Stupid beading tricks: Stretchy bracelets

My cousin’s kid had a birthday party last week. These kids and their birthdays. Due to my advanced age and non-momness I’m completely out of touch with what kids want anymore. Actually, the kids in my family don’t want for anything. So in addition to a check, I made her some stretchy bracelets:

(This photo was taken a week before I realized I could focus my iPhone camera by touching the item I want to be in focus on the screen.)

Three different styles, because tween styles are all over the place. It took me about 2 hours to make the three. The hardest part was tying the knots. I tied them tightly, trimmed the tails and put a dot of glue on the knot to set it. My aunt asked me immediately if I made the bracelets. And I sheepishly admitted that I did.

I told the birthday girl that if they broke, I could fix them. I have no faith in the structural integrity of my own stuff.

And about that — I have more than enough stuff to start an Etsy or Artfire store with. But I’m terrified I’ll sell something and it’ll break and I’ll be out of beads to replace them with. I can make the snuggest of loops and close jump rings so they’re flush, but sometimes things break. Heck, sometimes costume jewelry I buy from the store breaks!

Today WM and I went to the Sugarloaf Craft Festival in Oaks, PA and I’m completely inspired to grab my wire and … make things that will undoubtedly sit here unworn or worn once.