Create 3 Bold Bracelets With Hardware Store 'Findings'

I got excited at the thought of making bracelets out of stuff from a hardware store. I love hammers and saws and all those little metal things you find while exploring each aisle. When I was growing up, my dad's home projects meant frequent supply runs. That was usually a guy thing, but sometimes he let me tag along. I've been a nuts and bolts girl ever since, which made it easy and fun to create bracelets that say "I'm nuts over you."

I shopped for bracelet parts at my usual hardware store. It's big enough to have a good selection but small enough so I don't get lost. I found what I needed in a single aisle: little drawers of nuts and washers on one side, wire on the other. I got excited and spent way too much on "findings"; but you don't have to. Even if you buy wire, 10 dollars should cover the cost of supplies for several bracelets. Once you get the hang of it, you can make one in about 30 minutes. Your tween can make them with a little help from mom or dad.

Tools

Jewelry pliers

Round nosed pliers with bigger tips for larger loops.

Wire cutters

Materials

Wire: 16 gauge copper or 20 gauge blackened steel

Nuts and washers: I bought steel, stainless steel, brass and chrome plated. Prices ranged from 12 cents to $1.19 each.

Making your bracelets

Wire, washers and nuts make these bracelets bold and distinctive. They're easy once you learn to make simple figure 8s. See "Wire Jewelry Making: What Can You Do with a Figure 8"? to learn the technique. Then lay out your pieces and connect them together.

1- Copper figure 8 bracelet

Make an super easy bracelet with just figure 8s made with 16 gauge copper wire from a hardware store. See "Make a Wire Bracelet Even a Grandma Could Love" for quick and easy instructions. The tutorial also has instructions for a shepherd's hook clasp.

2- Chrome and copper bracelet

• Use 7 chrome-plated 2 CM washers (slightly more than 3/4 inch).
• Make 15 figure 8s. For a different look flatten the wire first, then cut it into 1 and 1/2 inch pieces.
• Use 2 figure 8s to connect each washer.
• Finish one end with a Shepherd's hook clasp and the other with a single figure 8 for fastening.

3- Blackened steel and chrome bracelet

• Use 20 gauge blackened steel instead of copper.
• Add a large single washer for a bold focal point.
• Connect the Big washer with two 2 and 1/2 inch pieces of wire.
  
• 1 inch down on your wire, curve it into a wrapped loop around the big washer. (See illustration)
  
• Add a nut then create another wrapped loop to hold it in place.
  
• Complete your bracelet by connecting your washers and a clasp.
  

Now that you've got the basic technique, get creative with your hardware inspired bracelets. Add a few simple touches to make them personal.

• Experiment with a mix of washers and wire in chrome, brass, copper and blackened steel.
• Add free form wire shapes.
  
• Try adding a few wire hearts. See "Handcrafted Jewelry: "Simple Hearts" Wire Earrings" to learn how to create them.
• Add wire swirls.
  
• See "Metal Stamping - Create Personalized Jewelry" for tips on stamping cool messages on your metal washers.

Source:
I made it up as I went along