Memories of Tucson Seed Bead Bracelet
Ready to craft a bracelet that captures the magic of the Southwest? Let Nealay take you on a creative adventure with this earthy, desert-inspired design! We’ll start with a playful peyote-stitch to create a cactus-themed band in a stunning rattlesnake Picasso finish. From there, we’ll layer it up with an antique copper and gold color Capture Chain and string it all together with dreamy travertine Czech glass. To top it off, SilverSilk Slider Crimps give your bracelet that sleek, professional finish. Watch the full tutorial to follow along and bring this desert dream to life!
Want to learn more about SilverSilk Capture Chain? Find the education page here: https://www.silversilkonline.com/silversilk-education/product-guide-capture-chain
We’re so excited to feature Jill Wiseman Designs bead shop fire-polished beads, beading thread and seed beads in this exclusive SilverSilk tutorial. Gather your supplies and let’s get started!
Materials:
3 Grams of Jill Wiseman Designs Size 10 Miyuki Delica, Picasso Rattlesnake, DBM2267 (Color A)
3 Grams of Jill Wiseman Designs Size 10 Miyuki Delica, Opaque Cream, DBM732 (Color B)
65in Length of white 4lb Fireline beading thread
19 fire-polished 6mm Jill Wiseman Designs Czech Glass Druk Beads in Travertine on Topaz
10in Length of satin color Soft Flex Company Fine Beading Wire
Two gold Soft Flex Company 2x2mm Crimping Tubes
7in Length of Fall SilverSilk Capture Chain
Two gold SilverSilk 20mm Slider Crimps
One gold SilverSilk Lobster Claw Clasp
Six gold SilverSilk Jump Rings
One gold SilverSilk Head Pin (optional)
Tools:
Flush Cutters: Use these to cut your SilverSilk Capture Chain, Beading Wire, and Fireline Thread.
Chain Nose Pliers: Use to open and close the Slider Crimps and jump rings as well as to weed the ends of your Capture Chain.
Bead Stopper: A bead stopper, or a piece of tape, will be helpful to secure the end of your strung design on beading wire while you adjust the fit.
Crimping Pliers: Use either the blue handle ones or the green ones by Xuron to create folded crimps.
Watch this video to learn about the tools I recommend using with SilverSilk: http://silversilkonline.com/recommended-tools
Memories of Tucson Seed Bead Bracelet Video Tutorial
Memories of Tucson Seed Bead Bracelet
Written Step-By-Step Guide
Step 1: Beginning the Cactus-Pattern Peyote Band
Refer to the numeric chart and/or pattern graphic for bead colors and row counts. This design uses a 2-1 multi-drop peyote stitch. The word chart and pattern graphic are divided into four sections, corresponding to the four dancing cacti in the bracelet. These sections are continuous, so the pattern flows seamlessly. If you need a longer band, repeat the design from Cactus 2 until you reach your desired length. The sample pattern creates a 5.75-inch band (before the clasp), resulting in a finished 7-inch bracelet once Slider Crimps, jump rings, and a clasp are added.
Cut 65 inches of beading thread. Leave a 12-inch tail and string six Color A Delica beads. These form Rows 1 and 2. Check the word chart or pattern graphic for bead placement.
Next, string two Color A beads. Skip the last two strung beads and pass through the next one. Then string one Color A bead, skip the following bead, and pass through the last two beads. Pull the working and tail threads taut in opposite directions. This completes Rows 1–3, with the beads added in Row 3 standing up as the "up" beads.
Step 2: Complete the Cactus Band Pattern
Using the graphic chart, continue working in 2-1 drop peyote stitch. For each row, string the first two beads (as indicated by the red arrow) and pass through the next "up" bead. Then string one bead and pass through the next two up beads. Repeat this sequence: "pick up two, pass through one; pick up one, pass through two."
Work through the entire pattern. If you run out of thread, weave a new strand into the existing work, continue for several rows, then weave the old thread into the new rows before trimming.
Memories of Tucson Pattern Chart
Need the numeric pattern as a PDF?
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Step 3: Ladder Stitching Extra Beads on the Cactus Band
After completing the cactus-pattern band, use the remaining working thread and the tail thread to reinforce and finish the ends. Start by weaving back through the last row of beads to secure the structure, exiting from the edge "up" beads. Add additional beads using a ladder stitch technique: attach one bead to the single up bead and two beads to the paired-up beads on each edge. Once the extra beads are in place, reinforce them by weaving through the added beads a second time. Finally, secure the threads by weaving them into the existing beadwork, trimming any excess to create clean, polished ends.
Step 4: Adding the Capture Chain Bracelet to the Slider Crimp
Cut a length of SilverSilk Capture Chain to match your cactus band. Compress the knitting over the last ball on both ends of the chain, removing any stray fibers. It’s also a good idea to pinch the knitted wire just below the last ball, making it easier to slide into the crimp.
Insert the laddered beads and the first ball of the Capture Chain into a Slider Crimp.
Pro Tip: Use your chain nose pliers to gently open one end of the slider crimp to help make it easier to slide chains, beads or anything through.
Step 5: Creating a Strung Design
String 6mm Czech glass druks, spacing them with Color B Delica beads, onto fine beading wire. Match the length of this strand to the Capture Chain (excluding its end ball) and the cactus band (excluding the laddered beads). Secure one end with a bead stopper and string a crimp tube to the other end.
Form a folded crimp, trim excess wire, and slide it into the slider crimp. Begin closing the slider crimp with chain-nose pliers, then press it shut fully using your beading mat for extra leverage.
Step 6: Aligning the Strung Strand and Securing the Second Slider Crimp
Lay out the bracelet and ensure the strung strand matches the lengths of the Capture Chain and cactus band. Adjust the length if needed before finalizing.
Align the crimp tube on the strung strand with the last ball of the Capture Chain. Allow a small gap (about 1mm) between the last bead and the crimp to make room for the Slider Crimp.
To keep the Slider Crimps’ logo side up, assemble in this order: strung strand, then Capture Chain, then cactus band (via laddered beads).
Step 7: Finishing the Design!
Close the final Slider Crimp with chain-nose pliers, using your beading mat to ensure it’s fully secure. Attach your clasp to one end with a jump ring. On the other end, add a chain of jump rings for adjustability. Optionally, dangle a 6mm druk bead on a head pin from the last jump ring for a polished touch.
Pro Tip: Use a beading awl to gently widen the slider crimp loop, making it easier to pass jump rings through.
Conclusion:
We hope you have enjoyed creating this multi-strand stunner! Try other color combinations of SilverSilk Chain and bead colors in this style for more unique looks. Be sure to check out the video tutorial for this design and remember to like and subscribe to the SilverSilk and More YouTube Channel.
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