Saturday, February 11, 2012

Delightful Bangles, a tutorial


I was inspired today to make a bracelet, so I made 3... ha ha. My fingers do hurt now but I did take pictures and write up a quick little tutorial if you want to give it a try. I got the inspiration from a Pin on Pinterest of this Bangle but it didn't have enough pictures for me so decided to make one for myself and do lots of pictures for you. This one is easy if you have all the supplies and you do not need any soldering equipment. So let's get started.

Supplies Needed:

  • Round nose pliers
  • Flat nose pliers
  • Flush wire cutters
  • Bracelet Mandrel
  • Hammer
  • Stainless Steel Block
  • 12 or 14 gauge wire (for bracelet)
  • 24 or 26 gauge wire (for wrapping)
  • 3mm stones or crystals



Instructions:

  1. Gather all your supplies before you start and make sure the stones you choose will slide on the wrapping wire.
  2. Cut 10” of your bracelet wire which is either 12 gauge or 14 gauge.
  3. Make a loose curl on one end of the cut wire with your round nose pliers.
  4. Form your wire around the bracelet mandrel inserting the straight end through the curled end. As you can see I have marked on my mandrel the size I want my bracelet to be. Mine is 8”.
  5. With your round nose pliers curve the straight end of the wire around to tighten.
  6. Make a loop with the curved wire.
  7. Hammer the wire on the bracelet mandrel all the way around… hammer more.
  8. Hammer on the stainless steel block. Switch between the mandrel and the block, hammering to harden the wire.
  9. When it is the shape you want, nice and round and lays flat you are ready to begin to add your stones.



  1. Cut about 36” of your wrapping wire which is either 24 gauge or 26 gauge and start wrapping on your bracelet at the coiled end.
  2. Wrap the tail of the wire until you just have about 1/4 “ left.
  3. String a stone on the long end of the wire.
  4. Bring the stone down tight against the bracelet.
  5. Hold the stone in place and start wrapping the wire around the bracelet.
  6. Continue wrapping about 3 or 4 times, add another stone.
  7. More wrapping.
  8. Continue wrapping and adding stones until you get to the end of your wire.
  9. Cut the wire at the top of the bracelet and flatten with your flat nose pliers.
  10. Cut another length of wrapping wire (not as much) and start wrapping around the bracelet. I like to start wrapping behind the stone and then wrap around to the front. I cut the tail off on top of the bracelet and flatten it with my pliers.
  11. Continue wrapping and adding stones until you get back to the beginning. Clip tails and flatten them on top of the bracelet. Always cut the wire on the top or sides otherwise it will scratch your wrist underneath.
  12. Enjoy your bracelet.
If you have any questions, please be sure to ask.

4 comments:

  1. Love the pictures---always worth a 1000 words of description! Thanks for the instructions.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hi Dana,

    I find the tutorial for you delightful bangle helpful and the piece looks beautiful. Can't help to feature it on my blog and here is the link: http://www.handmade-jewelry-club.com/2012/05/featured-wire-jewelry-tutorial-how-to.html

    Hope you like the feature :) Cheers!
    Jane

    ReplyDelete
  3. Anonymous4:02 PM

    Thanks for the tutorial Dana! I am going to buy a bracelet mandrel. In your opinion, which is best, oval or round - wood or metal? I'm on a pretty limited budget

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for your comment. I personally have a round bracelet mandrel in both steel and wood. The wood would be more economical but if you think you are going to hammer the wire a lot then invest in the steel one. The only downside to the steel is that it is heavy. Good luck and have fun.

      Delete

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