Hematite and Pearl's Mother Bracelet
A "twist" on the traditional Mother's bracelets, this version looks sleek and elegant. Generation Gems beads can accommodate up to four names on one bead, so it is a terrific alternative for large families or grandmothers! Swarovski imitation pearls are very high quality, have great luster and a long-lasting finish, and are very affordable. NOTE: Materials listed are for a 7 1/4" bracelet using two Generation Gems beads; adjust as needed.
Level: Easy
Materials
Engraved hematite twisted beads from Generation Gems (2)
Hematite heart-shaped beads (6)
3mm hematite round beads (2)
Cream Swarovski pearls (9)
3-5mm assorted sterling and Bali beads and spacers (18)
Large floater jump rings (2)
Crimp beads (2)
Bowed toggle clasp
Beading wire
Cut 8" beading wire from spool. With name bracelets, I like to leave both ends "open" until the bracelet is strung to allow me to balance beads on both sides of the name beads. You can also configure your design by using a bead board or ruler to determine length, and then string from the beads you have laid out.
For the slightly eclectic look of this bracelet, I have used six different styles of 3-5mm Bali beads in addition to daisy spacers.
Begin with a Swarovski pearl — this will be the center of your bracelet and will separate the two name beads. On both sides of the pearl, string a 5mm Bali daisy spacer. Next string the name beads, older child on the left side of the bracelet from the pearl and spacer. Be sure the beads are readable from the same direction (i.e., not flipped upside down from each other). String another daisy spacer on the other end of each hematite bead. String a pearl, Bali spacer/bead, hematite heart, Bali spacer/bead.
Continue to alternate pearls, hematite hearts and spacers on both sides of the bracelet. Drop floater rings on during one of the patterns — the floater will move along a section, but depending on your beads, will not "travel" the entire length of the bracelet.
After the last large bead has been strung, secure one end of the bracelet using a binder clip or bead stopper. On the loose end, string one 3mm hematite bead, a crimp bead, and secure the end of the wire to the toggle. I prefer my ring end of the toggle to be at the "beginning" of the bracelet, so that when I lay it flat, the ring is on the left and my beads are read from left to right. Run a bit of wire back through 1-2 beads and clip excess (be sure to leave enough that you can secure the other end!). Remove binder clip or bead stopper from other end of bracelet, string final 3mm hematite bead, crimp and secure the other toggle end. Clip excess wire.
