19. Southwestern Heishi Shell & Turquoise Disc Stacking Strand
What This Idea Means
Embracing classic coastal-desert aesthetic, this stacking bracelet pairs white olive shell heishi discs with natural blue-green turquoise discs, separated by raw silver spacer beads.
How to Make It
- Prep Elastic Base: Cut an 8.5-inch piece of 0.8mm stretch cord and clip a bead stopper on one end.
- Pattern Threading: String white shell heishi discs for 1 inch.
- Add Turquoise Blocks: Insert a section of flat blue turquoise disc beads (approx. 0.5 inches wide).
- Incorporate Silver Accents: Add flat sterling silver saucers or ring spacers between the shell and turquoise transitions.
- Repeat and Tie: Repeat pattern until filled to wrist size. Knot securely with a surgeon’s knot, seal with jewelry glue, and hide knot within a wider silver bead hole.
Tips & Variations
- Tip: Check that shell heishi disc edges are smooth before stringing so they glide comfortably against your skin.
- Variation: Substitute white shell beads for dark coconut shell discs to create a richer, darker contrast with turquoise.
What You Need
- Flat white olive shell heishi disc beads
- Flat turquoise disc beads
- Sterling silver saucer spacer beads
- 0.8mm stretch elastic cord
- Bead stopper & jewelry glue