Bracelet beads allow you to create one-of-a-kind beaded bracelets that show off your personal flair. With so many options for materials, colors, textures, and designs, you can make bracelets perfect for any occasion! In this article, I'll explain the most popular types of bracelet beads, tips for styling bead bracelets, and a step-by-step guide to making your own custom beaded bracelets at home. Let's dive in!
An Introduction to Bracelet Beads
Bracelet beads are small, decorative beads that can be strung together to create beautiful custom bracelets. They come in a huge variety of materials, shapes, sizes, and colors. The options are endless! When I first discovered bracelet beads in high school, I was immediately obsessed with mixing and matching to create funky stacked bracelets to wear to school every day.
Bracelet beads allow you to add an extra pop of color, texture, and interest to any outfit. They are an easy, fun way to express your personal style. I love that I can change up my bracelets to match my mood or outfit. A single bracelet can include a combination of glass, wood, gemstone, plastic, and metal beads. The styling possibilities are infinite!
In the rest of this section, we'll take a closer look at the most common types of bracelet beads so you can get familiar with your options.
Glass Beads
Glass beads are one of the most classic bracelet beads. They come in every color imaginable and add beautiful shine to any beaded bracelet. Glass beads can be transparent or opaque and are crafted into all sorts of sizes and shapes like rounds, tubes, and peanuts.
My favorite glass bracelet beads are sparkly AB-coated bicone beads. They remind me of rainbow sugar sprinkles! I also love using black glass beads on bracelets because they go with everything.
Wood Beads
Wooden bracelet beads have an organic, earthy look. There are so many varieties of wood beads like sandalwood, ebony, bamboo, and more. Wood beads are often shaped into interesting carved designs. I really like using natural wood beads paired with some pops of color for an earthy, boho vibe.
Some of my favorite carved wood shapes are roses, leaves, feathers, and crosses. My grandma actually collects carved wooden rose beads and strings them into bracelets to give as gifts. So sweet!
Plastic Beads
Plastic beads are affordable, lightweight, and offer tons of variety. From opaque solids to transparent colors, you can find plastic bracelet beads in any shade. I love mixing different shapes like rounds, cubes, hearts, flowers - anything goes!
The bright neon plastic beads were always my favorite as a kid. I would string them together to make funky friendship bracelets for all my besties. Plastic beads bring back happy childhood memories.
Metal Beads
For added shine and texture, metal beads like silver, gold, copper, and pewter can add beautiful metallic accents to beaded bracelets. More delicate metals like silver can be shaped into dangly charms, while gold and copper make bold round beads.
I received a bracelet with rose gold bead accents for my 16th birthday and I still wear it to formal events. The soft glow of metal beads dresses up any outfit.
Gemstone Beads
For natural sparkle, you can't beat gemstone beads! Precious and semi-precious stones like turquoise, amethyst, quartz, and jade can be shaped into stunning beads. Depending on the stone, gemstone beads can be quite expensive, but they add natural energy and healing properties to your bracelet.
I like to save up and invest in one meaningful gemstone bead at a time, like a stunning polished agate I found on vacation. Even one beautiful gemstone bead can make a bracelet feel luxurious.
Now that you're familiar with the most popular options, it's time to learn some styling tips and tricks for putting together the perfect bead bracelet combinations!
Popular Jewelry Pie Chart
Tips for Styling Bracelet Beads
When it comes to styling bead bracelets, anything goes! The fun is in mixing, matching, and layering all sorts of beads to create unique combinations. Here are some of my best tips for putting together eye-catching beaded bracelets:
Mix and Match Different Beads
One of the best things about bead bracelets is that you don't have to stick to one material or color palette. Feel free to get creative and combine all sorts of complementary and contrasting beads in a single bracelet. The bolder and funkier, the better!
I like to pick one focal bead, like a carved rose wood bead, and build a mix of metallic, glass, and plastic beads around it. Mixing materials creates an eclectic, boho look.
Choose Beads to Complement Your Outfits
Picking bead colors and styles that integrate into your wardrobe is an easy way to add interest that complements your look.
For example, I have a bracelet made entirely of ocean blue plastic beads that I love to wear with white and denim. I also have an all-black bead bracelet perfect for wearing with darker colors. Match your beads to colors and patterns you wear regularly.
Stack and Layer for Texture
One of my favorite bracelet looks is stacking a few beaded bracelets on one wrist. The layers of loose beads create fun visual texture. You can coordinate your stacked bracelets for a put-together vibe or mis-match colors and styles.
I also love sliding loose beads onto string bracelets to integrate even more colors and beads into one stack. Get creative with your layers!
Pay Attention to Bead Sizes
Using a mix of bead sizes helps add dimension to your bracelet. In general, larger beads make more of a statement, while tiny beads create a delicate, dainty look. But feel free to combine sizes for visual interest.
I like to use large focal beads as centerpieces and fill in with smaller beads around them. Or make an entire bracelet with bold giant beads for a funky style. There are no size rules - just go with what you love!
