How to Make a Multi Strand Bracelet

A multi-strand bracelet is a graceful and elegant arm piece. It can made in several ways, of which two styles are given here.

EditSteps

Memory wire style

Memory wire has two things in its favor for a multi-strand bracelet––it springs back into shape after being pulled and you can make it as many layers as you'd like. It's also incredibly easy to make, even for a beginners.

1. 1
   Assemble the items needed to complete this project. They are listed below under "Things You'll Need".
   
   
   
2. 2
   Measure the amount of strands or layers you want around your wrist by wrapping it around your wrist to find the appropriate length. At least three is needed for a multi-strand bracelet and you can add as many more layers as seems comfortable. As with all good things, don't overdo it.
   
   
   
   • Mark the length with a marker.
     
     
     
   • Remove the memory wire from your wrist.
     
     
     
   • Cut the memory wire using the wire cutters.
     
     
     
3. 3
   Shape one end of the memory wire into a loop, using pliers. This prevents the beads from slipping off the end when threading.
   
   
   
4. 4
   Thread the seed beads onto the wire. How you arrange the beads is entirely up to your creativity. Work out a design or pattern on a jewelery board before commencing. Some suggestions include:
   
   
   
   • All one shape and color of bead, for example, all turquoise beads
   • All one shape but pairs or trios of different colors
   • Different shapes of beads and styles, including faceted crystal or glass beads, rondells, spacers, etc. arranged into a neat pattern
     
     
     
   • Randomly assorted seed, bugle, glass and other beads; whatever you pick up each time from your collection of beads!
     
     
     
5. 5
   Once all the beads are in place, finish off the bracelet. Using the pliers, create another loop at the end of the bracelet.
   
   
   
   • For an added feature, consider hanging a special bead from the loop using a head pin threaded through the loop.
     
     
     

Stretch style

This style is a little more fiddly and requires a sturdy hand but the end result is very pretty.

1. 1
   Assemble the items needed to complete this project. They are listed below under "Things You'll Need".
   
   
   
2. 2
   Thread each strand of beading elastic through one of the spacer holes until all of the strands are threaded through. Even up the spacer so that it sits center of all the strands, with equal lengths of strands each side.
   
   
   
3. 3
   Begin adding the bugle beads. Start from the top strand and thread on the bugle beads. Keep threading on for about 3"/7.5cm of the strand's length each side of the spacer. When completed, tape the end of the strand to keep the beads in place.
   
   
   
4. 4
   Repeat with the remaining plastic strands, working down to the bottom strand.
   
   
   
5. 5
   Check the fit around your wrist. Do this by holding the taped ends and encircling your wrist. Make any adjustments needed (either subtracting or adding more beads).
   
   
   
6. 6
   Remove the tape from the ends of the strands. Lay the bracelet down, with the first spacer facing downward. Thread the strands (from top strand to bottom strand) through the second spacer. To tie off, bring together both ends of the threaded strand and tie into a single square knot. Repeat for each strand. At this stage, the bracelet should now have spaces between each strand.
   
   
   
7. 7
   Trim off any elastic outside of the knot. To secure the knot, add a dash of glue to each knot and allow to dry.
   
   
   
8. 8
   Wear the bracelet. It's now ready for wearing or giving as a gift.
   
   
   

EditTips

• The longer the bugle beads in the stretch style, the faster the creation will be. However, the end style is not as elegant as shorter beads.
• Other seed beads than bugle beads can be used in the stretch style; experiment to find what you like the most.
• Rainbow patterns are very pretty as a bracelet.
• Reflective beads are a good choice, especially since they catch the sun or lights as you move your arms.

EditThings You'll Need

Memory wire style:

• Bracelet length memory wire
• Wire cutter
• Round nose pliers
• Seed beads in color or colors of choice; the amount will depend on how many strands you make the bracelet and feel free to experiment with types of beads
• Jewelery glue (cement)
• Clear tape

Stretch style:

• Bugle beads, glass, in colors of choice
• 2 scroll spacers, silver or gold, with 5 holes
• 5 12"/30cm strands of size .5mm clear stretch beading elastic
• Jewelery glue (cement)
• Clear tape

How to Identify Poison Ivy

Poison ivy (Rhus radicans), found in most of North America and a related plant, poison oak (Rhus toxicodendron), found in both Eastern and Western North America, contain urushiol oil. Over half of the population of the United States is allergic to this oil, which can be transferred by contact or inhalation through smoke when such plants are burned.

If you're nervous about getting a poison ivy or poison oak rash, and want to avoid it, you'll need to know how to identify the plant and thereby avoid coming into contact with it. This article explains how to identify each plant.

