How many bracelet variations can you come up with?

Let’s start with the simplest option that we have!

Even strands of beads can come together in different ways and can definitely result in an eye catching jewel. You can bead a single strand to complement a statement pendant or a bigger earring. The strands can be identical to each other or can vary like in the Tahiti bracelet. (This second one is a great way to use up some odd shapes and sizes that doesn’t seem to get comfortable anywhere else.) When it comes to multi-row bracelets, you can use a clasp that’s fabricated for this purpose or create an element with Peyote stitch like I did for the Tahiti.

While talking about strands of beads, let’s take another look at the new Saguaro bracelet. It combines a single focal motif with two short strands of beads of the same length. It’s the perfect solution if you don’t have enough motifs for a full bracelet, or want to make the focal really stand out. Depending on the size of the motif you can use different sizes of beads. For this and also for most of my necklace cords I like to use 6 mm Czech round beads or fire-polished beads of the same diameter.

It doesn’t matter if your motif is smaller, you can join several of them like Ariane did in this set, and still use a similar solution, creating contrast between the central part and the rest. Ariane used a velvet cord for both her bracelet and her necklace variation of the Cereus motif. So well done, Ariane!

The Jaisalmer motif offers different possibilities: they can be connected to each other vertically or horizontally. And of course, in both cases you have the option to add beads, crystal connectors, or cabochons in between.

If you need to connect the motifs together in a way so they get stabilised without turning around on your wrist, but prefer a single join: look into your bead box with two hole beads! Through them you fix your motifs with two threads, however, they will provide a more unified look just like as if you used one bead. You can use Gemduo beads, for example, or Miyuki Half Tila as I did in the Shiraz bracelet.

Before moving on to explore wider bracelet variations, I’d recommend to stop at Malia’s genuine solution! Malia beaded a single row of motifs, but doubled them on both sides of her clasp, so it’s an ‘in between’ solution between one row and multi row bracelets. Such a great idea to give more emphasis to a specific part of the bracelet, especially if you are using a special clasp!

While usually motifs that I design originally are beaded as smaller pieces of jewels and later they become bracelets, sometimes the beads keep flowing and their placement is more fitting for a longer piece than a solo pendant or brooch. That’s the case of the Mezclar bracelet with its repetitive pattern.

And as Tammy proves it with her signature bracelet – hand decoration shape: the limits in building jewels can be, and should be stretched by us beaders. Otherwise we would never learn what’s possible, what do we like and what doesn’t fit us at that moment.

Let’s celebrate learning and expanding beady horizons!