DIY Carnelian Stretch Beaded Bracelet
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our Disclosure Policy.
I made this carnelian stretch beaded bracelet years ago because I was completely in the mood for fall colors. Deep red gemstone beads, warm gold accents, and that little high heel hanging in the middle… yep, very me.
I don’t get to experience four real seasons where I live, so whenever I’ve had the chance to see fall in all its reds, oranges, and golds, I’ve loved every second of it. This bracelet was my little way of bringing those colors into something I could actually wear.
And the funny thing is, I still love this bracelet. It’s simple, stretchy, comfortable, and you can make one in about 15 minutes once you have everything in front of you.
Table of Contents
Why I Made This Bracelet
I’ve always loved handmade jewelry. As a kid, I used to make piles of beaded bracelets and wear half of them at once. My arms probably sounded like a percussion instrument. LOL.
For this one, I used warm red gemstone beads that I’m almost sure are carnelian, ribbed gold beads, and an antique brass high heel charm. I bought the beads years ago, so I can’t swear to the exact stone, but carnelian is the closest match.
The colors gave me that fall feeling, but the method works year-round. Just change the beads and charm and make it completely your own.
Why I Love This Beaded Bracelet
This is one of those little jewelry projects that gives you plenty of room to play.
- It only takes about 15 minutes to make.
- You don’t need a clasp because the bracelet stretches over your hand.
- You can completely change the look with different gemstone beads.
- The charm gives a simple strand of beads much more personality.
- It’s beginner-friendly, especially if you’re just getting into handmade jewelry.
- You can easily adjust the size for your wrist.
And yes, I still think the tiny high heel is adorable.
How to Make a Carnelian Stretch Beaded Bracelet
The simplified instructions are in the how-to card below, but here’s exactly how I put mine together.
Supplies
- About 20 small carnelian gemstone beads, approximately 6 mm
- 5 ribbed gold beads, approximately 8 mm
- High heel charm
- 2 small jump rings
- Elastic jewelry cord, mine was approximately 0.7 mm
- 2 crimp beads
You can absolutely use another gemstone or bead color. The method stays basically the same.
Tools
- Flat nose pliers
- Bent nose pliers
- Crimping pliers or flat nose pliers
- Scissors
- Beading needle, optional
Instructions
Step 1: Start with the charm
I actually don’t cut my elastic cord at the beginning. I prefer working directly from the spool because the amount I need changes depending on the size of the beads and my wrist. It also keeps me from cutting too much and wasting cord.
I started the bracelet with two gold beads and the high heel charm between them.
My charm was attached using two very small jump rings. Open the jump rings sideways using two pairs of pliers, add the charm, and close them again.
I like using two jump rings here because it gives the charm a little more security and movement. At the time I only had silver jump rings small enough for this charm, so that’s what I used. If I were making it again, I’d probably use gold or antique brass to match everything better.
Step 2: String the gemstone and gold beads
Once the charm section was ready, I started adding my gemstone beads.
My pattern was simple:
5 carnelian beads + 1 gold bead
Then I repeated that pattern around the bracelet.
For my wrist, 20 gemstone beads and 5 gold beads worked well, including the two gold beads around the charm.
Don’t rely only on the number of beads, though. Bead sizes vary more than you’d think.
Wrap the bracelet gently around your wrist as you work and check the fit before finishing it. You want it comfortable without making it so loose that the bracelet rolls around your hand.
Step 3: Cut the elastic
Once I had enough beads to fit my wrist comfortably, I pulled out a little extra elastic for tying and cut it from the spool.
Leave yourself enough room to make the knot without fighting with tiny ends. You can always trim the extra afterward.
STEP 4: Add the crimp beads
Slide one crimp bead onto each end of the elastic.
Then bring both ends together and tie them securely.
I used a double knot on mine. A surgeon’s knot is another good option for elastic because that extra pass through the knot helps keep it from slipping.
Hide and secure the knot
Here’s where my method is a little different.
After tying the elastic, I passed each end back through the crimp beads. Then I closed the crimps around the knot and elastic using my pliers.
The holes in my gold beads were large enough that I could tuck the little remaining elastic ends inside them. That gave the bracelet a much cleaner finish.
Trim the excess elastic, but don’t cut directly against the knot. Leave a tiny tail and tuck it into the nearby gold bead.
And that’s it.
