Super Awesome Brad Bracelet DIY

Do you ever get a really great idea in your head that you want to try out, but then you start to worry that it may go wrong and you'll be out your money, time and supplies? I have so many failed craft experiments under my belt that I'm fairly immune to the fear this causes.

So today I thought I would give this project a test run. I'm happy to report it turned out great... and I have lots of tips to share so that your's will too.

First, you need to know how to turn a brad into a bead. Take some fine-tipped plyers and curl the ends like this.



You might be wondering, as I was, how many brads you'll need. The ones I'm using (Creative Girl Canvas Brads) are 5/8" in diameter and come with 12 in the pack. Since I wasn't sure, I prepared all 12, but I didn't end up needing them all.

Here's what I found:

My wrists are super tiny... yes I wish I could say that about some other body parts... they measure 6" at their narrowest. This size would need 9 brads at the spacing I show. However, I like to wear my bracelets so they slide down to where my hand meets my wrist. Here they measure 7" and the bracelet requires 10 brads. That should give you an idea of what you'll need. If 12 isn't going to be enough for your desired length, you could space them more widely, get brads with a larger diameter, or find more than 12 brads you like together.

Let's talk about the cording because it will show. I used our gold cord from the Shimmer Trims set. It comes in a one yard length. That is plenty for my wrist, in fact, I could have trimmed a foot off before I began.

This is what I had left over.



I'm sure you're hoping I'll show you how to string this all together? 

Start by folding your cord in half. Then make a loop that will fit over a brad and knot it in place.

Take one end, through the top eye and then back through the lower eye. Repeat, this step with the other side of the cord mirroring exactly what you just did.



As you add each brad, keep the cords loose until you have them threaded on both sides. Then pull the cords tight, working both sides together a little at a time. It's easy to get even spacing if you tighten them just until the new brad meets up with the previously threaded brad. 



When you're finished, tie off the cord with a square knot. Trim the excess and dab the ends with glue to prevent fraying. Here's how the "clasp" will look when finished.



If you have any questions, just ask. If you have a Cosmo Cricket project or technique idea you would like me to test or see if I can figure out let me know. I would be happy to use my stash for experimenting so that you don't have to risk yours!