Monday, September 9, 2013

How to Make Wire Bangles


MaryAnn Carroll
So, what have I done for our Hoops Boot Camp?  Well, I watched this very short little video on how to make bangles and then added my own little twist.







The video is short and right to the point.... just like me! lol! I'm not really short, but I have been known to get right to the point! 

With that said,why start changing my reputation at 53, I will get right to it!

Here are some different views of the three bangles that I made. I decided to use copper wire as well as adding my own ceramic beads to a couple of them. The third one is probably a 10 gauge wire (not sure, but I got it at Lowes) and I soldered one of my hammered copper tubes to it.





When watching the video, I did not think that 8" seemed like long enough, but after wearing these, that I cut to 8.5", I would say that I am sure that it is.  I also used copper solder that I had recently purchased at a bead show near my home (one of the very few - often not so great) in Syracuse, NY. Copper solder is interesting to work with and I definitely need some more practice, but I like that it blends in with copper, since that is my metal of choice.

Have you been busy making some new hoop designs? If you come up with something that you think is unique, maybe you will even offer a tutorial on "share" day..... That would be very cool!

So, I have reached my end for today. I had three year old grandson overnight last night. Today, I glazed what were supposed to be a few beads for Bill's wood-firing tomorrow, but they didn't turn out to be a few and I just finished doing another "few" things for Bill while he loads the kiln.  It is 9:40 and I am beyond pooped! Gotta get up at 5:30 am tomorrow for week two of the 2013/2014 school year. It's already going by fast!

I'd love to hear what you are doing with your latest jewelry endeavors.

And, I just couldn't end this any other way....... but..... to.....

Thank-you for supporting artists who create handmade with handmade.

MaryAnn



10 comments:

baymoondesign said...

Thank you for sharing this tutorial.

KayzKreationz said...

These look cool. Can't wait to watch the video and try them out. My hubby just got me Sherri Haab's etching kit for our anniversary and I'm wanting to try some etching and bangles. Thanks for posting.

Erika said...

Cannot wait to see the wood fired beads, as usual! I like your bangles. My hands are large, so I can't wear closed hoop bangles (can't get 'em off.) Maybe the 8.5" would fit me better.

mairedodd said...

great video and i love your heavier interpretation... who doesn't love bangles? thanks for throwing that into the mix of hoops!

Artisan Beads Plus said...

Erika, The 8.5 would probably work for you. I am just the opposite and have small hands. They are a little large for me.

ciaolucia said...

Your bangles are beautiful MaryAnn! Love that you used your beads with it. Did you anneal the copper to make it pliable for bending?

Artisan Beads Plus said...

Hi Lu,

I did anneal it. I then put them in the tumbler. The ceramic beads hold up well inside of it unlike some other beads.

Mystic Indigo said...

This was a great little video! And I love the bangles too that you made...

Artisan Beads Plus said...

Thanks :o)

Unknown said...

Thanks so much for posting!!! I make distressed copper bracelets. Should i hammer and distress BEFORE solder? TIA

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