Bangle Illusion Memory Wire Bracelet-Jewelry Tutorial

Mar 212017
 

bangle illusion cover

The first time I encountered directions for making a memory wire bracelet I thought it was a fairly basic piece of jewelry and one that you would only make once. Since then, however, I have been fascinated to discover all the different ways you can use memory wire and even all the different configurations you can have for just a single long length.

Here are a few of the memory wire videos on my YouTube channel.

Today’s project is the longest memory wire bracelet I’ve made. It gives the look of a stack of seven bangles. To get this design right takes a little bit of planning, but most of your time will be spent stringing all those beads. Because three of the “bangles” are duplicated I needed quite a few beads and necessitated a trip to the craft store to fill out what was already in my stash. Always a fun necessity!

In the tools and materials I have links for as many of the products I used as I can find online. But I strongly suggest that you first raid your stash and see what you already have that you can use. Then, like me, you can fill in the corners with a fun trip to the bead store. 🙂

Tools and Materials:

Enjoy the video and happy creating!

Watch the Bangle Illusion Memory Wire Bracelet-Jewelry Tutorial video at YouTube.

Faux Ceramic Bead Bracelet Part 2-Polymer Clay Jewelry Tutorial

Jan 242017
 

In last week’s video I showed you how to make two of the focal beads for this half-and-half bracelet. The other half consists of strung beads, which, as I mentioned in the video, it’s a good idea to choose first. It’s easier to choose your purchased beads or from among your stash and then match the polymer clay beads to those rather than the other way around.

faux ceramic bracelet cover pt 2

In this week’s video I will show you how to make a really pretty decorative copper hook clasp and then how to use waxed linen twine to string your whole bracelet together.

This is a nice project for using up small amounts of special beads, as each of our four strands is only about 3 to 3 1/2 inches long. You do have to make sure, though, that the beads you choose will allow a strand of waxed linen to go through them.

Tools and Materials:

Enjoy the video and happy creating!

Watch the Faux Ceramic Bead Bracelet Part 2-Polymer Clay Jewelry Tutorial video at YouTube.

If you missed it, watch  the Faux Ceramic Bead Bracelet Part 1-Polymer Clay Jewelry Tutorial.

Infinity Link Bracelet Video Tutorial

May 162016
 

Infinity link bracelet

There are LOTS of variations of the infinity link out there, just check out this Pinterest search for wire infinity link jewelry for many examples.

I decided to keep mine simple & elegant, and make it from wire wrapping so there’s no soldering involved.

If I had it to do over I’d make mine out of a heavier gauge wire, at least 16 ga, if not 14. But I wanted to be able to show you the process and not just me struggling with heavy wire. 🙂

Btw, when I made the link in the video I really should have wrapped that beginning tail across the middle. It would have made wrapping the final tail neater and less awkward.  (Watch the video and try it and you’ll see what I mean.)

Also, I realized that you should definitely take a moment and gently curve the entire piece so it will sit comfortably on your wrist.

Let me know if you give this a try, I love to see your project photos!

Tools and Materials:

Enjoy the video and happy creating!

Watch the Infinity Link Bracelet Video Tutorial at YouTube.

Azure & Ice Bracelet Video Tutorial

Feb 082016
 

azure & ice bracelet

With all its glass, crystal and pearls, this week’s bracelet is quite fancy and elegant. The bead caps also serve to make it more elaborate.

You could get a more earthy look by using rustic looking beads, perhaps even try bead chips instead of the pearls. I just love the idea of clustering together a whole bunch of a smaller element to make them into something very different.

Enjoy the video and happy creating!

You can watch the Azure & Ice Bracelet video over at YouTube.

