If there is one thing we know at iHeartRaves, it's how to make Kandi—er, friendship bracelets. When we heard that Swifties were sharing friendship bracelets at the Taylor Swift Eras Tour we thought it would be a great opportunity to offer a little tutorial on how to make these colorful and fun accessories. 

Beaded friendship bracelets have a long history in the rave world, starting with PLUR (Peace, Love, Unity, and Respect). Miss Swift may have made friendship bracelets popular among the masses when she posted her collection back in 2019, but in our world we call these accessories Kandi. You can learn more about Kandi here, along with a little history on rave fashion which has a rich and global history in marginalized communities. 

These colorful beaded bracelets are fun to make and serve as a way to express your individuality and connect with others. Make a piece of Kandi with your favorite song title, or your favorite Taylor Swift lyrics and start trading them with friends. You can even use the PLUR handshake to trade your friendship bracelets! Here's a step-by-step guide on how to make your very own beaded friendship bracelet for the Eras Tour:

Materials Needed

• Pony Beads
• Elastic String
• Scissors
• Good vibes

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Step 1: Choose Your Beads

Select the beads you want to use for your Kandi bracelet. Pony beads come in various shapes, sizes, and colors, so choose the ones that match your style and personality.

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Step 2: Measure Your Wrist

Measure your wrist using a measuring tape or a piece of string. Make sure to add an extra inch to your measurement to allow for the bracelet to be comfortable.

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Step 3: Cut the Elastic String

Cut a piece of elastic string according to your wrist measurement. Make sure to leave an extra inch for tying the bracelet together.

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Step 4: String the Beads

Start stringing the beads onto the elastic string. You can create a pattern or simply string them randomly. Make sure to leave an inch of string at the end.

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Step 5: Tie the Bracelet

Once you have strung all the beads, tie the two ends of the elastic string together. Make sure to tie a tight knot to prevent the bracelet from falling apart.

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Step 6: Finishing Touches

Trim the excess string with scissors, and your Kandi bracelet is ready! You can add charms or other embellishments to make your bracelet even more unique.

Kandi bracelets are a fun and easy craft that anyone can make. They are perfect for music festivals, raves, or as a fun accessory to wear with your everyday outfits. So gather your friends, some colorful beads, and get crafting!

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