Wire Jewelry Making: Create an Elegant Bracelet with Simple Wire Shapes

If you're in the mood to create something beautiful and don't have all day to do it, try making a handcrafted bracelet with simple wire shapes. That's the beauty of wire jewelry making. Once you learn to craft a few basic shapes, you can mix and match them into a variety of combinations. The result can be a pair of earrings, a unique necklace or an elegant bracelet like this one. Best of all, your handcrafted creations will look as though they took hours to make. Only you will know how quick and easy they were.

I created the bracelet in the first illustration using a simple pattern of figure 8 and S shapes. You can make your own bracelet with wire swirls, circles, triangles or whatever shapes you choose. The common elements are the figure 8s that hold the wire shapes together. Here's what you'll need to get started.

Tools

Pliers
Needle nose pliers
Wire cutters

Hammer and block (optional) - If you are a frequent wire jewelry maker, consider ordering these items from a jewelry and tool website like RioGrande.com or Wire-Sculpture.com. Michael's Craft stores now stock these items in their Jewelry Essentials Dapping Tools Line.

Files - If you don't have a set of metal files, try using cushioned emery files like those you find in a beauty supply store. They come in various grits from rough to smooth. They can be used similarly to the way you use a metal file.

Material

16 gauge wire - I like 16 or even 18 gauge wire for a bold look. Thicker gauges also hold their shape better than thinner gauges.

Practice with copper wire. When you're confident with your technique, switch to more expensive sterling or gold filled wire if you choose.

Create 18 figure 8s

To make your figure 8s follow the instructions in "Wire Jewelry Making: What Can You do With a Figure 8." For a bracelet that measures 7 &1/2 inches, create approximately 18 figure 8s. If you want shorter figure 8s, cut your wire shorter than the instructions require. When using shorter 8s experiment to find the right number to use.

Create 7 "S" shapes

Cut 7 pieces of wire 2 & 1/4 inches each

At a point approximately 3/4 from one end, use your round nose pliers to curve a section of wire. (see illustration #2)

Starting from the other end, curve a section of wire in the opposite direction to complete your S shape.

On both sides, the "tails" of your S should extend approximately 1/4 inch beyond the edge of the curve. (see illustration #2)

Using your round nosed pliers, make the "tails" into loops.

To form your loop grasp each "tail" at the tip. Roll your pliers toward the curve on the other side.

Use your pliers to close up the gaps for a tighter "S" shape.

If you have a hammer and block or anvil, hammer your 8s and Ss. It will give them a slightly different look and make the shapes sturdier.

Don't hammer your wire shapes too much. You'll weaken the metal.

Create a shepherd's hook clasp

Cut a 2 inch piece of 16 Gauge wire

Use the thickest part of your round nose pliers to make a "u" shape with one side 1/4 inch longer than the other.

Create a loop on the longest side. (see illustration #3)

Bend a slight angle on the other side.

Hammer the tip and the curve of your clasp. (Optional)

File or smooth the rough edges.

Connect your shapes Into a bracelet

Open an S and add two figure 8s.

Add another S.

Continue the pattern until you have the length you desire.

Add your shepherd's hook clasp to one end.

Place a single figure 8 on the other end for a catch.

Triangle bracelet

The triangle bracelet in illustration #4 is made with bolder 14 gauge wire.

In this version you don't have to make figure 8s to connect the pieces together.

Simply form your triangles.

Roll the wire end into a loop.

Hammer your triangles.

Use your pliers to turn the loop perpendicular to your triangle.

Connect your angles together at the loop.

Use a figure 8 to add your hook to one end.

Add another figure 8 to the other end for a catch.

Additional Ideas

Make a pair of earrings with your S shapes

Instead of connecting S shapes, make swirls instead (see illustration #4)

Source:
My personal projects