Summery Braided Bangles

Designer Jamie Hogsett
Skill Level Beginner

Materials
Soft Flex Beading Wire, .019 diameter in Citrine, Purple Amethyst and Pink Tourmaline colors - 36" each
2x2mm Sterling Silver Crimp Tubes - 3 pcs
Assorted size 11° and size 8° Seed Beads - 20-30 pcs
6-10mm Czech Glass Beads - 2 pcs

Tools
Cutters
Crimping Pliers
Bead Stoppers

Instructions

Step 1: Cut three 12" pieces of wire.

Step 2: Use one crimp tube to string all three pieces of wire. Adjust the wires so that the crimp tube is 2" from the end of one wire and right at the very ends of the other two wires. Crimp the crimp tube. Click here for crimping instructions.

Step 3: Use the shortest of the three long wire ends to string seed beads in the sizes, colors, and pattern of your choosing. String closer to 20 beads if using mostly size 8° seed beads and about 30 beads if using mostly size 11°s. Place the Bead Stopper at the end of the wire.

Step 4: Begin braiding the three long wire ends. Every time the wire with the beads lands in the middle of the braid, slide 1 bead up into the braid. Continue braiding the wires for about 6 1/2"  to 7", adding beads to the strand if necessary.

Step 5: Remove any remaining seed beads from the strand. Use two strands to string one crimp tube. Without disturbing the pattern of the braid, gently slide the third wire end into the crimp tube and carefully snug the crimp tube toward the end of the braid. Crimp the crimp tube. Trim the shortest wire end and one other wire end. Do not cut the third wire end.

Step 6: Use one wire end to string 1 seed bead, 1 Czech Glass bead, 1 seed bead, and 1 crimp tube. Place the Bead Stopper on the wire end. Use the other wire end to string 1 seed bead, 1 Czech Glass bead, and 1 seed bead. Remove the Bead Stopper. Pass the wire through the crimp tube in the opposite direction. Measure the bangle against the circle template and carefully check to see if it will fit over your hand. Add seed beads if extra length is needed. Once the bangle is the right size, crimp the crimp tube and trim wire ends.

Join the fun in our VIB Facebook Group today! Stay in the know. Stay up to date. From our bead shows to our video shows and sales, you can stay in touch with us. The community is full of artistic and helpful beaders and crafty people. Inspire and be inspired. Share your pictures and get the beading bug from others!

Visit the  Soft Flex Company YouTube Channel!

Jamie Hogsett is a bead lover, jewelry designer, beading instructor, freelance editor, and the co-author of Show Your Colors. She is the author of Stringing Style and co-author of the Create Jewelry series: Pearls, Crystals, Stones, and Glass. Jamie's work has been published numerous times in Stringing and Beadwork magazines as well as in Beadwork Creates Beaded Rings, Beadwork Creates Beaded Bags, Beadwork Creates Beaded Earrings and other books and magazines from Interweave Press.