Hidden Gems

By Jazzmyne Aguilar

As the weather starts to get warmer, it’s time to start crafting and showing off your new bracelets! Jewelry isn’t something for everyone, but it’s fun and easy to make. Today, I will show you how to make a glass bead bracelet and have an exclusive interview with our very own EPHS counselor Mrs. Till that makes her own jewelry!

Glass Bead Bracelets

In my opinion, bracelets are one of the easiest and quickest pieces of jewelry to make. They turn out so pretty, and I love to wear them all the time. The items needed for this craft are really affordable, for some really pretty, yet cheap beads and string, Michael's has some of the best options. They’re durable and easy to work with. I followed this video to make a simple, yet very beautiful, bracelet.

Materials:

  • Pair of scissors

  • Any pack(s) of glass beads of your choice

  • Beads and jewelry cord

Steps:

First, I started off with some string that was a little longer than my wrist size, just in case I mess up or need extra for tying. Then, I picked out some beads I really liked. I personally like to knot the end of my string so when I’m putting beads on they don’t fall off. Next, I start stringing the beads until I like the outcome and try it on. Once I’m satisfied with the outcome, I like to knot the bracelet four times, so it can’t come undone at all. Finally, I just cut off the excess string and show it off!

Here is the finished bracelet! It is simple yet so pretty. I love it!

Interview with Mrs.Till

How long have you been making jewelry?

I began making jewelry in 2014 for a couple months. I wasn’t really consistent with it, but I picked it up again during COVID around September 2020.

What type of jewelry do you make?

I make bracelets and necklaces, with a lot of fringe, bead, and chain. I really love metallic looking jewelry, so pearl, hematite, pyrite, agate, and droozy are some of my favorite materials to use. I really love when my pieces look chunky and different from each other.

What got you into making jewelry?

Well, I’ve always been really crafty and creative and I really love jewelry. I find a lot of inspiration from things I see other people wearing. I try to recreate them and give it my own unique and edgy touch. Necklaces are my favorite to create because it gives me a unique sort of ledge where I can express myself.

These bracelets are, by far, some of my favorites of Mrs. Till's.

I'm obsessed with her work; it's stunning!

This one is super metallic and gives off an edgy vibe that makes it stand out so much.

I love Mrs. Till's dangly sort of style! It gives much attention to the wearer and so much style.

This one is so pretty; it reminds me of the ocean and bubbles. I could see someone wearing this regularly for parties.

This necklace is honestly so cute. Her work looks so professional and just makes me so jealous.

If you do end up creating a bracelet, please email me at aguilarj1@student.epcusd401.org. I'd love to see everyone's creations! And if you need any other jewelry making tips or ideas, please email me as well!