Use Repeating Patterns
Creating a repeating pattern of beads is a great way to add rhythmic visual style. You can do a simple pattern like red-blue-white-repeat or get creative with more intricate bead patterns.
I design a lot of bracelets with numeric birthdate patterns for loved ones. Like a bracelet with repeating glass beads in this order: purple-orange-yellow for someone born on 4/12. Patterns add meaning.
Incorporate Meaningful Charms
Adding metal charms like letters, symbols, or pendants is a nice way to make your bracelet even more personal. I like to add initial and name charms to gift bracelets, or symbols that are significant to the wearer.
My sister has a bracelet I designed for her with a queen crown charm, her initial, a heart, and a ballet slipper charm to represent her personality. Charms make it meaningful!
Now that you have tons of style inspiration, let's get into how to actually make your own beaded bracelets!
How to Make Your Own Beaded Bracelets
Making your own custom beaded bracelets is easy, fun, and so fulfilling! Once you get the basics down, you'll be able to create endless jewelry combinations. Follow these steps:
Gather Your Bead Bracelet Supplies
To make bracelets at home, you'll need:
- Beads - glass, plastic, wood, gemstone, metal etc.
- Beading wire or nylon beading cord - for stringing beads
- Crimp beads - tiny metal beads to secure beading wire
- Clasps - lobster claws, hooks, toggles etc. to attach ends
- Pliers and wire cutters - for manipulating crimp beads and cutting wire
- Scissors - for cutting beading cord
I recommend starting with a beginner bead kit that has all the essentials. Or you can pick out supplies one at a time from bead shops. Collecting beads and materials is part of the fun!
Understand Bead Stringing Basics
The key to a successful beaded bracelet is properly stringing your beads so they are securely in place and evenly spaced. Here are some beading fundamentals:
- Use nylon beading cord for basic bead stringing. It ties securely and comes in different sizes. I recommend 4 lb. or 6 lb. to start.
- You can also use flexible beading wire. Attach a crimp bead on each end and crimp it in place with pliers to secure.
- Add a dab of glue or clear nail polish to knotted cord or crimped ends for extra security. Don't want those beads slipping off!
- When stringing beads, gently lay them down and lightly push/wiggle into place against each other so there are no gaps.
- For wide bracelets, periodically slide beads down toward center as you add to keep symmetry.
It just takes some practice to get the spacing and positioning right. Having pliers helps grip and manipulate smaller beads.
Learn How to Tie Secure Knots
Whether using beading cord or wire, you need to firmly tie off the ends. Here are some knotting techniques:
- To finish cord, tie a double or triple knot. I also add a dot of glue on the knot for security.
- For wire, make a loop with round nose pliers, wrap wire around 2-3 times, then trim excess.
- Attach clasps directly to knots or wire loops to finish the bracelet ends.
- Option to hide knots inside beads with large holes, just add some glue first.
I practiced tying knots a lot when I first started to train my hands - it gets easier over time! Knotting is key for durability.
Finish with Clasps for Wearability
The final step is attaching a clasp to each end so you can securely close the bracelet for wearing. Here are some tips:
- Lobster claw, toggle, and hook clasps are most common for DIY bracelets. Choose based on metal color, size, and style preference.
- Attach clasps directly to finished knotted ends or wire-wrapped loops.
- Make sure the closure is tight enough that the bracelet stays on, but not so tight it's hard to clasp.
- If needed, attach a jumper ring or two to give more room for clasping.
I always get excited when I add the clasp because it means the bracelet is complete and ready to wear!
Draw Inspiration for Your Designs
Once you understand the basics, the fun begins - dreaming up your own bracelet bead patterns and schemes! Here are some sources of inspiration:
- Colors in nature like stones, flowers, sunsets, ocean, leaves. I love making earthy green, desert pink, or beachy blue bracelets.
- Fabric prints and textures like boho patterns, herringbone, polka dots.
- Cultural symbols, ancient designs, foreign characters.
- Special occasions or memories - birthstones, wedding dates, initials.
- Books, songs, movies, hobbies, values - anything meaningful to you!
I have a blast looking through my bead collection and creating stories, themes, and color combos for new bracelet designs. Let your imagination run wild!
Ready, Set, Bead!
I hope you're feeling inspired to start making your own custom bracelet bead designs! Having the ability to create unique jewelry you won't find anywhere else is so empowering.
Start small with simple patterns or single strands, and work your way up to more intricate techniques as you build confidence. Troubleshoot any issues by checking for gaps, tight enough knots, properly crimped wires, and secure clasps.
Most importantly, have fun with the process! Playing with color combinations, textures, and shapes is the best part. Give yourself freedom to experiment and make mistakes.
Bracelet beads offer endless possibilities for self-expression through DIY accessories. Let your unique spirit shine through in beaded bracelets you'll love wearing every day! What color combos or meaningful charms will you try first? Get out your pliers and beads and start creating your signature style.
