Fantasy Filigree Bracelet (Tutorial)
by Rena Klingenberg. © 2003-Present Rena Klingenberg. All Rights Reserved
This Fantasy Filigree Bracelet was inspired by poking through my stash of metal filigree stampings, and playing with ways to use them together.
Side view of the bracelet when it’s being worn:
I like the opposing forces of the chunky size of the bracelet, vs. the delicate openwork on each component.
Supplies:
- Metal filigree stampings (or other charms / pendants with a hole at each end).
All of my filigrees were purchased from various Etsy.com sellers over the years.
You can find this type of component on Etsy and other places, with an online search for “metal filigree stampings”. - Jump rings, medium size, for attaching the filigrees together, and for attaching the clasp.
- Clasp to close the bracelet.
I used a large lobster clasp in antiqued brass. - Flat nose pliers
- Chain nose pliers
About the Filigree Components I Used:
All of the pieces started out as antiqued brass color.
But I wanted to add more rich Autumn colors to this bracelet.
So I used patina inks to turn the two teardrops rust color, and the two leaves olive color.
(For details on this metal coloring technique, see my Jewelry Patina Techniques Tutorial.)
How to Make a
Fantasy Filigree Bracelet
If you’re new to using jump rings, see my quick tip, How to Open and Close a Jump Ring.
Start by arranging the filigree pieces into whatever order you like for your bracelet.
Once you have your desired order, you can assemble the bracelet by using jump rings to attach the filigrees in a line.
I started in the middle of the bracelet, and worked outward to the ends.
So here’s my bracelet centerpiece, and the filigree leaves that will flank it.
Use your flat nose and chain nose pliers to twist open two jump rings:
. . . and use the jump rings to attach each leaf to its side of the centerpiece.
Use your flat nose and chain nose pliers to twist the jump rings shut again:
Now line up your next filigrees, so you can attach them to the ends of the previous filigree components.
Use your flat nose and chain nose pliers to twist open two jump rings:
Then use these jump rings to attach these new filigrees.
Use your flat nose and chain nose pliers to twist the jump rings shut again:
Continue adding your filigree components on each side of the bracelet:
When you’ve connected all the filigrees into a bracelet, it’s time to attach the clasp ends.
At one end of your bracelet, set out your clasp and twist open a jump ring:
Thread the jump ring through the clasp’s loop, and also through the hole at the end of the filigree.
Then twist the jump ring shut:
Now move to the other end of your bracelet.
We’ll attach a jump ring to this end, for closing the clasp of the bracelet.
Twist open a jump ring, and attach it to the hole at the end of the last filigree component:
Then twist the jump ring shut again:
When the bracelet is fastened, it should look something like this:
Your finished Fantasy Filigree Bracelet may look something like this:
