Don’t be intimidated by the heavy gauge wire in these bangle bracelets. It’s not hard to work with, it just may take a little more time to hammer it to the point you want.

Which bracelet do you prefer? I like the one with the rhinestone cup chain best. (You can find this lovely, sparkly chain in lots of colors over at Eureka Crystal Beads. The one I used is the 4mm Rose AB.)

The leather sandbag was a gift and I’m glad I finally got around to using it, as it’s quite helpful and the sound dampening while hammering is appreciated by everyone in the house. 🙂

Since completing the video I’ve discovered a few changes that will make your bracelets come out even better.

• I used entirely too much heavy gauge wire to begin with. Instead of 10.5-inches, 8.75-inches should be plenty.
• To be sure of the correct bangle size for you, measure the inside diameter of a bangle you have that fits. Add 3/4 to 1-inch for the loops.
• To keep the loops together so your bracelet keeps its shape you can either wrap them together with wire or connect them with jump rings.
• I found I preferred the look of a heavier gauge wire for wrapping the decoration to the bracelet.  I still used about a yard and wrapped it back and forth a few times.
• Don’t use super fine gauge wire to string your beads. They get too  much wear and tear to hold up for long. Instead use the heaviest gauge wire that will fit through your beads. I used 2o gauge for stringing and wrapping.
• Adding some beaded dangles to the loops not only adds detail and interest, it weights that side of the bracelet so your beads or cup chain are more likely to stay on top.

Here are my improved bracelets.

They fit much better now and I’m happier with the look.

Enjoy the video and happy creating!

You can watch the Hammered Bangle Bracelets Video Tutorial over at YouTube.

Materials for each bracelet:

• 8.75-inches 12 gauge copper wire
• 36 inches 20-24 gauge copper wire
• 3 inches beads or 3 inches 4mm cup chain (4mm Cup Chain can also be found at Amazon.com)
• headpins and beads for bead dangles.

Tools:

• chasing hammer
• bench block or mini anvil
• leather sandbag (useful but optional)
• file
• round nose pliers
• wire cutters

See video and notes above for directions.

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