle for the cheaper made tools just to cut corners, you run the risk that they may not operate as smoothly, this may create frustration during the learning process. But I also recommend you not invest in the high end tools either until you are comfortable with your skills and ready to upgrade.

Your first tool will be a pair of floral wire cutters. These cutters need to be strong enough to cut through the heavy gauge of memory wire. A good set will cut this wire with ease.

Start with the right tools and make it easy on yourself.
FloraCraft Floral Accessories Floral Tools, 6-1/2-Inch Wire Cutter

FloraCraft Floral Accessories Floral Tools, 6-1/2-Inch Wire Cutter

Amazon Price: $7.97 (as of 05/27/2012)Buy Now

Using the right tool for the right job is essential. These are very affordable, they will last you and well worth the investment.

Round Nose Pliers

start with a good set of tools

The second tool you will need can be either a round nose plier or chain nose plier . You will use this tool to close each end of the wire.

These are two completely different tools but for this project either the round nose and chain pliers basically do the same job.
Beadsmith Jewelry Fine Round Nose Micro Pliers

Beadsmith Jewelry Fine Round Nose Micro Pliers

Amazon Price: $9.40 (as of 05/27/2012)Buy Now

I find Beadsmith tools a nice grade that will make your beading project easy to handle and they are moderately priced to fit your budget.

It is important to have a nice tool while working on your beading project so as to not create frustration while you are in the learning process. As I generally say if you buy cheap you get cheap. These beadsmith round nose pliers are affordable and will be worth the investment. I am still using my same tools after 8 years of use.

Beads Make the Bracelet

tips for selecting the right beads

Choosing beads you would like for your project is a personal preference.

Here are a few tips to pay attention to when making your bead selectin to prevent frustration while creating your piece of jewelry.

**Beads with large holes: If you choose beads that has large holes, make sure that you either create larger loops on the ends to hold the beads on or start and end your project with smaller holed beads.

**Beads with small holes: Just the reverse is also possible. If you select beads with too small of holes then the wire may be thicker than the bead hole will allow.

**Long beads: There is a natural curve to the wire. Pay close attention to the length of your bead, some long beads do not slide on easily. I suggest for your first project to use 4-10 mm size bead.

**How many beads will you need?: Of course this will depend on the size bead you choose and the number of coils you select. I have included a quick reference chart that will help with your estimate.

I always suggest you make sure that you have more beads than needed just to have on hand for unexpected events.
Jewelry Maker's Everything but the Kitchen Sink Glass Beads Mix 225 Grams 1/2 Pound

Jewelry Maker's Everything but the Kitchen Sink Glass Beads Mix 225 Grams 1/2 Pound

Amazon Price: $6.99 (as of 05/27/2012)Buy Now

So many beads, so little time. Any selection will be a good start for you. Once you have mastered this technique you will be finding yourself creating many of these fun little pieces. By having the variety of sizes in memory wire you can easily create jewelry sets.

Let's Get Beading

now that you have your supplies

learn moreGather all your supplies and dedicate a space for you to complete this project.

Allow enough time to complete project in one setting, 30 min to an hour should be enough to allow.

The longest part of this process is determining the bead pattern and design.

Are you Ready? Then let's begin.

Chart For Measuring Your Jewelry

How many coils will you choose?

After collecting all your materials and before you cut the memory wire you must first decide how many coils you want in your project. How many times do you want your jewelry to wrap?

Here is a quick reference chart to determine how many beads you will need for the number of coils you've chosen for your project. Remember these are just approximates.

I recommend you use no smaller than a 4mm size bead or larger than a 8mm bead.

1 Bracelet Coil = approx 7 1/2 inches
1 Large Bracelet Coil = approx 8 1/2 inches
1 Necklace Coil = approx 16 inches

Multiply the number of coils you will be stringing according to this chart for the size bead you will be using.

If you do not know the size bead you are using check your packaging very carefully, it normally states the size of the bead you just need to look for it. BUT...if the package does not say or you are unsure then use this quick reference.

An approximate 6 mm bead equals the size of your pinky nail.
  • 1Women Bracelet = 7" to 8"

    4mm - 45 beads
    6mm - 30 beads
    8mm - 22 beads
  • 2Large Bracelet or Anklet = 10"

    4mm - 65 beads
    6mm - 43 beads
    8mm - 32 beads
  • 3Choker = 16"

    4mm - 100 beads
    6mm - 68 beads
    8mm - 50 beads

Step 1: Cutting the Memory Wire

How many coils?

type=text

When beginning to cut the memory wire always allow a little bit more for closing both ends and feel free to allow more for beginners.

**Please Note** You can always cut the wire down but you can never add more wire on.

Once your have decided just nip the wire with your floral wire cutters.

**Additional Note** Always use the right tool for the right job, the heavy gauge of memory wire will certainly ruin a nice pair of cutters.

Step 2: Close one End

Create a stopper for your beads

*******************************************************************************************************************
Use your pliers, either the round nose or chain nose, and curl one end of the memory wire til the tip of the wire touches the inside. Use the tip of this tool to get a close and small closure as shown in this picture.

It is necessary to close one end first so that when you begin stringing the beads they do not fall off at the other end.

Step 3: Stringing the Memory Wire

Play and have fun with design

********************************************************************************************************************
Begin stringing your beads onto the wire with the unlooped end.

*Please pay special attention to the size of hole in your first and last bead. Make sure that it is not larger than the loop made on the ends of the memory wire, otherwise your bead will fall right off.

If the hole of the beads you are using are larger than the end loop just add a smaller holed bead at each end.

Patterns are strictly your choice, I encourage you to have fun with this and explore.

Step 4: Closing The End

Time to finish it off

type=textOnce you are finished stringing your full memory wire, be sure you leave approx 3/8 to 1/2 inch to close.

If there is more than that, trim the excess wire down using your heavy wire cutters again.

Once you have done that, repeat Step 1. You will need to make sure that you have a good hold of the loose beads on the memory wire until you can secure the opposite end.

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  • vivi Apr 30, 2012 @ 10:47 am | delete
    think me and my granddaughter will try this simple bracelet...it's a start!
  • OrganicMom247 Apr 21, 2012 @ 9:20 pm | delete
    This sounds like a fun activity.
  • funbee Mar 17, 2012 @ 3:37 pm | delete
    This lens is really well done and simple to follow.
  • Paris4Moi Mar 3, 2012 @ 1:57 pm | delete
    Loved the info about wire lengths and knowing how many beads to buy. I am making several bracelets for a large choir that include children and teenagers. You listed approx. cut length sizes for Women. Would you have a suggestion for a cut length measurement for children's wrists 8yrs-12yrs? Thank you!
  • teriann Mar 3, 2012 @ 5:27 pm | delete
    Thx for stopping by. Regarding your question about a measurement for a child's wrist, if you are using the memory wire the regular bracelet memory wire fits 8-12 years perfectly, but I would only use 1 1/2 to 2 full coils. When using regular bracelet size for adults I will do 3 - 4 coils or 2 coils of the large memory wire bracelet. I hope this helps Let me know if you have any additional questions.
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teriann

Bead At Home

Proverbs 20:15 Lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel.

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