Higgledy-Piggledy Bracelets

Do you ever have days when you want to make something, but don't want to put in hours of time and effort to do it?

I had one of those days, and put together a few of these easy 'higgledy-piggledy' bead bracelets. (Called so because I threaded beads on at random!)

This is a great little stash-busting project, but also a child-friendly craft project!

Here is a bracelet I made when I was around 7 years old. In this how-to, I explain an alternative way of making a closure to finish off the bracelets!


It is so simple to make these bracelets that it barely needs explaining, but here's a quick tutorial.

Time needed:
5-10 minutes

You'll need:
Jewellery wire*
Assortment of beads

*The wire I used was around 1mm. Try not to use wire that is too soft, else it will bend too easily and likely break!

Tools:
Wire cutters
Flat-nose pliers
Round-nose pliers
Tape measure

1. Cut a piece of wire 2 inches bigger than your wrist measurement, or more if you want a looser bracelet. Use round-nose pliers to make a loop in one end.

2. Thread on beads in the order you want. I like to add the beads on at random! When you have around 1 inch left over, bend the wire at an angle using flat-nose pliers, to stop the beads coming off.



3. There are several ways you can finish the bracelet:

For a closure attached directly to the bracelet:
a) Use flat-nose pliers to bend the wire back on itself.

b) Bend the end 3mm or so of the wire back in itself with flat-nose pliers (this stops sharp edges sticking out and scratching). Bend the remaining length of wire into a hook shape using round-nose pliers.

c) Check the hook goes easily through the loop you made in step 1.

To finish without a closure:
d) Alternatively, simply use round-nose pliers to create another loop at this end of the bracelet, and trim off excess wire with wire cutters.

For a separate closure:
Finish off as in step d above.
Bend the end of a 2 inch piece of wire around on itself. Curl this end around round-nose pliers and then curl back the opposite way to make an S-shape with a loop on one end. (Sorry for the rubbish picture, this one was an after-thought!)


4. You're done! Be proud :)

Will be linking up at the usual link parties, listed at the bottom of the page!