Elasticord Needle Jewelry!

Hello, all! Another week has gone on by, and this time around we will be playing with a handy item: the Elastic Cord Needle! This needle is great for people who like planning out their jewelry- it allows you to lay out your beads for bracelets and necklaces (up to a certain length) and allows you to string them just as easily! I love this tool, especially for making PLUR bead bracelets or just cute accessories for the kids or even myself! The best part? It's not just for elastic- you can use it on just about any cording, making it a great addition to any beader's collection!



Materials

• Elastic Cord Needle
• Beads of your choice (holes must be 1mm or larger)
• Elastic cord/Beading wire/beading thread (0.8mm or thinner)
• Scissors
• Beading Mat (optional)

Instructions

• First, take your elastic and cut a piece 3 feet or longer- I have small wrists so about a yard works well for me. Set this aside for later.

• Now, take your Elastic Cord Needle and lay out your beads- just string them through the needle; it's very simple! 

• When you have finished your bracelet design, take your cut piece of elastic and fold it in half, then thread it through the J-shaped end of the needle, making sure it's even on both sides. Secure the bottom ends of the thread/cord by tying a knot. 

• Now, slip the beads off the J-shaped end, and on to the thread! If the J-shape begins to open up, just take some pliers and smash it shut again.

• Once you have finished this, take the cord off the needle, and secure the ends however you prefer- in this case, I simply tied a double knot.

• There! You have now created a simple bracelet! These beads are very simple and very "kiddish", but there's also a sort of elegance to it, depending on how you lay them out! Definitely perfect for a bead party with your kiddies!

-Helen C.-
Kahului Ben Franklin Crafts