Design Inspiration Supplies

Design Instructions

 

Supplies needed

  • 1    Craftsman Clasp    (94-6205-40)
  • 2    Jardin 6x2mm Crimp End Cap    (94-5863-40)
  • 2    Jardin 6x2mm Barrel Bead    (94-5864-40)
  • 1    Blank Charm    (94-2401-40)
  • 1    Star Charm w/SS9 Crystal    (94-6848-40)
  • 1    Moon Charm w/SS9 Crystal    (94-6847-40)
  • 4    Crimp Cover 3mm    (01-0032-11)
  • 5    Round Jump Ring 20g 4mm ID   (01-0024-70)
  • 1    Austrian 4mm (SS16) Flatback Crystal (Aquamarine shown)
  • 30"    Round Leather Cord, 2mm

Tools

  • chain nose pliers
  • parallel or flat nose pliers
  • crimping pliers
  • scissors or leather snips
  • ImpressArt Crystal Setter Punch, 4mm
  • small bench block
  • hammer
  • large paper clip or small binder clip
  • GS Hypo Cement Adhesive

Skill Level: Beginner-intermediate (some stamping experience recommended)

Finished Size: Approx. 7 1/2"

Designer:  Tracy Proctor

Download the Braided Sparkle Bracelet PDF

Watch the Demo Video: Braided Sparkle Bracelet Jewelry Making Demo

Watch our technique videos TierraCast Blog (look for Crimping, Simple Loops and Jump Rings).

Tip: The surface of our blank charms is slightly domed. Center punch carefully and after initial hammer strike, strike again a few times while rotating punch at slight angles to deepen the recess around the edges. Visit the Education section of the ImpressArt website for info on all things stamping!

Steps

  1. Use hammer and 4mm punch to stamp a recess in the center of the Blank charm. Apply a tiny amount of adhesive to recess and press 4mm flatback crystal securely into adhesive. Set aside to dry.
  2. Attach 1 jump ring to each of the moon and star charms. Set aside.
  3. Cut cord into 3 equal pieces. Align strands and insert the 3 ends into 1 crimp end. Squeeze firmly with parallel or flat nose pliers to secure. (Hint: squeeze from both sides and top.) Test hold carefully and use pliers again if needed. (Optional: apply a small amount of adhesive inside crimp end for added security.)
  4. Braid strands together about 1 3/4", then thread 1 barrel bead onto all 3 strands. 
  5. String moon charm, blank charm, and star charm onto center strand of cord, then string on second barrel bead.
  6. Position barrel beads 1 1/4" apart, then use parallel or flat nose pliers to secure in place, squeezing just enough to keep them from sliding.
  7. Braid strands for another 1 3/4", the place a paper clip over end of braid. Trim cord ends evenly about 1/4" from clip.
  8. Insert ends into second crimp end and secure with pliers.
  9. Cluster charms at center and use front notch of crimping pliers to secure 1 crimp cover over center cord 1/4" from barrel bead. (Hint: try to keep the crimp cover opening to underside of bracelet.) Secure second crimp cover 1/4" from second barrel bead. 
  10. Secure two more crimp covers on either side of the center charm, spacing them evenly between the first two.
  11. Use 1 jump ring to attach clasp ring at one end. Use 2 jump rings to attach clasp bar at other end.