The Green Light Go Project: Day 1

Before one can make 300 braclets, one msut learn how to make 1 first. Here are a few ways I researched on how to make a braclet!

How to make a beaded bangle bracelet:

 

It is easy and fun to make a beaded bangle bracelet. Play around with different beads before you decide on a final selection, because you might find some interesting designs for your bangle. Try mixing different textures, colors and shapes. You need 15gauge (1,5mm) and 17g (1,2mm) wire for this project. Keep this in mind when you buy your beads, because the holes must allow 1,5mm wire to pass through. Practice with inexpensive wire like copper if this is one of your first wire project. What you need:

• 5 lampwork beads of your choice
• 6 large silver flower spacer beads (with holes big enough for 15g wire)
• silver round spacer beads (30 to 40, depending on your bracelet size)
• 17 or 18 gauge wire (1,2mm or 1,0mm)
• 15 gauge wire (1,5mm)
• headpin (optional, see step 6)
• small crystal bead 4mm (optional, see step 6)
• silver filigree bead (optional, see step 6)
• round nose pliers
• chain or flat nose pliers
• wire or side cutters
• safety glasses (optional)

Step 1:
You are going to work with the 15g wire first, so cut off a piece of wire (wrist size + 2”). You do not have to straighten the wire, because the bent wire is perfect for the bangle you are going to make. (Most techniques require that you have to straighten the wire before working with it). Grip the end of the wire with the middle part of your round nose pliers. You are going to make a loop, and gripping the wire at the end with the middle of your round nose pliers will give you a fairly good sized loop.

Make your loop in the opposite direction of the curve of the wire.

Make a loop by moving your pliers away from you. You will have to adjust your pliers as you go along.

Step 2:
Slide your beads onto the wire in the order you desire. The total length of all the beads must be the size of your wrist. The following formula will give you more or less an estimate length to work on.

Wrist size + 1 ½ inch = this beaded bangle bracelet size. The ½ an inch is added to the formula because you are using lampwork beads, which take up some space. The clasp and loops add the extra inch to the length.

 

Step 3:
When you have the correct length, grip the wire with the middle part of your round nose pliers next to the last bead. Use your free hand to bend the wire around the upper prong of your pliers until you have formed a complete loop. Cut off the excess wire that does not form part of the loop with your wire cutters. Always protect your eyes when cutting wire. Press the loop with your chain or flat nose pliers to make the loop even.


Step 4:
Curve the bangle into a round shape. Leave a space between the two ends, because you are going to attach the clasp to both ends.

 

Step 5:
The next step is to make a clasp for your beaded bangle bracelet. You will need 17g or 18g wire for making the clasp. I've used 17 gauge wire for this project. Follow the detailed explanation on the page how to make an S-clasp. Attach the clasp to your bangle.


Step 6:
Making a dangle for your clasp is optional. Use your headpin, silver bead and crystal bead and follow the steps in the link for making a loop on a headpin. Open the loop of the headpin, and attach it to the small loop of the s-clasp. Close the loop completely.

How To Make A Lampwork Bracelet:

You too can make a beautiful lampwork bracelet like the one in the graphic. But you can also change the look of the bracelet just by using different types, sizes and colors of beads. The possibilities are endless.

What you need:

• 19 strand Beadalon wire
• lampwork beads, or any other beads
• toggle clasp
• 2 jumps rings (5-6mm)
• 2 calottes
• blue swarovski crystal beads (optional)
• bali spacer beads (optional)
• crimp beads
• crimping pliers
• toggle clasp
• chain nose pliers
• wire or side cutters

Step 1:
Cut off a piece of Beadalon wire, 1” longer than the length of your bracelet. String your crimp bead onto the end of the wire. Use your crimping pliers to compress your crimp bead into a ball described on the page how to use crimp beads and crimping pliers. String your calotte onto the wire until the crimp bead is in the middle of the calotte. Cut off the wire next to the crimp so that no parts will stick out.

 Step 2:
Gently close the calotte with your chain or flat nose pliers until it is completely shut.

Step 3:

Open the loop of your calotte with your chain nose pliers and insert the jump ring. Close the loop.

Step 4:
Open the loop of the calotte by using your pliers to attach a jump ring. Open the jump ring described on the page how to open jump rings, and insert the bar of your toggle clasp. Close your jump ring the same way as you opened it.

Step 5:
Bring on the beads! If you're making the lampwork bracelet, then string your beads in the following order: Swarovski bead, lampwork bead, swarovski, bali bead, swarovski, lampwork etc. If you have your own beads, you can arrange them in the desired order.

Step 6:

Use the bracelet size guide to get the right length for your bracelet. Just keep in mind that the rest of the toggle clasp will include a calotte and jump ring at the end of your bracelet. Once you’ve got the right length, insert the calotte as shown in the graphic as well as a crimp bead.

Try to open the calotte slowly, and not too wide. I’ve broken dozens of these fragile little clamshells, and then I had to start all over again. Do not use crimping pliers for this specific crimp bead, they are too wide and will surely break the calotte. Use chain or bent nose pliers instead. Hold the wire with one hand, and with the other hand compress the crimp bead with your chain nose pliers.

Step 7:

Cut the tail of the wire with your wire or side cutters. Use your chain or flat nose pliers and gently close the shells of the calotte.

Step 8:

Open the loop of the calotte and insert the other jump ring. Close the loop. Open the jump ring to insert the ring of your toggle clasp. Close the jump ring to finish your lampwork bracelet.

(ALL INFORMATION ON BRACLET MAKING COMES FROM: )

http://www.how-to-make-beaded-jewelry.com/

Hayley Michelle, 15 years old, Spetmber 13: 2012