Make a Glass Bead Bracelet 

This bead project uses large links from a sterling silver chain and beaded components to make a boho (short for bohemian) summer bracelet.  Remove the heart and this would also make a really cute ankle bracelet.     To use the large links from the sterling silver twisted oval link chain, begin by cutting the small links of the chain (see the photo below).  Cut these links for as many of the larger links as you'll need.    Then, using sterling silver eye pins, slide on a 4mm glass bead in Aquamarine and then a flat diamond glass bead in white, followed by another 4mm glass bead. Secure the beads by creating a loop at the other end of the eye pin.  If you don't know how to create a loop, see beading project one. Create as many of these beaded components as needed for the desired length of your bracelet.  The bracelet shown here is 8".   Using sterling oval jump rings attach the sterling silver links to the beaded components, rotating every other one - as shown in the photo.  In the center of the bracelet, we attached a glass bead heart in turquoise. You'll notice were this is linked to the large silver links; we've skipped one of the flat glass diamond bead components.  You can remove one of these large links if this bracelet is too large for you.  If you do this, just attach the heart to the center of the large link with a jump ring.

The glass heart bead was placed on a silver eye pin and looped/closed at the other end.  We then attached a plated heart charm  at the end of the large turquoise heart with a jump ring.   Finally, attach the sterling silver floating heart clasp with a 5mm jump ring. This jump ring is strong and will easily go through the heart clasp. The clasp can latch directly to the twisted oval link from the chain - as shown in the photo.

 

 

 

 

Remove the small links of the sterling silver twisted oval link chain by cutting them away.  Be careful when cutting these links and always use safety glasses.   If you think this sterling silver chain costs too much..... think of it this way.  One foot of this chain yields approximately 21 of the large links.  Currently this chain is selling for $6.89 - or $0.33 a link.  You should be able to make 3 - 4 bracelets (depending on the size) from one foot of silver chain.

(this beading project assumes you already have pliers - if not, see our tools section)

Flat Diamond Glass Beads (1 Strand in Luster Opaque White)

4mm round glass beads (1 strand Aquamarine)

Sterling Silver Twisted Oval Link Chain (1 ft.)

Sterling Silver Floating Heart Clasp (1)

Sterling Silver Jump Rings - 5mm (1 package)