I had a cold in early March and totally freaked out and went into Covid lock down early. While home I've been taking some time to work on some personal projects. I've been spending time with my now 7-month-old puppy, sewing masks for The Elephant Sanctuary and sewing clothes that have been on my to-do list for years. One of the projects I've really enjoyed is beading bracelets. I started out beading cheeky expressions, but soon realized it can be a tool to express yourself and show where you stand.
As a crafter, I know there's more I can do to be anti-racist, and I'm going to keep working to do better. In the meantime, I'm using my craft to show my solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement. In addition to giving to bail funds and different charities, I'm going to wear my support on my sleeve. Below are instructions on how to make these bracelets. If you would like to buy any Black Lives Matter merch, please purchase from Black artisans, and Black-owned businesses.
Supplies:
Beads (I bought mine on Etsy, make sure they're big enough to fit your cord)
Jewelry Cord (I used stretch magic 1mm, which has held up well with lots of stretching)
Glue (I used Aleene's Clear Gel Tacky Glue)
Tape
Cut a piece of cord long enough to go around your wrist with enough left over to tie a few knots. I use a 10.5" length.
Put a piece of tape on one end to keep beads from sliding off.
Bead to your heart's content. I Check the length against my wrist while beading to make sure it will fit right.
When you get to the end tie a double or triple knot tightly with both ends.
Put a dollop of glue on the knot and leave to dry.
After the glue is dry (in a few hours or the next day) trim the excess cord.
Rock your new message bracelet!
Let me know in the comments if you make one.