Stretch it gently over your hand and admire your new bracelet!
Crafting Tips
These are small details, but they make the whole process easier.
- Check the bracelet on your wrist before tying it. The exact number of beads will depend on your wrist and the size of the beads you choose.
- Don’t stretch the elastic tightly while stringing. You want the finished bracelet to sit naturally when relaxed.
- Leave more elastic than you think you need for tying. Tiny ends are incredibly annoying to work with.
- Use two pairs of pliers for jump rings. Twist the ring open sideways instead of pulling the ends apart. It keeps the ring round.
- Keep your beads contained while you work. A small tray, shallow dish, bead mat, or even a strip of painter’s tape can save you from chasing beads across the floor.
- Test your charm placement before finishing the bracelet. I like mine sitting between two larger gold beads because they frame it nicely.
Make It Your Own
This is where this little bracelet gets fun because you can make the same construction look completely different. You could use:
- Black or smoky gemstone beads with silver accents
- Rose quartz with gold beads
- Turquoise-colored stones with antique brass
- Pearls or glass beads instead of gemstones
- A leaf, heart, initial, star, flower, or tiny animal charm instead of the high heel
If I had found a pretty little fall leaf charm when I originally made this one, I probably would have bought it too.
But that high heel still makes me smile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Measure your wrist with a flexible measuring tape or a piece of string, but also test the bracelet directly against your wrist while you’re stringing it. Bead diameter affects the inside circumference, especially when you use larger beads, so measurements alone don’t always tell the whole story.
Yes. Many stretch bracelets are finished with a secure surgeon’s knot and then have the knot hidden inside a large-hole bead or cover. I used crimps on this bracelet because that’s how I made this particular design and the neighboring gold beads had enough room to hide the ends.
Absolutely. I actually like mixing sizes because it gives the bracelet more interest. Just remember that changing bead size also changes how many beads you’ll need.
Not at all. The warm red gemstone beads are what gave mine that fall feeling, but this bracelet works with almost any bead combination you love.
More Handmade Jewelry To Try
If you like this crafty beaded bracelet DIY tutorial, you might also love these other handmade jewelry projects too:
I have always loved being able to turn a few beads, findings, and bits of cord into something I can actually wear. And since no two combinations have to be the same, there’s always another excuse to make one more.
If you make your own stretch beaded bracelet, I’d love to know what beads and charm you chose. Leave me a comment and a rating star below and tag me on Instagram so I can see yours!
✂️ TutOrial
DIY Carnelian Stretch Beaded Bracelet
Tools
- Flat Nose Pliers
- Bent-nose pliers
- Crimping pliers
- scissors
- Beading needle, optional
Supplies
- About 20 small carnelian gemstone beads approximately 6 mm
- 5 gold beads approximately 8 mm
- High heel charm
- 2 small jump rings
- Elastic jewelry cord
- 2 crimp beads
Instructions
- Attach the high heel charm to two small jump rings.
- Start stringing directly from the elastic spool and add two gold beads with the charm between them.
- Continue stringing a pattern of about 5 carnelian beads followed by 1 gold bead.
- Check the bracelet around your wrist and adjust the number of beads as needed.
- Leave enough elastic for tying, then cut it from the spool.
- Slide a crimp bead onto each end of the elastic.
- Tie the elastic securely with a double knot or surgeon’s knot.
- Pass the elastic ends back through the crimp beads and crimp them closed.
- Trim the extra elastic, leaving tiny tails.
- Tuck the remaining elastic ends inside the neighboring large-hole gold beads.
Some really cool handmade jewelry pieces from my favorite bloggers:
- Leather Wrap Bracelets with Charm by Amy Latta Creations.
- DIY Studded braid bracelets by A Pumpkin and a Princes.
- T-shirt yarn bracelets by Blue Bear Wood.
Share and PIN ME!!!
Now it’s your turn! Have you made elastic DIY bracelets before? If so, I would love to hear tips and tricks to make it better! Tell me all about your experience in the comments!
Til’ next time…
FREE WORKBOOK
Keeping your Sweet Home Organized
Learn how to create intentional habits and simple routines to Keep Your Home Organized. Plus freebies, printables, exclusive content, and tips.
Disclaimer: By clicking on the “Yes” button above you are giving me your consent to collect and use your information according to the law and My Policy Privacy. Zero Spam I promise!