Making Handmade Bracelets To Comfort My Empty Arms

When I got home from the hospital, empty handed, I immediately jumped onto Etsy. If I wasn't able to bring my baby home, I was going to be surrounded by his essence. I purchased clay ornaments with his name and birthdate for my shadow box, a DIY breastmilk keepsake, my weighted bear, and more.

One of the first items I bought was a simple black beaded bracelet with his name on it. Kind of like the ones you'd make when you were a kid! This thing never comes off. I bought it because I wanted to see Bastion's name. I need some kind of connection with my son at all times. Often times his name isn't spoken out loud because he's not here. This is a little solution for me.

 

So after I broke the bank with personalized goods, I needed a hobby. It was time to be kept occupied. After spending so much time nesting for baby's arrival, then nothing- no baby to rock, feed, clothe, bathe. I just felt useless. This was supposed to be the busy part of my life.  

 

I started making bracelets. Then I could donate them to hospitals. I knew I wanted to do anything and everything to help mothers like me because, honestly, this sucks. It just sucks.

 

They aren't exactly like the bracelet I bought for myself on Etsy. I do not have the fortune of knowing the baby's name. However, I do have the ability to connect mothers with their angel by making matching bracelets! It's such a beautiful photo opportunity. An extra memory they can cherish forever! ‍

 

 

I would like to challenge you make some of your own. Making bracelets has helped me clear my head and has given me a daily activity that I enjoy. To learn, I watched a YouTube tutorial on a slipknot adjustable bracelet. Then I bought my supplies from Amazon & Etsy and got to work!

 

Want to make an adjustable slipknot beaded bracelet like mine?

 

What you'll need:

• 7mm Heart Beads (quantity of 400 shown)- blue and pink
• 6/0 Seed Beads (1oz shown)- blue and pink
• Nylon Knotting Cord (100 yards shown)- blue and white
• Clear nail polish (I use this) or super glue

Cut your string 14'' for mommy bracelets and 8'' for baby bracelets

Fold the string in half a tie a knot almost half way but not quite

Add beads to your liking and then knot next to the last bead

-For mine-

• Mommy bracelets are 3 blue beads, 1 blue heart, 3 blue beads
• Baby bracelets are 2 blue beads, 1 blue heart, 2 blue beads

1. Tie a knot around 1'' from the end, then add 1 blue bead and tie again
2. Do the same to the other side, this time making sure you are even with the first side
3. Cut remaining ends and add a little bit of glue or nail polish to your last two knots
4. Make this bracelet into a circle with one end on top and the other on bottom
5. Cut another 10'' string for mommy 6-8'' string for baby
6. Tie onto your bracelet, leaving the strings even
7. Start tying your slipknots (Do this until 2-3'' for mommy and 1'' for baby)
8. Cut remaining ends and glue
9. To adjust bracelet- pinch slipknot and pull end to tighten, pull bracelet to loosen

 

Warning: Choking Hazard! These mommy and me bracelets are made for mothers and stillborns, I do not recommend these bracelets for living babies or children.