Summer brings with it an array of outdoor activities, along with heat and humidity, getting caught in the rain and, maybe more showers or baths than usual. Water, salt water, chemicals (as in bug spray or chlorine), soaps and perfumes can affect the finish of metal components in your fine jewelry. We always suggest you never bathe, shower or swim while wearing any jewelry, unless you know it's solid gold or silver. So, I thought we could discuss alternatives to metal components, clasps, focals, charms, chain, etc., and focus on some pretty designs that can be used in your summer jewelry making projects.

With some macrame techniques, wood, sea glass or ceramic beads and a little time, create a bracelet for yourself or a friend that you'll be proud to wear all year long. Follow the suggested instructions, or mix and match different colors and beads to make it to match your own tastes and personality.

The Seeds of Change Bracelet combines waxed beading cord, leather and wooden beads to make one you can wear for any outdoor activity. Click on the picture to find the product list, instructions and the link to a helpful video tutorial.

The pretty Fruit on the Vine Bracelet has a light and airy look with a Jackfruit Wood Bead Puffed Oval focal and smaller Jackfruit Round Wood Beads as accents. Click on the picture to find the product list, instructions and the link to a helpful video tutorial.

The Purple Rose Bracelet will complement almost any summer outfit, using pretty purple cords and Rosewood Bead Coins. Click on the picture to find the product list, instructions and, if you need a little extra help, the link to a helpful video tutorial.

Note: To make each of these bracelets I've shown you today waterproof, substitute the Round Leather Cord with Waxed Jewelry Cord. Let your imagination work for you to come up with your own ideas.

As a BONUS, Elaine, one of Antelope Beads' executive designers, made an instructional video to show how to use Waxed Jewelry Cord, Sea Glass Beads and Clay River Beads to make some simply adorable bracelets that can be worn alone, or stacked with each other for a special fashion accent.

HOWEVER...in order to watch this video, you must be a member of our exclusive Facebook group Antelope Beads Market. This is only one of the perks of joining our group. To share your designs and their stories, ask questions, connect with other jewelry makers and have access to live instructional videos that show you how to make or enhance your jewelry wardrobe, I invite you to join our Facebook group of over 2200 members and stay updated. All you have to do is ask to join: facebook.com/groups/AntelopeBeadsMarket.

After joining, watch Elaine's video here: Waxed Jewelry Cord Bracelets

I hope you'll visit AntelopeBeads.com for all your jewelry making supply needs. We'll look forward to seeing you there!