Different countries have different styles of furniture, clothing – even jewelry. Throughout time, things that became popular in America went on to be loved in other countries. The same can be said in reverse: some styles from other countries soon become popular in America. In the Caribbean you’ll see lots of women wearing a style of costume jewelry made for sporting when you’re barefoot. The beautiful foot jewelry can also be made with a matching hand jewelry piece. You’ll sure get noticed while wearing the unique jewelry and you’ll love how easy it is to make.
Start with a piece of stretch cord. The cord should be as skinny as possible to help you string the beads. Cut a piece that’s about 30 inches long. Immediately, dip the ends in white glue, wipe off the excess, and allow to dry. This will keep the ends from unraveling while you’re stringing the beads. Instead of the glue you can also use a no-fray solution found at craft stores and places that sell fabrics.
In addition to the cord you’ll need beads. Since you can make the jewelry in different ways the sizes of beads you use can vary.
Start by putting some really tiny beads onto the stretch cord. Allow the beads to slide to the middle of the cord. This craft works best if you can actually use your foot for the pattern. So, after you’ve slid the tiny beads onto the cord, wrap it around your second toe, making sure there are enough beads on the twine to go all the way around your second toe. If not, add a few more to the twine. As you place the cord and beads around your toe, go under the toe then bring the two pieces together on the top of the foot. If there are enough beads to go completely around your toe you will then slide on a slightly larger bead by placing both ends through the bead. Slide the bead to the area on top of the second toe, right where it meets the foot.
After pinning the two twine pieces together with the single, larger bead, you can then continue with the pattern you want to make. You can either slide more beads on, placing them on both cords at once, or you can separate the two cords by placing individual beads on each cord piece. Or, you can add the one large bead, separate the two cord pieces, add small beads to each single piece, then slide on another large bead to hold the two together. Separate them again, add small beads to each individual cord, then slide on another large bead to hold the two cords together. This creates an even different design for the foot jewelry. As you proceed with adding more beads, do so until you reach the ankle area. At this time, you’ll need to separate the two cord pieces, if you haven’t already.
Slide individual beads onto each single cord piece until the two reach to the heel area. When the foot bracelet is long enough to go around the ankle, you’ll tie the cords in a knot, then trim. Add some glue to one of the back beads and slide it over the knot to conceal it. This cute foot bracelet is very unique and dazzling. Since there are so many different beads you can use, and so many different combinations you can do, there are literally thousands and thousands of different designs that can be made.
Follow the same basic instructions to create the matching hand jewelry: Slide small beads onto the cord and wrap it around the middle finger. Slide a larger bead on so that it holds the two cord pieces together just below the middle finger, right where it meets the hand. Continue with the pattern you want, then bring the beaded cord all the way around to the underside of the wrist. Glue the knot inside a final bead to conceal.
Most people who wear the unusual jewelry wear only one foot and/or one hand jewelry piece at a time. The foot jewelry looks fabulous on the beach or other occasions where you are barefoot. The matching hand jewelry is perfect for women and children alike. Wear the foot jewelry during summer months; wear the hand jewelry anytime. Make more pieces to give as gifts for your friends. They’ve never received anything like it before!
Reference:
- See a picture of the foot jewelry here: www.makingfriends.com/jewelry/caribean_foot_jewelry.htm
- See a picture of the hand jewelry here: www.makingfriends.com/jewelry/caribean_hand_jewelry.htm
