Okay, here’s my blog post about making a labradorite crystal bracelet, written in a casual, personal style:
So, I’ve been getting into crystals lately – not in a super woo-woo way, but I just think they’re pretty and I like the idea of them having different energies. Labradorite is one of my favorites because it’s got this amazing flash of color, like a hidden galaxy inside. I decided I wanted a labradorite bracelet, but the ones I saw online were either too expensive or not quite my style. So, I took matters into my own hands and made one myself!
Gathering My Supplies
First, I needed the goods. I went to this little bead shop downtown – you know, the kind with jars and jars of every kind of bead imaginable? It’s overwhelming, but in a good way. I found some really nice labradorite beads. They were round, smooth, and about 8mm in size. Make sure you pick ones with good “flash” – that’s the shimmery part. I also grabbed:
- Stretch cord: I chose 0.8mm thickness, it’s a must for a bracelet.
- Bead stringing needles: These are super thin and flexible, and really make a big difference. Get it!
- Scissors: Needed.
- (Optional) Glue: Some people like to use a tiny dab of jeweler’s glue on the knot, for extra security. It depands on you.
The Stringing Process
Okay, time to actually make this thing. I started by cutting a piece of stretch cord, a bit more long. Better to have too much than too little, right?
And then, I threaded the needle onto the cord. This part can be a little tricky, but the bead stringing needles make it so much easier.
After that, I carefully started stringing the beads onto the cord. I was being super mindful, taking my time to admire the flash in each bead.
And also, I made sure to leave a few inches of cord on each end – that’s for tying the knot later. I did not hurry at all.
Finishing Touches
Once all the beads were on, I took the needle off. Time for the most important part: the knot! There are a few different knots you can use, but I went with a simple surgeon’s knot. It’s basically like tying your shoelaces, but you do an extra loop on the first part. I pulled it really tight, and then did a second one, just to be safe. And, I pulled it super tight. It is a very important step!
If you’re using glue, this is where you’d add a tiny, tiny drop to the knot. I usually skip this step, but it’s up to you. Then, I very carefully trimmed the excess cord, leaving just a little bit sticking out. I don’t want to cut it too close to the knot, or it might come undone. So, I tried best.
The Finished Product!
And that’s it! I slipped the bracelet on my wrist, and I was pretty darn proud of myself. It looked great, and it felt good to have created something with my own two hands. Plus, I now have a beautiful labradorite bracelet to enjoy. A really wonderful experience to remember!
