House of Gems challenged me to create my own jewelry with some of their gorgeous beads. I received some products to test out and wanted to share with you! The design, tutorial, and personal satisfaction are truly my own creation.I have just completed a new adventure in DIY Fashion! Fashionistas, watch out!  Actually, I will admit that I have always been very impressed by those who make jewelry and accessories. Personal expression is so cool. I see all those jewelry supply aisles in craft stores but I thought you might need tons of tools to even get started. But, it turns out, I was wrong and this bracelet only took me about an hour with no experience!

Bracelet Supplies:

Gems or Beads of ChoiceCharms (optional)Spacer beads (those metal ones that aren’t gems or stones)Flexible wireA rulerScissorsA clasp and closed wire circle if your clasp does not include one (mine did)Crimp BeadsPliers (not pictured)I chose my beads from House of Gems and I have to tell you, I am in L-O-V-E. They had all the supplies I needed including clasps, charms, and even wire! Their wholesale prices were impressive! Actually, cheaper than my local craft store. I chose turquoise (the real thing!) and mixed in some howlite and maroon ceramic beads. I just really liked the color combination. It took me a few days to choose because the selection is one of their best features.  I was a bit nervous because you know how colors can be drastically different from internet pictures, but I will say their pictures were spot on for me. I can really see how this can be an addicting hobby because I already have a wishlist, haha.

Ok, so let’s get to making!Step 1- Layout your beads and spacers how you want them to be. (For the astute observers out there, you may notice I made a few changes later in the order of beads). Decide the length of your strand. My total length was 8 inches with an 1.5 inches for the clasp.Therefore, I designed for 6.5 inches of beads.  Now, using the flexible wire, I threaded one string of beads on it. Many steps are made easier by stringing the beads while the flex wire is still on the spool (uncut).

Step 2- After the beads were on, I threaded the flex wire through a crimp bead, then through the closed hole that attaches to your clasp, and then back through the crimp bead. Pull the crimp bead up close to the clasp, and, using a special 4in1 tool or a set of pliers, flatten (a.k.a. crimp) the bead closed. Test the ends to make sure everything is secure. It should look like the picture above . You will have a tail on the flex wire. Slide the beads down towards the clasp and thread the tail back through 1 or 2 beads. Trim the excess tail.

Step 3- Now cut the flex wire from the spool. I cut mine around 9 inches for extra tail. Test on your wrist to be sure of fit. Repeat Step 2 on opposite side with the other clasp piece.

Now, you could stop there and it was really pretty, but I wanted something bold. I added the other two strands of beads simply by repeating the steps above and adding to the original clasp pieces. I then added a cute dragonfly charm I also got from House of Gems.

I already have ideas for my next jewelry making adventure. I have this old-school belief that every woman should own a set of pearls. And by pearls, I mean any round uniform strand similar to a pearl necklace. It is just so classic chic. I lost my old one and I know exactly what I want to use. Check out these blue goldstones. They got that whole mysterious and sparkly attraction. I am totally for that! Hey, does this mean I am becoming a fashionista? haha, probably not but I can now wear my creativity!

 

So if your new to making your own jewelry or would like to know where to start,  there are also some great jewelry tutorial videos here.