Tutorial - Stringing a Tile Bracelet with 2 Holes

I showed earlier how to string a stretch tile bracelet.  This time I will give a tutorial on stringing a tile bracelet using flex wire and a clasp.  Most of the tile beads I create are double sided so they can be reversible like the ones shown below:

 

To determine the finished length of your bracelet, wrap a cloth or flexible measuring tape loosely around your wrist.  If you do not have this type of measuring tape, you can always print one out .  This is your wrist measurement but you do not want the bracelet to fit too tight so add a little extra to a fit that you prefer.

I like to lay my tile beads out with the spacer beads between so I can see how they look and how many I will need to make my bracelet.

You need to decide what type of clasp you would like to use - there are many options.  I like a toggle clasp myself which is what I will be using here.

Cut your flex wire (I'm using a 49 strand softflex in clear) double the length of your bracelet adding a 3-4  inches for finishing.  Thread a crimp bead onto one end of your flex wire, thread the wire through the T section of your toggle clasp and back again through the crimp bead.  Crimp the bead using your crimping pliers.

I like to add a crimp cover but this is optional.

Thread several small seed beads and one spacer bead onto the wire.  You need just enough seed beads so the toggle clasp will fasten easily when the T part is inserted.

Add the remaining tile and spacer beads all the way down one side.

When you get to the end, finish with a spacer bead, insert the other half of the toggle and another spacer bead going back into the 2nd hole of the end tile.

  

Another option is to use a beaded loop instead along with a button or the T part of a toggle like I'm doing here:

Thread the flex wire back through the other side of the tiles to the other end.  You will want to check the size and fit at this point before you finish it off completely.

Finish off with a spacer bead and small seed beads using the same amount as the beginning.  Add a crimp bead, thread the flex wire through the clasp and back through the crimp bead again.

Finish off by threading the wire tail through the beads and trim.  Add a crimp cover over the crimp bead (optional).

Your bracelet in now finished!  Wear, enjoy and admire!

 

Tutorial - Stringing a Reversible Stretch Tile Bracelet

Today I thought I would do something a little different.  It's been a while since I did a tutorial and instead of a clay tutorial I thought I would share some tips on using a variety of beads available in our Etsy shop.  One type I love to make are the 2 holed tile bracelet beads.

I also use them for my watch bands.

Most of my beads have a different pattern on both sides so they can be reversible.  I thought I would share how to string a stretch bracelet which is the easiest method that even a beginner could do.


First of all, you need to determine the finished length of your bracelet.  Using a cloth or flexible measuring tape, wrap it loosely around your wrist.  If you do not have this type of measuring tape you can always print one out.  This is your wrist measurement but you do not want the bracelet to fit too tight so add a little extra to a fit you prefer.

Pick out your beads that will go between the tiles and lay them out to see how many you will need.  Most of the tile beads I create have a continuous pattern so I like to keep them in order.  If I need to leave any extras out, I will omit them from either end.  Make sure the elastic will fit through the holes of the  beads you select.  I like to use a heavier (1mm) elastic for strength, whenever possible.  Cut 2 pieces of elastic measuring the finished length of the bracelet plus 4"- 5" extra to allow for tying.

Thread the elastic through one side going through all of the beads.  Tie a square knot.

Check the fit to see if you need to add or take out any beads.  If the fit feels good, then tighten the knot.  You can add some glue onto the knot for added security if you wish.

To finish off and hide the knot, take one of the end strands and thread it back through the tile bead next to it as shown in the picture below.  Pull on the elastic until the knot disappears inside the tile bead.  Trim off the ends by lightly tugging on the strand so that when you let go it springs back into the tile.

Repeat the above process for the other side.

Taadaa!  Your bracelet is now finished!

To switch to the reverse side, just twist inside out.

And you now have 2 bracelets in one!

Flowers for Fall

I love this time of year when the days are warm but not too hot and we become surrounded with all the colorful autumn leaves and fall flowers.  I'm working on some new fall colors and this is a bangle that is now listed in our Art Fire Studio.  I came across these gorgeous metal bangles some time ago.  They have a strong spring hinge on them so they stay closed while wearing but are easy to put on and take off.  Unfortunately I only have one size in stock and they fit a small to medium size wrist.  The inside measurement is 6-5/8".  

Of course if you would like to make your own bracelet, this tiled bead set is for sale in our Etsy Shop.  There are 7 tiles -- plenty for a gorgeous fall bracelet.  It is also reversible so if you want a plainer look, there is a quilted look texture on the opposite side in the matching warm fall colors.  I strung some beads on to show how they can look.

Keeping time in style ...

For as long as I've known Dave, he has never owned or worn a watch. He must have some sort of built in sensor as he always seems to know what time it is and never late for any appointments.

I, on the other hand, can't get by without some sort of timing device. There is a clock in every room of o

ur house plus several kitchen timers. I also feel totally lost if I happen to go out and forget my watch.

I like bracelets but never found them very functional like the watch that I would always have on my wrist. I thought about combining the two in some way so I made several beaded watch bands turning my functional piece into a very attractive bracelet. When I discovered polymer clay I saw some beautiful bracelets and the wheels in my head started to turn a little faster. Why not make my own watch band links out of the clay to create designer watch bracelets? So I went to work right away and have since made an assortment of watch bands, some of which coordinate with the necklaces and other accessories we have made. You will find some photos posted on our flickr site.

Some people have asked me how I make them and so I will be sharing my technique at our next meeting with the Vanouver Polymer Clay Guild. Hopefully by the end of the day, everyone attending will go home with their own designer watch band.

Below are an assortment of watch bands we have made.