Do It Yourself Jewelry Projects and More

Making a metal bangle bracelet

4/7/2014

Making a metal bracelet with a center bead can be done with a few tools and is a great beginner project for learning wire shaping. I love these bangles because you can stack the bracelets and they take very little time to make when you get the hang of it.

Supplies and Tools

14 gauge copper wire
16-18 gauge copper wire
Bead/s of choice with large enough whole to put the 16-18 gauge wire through
Round nose pliers
Flat nose pliers
Wire cutters
Emery board
Round pencil or pen
Sturdy round object about 2" across(exp wooden dowel, plastic bottle, or thick drinking glass)
Jewelers Hammer and block(optional)

Directions

1. Cut the 16-18 gauge wire to 4"

2. Cut the 14 gauge wire to 6 1/2(small) , 7"(medium) or 7 1/2"(large)

3. Using emery board gently round and soften the ends so they do not scratch you

4. Slide bead/s onto the 16-18 gauge wire centering the beads

5. Using the round nose pliers bend each side down about 45 degrees

6. Using the pen or pencil and your fingers if possible wrap the wire around and cross over the wire.( if you are good with round nose pliers you can do it without the pen)

7. Using the flat nose pliers wrap the wire around twice for a clean and secure conection

8. Hammer one end of the 14 gauge wire approximately 1/2" from end to flatten slightly, then using the emery board smooth out edges (If you do not have a hammer, do not panic. This step can be left out. I like to do it for a cleaner more professional look).

9. Using widest part of your round nose pliers hook the other end but do not close the loop completely yet.

10. Using the 2" round object you have wrap the wire around it to form a open circle with your loop facing out.

11.Using the round pliers make a half circle on the other end facing out.