Materials:

  • 6 10x13mm lampwork glass beads
  • 14 bead caps
  • 64 4x7mm potato pearls
  • 64 ball head pins
  • 2 10mm pearls
  • 1 10x13mm crystal roundel
  • 6 7x9mm crystal roundels
  • 2 crimps
  • 2 crimp covers
  • 2 wire protectors
  • clasp
  • 1 1/2-inch length chain
  • bead stringing wire

Tools:

Directions:

  1. Slide a pearl onto each ball head pin and use either round nose pliers or 1-Step Looper  to make simple loop dangles.
  2. Onto bead stringing wire add: 3 7x9mm crystal roundels > bead cap >lampwork bead >bead cap > loops of 16 pearl dangles > bead cap >lampwork bead >bead cap > loops of 16 pearl dangles > bead cap >lampwork bead >bead cap > 10mm pearl > bead cap > 10x13mm crystal roundel > bead cap > 10mm pearl >bead cap >lampwork bead >bead cap > loops of 16 pearl dangles > bead cap >lampwork bead >bead cap > loops of 16 pearl dangles > bead cap >lampwork bead >bead cap > 3 7x9mm crystal roundels.
  3. Check length of bracelet. It should be 1/2-inch longer than your usual preferred length of bracelet. Add or remove beads as needed to make it this length.
  4. To finish end: Onto bead stringing wire slide a crimp, a wire protector and the end link of length of chain. Slide wire back through crimp and flatten with One Step Crimper. Use crimping pliers to pick up a crimp cover and close over flattened crimp.
  5. Repeat on other end of bracelet adding clasp instead of length of chain.

Beaded Leather Wrap Bracelet Video Tutorial

Nov 302015
 

beaded leather wrap bracelet

As I mention in the video this bracelet design has been floating around the internet for quite some time. I’ve seen it made with leather cord, suede strips, silk cord, colored S-lon cord, hemp and even waxed linen twine.

Some of those finer materials might work out better for finding bead with holes large enough for them to pass through, but I like the look of the heavier cord.

Although this project uses quite a few beads, it really didn’t take all that long to put together.

Enjoy the video and happy creating!

You can watch the Beaded Leather Wrap Bracelet Video Tutorial over at YouTube.

Materials:

Tools:

  • scissors
  • E6000 glue
  • toothpick

Directions:

  1. Slide the two ends of leather cord through either the button or one piece of the toggle clasp. Center the button or clasp on the lengths of cord bringing all four ends together. Tie an overhand knot with all four cords just below the button or clasp.
  2. Onto each cord slide beads knotting the cord in between the beads. Continue to add beads and knots onto the cord until it will wrap around your wrist twice.
  3.  Use all four cords to tie an overhand knot. Apply a dab of E6000 glue to the knot; once dry trim away two of the cords.
  4. If using the button for closure don’t trim away two of the cords, but make a loop with the cords just large enough to fit over the button and tie the four cords in an overhand knot just below the previous knot. Add glue and trim the cords.
  5. Slide a cord through other half of your toggle closure and tie both cords in a knot above closure. Apply glue to this knot as well and trim the cords at an angle.

 

Gold ‘N’ Pearls Bracelet Video Tutorial

Mar 232015
 

Gold n Pearls Bracelet

We’ve made strung jewelry and we’ve made wire wrapped jewelry. How about combining the two by adding wire wrapped dangles to a strung bead bracelet?

These mother of pearl leaf dangles add some great movement and the simple color scheme keeps it elegant.  Want it even less busy? I think 4 or 6mm Swarovski crystals would be lovely as well.

Enjoy the video and Happy creating!

You can watch the Gold ‘n’ Pearls Bracelet Video Tutorial over at YouTube.

Materials:

  • 5 8mm pearls (House of Gems)
  • 4 12mm crackle glass lentil beads
  • 10 5mm antique gold plated fluted spacer beads
  • 5 4mm antique gold finish spacer beads
  • 5 15mm x 20mm mother of pearl leaves
  • 5 head pins
  • 2 crimps
  • 2 crimp covers
  • 2 wire protectors
  • 11 inches bead stringing wire
  • toggle clasp

Tools:

  • round nose pliers
  • chain nose pliers
  • wire cutters
  • crimping pliers

1.  Slide a 15mm x 20mm leaf onto a head pin, followed by a 4mm spacer. Use chain nose pliers to grasp wire just at point where it exits spacer bead.  Bend wire at 90° angle.  Grasp bend with round nose pliers and wrap wire around pliers as far as possible to start to make a loop.  Reposition pliers to finish loop. Close loop and hold with chain nose pliers. Use another pair of chain nose to wrap remaining wire around wire below 90° bend. Use wire cutters to trim, if necessary. Use chain nose pliers to tuck in end.

