Warm Waters Czech Glass Bracelet
Designed by Kristin Burgess
Maine is such a beautiful state, especially this time of year with all the snow-covered trees. Now that snow storm number eight has hit, us "Mainers" have to find ways to mentally get through having to shovel our driveways again for the umteenth time. Dreaming of warmer days and calmer waters has produced this new addition to the tutorial section. Although we specialize in vintage and antique, our newly expanded contemporary Czech glass is not to be missed! The unique shapes and colors at friendly prices will satisfy even the frugal beader. Straight strung in groups of 3 or 4 strands makes for a flattering design you can enjoy year round.
This project is great for all levels! Stringing and crimping are involved with this project. The bracelet has a total of four strands. Four crimp beads and covers are needed to attach each of the four strands to the connector clasp. The connector clasp will later have chain (to make it adjustable) and the clasp added
using jump rings.
Step 1: Prepare a clutter free workspace to lay out piles of your beads and components on. Precut 10" of Soft Flex with the cutters. Using the crimper tool and 1 of the 2x2 crimps attach the softflex to the connector bar (the side that has two loops). Using the end part of the crimper tool attach the crimp cover over the crimp for a more finished look. Start by stringing this pattern onto the Soft Flex...1 seed bead, 1 teal cube, 1 seed and so on until you have threaded a total of 27 cubes total and have finished with a seed bead. Crimp this stran to the other connector clasp. * Be aware you are attaching this strand to the right loop on that far side.* Trim the remainder Soft Flex tail using the cutters.
Step 2: Using the same connector loop (we attached the first strand to) crimp on a second 10" piece of Soft Flex using the crimp bead and cover. The pattern for this second strand is as follows...
1 topaz glass, 1 teal lampwork, 1 topaz glass, 4 seeds, 1 topaz, 1 teal lampwork, 1 topaz glass, 4 seeds then repeat until you have 12 of the topaz glass strung. This completes this strand and so it can be crimped next to the first strand on the second connector. *Be very careful to not twist the strands or clasp prior to crimping so that you are indeed attaching this strand to the correct side of the loop on side two of the connector. Trim your softflex tail with the cutters.
Step 3: With two beaded strands attached to one loop on the connector the bracelet is about half done! A similar
procedure will be used to fill the second loop on the connectors. Two strands will also be added here. Attach a ten inch piece of softflex to this second piece with the crimps and covers. String on 1 olivine glass, 1 seed bead, 1 olivine glass, 1 seed bead and so on until a total of 21 olivine pinch beads have been added. Crimp the end of this beaded strand to the second vacant loop on the connector clasp that lines up with the first side. Cover this crimp as well and trim off the remaining Soft Flex tail.
Step 4: The fourth and final strand is attached to the connector loop with only one beaded strand currently attached there. Cut the 10" of Soft Flex and crimp to the connector loop (outside edge) and cover with a crimp cover. This strand is the easiest! Straight string 38 teal glass cubes and crimp off on the second side of the connector clasp (again the side that has only one strand currently attached to it and be sure to crimp on the outside edge). After crimping the final strand use the softflex cutters to trim away leftover softflex wire. Use the end part of the crimper tool (lemon shaped spot) to apply the crimp cover to the final crimp.
Step 5: Using the headpin stack 1 seed bead onto it and then 1 teal lampwork
round. Make a coiled eyepin to attach this "bead charm" to 1 inch of
the adjustable chain. The other side of the chain needs to be joined to
one of the connectors. Using pliers, swing open the jump ring and attach
to the connector. Be sure that there are no gaps in the jump ring after
closure to ensure a sturdy ending. Adding a pinch with the thin line pliers at this seam will help harden the metal and help to prevent the ring from opening up under pressure. If you still have trouble with the open jump rings try our split rings located in our metal findings section. Using the same "swing-the-door" open method, attach the hook clasp to the other side of the connector clasp using another open jump ring. The dangle adds a nice touch to the end and doubles in function making the piece adjustable which is nice especially if the bracelet is a gift! Enjoy!
