Jewellery making:Stretch Magic Bracelet

Stretch magic elastic is amazing stuff, really strong & stretchy, cheap to buy & incredibly versatile. It ties off so tightly that your beads are safe from escape. Also quick to use, so roll up your sleeves, measure your wrist and have a go at this easy piece.

A bracelet like this is so easy to make. Just pick a selection of beads & spacers and get threading. The candy canes are especially good for the job.

Getting started

Decide which components you want to use. Lay them out on a surface such as a bead mat where they won't all roll away. Thread them on to 0.8mm black or clear stretch magic elastic. Use spacer beads between bigger beads

Thread on all the Beads

You might want to use Bali silver spacers for a more sophisticated look. Other beads used here include, Swarovski bicones (6mm siam), small metal castings, Czech fire polished glass 8mm in Scarlet and Jet.

Tie off the end

When all the beads are on simply tie the stretch magic thread tightly in a reef knot. Don't stretch it too much for the initial knot but do pull it tight when you make the second one. I sometimes do a third. Trim off the ends to leave about 7mm. You can slip the ends into one of the cane beads to hide them.

Another finishing method...........

Instead of tying off you can push the ends of the elastic through a large crimp from opposte directions.

Pull the Elastic tight....

..... and crush the crimp with chain nose or crimping pliers.

Variations

Try this gorgeous lemon & lime on clear stretch magic with bali silver , or maybe go for a multicoloured cane mix.