Multi-Strand, Summer Memory Wire Bracelet

SUPPLIES & TOOLS:

John Bead Supplies:

• Miyuki Delica Packaged Beads: Opaque Turquoise
• Tubes 6/0: Turquoise Luster
• Tubes 8/0: Retro Blue Mix
• Tubes 6/0: Angel Blue Mix
• Czech Glass Beads 24G 8/0


• Beadalon Memory Wire Bracelet .50 Oz: Silver Plated
• hildie & jo™ 120 pk Metal Ball Head Pins: Shiny Silver
• Beadalon Memory Wire Cutter Tool
• Chain Nose Pliers
• Flat Nose Pliers
• Round Nose Pliers
• Crimping Pliers

DIRECTIONS:

1. Begin by taking the memory wire out of the package.
2. To measure the length needed, wrap it around the wrist once.
3. Measure the memory wire so it meets once around wrist.
4. Using memory wire cutters, snip off the length needed.
5. Use this piece as a guide to measure 10 more pieces; 11 pieces in total.
6. Using round nose pliers & the first length of memory wire, make a simple loop on one end.
7. Because the memory wire is steel, hold tight & give the wire a good twist with round nose pliers.
8. To close the loop, use the first notch on crimping pliers to squeeze the end forming an oval, simple loop.
9. Make sure the loop is tight so the beads do not slip off.
10. Make the same small loops on the 10 remaining pieces, trying to keep the loops mostly the same size & shape.
11. Looking at the tube of seed beads, plan out the different sizes for each wire.
12. Size variations add texture & pattern to the bracelet.

In the sample design:
4 wires with 6/0 seed beads
3 wires with 8/0 seed beads
4 wires with 11/0 delica beads


13. Once decided on which colors & sizes will go on each wire, begin to load the wire with beads.
14. After completing the first wire, leave 1/2" without beads.
15. Using the same technique & direction as the first loop, create a loop with the round nose pliers & use the crimping pliers to close the loop, forming an oval simple loop.
16. Try to keep the loops almost the same size on each end.
17. Continue adding beads & securing them until all 11 wires are done.
18. Experiment with the placement & pattern of how the wires will line up beside each other on the bracelet.

The sample design used:
6/0, 11/0, 8/0, 6/0, 11/0, 8/0, 6/0, 11/0, 8/0, 11/0, 6/0.


19. Cut two 2" pieces of memory wire.
20. These pieces will be curved.
21. Using flat nose pliers, gently try to straighten out the memory wire.
22. Start at one & create tiny little kinks to straighten the wire.
23. The wire will not be perfectly straight, but try to get it as straight as possible.
24. This wire will be covered with beads, so a slight curve will go unnoticed.
25. On one end of the 2" wire, make a small, simple loop in the same process used for the 11 beaded wires using round nose pliers & closing the loop with crimping pliers.
26. Once both pieces done, start adding each of the 11 wires to the straightened wire.
27. Add an 8/0 seed bead in between each loop.
28. Continue this pattern until you add the last loop on the beaded wire & end with a 8/0 seed bead.
29. Create another loop to keep all the beads & wire in place.
30. This will feel a bit tricky, but it will be easier if all the beaded wires are lined up.
31. Use memory wire cutters to trim off the excess, leaving about a half inch to create the loop.
32. Try to keep the loop the same size & going in the same direction as the one on the other end.
33. Once all the wires are secured in place with a seed bead between each, move onto the other side.
34. Add an 8/0 seed bead then the loop of a beaded wire & repeat the pattern as done on the other side.
35. Make sure the beaded wires do not cross each other.
36. When all the 8/0 seed beads & beaded wires are lined up and in place, trim off the extra wire leaving enough to create the same, simple loop as placed on the other side.
37. The cuff should be secured & in place.
38. The only thing left to do is to make the dangles.
39. Take 4 ball headpins & add one bead of each size.
40. Create a double wrapped loop.
41. Add these dangles to the loops that were just created.
42. Using chain nose pliers, gently open the loop & slide on a dangle to each of the 4 loops.
43. Make sure to tighten those loops closed so they do not catch on clothing.
44. Optional: Add tassels or small charms to these loops.
45. The cuff is ready to be worn or gifted.

JOANN HACKS:

• Always use memory wire cutters when working with memory wire.
• NEVER use regular flush cutters for cutting memory wire or any steel wire.