Best Foot Forward

Keep up with the latest trend by making Claire Humpherson's funky boot bracelets!

Claire Humpherson, Beads Direct Designer

“These boot bracelets are so much fun to make, and the design possibilities are endless. Jewellery making techniques and products really lend themselves to this great new accessory, so get creative!”

Boot bracelets are set to be a huge trend in 2010, so get ahead by making your own! Perfect for personalising those UGGs you got for Christmas, they are so simple to make, yet the finished results look stunning. Embellish faux suede cord with beads, pendants and chain in appropriate colours to suit your footwear, then adjust to fit and strut your stuff!

Dragonfly

1. Cut 82cm of black faux suede cord (reserving the remaining 18cm for later) in half and loop an antique gold 'believe' affirmation ring onto the end of each. Add an antique gold ‘Love’ charm to one side with an 8mm gold jump ring.
2. Attach 15cm of gold-plated chain between the affirmation rings, using 8mm gold jump rings. Weave a length of black faux suede cord through the links in the chain and then go back through to hide the ends. Attach a dragonfly pendant with a jump ring.
3. Take the ends of suede that loop round the rings and push through a cord lock toggle. Tie the ends into pairs to keep the cord lock toggle on. Simply slide the toggle to secure the bracelet tightly on the boots.

Stars

4. Cut 1m of cream faux suede cord in half and loop through two antique silver 'dream' affirmation rings, as before. Fasten 15cm of silver-plated heavy cable chain between the loops using 8mm silver jump rings. Thread the ends of the suede through a cord lock toggle.
5. Thread on a striped glass charm bead to each strand and tie to keep them in place. Slide the cord lock toggle into position and secure a large topaz star to the centre of the chain using a large jump ring. Attach a smaller one to the ring on the outer edge.

Large Hearts

6. Cut 1m of grey faux suede cord in half and loop each length through an antique silver floral circle connector. Fasten 15cm of diamond and round link chain between the loops using 8mm silver jump rings.
7. Attach three large metal heart pendants to the central round or diamond links on the chain, with 8mm jump rings. Thread the suede ends through a cord lock toggle and add a metal flower charm bead to each, tying in place.