Chip Chick
Pay attention to the kind of charms you buy. If you don’t have a super steady hand and aren’t good with pliers, then perhaps you should avoid charms with a jump ring, which require a little more manual labor. For easier assembly and removal, look for charms with a hinged clasp.
Once you’ve selected around five to six charms with varying textures, colors, and symbols, it’s time to go home and make a layout! Remember, you don’t have to “complete” your charm bracelet on the first go-around – you should collect charms over time that represent your memories and experiences.
Plan your layout by laying your bracelet chain open and flat on a table with good lighting. Play around with the spacing and layout of your charms, making sure everything is even and to your liking. Then, simply use your pliers to attach the jump ring charms or your fingers for your hinge clasp ones.
If you like the look of a simpler charm bracelet or don’t want to have to deal with chains and a bunch of assembly, then you can make a leather cord bracelet.
Simply purchase some leather cord in the color of your choice at a craft store and select a series of charms like with the chain bracelet. Jump ring charms may look best on these bracelets and should be easier to apply, given the thickness of the leather chord.
Once you’ve chosen your charms, plan your layout by simply slipping the charms onto 12 inches of leather cord. When you’re satisfied with the assembly, shape the cord into two overlapping circles and secure the bracelet with fisherman’s knots.
Both of these bracelets will have you channeling your inner charm-bracelet-wearing child and may just bring you luck. I’d highly recommend building one as a fun activity to close out the summer. Enjoy!
