I began my bead-making journey by keeping the design simple and using 6mm beads, the largest size I could work with from my kit to create my first bracelet. To start, I used a bead board to lay out an 18cm design, which seemed to be the right size for my wrist. However, as I strung the beads, I noticed that the bracelet appeared smaller when placed on the board. After testing it on my wrist, it felt a bit too tight, so I added two more beads to the design. Satisfied with the adjustments, I glued the piece together and let it dry overnight.
The next day, when I wore the bracelet, it felt much better, snug but not too tight. Using my Thomas Sabo bracelet as a reference, I realised I may not have tightened the elastic enough, which affected the fit slightly. Wearing it today, the bracelet seemed to settle, and the glue held up well. Moving forward, I’ll be testing the durability by wearing it throughout the week. For my next design, I plan to add an extra bead and include metallic spacer beads for a more comfortable fit, as I prefer my bracelets to be a little looser.
CONCLUSION
This first experience taught me valuable lessons about sizing and fit, and it gave me a solid foundation to build upon. With each new piece, I’ll refine my technique and learn more about how to create the perfect balance between comfort and style. This journey has just begun, and I’m excited to see how my skills evolve with every new creation.
