Braided Delights

Maybe it's because the temperature outside is, you know, really really cold, that I'm thinking spring.  As in Springtime, warmer weather, sunshine, flowers, and summer jewelry.

Whatever the reason, I've had thoughts of simple bracelets and necklaces floating around my head made with cords and braids and beads.  The basic braid is easily manipulated to create designs from fancy to funky.

Braided bracelet using waxed cotton cord and 8mm fire polish beads

Here are some tips to get your own ideas floating around your head, starting with your choice of cord.

Keep in mind that you'll want at least one cord thin enough to string some beads onto, then pretty much anything will do.  Cords that we like working with include waxed linen, Chinese knotting cord and waxed cotton cord.  

Braided necklace (or wrap bracelet) using waxed cotton cord and size 6/0 seed beads.

Waxed linen is a little tacky and can be mushed back together when it frays.  Chinese knotting cord is not as stiff and has a nice drape, though this can make it harder to string beads onto.  But because it's nylon the ends can be melted, which is a nice feature.  Waxed cotton is not tacky like waxed linen, comes in several thicknesses and colors and is soft to work with.

Left to right: waxed linen, Chinese knotting cord, waxed cotton cord

I like to start with the button.  Your basic braid requires three strands, so I use one long cord folded in half, and another cord that is tied with the other two to secure the button.

Start your braid -- it's up to your how much braiding you want between beads, whether you want to be very uniform or more free-form in your spacing.

Decide whether you want beads to be centered in your braid, or peeking out along the sides.

Secure the end to your work surface, and start your braids.

For centered beads, string a bead onto a cord as it is placed in the center position, then make a couple (or however many you want) braids around it.

Centering the bead

Keep the bead centered and braid around it

Tie the cords close to the last bead or when you've reached the length you want, then tie two of the cords to create a loop that just fits over the button.  Snip the extra cord and apply a dab of glue.

A row of beads centered in the braid

Spring colors are the center of attention in this braided bracelet.

For something that highlights the cord and uses beads as adornments along the sides, add smaller beads (these are size 6/0 seed beads) on the outside edge, with several braids in between.

Many of these designs can be worn as either a necklace of a multi-wrap bracelet.  Experiment with variations -- try making something with a very loose braid and see how it changes the look.  Or try replacing one cord with two thinner cords.

Yes, it WILL get warmer, and you'll want to be ready with jewelry to show off when you no longer need to bundle up head to toe!