Beaded Medic-Alert Bracelets

[CMdeux]

So DD has had one of the glass-beaded bracelets for a while now, and while they are strung on tigertail (wrapped wire), it does fray eventually.

Found a new replacement which is about the same idea as nameless has posted about making for herself in the past:

fashion alert

These are NOT wire-strung, but heavy-weight elastic cord, so they probably are best for people who are fairly easy on them, but the bit of flex also makes them really comfortable.  I like that we can still use the medic-alert emblem that DD has, but now she has some choices about bracelet styles, too.

This is the one that I got DD:



The advantage that this one has is that having two strands without a swivel, it means that we were able to attach one end to the emblem and then introduce twist (to make a helix) in order to shorten this up to that elusive not-quite 7" length that DD needs.  These are NOT 7.5" when attached to a regular Medic-Alert emblem-- more like 7.3" because of the dimensions of the medic-alert emblems, which are not as elongated as the ones these are designed for.

I found these at a local pharmacy.

DD seems very pleased with it. 

[GingerPye]

My daughter has a similar bracelet from Lauren's Hope.  I also bought her some different bracelets from etsy (that she didn't want and I sent to someone else on FAS -- hope your DD is enjoying them!).

What we need is a bracelet that is either stretchy enough to pull on and off, because she does take it off for showers and bed, or else with a magnetic clasp of some kind.  Because right now, and for the last few years, Mom has been putting the bracelet on for DD.  Every morning.  Need to figure out a way to do it herself.  (and I should get this done; it's just one of those things on a back burner)

[CMdeux]

These have a fair amount of stretch, Ginger.  DD is able to slip hers on and off readily.  (She also takes hers off to swim or shower).

[GingerPye]

Okay, good to know!  I'll check out that site.  Thanks

[YouKnowWho]

As far as getting the standard one on and off would a bracelet help work?

Something like this
http://www.amazon.com/Aids-for-Arthritis-Bracelet-Buddy/dp/B0006Z3HMW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1348221284&sr=8-1&keywords=bracelet+helper+tool

[MandCmama]

GP- avoid magnet closures! Not that mine are for a medical alert bracelet, but I have several cute everday wear bracelets that have them.  They are easy to put on....but even easier to come off!  I'm constantly tracing my footsteps looking for them!

[AllergyMum]

In the past 5 years DS has only had his off 3 times and 2 of those was to replace it with a new one due to changes in allergies. 

Thoses are cute for girls.

[becca]

That is pretty, CM.  I have a hard time making good knots in elastic stringing materials.  But some cement helps.  I always worry anything I string *could* fray or break.  But I guess as long as one checks it frequently, you can change it out before it breaks. 

I have some pretty strong magnet claps.  I am very impressed with their strength.  But they would pull off if caught on something with some force.  They would not just drop off, however. 

I toy with making these for friends here(just as a nice thing to do, not for any profit).  But I worry about how secure I can make them.  I would feel terrible if they broke and one lost the emblem, or had an accident when it had been lost. 

[MandCmama]

Oh yes! Becca is right- I wasn't clear. They don't just drop off, but tend to come off when I take my coat off, take a sweater on/off , or let a tote bag/ purse slide off my arm.

[SkyRibbons]

If I get one of these for my DD, how hard is it to get her standard-issue Medic-Alert emblem off its current bracelet to get it onto one of these?  Do you just need a small needle-nosed pliers?

[CMdeux]

That's what we did.  Well, I actually used wire-snips to get the other side of the tigertail loose on the medic-alert beaded band, and then used them to snip through the copper/brass ring on the one (fixed) side of the emblem once the clasp side of the beaded band had broken through.  To be fair, she has worn it daily for almost 3years, so the medic-alert ones are pretty darned durable.

These are super-comfortable, and the lobster-claw clasps are the right size to either attach to the jump rings on the side of the Medic-Alert emblem-- OR to actually grab the emblem directly through it's pierced edges.  That makes the 7.5" intended bands (like the one in the picture) about 7.0-7.2" I'd estimate.  It's a nice length on my 13yo DD, who is pretty much the size of a slender, small woman.

[KSLaru]

Soooo cute!  DD is needing a new bracelet.  What did you think of the MedicAlert beaded one?  How long has it held up? I think DD would be really hard on any type of elastic bracelet.  I'm willing to spend a little more to find something extra special since she's been a bit sensitive about her allergy lately.

[CMdeux]

Honestly, the Medic-Alert ones hold up pretty well.  That is probably what I'd recommend to someone in need of a new bracelet. 

We just wound up with an emblem that DD loved, and a desire on her part to have a 'girly' bracelet... plus I didn't truly feel like ordering an entire new bracelet since the emblem was still in great shape.  KWIM?

[KSLaru]

CM, makes sense to me. I never would have thought of removing the emblem - though DD's is pretty beat up.