How to Turn Old Amber into a Stunning Wrap Bracelet

5. Once you’ve attached your thread and secured your project, you can start adding beads! It’s best to start with a smaller bead if you have any; the cord will sit more nicely if the beads gradually increase in size at the knotted ends. Once your bead is on the thread, bring the needle up over the left cord and then back to the bottom, this time under the right cord.

6. Slide your bead right down into place.

7. Bring the needle up and over the right cord, through the bead a second time, and then back under the left cord. Do you get it? We’re making figure 8s, going through the bead with each pass.

8. Under and over the left cord, through the bead, under and over the right cord, through the bead again. And again and again and again.

9. Continue in this manner until your bracelet is long enough, then tie the cord and the thread off with a knot. At this point, I wound my thread through the leather knot a few times and then knotted the thread itself a few more times. Again, tutorials seem to all recommend glue here. I still have no glue.

10. The last step is to tie a second knot in the cord – one that is about the same size as your button. Don’t make it too small or the button won’t fit through. Don’t make it too big or the button will just fall out when you’re wearing the bracelet. Don’t worry too much though – this bracelet is pretty forgiving. I just eyeballed it. A friend showed me her bracelet at church today – it originally had extra knots at intervals down the cord so that the wearer can adjust the size. That’s smart. I wish I thought of that.

I can’t wait to make some more – I just need to dig up a few more old necklaces. if you come across any tips or tricks for making these even better, be sure to let me know!

Do you have leftover beads? I used mine to decorate my handmade Traveller’s Notebook — find out how I made it

These upcycled amber bracelets make excellent gifts — add in some hand lotion, an essential oil roller, and maybe some reading socks and you have the perfect gift basket for all your gal friends. Find even more gift basket ideas over at my new blog www.giftbasketdiyer.com. Head over now and start your Christmas list early this year!

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