Betsey Johnson Inspired Half Stretch Bracelet

I have to give Betsey Johnson major kudos for this design! Stretch bracelets are by far one of the easiest bracelets to make since you don't use clasps and jewelers wire, just Stretch Magic, knots, and some glue. Plus they fit just about every wrist size so they make gift giving easy. However I had become a little bored of stretch bracelets, and really, truly love charm bracelets. Then I saw Betsey's Half Stretch Bracelets on her website and was inspired! This design is a marriage of the stretch bracelet and the charm bracelet. You attach links of chains to the stretch material for an instant, updated stretch bracelet. It can be totally personalized because of the charms. Love bees, get bee charms. Love dogs, get dog charms. What did I use on some of my bracelets? A swallow, skull, tattoo gun (love my tattoos), and a hand grenade for my favorite band Green Day. (We Rebel Crafters have to keep some things we make after all). I know you will love making these bracelets. Hurray for Betsey, she is the stuff!

For this Project you will need:


Stretch Magic Stretchy Bead Cord (I used .7 size. Make sure to get it slim enough to get through your bead holes. I found .7 to be a good size).


Chain Links (you can buy links of chain in the Jewelry Supply Sections, or recycle from broken necklaces). Try a variety of colors and sizes for even more drama.


One Large Charm and smaller charms with Jump Rings. Some good places to find charms are Michaels, Etsy and Create for Less.


Beads ( I used large pearls but any medium to large beads are great).


Spacers for beads (optional)


E6000 Glue or Clear Nail Polish

Tape (optional)

Scissors 

Wire cutters and/or small pliers to cut chain links.

Start by cutting about 12 inches of Stretch Magic 


Attach a piece of tape to one end to make beading easier. (optional) This way the beads cannot fall off. 


Decide on the length of your bracelet, to decide how long to cut your chains.


Divide bead and chain length in half.


Example: For a 7 1/2" bracelet, cut the chain lengths 3 3/4" and string beads to 3 3/4", 
for a 7" bracelet cut chain lengths to 3 1/2" and bead to 3 1/2"


Cut 3 chains. I prefer 3 separate style chains to make it interesting, but you can use 3 of the same. I used a wire cutter to cut the link. If soft enough you may be able to bend the link apart to separate.


Add your beads and spacers to the stretch magic 


FYI do not start with a spacer bead. It is best to start and end with a large bead so the small knot created with the stretch magic hides better inside the bigger bead hole.


Next slip on your 3 chains. You can also combine your three chains onto one jump ring and that is what you will tie the Stretch Magic onto. I skipped the jump ring here. 

Knot your chains up next to the beads. Tie a slip knot just like tying a pair of shoe laces. Make sure your knot is good and tight. 

Apply a drop of E6000 glue to the knot or clear nail polish.

Take the opposite side of stretch magic and knot through the ends of the 3 chain links. This is slightly trickier since you need to make sure there is no slack. It is easiest to pull the Stretch Magic a little while knotting.

Get your knot good and tight.


Add a drop of E6000 glue or clear nail polish to the knot.

When dry, trim off Stretch magic tails.


Your new and improved stretch bracelet is ready for charms!


Attach one large charm with a jump ring to the center of a chain link.


Randomly attach other charms on the links. 5-6 Charms is a good number. 

XOX,

The Rebel Crafter