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.

Falling Leaves Bracelet

I haven't written a tutorial in quite a while and thought it was about time. I just love these little leaf charms and wanted to make a bracelet so here it is.

Don't you just love the Fall colors. I made this one with Copper wire but you could use Gold, silver or bronze and it would be fantastic.

Supplies Needed:

· 20 Gauge copper wire (soft)

· Various crystals or Fall colored gemstones

· Head pins

· Open jump rings

· Premade Copper Chain Bracelet

· Round nose pliers

· Ruler

· Wire Cutters

· Chain nose pliers

· Jewelry Hammer

· Stainless Steel block or anvil

· Wine cork to use as template

1. Gather all your materials.

2. Cut several lengths of wire to 4 1/2” depending upon how many charms you want on your bracelet.

3. Wrap one wire around the cork or 3/4” dowel leaving one end shorter and twist tightly.

4. Remove the wire from the cork.

5. Cut the short end off.

6. Make a wrapped loop with the other wire.

7. Shape your loop into an oval.

8. Using your round nose pliers twist towards the center of the loop twice on each side to form the leaf.

9. Harden the leaf on the stainless steel block with your hammer.

10. Add beads/crystals/gemstones to headpins and make a wrapped loop.

11. Add 3 dangles beads with your leaf to an open jump ring.

12. Attach jump ring to bracelet.

13. Finished bracelet has a total of 9 leaf charms.

I wore this bracelet out tonight as we went to the Museum of Flight in Seattle and it was very comfortable and lightweight. Hopefully I'll have a few pictures to share with you of the museum tomorrow but until then enjoy the tutorial.

Friendships Last a Lifetime

Well with school starting up I feel like I've missed Summer. Not that I'm in school or even planning on taking any classes it really shouldn't matter but apparently it does. For as long as I can remember school starting was the end of Summer and the beginning of a new year. Now 30 years later it still appears that I think school starting is the end of a very long vacation when in fact I should be feeling that I'm always on vacation. It must be that we were so busy this Summer and I lost track of time.....yea that's it.

Well I've kind of digressed from where I wanted this post to go so I'll start over.

With all the kids starting back to school this month, along comes all the new friends they will be making. Of all the things I miss from being in school, it is the making of new friends and getting reacquainted with old friends that we missed all Summer. I do make new friends all the time through my crafts and blogging but the web really doesn't make friends does it? Is it the same type of friendship as those we had when we were working or going to school? I don't think so, but here for those kiddy's that are going to school and those adults that want a remembrance of new friendships and old, here is a great take on a friendship bracelet based upon a designer bracelet. The tutorial is by Kirsten Gail of Studs and Pearls. She has it posted on Craftster.

I love the mix of chain and thread although I can see using ribbon or leather for this look also. Humm I have lots of leftover leather and tons of chain, I may have to try that out.

Have a good day all and remember friends and keep those friendships alive. Call someone, have lunch, go shopping or send them a letter via snail mail. They will appreciate it and you.

New Bracelet for a New Year

Finally a new tutorial for all my great followers. Never fear, I will have another giveaway later this month, but I'm sure you will like this.

I made this bracelet to go with the Leather Fringe Necklace. You can find the tutorial for the necklace also on this site. Great way to use up left over beads or orphan beads. I mixed some of my metals on my second bracelet which is the one pictured in the tutorial. As this bracelet was too long after I had finished the second end I had to tie a knot in the middle to take up slack. I think it turned out pretty good. The last picture is my first attempt and I like it also. Feel free to modify or change it up to whatever you find attractive. This design would also make a great necklace.

Materials Needed:

36” Leather cord either 1mm or 2mm
2 Cones
2 Crimp Beads with loop
Clasp
2 Open Jump Rings
4” 22 gauge wire
Head Pins
Various beads of your choice
Charms if desired

Tools:
Wire Cutters
Pliers
Ruler

Instructions:

1. Cut leather in 3 equal 12” sections.
2. Line up your ends and at ½” – ¾” tightly wrap wire to secure all three pieces of leather.
3. Cut 2 of the pieces close to the wire wrap leaving one long that will go through the cone.
4. Add the cone bead.
5. Measure out your bead crimp and cut the extra off.
6. Insert leather into the end of the bead crimp.
7. Crimp bead tight with pliers to secure.
8. Add one end of your clasp using the jump ring if needed.
9. Start tying knots at various intervals on all three cords.
10. Measure around your wrist to size from time to time. I stopped when it was 8”.
11. Line up the 3 pieces of leather making sure they are equal length.
12. Wrap wire about ½” to ¾” away from the end to secure all three together.
13. Finish this end the same way you did the first end.

Now comes the fun part.

In between each knot on each leather cord add a bead or charm.
If you find that your bracelet is too big try tying a knot in the middle of the bracelet before adding the beads. If bracelet is too small, tighten each knot a little more.
Enjoy your cool new bracelet.

Crochet Bracelet by Wren Handmade

I just had to share this great jewelry item. For those that love to crochet and love to make jewelry, this is a natural fit. Who knew that you could make such intricate patterns with crochet.

I found this post via the Purl Bee and Wren Handmade graciously provided the pattern to that everyone can make their own bracelet. So HERE is the link to the pattern over at the Purl Bee.

If you would prefer to just buy one of these wonderful creations, here is Laura Normandin's Etsy shop.

I hope everyone had a great weekend.

Crochet Bracelet

Futuregirl.com has this great little tutorial for creating this crochet bracelet with beads. I love to crochet and most of you know I love jewelry, so I might have to give this a try. I can see this made with vintage beads and a vintage button. Check out Futuregirl.com blog HERE and give it a try.

Supplies Needed

Crochet Cotton Thread

48 beads

1 button

big-holed needle

size C (2 or 2.75mm) crochet hook

Wig Jig Bracelet Design

Have you ever used a wig jig? I have one but don't use it very often, but may have to try this bracelet design. Looks simple and would be great using sterling silver or copper wire with gemstones as shown.

The instructions for this pattern are found on www.wigjig.com on this page HERE.

Enjoy!