Homemade beaded bag

The sisters recommend that, should you happen to lose heart along the way, they have attached a diagram for visual reference. "It is really not that difficult once you get started," Anna smiles.

Begin by cutting 10 metres of nylon cord. If you prefer to work with smaller pieces of cord at a time, that is also possible. Just remember to secure the next piece of nylon cord with a couple of knots and a small dab of super-glue.

First, thread four beads onto the centre of the cord, and then guide the opposite end of the string back through the fourth bead, creating a circular loop of beads with both ends of the cord protruding from the same (fourth) bead.

Then, add three new beads in the following manner: thread one bead onto each of the two ends of the cord, and then thread both ends of the cord through the third bead to create a semicircle.

Repeat step four until you have nine beads in the middle of your bead strand. Complete the row by threading two beads onto the right end of the cord, and then pass the left end of the cord through bead number two in the opposite direction.

Now turn the string of beads so that both ends of the cord are on your left side.

You can now add another row to the first row. Thread three beads onto the left end of the string, and pass the other end of the string through bead number three in the opposite direction of the first string, as shown in the diagram and video.

Repeat step seven.

Now, the second row of beads has begun. Add two beads to the left end of the cord, and pass the right end of the cord through the adjacent bead on the first row to secure the two rows. Finally, thread this right cord through the second bead in the opposite direction of the left cord. Consult the illustrations four and five in the diagram if needed.

Complete the row by repeating step nine.

Finish the row by adding two beads to the left end of the cord, and thread the right end through bead number two in the opposite direction. Now turn the beadwork again, so that both ends of the cord face to the left.

Continue adding rows of beads until you reach 15 beads on the vertical sides of the beadwork piece.

Now, it is time to assemble the bag. Fold the beaded piece in half, and starting from the top by the bag's opening, join the sides as shown in illustration six and in the video, by continuously catching the two adjacent beads with the thread and adding a new bead in the middle. Repeat this on the other side of the bag.

Lastly, attach handles to the bag by following the instructions in the video. The sisters used approximately one metre of thread and 17 beads per handle.

Your beaded bag is now ready to elevate your outfit. "Homemade accessories are decorative in a very special way," Anna believes, and Clara adds, "This bag is a statement piece in itself; quite unique, just like you, dear sister."