by Rena Klingenberg.
This breezy, lightweight bracelet wraps several times around your wrist (or once around your neck as a necklace).
It’s super-easy to make and stylish to wear. And it’s a great project for using up odds and ends of jump rings!
Supplies:
Tape measure.
2 pliers for opening and closing jump rings (flat nose or chain nose).
A stash of jump rings – preferably in different colors or metals, and a variety of sizes. This is what I used:
A clasp (lobster, hook, toggle, etc.). I used this simple S-hook I made a while ago from a piece of scrap copper wire:
Quick Tip:
If you don’t know the best way to open and close jump rings, see my super-quick tip here: How to Open and Close a Jump Ring.
Measure Your Wrist:
Note: I made my bracelet 24 inches long, so it would wrap around my wrist 3 times with 3 inches to spare.
However, I think 5 wraps would be better, especially for such an open-work piece.
So I’ll be adding more rings to my bracelet later to make it long enough to wrap 5 times around my wrist.
First, decide how many times you’d like to have your bracelet wrap around your wrist.
Then wrap a tape measure around your wrist that many times.
Look at that measurement, and then add 3 more inches (8 cm) to it.
That’s how long you need to make your bracelet.
How to Make the
Mixed Metal Wrap Bracelet:
I created my bracelet by starting in the middle and building out both sides from there.
So I started with my central jump ring:
Then started adding smaller jump rings in random color combinations on the sides:
After a length of smaller jump rings, I added another large jump ring on each side:
I added another length of smaller jump rings to each side, and then added my last two big jump rings – one on each side:
Keep measuring as you work so you’ll know when to stop.
I added a final length of smaller jump rings to each end:
Then I added my clasp to one end:
Here you can see how the clasp fastens (I simply hook it through the last ring on the other end of the bracelet):
To wear it as a mixed metal wrap bracelet, wind it around your wrist as many times as possible and fasten the clasp.
Ideas for Variations:
- Use a chain maille weave instead of making a single-row chain.
- Use split rings instead of jump rings.
- Substitute black rubber washers for some of the rings.
- Solder the rings after making the bracelet.
- Go wild with dangles attached to the jump rings.
Love this! Love the mixture of metals.
Cool project, Rena! Love the versatility of this idea. It’s a bracelet. No, it’s a necklace. No wait, it’s both!
Lynda
I can see this being a cool way to make a chain belt if it were made longer, too!
Fab idea – love the different coloured metals! Visiting via Sweet Little Gals, Trendy Tuesday xx
Oooh, nice and simple but with considerable impact. I like it!
this looks cool! and it’s so versatile to go with alot of different outfits! thanks for linking it up to tip-toe thru tuesday!
Love how it’s so simple and so versatile!
This is great! I’m on a bracelet kick right now, so this is perfect for me! I’ll be featuring this on my blog on Saturday!
Sumo:)
WOW! I love that!!! I wouldn’t know where to start but I am going to show this to my daughter. She LOVES making jewelry!
Pinning! thanks so much
LOVE this! It’s definitely something I would wear. Now I have to recruit my husband to help me make it…
That is so cool.. modern and funky! I love your bracelet!
Wonderfully simple to follow tutorial and a great way to use up extra materials.
I love it! It can be worn in so many fun ways. So, simple and elegant.
Thanks for linking up at friday fun party. Have a great weekend!
Love the mixture. So glad you linked this to Things I’ve Done Thursday!
Thank you all so much for your kind feedback on my bracelet / necklace wrap!
Beautiful!! Great tutorial and I love the way it turned out. Thanks for linking up to DIY Diva Thursdays!
Kara
Love everything about this. The mixed metals, the large links. Wonderful
What a great rustic look! Thanks for sharing at Restyled Sundays.
This is so gorgeous! A total rock star look! I totally love it
I love the ‘texture’ you achieved with the different sized rings and colors! Light and fun, and perfect for summer!
Thanks so much for linking up at I Gotta Create!
<3 Christina
That is a wonderful tutorial! Thanks for sharing on our “Strut Your Stuff Saturday”. Hope you come back next week. -The Sisters
Rena, your bracelet is beautiful and your tutorial is perfect! Thank you so much for linking up to “A Little Birdie Told Me…” at Rook No. 17! You’re post is one of the features in this week’s party!
Jenn
What a unique piece!! Love the color combination!
Thanks so much for sharing at The DIY Dreamer… From Dream To Reality! I can’t wait to see what you link up this evening!
Love this bracelet! I love the mix of colors you used too. Thanks so much for stopping by Creative Thursday last week. I couldn’t do these parties without you. Can’t wait to see what you link up this week. Have a great week.
Michelle
Love the bracelet! Can you tell me what kind of copper wire you used for the clasp?
Hi Staci, it’s 18 gauge round soft copper wire. It’s a good idea to hammer-harden or tumble the clasp after making it, to make it stiffer and sturdier.
Thanks to all for your lovely feedback on this project!
love it! Great to have you on Craft Schooling Sunday, I’m always inspired by your jewelry ideas!
This is so super pretty!! I love the different rings you used too! Thanks so much for linking up – I featured you today!
That sure does look beautiful. You are so talented!
Thanks for linking up to Say G’day Saturday. This week’s post is now live so I hope that you can join in again this weekend!
Best wishes,
Natasha in Oz
Thanks for sharing this at our Fall Bucket List link-up. I’d love to have something like this in my jewelry box!
This might get me over my fear of mixing metals – I’ll finally be able to use up some of those odds and ends I’ve collected. Thanks for a great tutorial!
Very cool! A great, bold look without being overly heavy.