Last week, I showed some of the tools I use while making jewelry in this post. One of my favorite quick projects are memory wire bracelets. Here is the process that I use.
Memory wire holds it’s basic shape and allows you to easily make a simple bracelet in a few minutes.
Supplies
There are very few things needs to make this simple bracelet. You need memory wire and beads. You also need diagonal cutters and round nose pliers.
The process
You need to know how long you need the bracelet so that it overlaps on the wrist. I usually add and inch and a half to the measure of my wrist. I cut the wire about two inches longer than the finished length. Be very careful cutting the wire as it can flip around when it is cut. I hold the wire close to the bead mat and clip with the loose end away from me.
First you need to add a loop to one end of the wire with the round nose wire. Once the loop is in place, you can start adding the beads to wire.
Make a small loop at one end of the wire. Add the beads.
Once the beads are on the wire, it is time to finish the other end. You want to get the loop as close to the beads as you can.
Wrap the wire around the round-nose pliers. then very carefully cut off the excess wire.
Once the wire is cut, use the pliers to adjust the loop as needed.
The finished project
Here is the finished bracelet – seen from the top and bottom as it looks on my wrist.
You can see that I have a decent amount of overlap to help keep the bracelet on.
Sometimes I make earrings to match the bracelet, such as this red beaded set.
Resources: I purchased the memory wire from Fire Mountain Gems here. As always, I have no affiliation with them except as a satisfied customer.
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