CreateBold Bracelets With Hardware Store Findings

Create 3 Bold Bracelets With Hardware Store Findings<br /><br />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 dads home projects meant frequent supply runs. That was usually a guy thing, but sometimes he let me tag along. Ive been a nuts and bolts girl ever since, which made it easy and fun to create bracelets that say Im nuts over you. I shopped for bracelet parts at my usual hardware store. Its big enough to have a good selection but small enough so I dont 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 dont 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.<br /><br />Wire cuttersWire, washers and nuts make these bracelets bold and distinctive. Theyre 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.<br /><br />1 Copper figure 8 bracelet<br /><br />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 shepherds hook clasp.<br /><br />2 Chrome and copper bracelet<br /><br />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 Shepherds hook clasp and the other with a single figure 8 for fastening. 3 Blackened steel and chrome bracelet<br /><br />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.<br /><br />1 inch down on your wire, curve it into a wrapped loop around the big washer. See illustration<br /><br />Add a nut then create another wrapped loop to hold it in place.<br /><br />Complete your bracelet by connecting your washers and a clasp.<br /><br />Now that youve got the basic technique, get creative with your hardware inspired bracelets. Add a few simple touches to make them personal.<br /><br />Experiment with a mix of washers and wire in chrome, brass, copper and blackened steel. Add free form wire shapes.<br /><br />Try adding a few wire hearts. See Handcrafted Jewelry: Simple Hearts Wire Earrings to learn how to create them. Add wire swirls.<br /><br />See Metal Stamping Create Personalized Jewelry for tips on stamping cool messages on your metal washers. Source:<br /><br />I made it up as I went along<br /><br />Published by Carol Rucker<br /><br />Carol is a native Cincinnatian recently transplanted to Tallahassee, Florida. She may find it a difficult transition because deep inside, she is 100% Cincinnati through and through. Still she will continue t. View profile<br /><br />Wire Jewelry Making: Create a Bracelet with PenniesPennies arent worth much, but youll love them as this quirky fun penny bracelet. for Making Wire JewelryPerhaps you have seen some wire jewelry that you liked. You are a crafty person, so you decide to try making wire jewelry.