Dainty DIY: how to make a classic beaded ribbon bracelet

Good morning! Today, Bettina Johnson is sharing one of her tutorials for Make This. I‘ll be back tomorrow with 5 Faves. And if you’re looking for some biz inspiration, my newest Scoutie Girl post is up: knowing when it’s time to soar. I hope you had an awesome weekend. 

This diy guest post was written by Bettina of Bettina Johnson Jewelry.

Are you looking for something affordable, that will give your ultimate summer look an eye caching POP? My ocean and sand bracelet made of ribbon and glass beads is eye catching and super easy to make. Want to make your own? Here’s how…

Youll need:

• 8x Beads (Chinese Crystal (AB Finished) Faceted Round (Aqua), 15mm) with a 2-3mm hole (or it wont work)
• 24″³ inches of Offray 15mm Ribbon (www.offray.com)
• 1 Bead Reamer (Tools at beadalon.com)- not shown in picture!
• Lighter

Here’s how to make it:

Most 15mm beads will come with a bigger hold, but if you are not sure read the description of the bead before ordering. The proper size for the Bead hole should be between 2-3mm. This is important because you need to fit the ribbon through it.

Cut the Ribbon in an angle to where it will be very pointy at the top, so you have it easier to enter the Bead hole.

On this next step you need to melt the ends with a lighter (be careful- hold the lighter not to close/to long on your ribbon or it will curl), now the ribbon fits through the bead easier and fuss free. If you still struggle ““ use the Bead reamer to push your ribbon through. Slide the first bead to the other side of your Ribbon (leave about 9” inches of Ribbon – you’ll need that to tie it together at the end).

Knot each end as shown above, add the rest of your beads with knots in between.

When you have added all 8 beads to your ribbon, make sure to cut the ends one more time in a 45° angle, and melt them so your necklace stays nice for a long time. Now, this last step is very important, you NEED to iron your ribbon on the lowest heat or silk setting. Due to the pulling and squishing of your ribbon throughout this DIY project, it will look quite wrinkled ““ the ironing gives it the finishing touch!

Thank you so much Bettina for sharing such a lovely project today!

For those that love the finished bracelet, but don’t know about buying the supplies and making one of these on your own, let Bettina do it for you! You can purchase this bracelet and matching necklace set already made (the necklace is even prettier than the bracelet) from Bettina’s shop right here. Bonus! There is a 25% off sale happening right now at Bettina Johnson Jewelry now until the end of this month.

 I craft with an extreme passion for jewelry, you can find my custom work at Bettina Johnson Jewelry. On my blog you can read all about the beautiful things in life – right here, and I’m also a first time mom of a cute little girl named Jasmine Lynn, she fills my days with laughter. We currently live in Okinawa, Japan (I am a proud Military wife!)