Last Minute Handmade Gift Idea #1: Bead Bracelets

Over the next two weeks I'll be posting 12 ideas for last minute handmade gifts.

The first idea? Bead bracelets. Chances are you have some beautiful  beads languishing in your jewelry box or craft stash which would be perfect for making elasticized bracelets. If you don't already have a supply of beads, try your local thrift store. You should be able to pick up a couple of chunky bead necklaces for a few dollars. Most necklaces will have enough beads to make at least 4 bracelets. Look for big beads; the bigger the better. Also, make sure the beads have fairly large holes. 

Here's how to make a basic bead bracelet:

Cut a piece of thin elasticized cord 9 inches (23 cm) long. Begin by threading an accent bead, pendant, pom pom etc. onto the cord and sliding it to the middle. If you are using plain beads of all the same size, you can just choose an end and start threading beads on to it.

Keep adding beads until the bracelet is approx. 7 inches (18 cm) long. 

Knot the elasticized cord together.

If the holes in the beads are large enough, thread each loose end of cord back through the adjacent bead. If the holes aren't big enough, make sure that the knot is pulled very tight and trim off the loose ends.