Repeat to make five dangles with 15mm x 20mm leaves.

2.  Onto one end of bead stringing wire slide a crimp, then slide wire into one end of wire protector and out the other. Add one end of your clasp to the wire protector. Slide the wire end back through the crimp and bring crimp to within 1/8-inch of wire protector. Flatten crimp and squeeze ends of wire protector together. Trim excess wire. Cover crimp with a crimp cover by picking up with crimping pliers, sliding over flattened crimp and gently squeezing pliers. Use crimping pliers to shape cover into a round bead shape if necessary.

3.  String onto the wire the antique gold plated spacers, 8mm pearls, wire wrapped leaves and glass lentils in the following pattern:

spacer > pearl >wire wrapped leaf > spacer > lentil >

Repeat until you have four pearls and four lentils strung, then finish with a spacer, a pearl, a wire wrapped leaf and another spacer.

4. Repeat step 2 to add remaining piece of toggle clasp to other end of bracelet.

 

Turquoise and Silver Dangle Earrings Video Tutorial

Mar 022015
 

Have you found that sometimes the simplest of supplies can make a project with great impact?

turquoise & silver dangle earrings

I love the simplicity of a single color bead, today it’s turquoise, in a single repeating motif, just simple dangles on silver plated headpins on a silver plated chain.

The trickiest part, as I mention in the video, is working with this tiny chain. You can make it easier on your eyes and use larger chain, putting a dangle on either side of each chain link.

Enjoy the video and happy creating!

You can watch the Turquoise and Silver Dangle Earrings Video Tutorial over at YouTube.

 Materials:

  • 2 silver plated ear wires
  • 2 4mm silver plated jump rings
  • 20 silver plated head pins
  • 2 11-link pieces 12-link-per-inch silver plated chain
  • 20 4mm turquoise beads

Tools:

  • chain nose pliers
  • round nose pliers
  • wire cutters.
  1. Slide a turquoise bead onto a head pin. Trim wire above bead to 3/8-inch. Grasp wire with tips of round nose pliers and twist to form a simple loop.
  2. Repeat to make simple loop dangles on other head pins.
  3. Use chain nose pliers to open a simple loop by twisting it to one side. Place loop into a link of chain. Close loop securely. Repeat to place a bead dangles on all but one end chain link of each chain piece.
  4. Open a jump ring and slide on the last link of chain and an ear wire. Close jump ring securely. Repeat to make second earring.

What combination of colors would you use to make these earrings?

Happy creating!

Pink & Purple Chain Bracelet Video Tutorial

Feb 232015
 

pink & purple chain bracelet (1)

Sometimes it’s fun to dig through the bead stash and pull out bits & pieces of chain, some orphan beads & put them all together in a pretty piece of jewelry.

pink & purple chain bracelet (2)

The gold chain and charms tie in all the differing components of this bracelet to make a varied and interesting whole.

What bits & pieces are in your bead collection that might work together?

Happy creating and enjoy the video!

You can watch the Pink & Purple Chain Bracelet Video Tutorial over at YouTube.

Materials:

  • 10 8-10mm beads
  • 12 6mm beads
  • 5 charms & 5 jump rings
  • (or make your own charm dangles by adding assorted metal beads to headpins)
  • 3 different styles of chain 6-7 inches of each (or use a variety of small bits and pieces)
  • 20 gauge wire
  • 12 headpins
  • toggle clasp
  • 2 split rings

Tools:

  • chain nose pliers
  • round nose pliers
  • wire cutters

See the video for detailed instructions.

