Easy Summer Project #2

Some people are thinking "back to school", but we're still thinking "summer fun", because, well, why not?  So here's a fun project that's great for ages 8 and up:  The Easy Ball Chain Bracelet.

You noticed the word easy?  Yea, that kind of says it all.  Take two lengths of ball chain and two lengths of cord.  Wrap one length of cord around the two lengths of chain, wrapping on the diagonal.  Wrap the second length of cord back on the other diagonal.  Having left six to eight inches of cord on each end, you'll lay them parallel and with another length of cord make square knots around them for the closure.  There you have it -- easy!

We've experimented with some different cords and have used embroidery floss with the tiny ball chain, though it's a little trickier to manage.  But our favorite cord in the .8mm Chinese knotting cord.  It comes in a wide range of colors and, because it's nylon, you can melt the ends and avoid having big lumpy knots.

We have detailed instructions for you too -- you know, how much cord to cut & stuff.  Check it out.

Have you been making easy summer projects?  Send us photos -- we love show & tell.

Click HERE for instructions for the Easy Ball Chain Bracelet.

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If your memory is a little hazy about making square knots, click HERE for those instructions.

You're welcome to stop by the shop any time and we'll help you out.

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Fun variation: Make your own "ball chain" by stringing two lengths of beads onto cord, knotting between each bead to add space. The wrapping is the same!

Ball chain bracelet with lime cord

Pink & orange ball chain bracelet

Tiny ball chain with embroidery floss