So, I’ve gotten into this whole Navajo beaded bracelet thing lately. It all started when I saw this beautiful, colorful bracelet online. I was like, “Whoa, I gotta have that!” So, I started digging around to figure out what these things are all about.
Turns out, these bracelets are not just pretty accessories. They’ve got some serious history and meaning behind them. People say they bring you peace and harmony and keep you safe. Some folks even sleep with them to keep nightmares away! They are also said to protect you from bad vibes during the day. Cool, huh?
I decided I wanted to try making one myself. First off, I needed to find the right materials. These bracelets are usually made with sterling silver beads and sometimes real turquoise. I went on a bit of a treasure hunt online and found some shops that sell these supplies. It was a bit overwhelming, there were so many choices!
I finally picked out some 8mm sterling silver beads and some turquoise-colored ones for a pop of color. I also made sure to get an open-hook clasp, because I read that’s how the real Navajo ones are made. Once I had all the materials, I started to follow some instructions from a video I found online.
The process was tricky at first. I had to string the beads onto a piece of string, and keeping them all in order was a challenge. My fingers were not very cooperative. I messed up a few times, had to undo everything, and start over. But, you know, practice makes perfect, I kept at it. The pattern I chose was pretty simple, alternating between the silver and turquoise beads. I wanted something that wasn’t too complicated for my first try.
After a few hours of work, I finally finished! I have to say, I was pretty proud of myself. It wasn’t perfect, the beads weren’t perfectly aligned, and some were a bit loose. But hey, it was handmade, and that’s what makes it special.
The Result
- Length: About 7-3/4 inches long.
- Width: Around 5/8 inches at the widest part.
- Materials: Sterling silver beads, turquoise-colored beads, open-hook clasp.
I’ve been wearing my bracelet every day since I made it. It’s a fun reminder of the effort I put in. Plus, it makes me feel a little more connected to the Navajo culture and their traditions. I’m already thinking about my next project. Maybe I’ll try a more complicated pattern next time. We’ll see!