Dancing Agates Bracelet Video Tutorial

Dec 222014
 

Using curved tubes to separate our beads gives this bracelet graceful movement. They really do move around almost like dancing as you wear it.

Dancing Agates Bracelet

If you haven’t seen curved tubes before, check out the selection at Fire Mountain Gems. I love the “S” shaped ones, too. Can’t you just imagine the design possibilities?
3 wire reduction through a bead

Here is the stringing chart I promised you in the video.  It’s not rocket science, but I thought the visual helped. 🙂

Swarovski crystal bicones would be a natural in this bracelet, as would any sparkly bead. Have fun choosing your own.

Enjoy the video and happy creating!

You can watch the Dancing Agates Bracelet Video Tutorial over at YouTube.

Materials:

  • 18 21mm curved silver tube beads
  • 15 6mm round agate beads
  • toggle clasp
  • 2 wire protectors
  • 4 crimps
  • 4 crimp covers
  • 3 11-inch lengths bead stringing wire
  • 2 10mm brushed silver triangle beads

Tools:

  • wire cutters
  • crimping pliers
  • chain nose pliers

 Directions:

  1. Hold all strands of wire together and slide a crimp onto all three. Use chain nose pliers to flatten crimp 2 inches from one end. Trim short end of one wire.
  2. Use crimping pliers to pick up and add a crimp cover over the crimp, squeezing gently to close.
  3. Slide remaining two wires through a 10mm triangle bead and through a crimp.
  4. Slide one wire in one end and out the other of a wire protector. Slide on a piece of your clasp.
  5. Slide wire end coming out of wire protector back through crimp. Use chain nose pliers to flatten crimp. Trim two remaining wires and cover with a crimp cover.
  6. Onto each wire slide an alternating pattern of curved tubes and agate beads until you have six tubes and five agates on each wire.
  7. Slide a crimp over all three wires, pull up all wires snug, then back off 1/4 inch to leave a little slack and flatten the crimp with chain nose pliers. Trim end of one wire.
  8. Repeat steps 2-5 to finish other ends of wires.

Crystal Dangles & Roses Bracelet Video Tutorial

May 192014
 

Here’s a bracelet to match the Hammered Paddle Headpin Earrings from a couple weeks ago.

crystal & floral bead bracelet still (1)

The spring colors in this bracelet make me happy!

crystal & floral bead bracelet still (2)

If you need practice making wire wrapped loops, this project is for you. 🙂

The concept is fairly simple: make wire wrapped connectors of largish (10mm or so) beads, connect them with jump rings and hang several wire wrapped smaller crystals (4mm) on each  jump ring.

crystal & floral bead bracelet still (3)

I needed a little more length and so added five pairs of jump rings to one end, thus making it longer and adjustable.  There were four stray crystals left on the table (couldn’t have that) so I add three to the end of the chain and one next to the clasp.

For details on how to do the wire wrapping, check out the video. Happy creating!

You can watch the Crystal Dangles & Roses Bracelet Video Tutorial over at YouTube.

Materials:

  • 6-8 10mm ceramic beads
  • 15-24 4mm Swarovski crystal bicone beads
  • 15-24 head pins
  • 3mm silver plated beads (optional)
  • 6mm silver plated jump rings
  • silver plated lobster clasp
  • 20 gauge silver filled wire

Tools:

  • round nose pliers
  • chain nose pliers
  • wire cutters

Directions:

Use 20 gauge wire to make wrapped loops on each end of 10mm ceramic beads. Wrap enough beads to make the desired length of bracelet less one inch.

Slide each 4mm Swarovski crystal onto a head pin and make a wrapped loop.  (If desired add a 3mm silver plated bead first.) Make enough of these for three to go between each ceramic bead.  Wrap extras if you’d like some near the clasp or at the end of the chain.

Open a jump ring and slide on loops of two ceramic bead units and three wrapped crystals. Close jump ring securely.

Repeat to connect all ceramic beads together with crystal on jump rings in between.  Use a jump ring to add lobster clasp to one end (and crystal, if you like) and several jump rings to the other end.

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