Desert Winds Bracelet

Project details:

I wanted to use this Nepalese focal in a unique way. I love wearing bracelets and how this focal looked on my wrist. The chunky leather braid looks great with this large focal. The loops on this focal are a different shape on each side, so I added a bead charm to balance it out.

↓ Step-by-step

↓ Buy the supplies

Supplies you’ll need:

2-3 ft of 1.5mm leather cord
2-3 ft of 5mm flat cork cord
1 Nepalese focal - I also added a smaller rectangular option in the product list
2 ribbon crimp ends
2 jump rings
1 lobster clasp
1 head pin
1 Nepalese rice bead

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1

I cut 12" of flat cork cord, and 24" of the leather cord. This is longer than you may need but it's always better to have extra than not enough. Feed both of the cord through the large tube loop on one side of the Nepalese focal.

Step 2

Tape down your focal on a flat surface to stabilize it. Wrap the 1.5mm cord around the flat cord twice. The 1.5mm cords should be over the top of the flat cord. Pull them tight. Cross them over each other.

Step 3

Once you have brought the cord around cross the 1.5mm cord over the top of the flat cord. Bring the 1.5mm cord under the opposite sides of the flat cord, then up and over. Pull tight. Keep pushing the cords up at an angle tightly so you get a nice clean fish tail pattern.

See Tip: Fish Tail Braid How-To

Step 4

Continue doing this until you have reached your desired length. To end your 1.5mm cord braid, cross one cord over the flat cord and down behind the other and knot. This knot should be on the backside of the bracelet. You could add a dot of glue on the knot.

Step 5

To finish your bracelet ends, trim them down enough to fit into your crimp end. I added a little super glue on the ends for extra security.

Step 6

Crimp on your end with pliers. Attach your jump rings and clasp.

Step 7

For the other side of the focal repeat steps 1 -5. This side of the focal has a different loop, the start of it may look a bit narrower than the other side. You could wrap the cord around more time if you want to make it thicker before you start to create the fish tail braid. I added a bead charm onto the loop to balance the sides out using the Nepalese rice bead and head pin.

See Tip: Wire Wrap a Charm