When I saw this bracelet at J.Crew, I went a little bit nuts. (It’s even better in person.) I love the combination of vintage-y looking chains with pearls – it’s the sort of thing you can wear with a t-shirt and jeans or to a dressier event as well. I knew that I needed it. I also know that I am supposed to be on a (relative) shopping hiatus.
The more I looked at the bracelet, I knew I could make it myself. I headed to the bead store and picked up some pearls & chain and immediately got to work. All in all, the project took me about 45 minutes and $15 for materials… not so bad!
Before I get started – this project is a little bit tougher than the usual projects I post, but I promise – it is so worth it and I swear, anyone can make it. Just take it bit by bit. If you look at it in small sections (connecting one part to the other,) you can do anything. I promise. I had to do it over a few times myself… the first time I tried, the pearls I used were too large. The second time, I didn’t use long enough pieces of chain. The third time, it was perfect. Luckily, now I’ve done the grunt work and measuring for you, so you’ll have an easier time making it than I did.
What You’ll Need: Two strands of glass pearl beads (they sell for about $3 each at your local bead store… ask for the 3mm size,) tiger tail (plastic coated wire,) crimper beads, jump rings, 2.5 feet of chain (your pick… I chose an antique brass that sells for $3 per foot,) clasp, pliers, & wire nippers.
Begin by taking your chain (2.5 feet,) and cutting it into three equal length pieces. (Having good wire nippers makes this a lot easier, but if you don’t have a pair, sharp scissors will work – it just may take a few tries and you might ruin the scissors.)
