Jewelry Making Class on Video: Serpentine Bracelet
Posted by Eri
I just released a new jewelry making class on video that shows how to make a Serpentine Bracelet using 8mm Czech Fire Polished round beads.
Using czech beads is a little unusual for me because I prefer to work with swarovski crystal beads most of the time.
But when I tried this design with swarovski 5000 beads they just seemed a little too round and I didn’t like the result very much.
However, the czech beads had more of an oval shape which I thought made the design much nicer.
On top of that, though I usually like the shiny reflection of swarovski crystals I preferred not to have that with this design because I was trying to use colors that gave a feeling of fall weather.
Fall and sparkling just don’t seem to go together for me!
This is a very basic criss-cross technique but I wanted to show beginning jewelry makers that even with very basic techniques you can create some very nice designs.
The only thing you have to remember with this technique is that one side of the string will always have seed beads and the other will always have the czech beads.
Also, I normally use monofilament string when weaving but this design is so simple that I decided to use nylon coated wire from Beadalon.
I also used a shorter extender because the normal size extender would look too long on a bracelet. So I just cut my extender down to just a little over one inch long.
Here is a preview clip of the video lesson: Serpentine Bracelet Jewelry Making Class
If you are interested in this jewelry making video you can get it here:
November 16th, 2009 at 2:21 pm
I’m not a big fan of snakes, so I can’t personally say I love this bracelet. It really does give off a genuine serpentine feel to it– beautiful weaving.
November 16th, 2009 at 2:34 pm
Hi Lisa!
That’s so funny that you say that because when I was trying to come up with a name for this bracelet I asked my husband and he also said that it looked like a snake. Since I couldn’t call it the snake bracelet, he recommended Serpentine. It certainly sounds more elegant than snake.
November 16th, 2009 at 6:59 pm
love the ew bracelet design,, and GLAD you are using some fire polish and not all crystals,, even though they do add the glitz!! but us unemployed and on a shoe string of a budget love these new less expensive designs,, and IO learned the correct way to use those clam shells,, you take you time and is very thorough in your directions,, thanks again,, and doing it with wire I think holds up better,I tried one like this a while ago and did it on string ,, and it just didn`t hold up right!! thanks,,
November 16th, 2009 at 7:03 pm
Hi RuthAnn.
Thanks for the comments. I did have a try at the design using swarovski crystals, but it was a little bit too glitzy since I was trying to do something that had more of an autumn feel to it. And I’m glad you liked the clam shells. I’ve been using them for years and it just makes the jewelry designs look better when you don’t see the crimp beads.
Take care,
Eri
November 16th, 2009 at 7:17 pm
Eri, I love the simplicity of this design. I made a similar bracelet using pearls and silver lined seed beads (I got the idea from a great website in Spain). It’s so easy to do that I taught my 8 year old grandaughter, using plastic beads. I use fire polish beads for many of your designs instead of Swarovski and the results are just as stunning!
November 16th, 2009 at 8:19 pm
I like the serpentine bracelet. It looked as though it would be harder to make than it actually is. I love the fall colors too. Another great video from you as always. I look forward to receiving the email from you telling me there is a new video waiting for me. Your directions are very clear and you are the best teacher I have come across online. Thanks again.
November 16th, 2009 at 10:12 pm
Lori,
Thank you so much and I’m glad you like the bracelet. I agree that it looks like it would be difficult to make, but it is really one of the easiest bead weaving designs I’ve seen.
Eri
November 16th, 2009 at 10:17 pm
Hi Marla.
I like your idea of using pearls and seed beads. I’d love to see a picture of that if you have one. Also, thank you for your comment about using fire polish beads. It can get a little expensive if you are making a lot of jewelry using only swarovski crystal beads so it’s good to know that we can all save a little money by substituting czech fire polished beads. RuthAnn also commented about using fire polish beads.
Thanks!
Eri
November 17th, 2009 at 12:55 pm
Eri,
I love this design. I have made several bracelets since starting my beading/jewelry career! *smile* It was one of the first, very simple, very basic double threading techniques that I learned.
