| Handcrafted, personalized name bracelets become | | | | end of the wire as it comesout of the guardian |
| cherished gifts for mothers, grandmothersand | | | | and slip it though the crimp bead as well. Pull to |
| more, especially when you create it yourself. With | | | | tightenso that the crimp bead is tight against the |
| sterling silver alphabetbeads and a few other key | | | | wire guardian, and you don't haveexcess wire |
| ingredients, you can make your own mother's | | | | hanging out of the crimp bead. Use the beading |
| bracelet,deployment bracelet, awareness bracelet, | | | | pliers to squeeze thecrimp bead closed. |
| or just about any other theme you canimagine. | | | | 3. Begin stringing your beads. Try alternating |
| Visit your local bead store or hobby shop or look | | | | colors or using round spacer beadsin between the |
| online for the suppliesyou will need. With these | | | | alphabet beads. It's also a good idea to plan out |
| simple instructions, your creation will be a great | | | | and lay out whatbeads you want to use before |
| giftfor Mother's Day or any other occasion. | | | | you start. That way you'll know exactly how |
| What you need before you start:1. Flat Beading | | | | manybeads you need to end up with a |
| Pliers (needle nose pliers will also work with care) | | | | symmetrical bracelet. |
| 2. Wire Cutters | | | | 4. Once you're happy with the design, place the |
| 3. Stringing Wire (I prefer Beadalon(R) Bead | | | | second crimp bead after your lastdecorative bead |
| Stringing Wire, Nylon Coated Stainless | | | | (you should have approximately 2" of wire left) |
| Steel, .46mm, Black) | | | | and then slidethe second wire guardian on just like |
| 4. Two (2) Wire Guardians (not required, but good | | | | before. Carefully take up the slack, beingsure not |
| for longevity of the bracelet) | | | | to pull the wire too tight, so the bracelet can |
| 5. Two (2) Crimp Beads | | | | move and bend, but alsonot so loose that you |
| 6. Lobster Clasp or Toggle Clasp | | | | see the wire between the beads. Now squeeze |
| 7. 4mm Jump Rings | | | | the crimp beadclosed and then trim any excess |
| 8. Alphabet Beads to spell out the name | | | | wire away. |
| 9. Other beads to match your theme, birthstone | | | | 5. Now you can attach the lobster clasp or toggle |
| color, etc. Swarovski crystal beadsand small round | | | | clasp to the right side of thebracelet using jump |
| silver beads are great additions. | | | | rings. You can also attach a 1" extender chain on |
| STEPS: | | | | the leftside to allow the wearer to adjust the |
| 1. Measure a bracelet you (or your gift recipient) | | | | bracelet for comfort. (This is especiallya good idea |
| already own to get the rightsize, or use a piece | | | | if you think the bracelet might end up being too |
| of string around the wrist to mark and measure. | | | | small.) Attach acharm or two to the extender |
| Make surethat it is a little loose. Cut a length of | | | | chain with jump rings to add even more of a |
| stringing wire that is the desiredbracelet length | | | | personaltouch. |
| plus at least 2" extra. (If you want a finished | | | | You're done! You've just made a name bracelet |
| bracelet thatis 8", you'll need to start with a 10" | | | | for your mother, a mommy to be,or even just |
| piece of wire.) | | | | for fun. All it takes are some alphabet beads, |
| 2. The next task is to make a loop. String a crimp | | | | silver wire, coloredbeads, some patience and a |
| bead on the piece of cut wire. | | | | few more supplies to make a great Mother's Day |
| Slide the wire through the wire guardian. Take the | | | | gift. |