Lampwork Bead Bracelet Project with Charm

About This Design

Time:  Approximately 30 minutes - 1 hour

Level of Difficulty:  Beginner - All Levels

Cost: Varies, depending on materials selected.  Approximately $25-35 as shown.

This easy bracelet showcases some wonderful handmade lampwork beads in amber with red swirl designs on them.  I used a dichroic glass heart charm bead as an accent on the toggle clasp to make this bracelet really special.  You can use any color of metal you like, in this bracelet I used a 14KT gold filled toggle clasp because the yellow gold went with the amber beads better than silver.

Want to make this bracelet, or a variation for yourself?  Let's get started!

Step 1

Gather your supplies

• 1 clasp of your choice.  For this bracelet I used a 14KT gold-filled toggle clasp.
• 2 crimp beads, and your crimping pliers
• A length of flexible beading wire (like Beadalon or Soft Flex) to fit the desired bracelet length, plus a couple extra inches to work with.
• Enough lampwork glass beads and other accent beads to complete the desired bracelet length.  Lay out on a bead board or ruler to check. Here, I used seven (12mm) lampwork glass beads, four glass rectangular window beads, and 10 Swarovski crystal beads. 
• Your choice of charm to attach to the toggle.  Here, I used a glass heart bead which I simply attached to the round toggle part of the clasp.

Need Supplies?  Check my Jewelry Supply pages to find what you need!

Step 2

String beads on wire

Tie a knot on one end of the wire, or place some tape over the end, and string all of your beads onto the wire.  Alternate your bead sizes and shapes to make your design more interesting.  Check the length and overall design and make adjustments by adding, removing, or re-positioning beads until you are happy with the look of the bracelet.  You can do this first on a bead design board if you prefer, but I always like to wrap a bracelet around my wrist just to check the look and fit.

TIP - You can start a bracelet by attaching the clasp to one end first,  However, if you are unclear about your final design or the finished bracelet length, it is best to simply tie a knot or place some tape over the end of the jewelry wire, string your beads, and once you are happy with the design and length, attach the clasps to the ends.  This way, if you find you need to subtract or add beads you can just remove the tape or knot and work from either end without having to cut off your clasp and start the whole thing over!

Step 3

Attach the bracelet clasp

Untie your knot or remove the tape.  Slide a crimp bead onto the end of wire, and thread the wire through the loop on the clasp, and back through your crimp bead.  Crimp the bead flat or use a crimping tool to close the crimp.  Follow the How to Use Crimp Beads instructions if you are not familiar with this technique.

TIP - For an even more finished look, cover your crimp beads with the new crimp bead covers!

Step 4

Attach the charm to the clasp

Now use your chain nose pliers to open the jump ring on the end of your charm.  Slide the jump ring onto the loop of your toggle clasp, or if you are using another clasp like a lobster or spring ring, just attach this to the loop at the bottom of that clasp.  Use your pliers to gently close the jump ring so it is securely fastened.

That's it!

Matching Jewelry Set

Try these matching earring and necklace projects for a complete set!

Lampwork Glass and Wirework Earrings Project

Lampwork Bead and Crystal Earrings Project

Lampwork Bead and Wire Wrap Necklace Project