EditSteps

1. 1
   

    Even your backyard may harbor poison ivy.
   Look for the plant. Poison ivy and poison oak can be found everywhere––the woods, fields, your own backyard, vacant lots, all depending on where you're living. In particular, these plants seem to have fondness for growing along fences and stone walls and they like the edges of forests, fields and sunny areas.
   • Poison ivy is a vine that can also grow as a bush or single plant. If growing in rocky places, it tends to take over from all other vegetation. If growing near something like a tree or a fence, it will twine itself around the object as it grows, creating a dense mass of vegetation which cannot be crossed.
   • 

      Poison oak.
     Poison oak is a shrub but it's perfectly capable of climbing trees. The Pacific or western poison oak tends to be in shrubby areas along the Pacific Coast, while the Atlantic poison oak prefers woody areas in the southeast and west.
2. 2
   Notice the leaves. When seeking to identify the plant, remember this simple phrase: "Leaves grouped in three? Let them be!", as these plants have a cluster of three leaves at the end of a long stem. More identifying indicators of leaves include:
   • The leaves alternate, with three leaflets sitting on a long stem.
   • 

      The middle leaf of poison ivy always sticks out more.
     The leaflets are broad and the two lateral (side) leaflets are smaller than the terminal (end or middle) leaf.
   • 
     The leaves tend to be a bright to dark, waxy green when viewed from above. When viewed from underneath, they appear lighter and fuzzier. In spring, the leaves are usually a bright green, while in fall, they turn red (poison ivy) or bright red or orange (poison oak).
   • However, while these leaves usually appear shiny, they won't always. In particular, do not rely on shininess as an indicator after it has rained recently.
3. 3
   

    Poison oak vines in oak tree.
   Inspect vines before touching, brushing against them or walking through them. When growing as a vine, poison ivy can snake its way along trees. When it grows like this, it is tons of little poison ivy plants growing out of a vine. Always inspect a vine if you need to go near it, and see if it has plants growing out of it.
4. 4
   

    Late summer poison oak.
   Be aware that even when poison oak or ivy changes color, it is still harmful. Despite the color change, the urushiol oil still stays on the leaves.
5. 5
   

    Poison ivy in winter.
   Remain vigilant even during the winter months. Poison oak drops its leaves in winter, and all you see is a bare stem of a vine hanging down. This can also give you a rash. Don't touch any plant you can't identify!
6. 6
   

    Poison ivy berries.
   Check for fruit. If either plant has berries, it will appear as follows:
   • Translucent for both plants.
   • Poison oak fruit tends to be hairy.
   • Poison ivy berries are white or creamish.
   • The fruit tends to stay on the plants all through winter and spring.
7. 7
   Notice that the plants are not poisonous to all creatures. Deer and other animals happily eat poison ivy. Don't be fooled into thinking the plant is safe because you can see other animals consuming it.
8. 8
   

    "Oregon Grape" or Mahonia.
   

    Common wild blackberry.
   Don't confuse poison oak with other plants. Some other plants have two or three similar-looking leaves but aren't the same. They may have spines on the leaf tips (holly or Mahonia) or thorns on the stems (blackberry).
   • If you see a plant that has all the characteristics, but there are sharp ridges on the edges, it's not likely to be poison ivy. Poison ivy has ridges that are more randomly spaced and curved.

EditTips

• Learn to identify these plants if you're allergic. Severe allergies can cause great harm. Bring a picture along until you can spot it immediately.
• Teach children from when they can walk not to touch unidentified plants. This is part of going into nature. This is especially true in winter when plants don't have identifying leaves.
• Bring Technu or other specialized soap with you and apply it immediately upon exposure.
• Go home and wash all exposed skin carefully after a hike. Wash your hands first before rubbing them all over your body. Use warm water and soap.
• Watch when dogs go off leash. Humans are the only ones that are allergic to the oil on the poison ivy leaves, so you wouldn't notice a difference in your dog. So be careful, when you pet your dog or you could get it too. Wash your dog thoroughly if needed. If you have any worries, keep your dog on leash! A bad reaction is also possible with outdoor cats.
• 

   A serious rash.
  Watch for a rash two to three days after possible exposure and begin treatment immediately. See How to treat poison ivy and poison oak for treatment options.
• These plants are also found in Bermuda and the Bahamas.

EditWarnings

• Don't confuse poison ivy with the Virginia creeper. Even though the Virginia creeper has fiveleaves, it's still easily mistaken for poison ivy.
• Poison ivy can be embedded in the Virginia creeper, so never just go rolling around in the Virginia creeper, or there might still be serious consequences.
• Never burn poison ivy as a method to get rid of it. The oil on the leaves will burn and if you breathe in the fumes, chances are you'll get it in your throat or lungs, which will be extremely painful.

EditThings You'll Need

• Photos or images to carry with you to aid identification
• First aid supplies whenever hiking or camping should always include poison plant treatments for rashes