Bracelet From Upcycled Jewelry

This is one of my favorite things to make since it is a super easy way to give old jewelry a new life. Bracelets are my favorite because they are quick to make and a perfect accessory.

• Old Jewelry
• Wire Cutters (or scissors)
• Jewelry Pliers
• Elastic
• Extra Beads (optional)
• Crimp Bead Covers (optional)
• Superglue (optional)

Crimp Bead Covers and Superglue are optional but I always use them for extra security and a professional look. The Superglue is a backup for if the knot starts to come undone.

The elastic I use is $2.99 at Michaels and comes in many different widths. In the pictures I am using .5mm but 1mm also works well - just make sure your beads are able to fit onto it. The thinner the elastic is, the easier it will be to stretch as well.

I also use other beads along with the upcycled beads to get the look that I want. They are 6/0 Glass Seed Beads.

To dismantle the jewelry, I used my wire cutters and pliers to cut the wire and pull off the crimp beads. If there is enough space between the crimp beads and the other beads, you can cut between them and you don't need to pull of the crimp bead. If there are no crimp beads, you are able to cut the thread or wire and slide the beads off.

Cut a piece of elastic double the size of your wrist (you can always trim it later). Stretch the elastic before putting beads on so you get a better fit and the elastic doesn't stretch too much after you've worn it a few times. Put a small knot on one end of the elastic. I do at least two knots no matter what width of elastic I use.

Now is where you put on the superglue and a crimp bead cover. Put a dot of superglue over the knot and put the crimp bead cover over the knot. This step is optional but is for added security and a professional look.

Add your beads on how you want them! You can get creative or just have a string. Keep it simple or make it complex!

Before you tie the final knot, thread on a crimp bead cover. Now, tie the knot as close to the crimp bead cover as you can to prevent gaps. To connect both ends of the bracelet together, I link the two crimp bead covers together. If you didn't use crimp bead covers, you can just tie both ends of the bracelet together. Trim the extra elastic.

Your bracelet is done! Woohoo!!

To make a necklace instead of a bracelet, simply start with longer elastic. This works for bracelets, necklaces, ankle bracelets, and even rings! For necklaces and ankle bracelets, I recommend using jump rings and lobster clasps on the crimp bead covers so they are easier to get on and off and don't tangle so much in the hair. This way you also don't have to worry about over extending the elastic and breaking it.