Did you know fishing tackle can be used to make some of the easiest bracelets ever?
We used barrel swivels with interlocking snaps and added seed beads for color. Barrel swivels come in different sizes – the smaller the number the larger the size. No matter what size you get all of the packages contain the same number of swivels for the same price so its a better deal to buy the larger sizes. We made two adult size bracelets with one package of 12 barrel swivels that cost us $1.25.
Make sure you get the barrel swivels with interlocking snaps. They open and close like a safety pin.
To make the basic bracelet just connect the interlocking snap of one barrel swivel to the bottom loop of another swivel. It only took four swivels to make bracelets for the younger kids {ages 7 on down}, five swivels for the tweens, and six swivels for adult sizes. It’s easy to add more swivels if you need to.
To add seed beads you’ll need to first straighten the curved end with pliers to allow the seed beads to slide on. They don’t want to go around that 90 degree curve!
Add half the beads, then add the next swivel before adding the rest of the beads.
Easy, cheap bracelets that look more expensive than the 60 cents worth of supplies it took to make them}!
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This is super cute. My only concern is that as far as I know, most fishing lure/tackle items contain lead so it may not be the best idea, especially for children…
Very cute!
one of my district leaders made this for all of us- we were fishers of men! I didn’t even know what they were, but adding the beads is a nice idea. I’m sure he made them with the cheapest stuff he could find. I wore if for a long time and nothing happened to me!
Cute! Do the ends that stick out scratch skin or catch on things as you go about your day?
We haven’t had any problems. The only trouble is clasping the bracelet on. It’s harder to do the snap with bead on it!
Very cool!
That is really cute. I am sure your kids had a blast making them. (and for boys you could just not have the beads…instant manly bracelet! :D)
Such a cute idea!!! Love it!
Oh my gosh this is adorable. I can’t wait to have my daughter make them!
So cute!!! My girls love making new & fun jewelry~this will definitely be on our next list!!!
Great idea, thanks for the article. Re. the concern about lead content, swivels are made of brass and steel wire and are totally safe for everyone!
Great idea, thanks for the article. Re. the concern about lead content, swivels are made of brass and steel wire and are totally safe for everyone!
Those use a black nickel coating which is not safe.