Zig Zag Bead Loom Bracelet
12 Oct 2012
Remember how my brother and his wife gave me an awesome stash of beads for my birthday? I decided I wanted to make something with them right away, so I set out on what was by far my most complicated bead loom project to date. And I did it! There were definitely some false starts, but I am really proud of it!
It all started with some sketching, and I was grateful to have my stash of graph paper on hand. It actually came from a notebook I used while working as a translator in Russia–graph paper seems pretty standard issue there, so I knew I’d find some in my Russia folder. The sketch on top is mine, and the one below is Eric’s. He is so sweet and helpful with all of my projects.
Getting started was definitely the hardest part, since I kept dropping beads and loosening threads. I was just beginning to wonder if it was actually possible to make a bracelet this wide on my little loom when I made it past that first row. Whew!
Once I got started, this project became so addictive so quickly! All of the little threads hanging off the sides are just part of the process. They get snipped off when you’re done.
I love love love these beads, and especially the yellow ones. They are so shiny!
One the last row was finished, I could take the whole bracelet off the loom. Now all that’s left to do is put on the clasps and thread those loose cords back into the bracelet. That is really the only tedious part of the whole process, and especially for such a wide bracelet, since there are so many to deal with!
My beading needle and I became very close friends while I was working on this project, but I think I may have bent it a little with all my weaving zeal. Time for a new one, I think.
This is the final step: putting on the clasps. Much easier than I thought it would be!
And this is what it looks like when it’s all done! This is by far the most professional looking bracelet I’ve ever made, thanks to this awesome tutorial.
Now that I’ve finished this bracelet, I am really itching to start another one. Thanks for the beads, hermano!
Oct 12, 2012 @ 08:23:55
These are the things that make my heart race! Picture #5 is absolutely stunning! I will have to check out the tutorial, because even after seeing the loom sitting around for years and years I can’t envision how one uses it. Great project!
Oct 17, 2012 @ 13:32:01
Thank you so much! The tutorial is so helpful, and it’s really a simple under and over operation, but it definitely took some practice to get used to it. You can do it, and I know you will make beautiful things!
Oct 13, 2012 @ 12:03:56
I clearly remember the post on the beads you received, and it’s so lovely to see the gift become a beautiful creation. I envy your patience for tiny beads and a complicated project; you are such an inspiration! How I’d love to have an afternoon loom lesson from you (with, of course, an abundance of tea and treats).
Oct 17, 2012 @ 13:35:07
Thank you so much! I definitely feel the same way about the beautiful things you create! And I wish we could have an afternoon tea and beading session too–maybe someday! 🙂
Nov 04, 2012 @ 14:31:13
Somehow I’m only seeing this now, but it’s GORGEOUS! I totally want a bead loom now even though I doubt I have the patience for it, haha! But you did an incredible job and the finished project is awesome – great design and colors and everything! : )
-Mel the Crafty Scientist
Nov 04, 2012 @ 21:09:55
Thank you so much! I kind of can’t believe I pulled it off either, and it was very slow in the beginning, but it’s really easy and fun once you get the hang of it! I am sure you would be a pro! Thanks again for stopping by and commenting!
A Bracelet for Mom | Krug the Thinker
Jan 16, 2013 @ 03:04:41
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