Revitalising Jewelry Part 1 of 3

Jewelry is meant to be worn. So if a piece gets broken, outdated, or is simply not one's style, then they can be fixed and revitalised. Over the next three days, I will be covering three "case histories".

Elasticated bracelets are great, up to a point. Even if they survive accidental snipping when trying to remove a sales tag, the elastic will eventually wear. Glass beads may be still rough inside the holes. So they will need restringing.

So Elizabeth had to do something about this once stretchy bracelet - a gift from a friend which she treasured. I suggested she went to a bar and toggle clasp for long term durability. And that was what she did. She also took the opportunity to add small frosted topaz coloured beads in between the large tiles, giving the design slightly more definition.

With the introduction of the clasp, one tile was left over - Elizabeth saved it. Perhaps it could be made into a matching pendant?

FREE STRETCH BRACELET TUTORIALS

Stretch bracelets are so easy to make and also to wear. No clasps are needed. Sizing is also much more flexible so these bracelets make great gifts for young and old. If you want to learn how to make different kinds of elasticated bracelets or need some new ideas, check out these sites :

Tammy Powley's basic primer for making a simple elasticated bracelet is suitable for beginners. I also like her elastic and pearl Grandmother bracelet because her bead choices upgraded this design. Double holed beads are perfect for elasticated bracelets - just watch this Youtube video from Auntie's Beads for a beautiful tiled creation. And don't forget stretchy straps for watches!

A beginner jewelry maker and reader recently emailed me to ask why her newly made elasticated bracelet is falling apart. Using the right knots, such as the square knot or the surgeon's knot and a bit of glue will keep it together. Knotting near a larger bead with a larger hole will enable hiding the knot. When cutting off the elastic ends, also be careful not to snip too close. Been there. Done that.

If you hate the knot and glue approach, here is another suggestion from BeadieFriends.com where you can use a large bead and a crimp bead for stretch bracelets. Personally, I would use two crimp beads on either side of the big hole bead with the elastic ends fed through the crimps and the large bead in opposite directions before crimping. This way the main/focal bead will be in line with the rest.

Friendship in Beading's Elastic Caterpillar Bracelet uses beadweaving techniques to make a pretty bracelet variation - more challenging than the straight strung variety but still easy.

With the right colours, this great elasticated cuff bracelet from Joann.com using Toho beads is sure to please.

Kelly Checketts's blog, knitonehugtoo has this neat knitted bracelet using double pointed needles, beads and elasticated metallic cord. This tutorial is strictly for private use only.

Beadage shows you not only how to make your own power bracelets but also provides some suggestions as to where you can get the necessary three hole beads.

Beader Design #: 302
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The Beading Gem's Journal