Secrets to Wireworking Video 3: Creating a Clasp Bracelet with Howlite Gemstone Beads and Wirework
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Design Idea MH25
-- Designer --
Patti, Jewelry Designer, Exclusively for Fire Mountain Gems and Beads®
To learn more about Patti Miller, read her jewelry artist success story here.
: : : Materials : : :
Click here to view a full list of materials used in this design.
Please take the creative opportunity to select the products of your choice for this design, offered here at Fire Mountain Gems and Beads. Some materials may not be available or listed.
- Bead, howlite (dyed), lapis blue, 10mm round, B grade, Mohs hardness 3 to 3-1/2
- Bead, howlite (dyed), lapis blue, 12mm round, B grade, Mohs hardness 3 to 3-1/2
- Bead, howlite (dyed), lapis blue, 8mm round, B grade, Mohs hardness 3 to 3-1/2
- Wire, ParaWire™, copper, round, 20 gauge
- Wire, sterling silver, half-hard, round, 18 gauge
Lively blue howlite beads seemingly defy gravity in the next project of our wirework series. Join Patti once again for an overview on two of wirework's most common techniques. Learn how to overwrap gemstone beads in a bangle and wrap a clasp for a polished look.
Instructions
Step 1
Cut an 18-inch length of 18-gauge sterling silver wire and a 28-inch length of 20-gauge copper wire.
Step 2
Create an 8mm wrapped loop at one end of the sterling silver wire.
Step 3
Leaving a 6-inch tail of copper wire, tightly wrap the copper wire around the sterling silver wire directly below the wrapped loop. Repeat to add a total of four copper wraps.
Step 4
String an 8mm round onto the sterling silver wire.
Hold the bead 1mm from the previous copper wraps. Bring the copper wire around to the opposite side of the bead then tightly wrap around the sterling silver wire, 1mm from the bead.
Repeat to add and wrap the following:
- Three more 8mm rounds
- Two 10mm rounds
- One 12mm round
- Two 10mm rounds
- Four 8mm rounds
Step 5
Tightly wrap the copper wire around the sterling silver wire twice, directly next to the wire framing the last 8mm bead.
Step 6
Approximately 30mm from the copper coil, bend the sterling silver wire back on itself. Gently squeeze the wire together with chain-nose pliers then wrap tightly directly next to the copper coil. Trim any excess sterling silver wire.
Step 7
With the wide point of the jaw of round-nose pliers, Grip the doubled sterling silver wire approximately 3/4 inches from the silver coil.
Bend the doubled wire almost all the way around the jaw to create a hook. Grip the end of the hook and bend outward slightly to complete the hook clasp.
Gently bend the hook in on itself, if needed.
Step 8
Cut two 8-inch lengths of copper wire.
Wrap a length of copper wire around the copper and silver coils at one end of the bracelet. Trim any excess copper wire. Repeat to complete the opposite end.
Have a question regarding this project? Email Customer Service.
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The pieces featured in the Gallery of Designs are copyrighted designs and are provided for inspiration only. We encourage you to substitute different colors, products and techniques to make the design your own.
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