Your videos are very clear and easy to follow for makers just learning to bead. I had to learn this particular one on my own and from paper! So this is definitely a treat!
November 17th, 2009 at 1:11 pm
Joye,
Thank you very much for your comments. I’m glad you are enjoying your beading career! I know that many jewelry makers, especially beginners, find it easier to learn watching videos than trying to figure out patterns on paper.
I’ve learned from many members though that once they have the techniques mastered they don’t find written patterns so difficult. So I am going to start offering written patterns as well, especially from other jewelry making teachers. I have already put a few in the store which you can check out here:
http://www.jewelrymakingprofessor.com/shop/Beading-Patterns/
More to come!
Thanks!
Eri
November 20th, 2009 at 10:16 pm
Eri,
I had so much fun doing the Serpentine bracelet,I used sea glass and seed beads and 4mm crystals in mine.I always now use the clam shells thanks to you,they make my designs look so much more pleasing to the eye.The beading world needs to take advantage of your video classes online they are so easy to follow and you are a great teacher…Thanks!
November 21st, 2009 at 4:19 pm
Tammy,
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! I’ll keep trying to make jewelry making videos that you can enjoy!
Take care!
Eri
November 30th, 2009 at 1:47 pm
Hi Eri,
I’m a member to your Platinum Membership Club and I am having so much delight making some of the items such as the “V Necklace, and picot necklace.”I’ve also made matching bracelets and earrings to go with it. Your instructions are very simple and clear and gives confidence to a new learner. I can’t wait to try out the serpentine bracelet as it is quite different from what I’m been using (swarvoski crystals)making use of the czech fire polished beads which will be a little cheaper. Another method of closing the bracelet I discovered was to use “wire guardians” instead of using clam shells. Check out how to make it at “auntiesbeads.com”
November 30th, 2009 at 2:01 pm
Hi Eri,
I love the design. Eventhough I am not a big fan of bracelet, I changed it into a necklace (that was before you released your necklace version) by using the 8mm Swarosvki Faceted Round Bead. The result was stunning. The design is very simple but elegant. Your recent videos are very bright, clear and easy to follow through. Thank you for being very thoughtful for making the lessons online for beginners like me who did not know anything about beading, but had a passion for it. Your videos inspired me to create my very own design (of course very simple one). Each day, I am looking forward for new designs. Thanks again for being a wonderful teacher.
November 30th, 2009 at 2:16 pm
Hi Brenda.
I am so glad that you are enjoying your membership!
You are right that the czech fire beads are more cost effective than swarovski beads. In designs like this one it’s OK to work with czech beads but if it’s a tightly woven complicated pattern like the puffy heart, I prefer the consistent size and color of swarovski beads.
Thank you for the suggestion about wire guardians at Aunties Beads. I will check that out as you suggested.
Eri
November 30th, 2009 at 2:18 pm
Hi Roseline,
I love your name by the way.
I like your idea of using faceted round beads with this design to create a necklace. I will give that a try myself.
Thank you for your kind comments and I am so happy that you are enjoying the videos. Please look forward to more!
Eri
November 30th, 2009 at 10:40 pm
Thanks Eri for the Serpentine bracelet. You are making me a much more confident beader. For this bracelet, I chose to use round, cut hematite beads and some metallic green, red and blue seed beads for the outline. It turned out awesome. I am making several as Christmas gifts this year. I am also making matching earrings too.
Also, thank you very much for your easy to use videos. I am so thrilled with your website and my membership. I will be here for a long time.. Sincerely
December 1st, 2009 at 6:31 am
Hi Leslie,
You are very welcome and I’m glad you liked it.
Your bracelet does sound very “Christmasy”! I’m sure it’s beautiful and that your friends and loved ones who get those gifts from you will be very happy.
Isn’t it nice to be able to use your jewelry making skills to make unique gifts that people will love?
Take care.
Eri