How to Make a Copper Wire Link Bracelet

How to Make a Copper Wire Link Bracelet<br /><br />Copper is very popular in jewelry making for many reasons. Many use copper wire as practice when designing jewelry, because it is very inexpensive compared to sterling silver or gold filled wire. Others use it for its beautiful color it makes me feel like Im holding a newly minted penny!, and others use it because it is extremely malleable, even at its thickest gauge. Im not entirely sold on claims that copper jewelry has health benefits in bones, joints, nervous system, as well as in the circulatory system, but Im one of those people who say if it wont kill me, and might help me, why not try it? Personally, I use copper for many reasons. I love its color, its malleability, and the fact that its so inexpensive. There are many places to buy copper wire, but I usually buy mine at Rings Things, and pay $6.25 for 20 125 feet of wire, depending on the gauge. I usually buy 16 or 18 gauge, which gives me 32 or 50 feet spools. Copper wire can also be purchased colored, and comes in black, gold, silver, blue, purple, red, etc. Prices range from $5.00 $7.30, depending on gauge and length of spool.<br /><br />One of my favorite projects for working with copper wire is wire wrapped beaded chain bracelets. They are easy to make, dont use too many supplies, and can be made in an hour or so. They are simple, but add extra flair to any outfit.<br /><br />Step 2: Using your flat nose pliers, make a bend about 90 degrees an inch from the end. Use the bent part, and make a wrapped loop. Make sure to attach the lobster clasp to the loop.<br /><br />Step 3: Add one 8mm or 10mm bead. Alternately, you can add a seed/spacer bead, an 8mm or 10mm bead, and another seed/spacer bead. Make another wrapped loop.<br /><br />Step 4: Pick up another piece of wire, and start to make another wrapped loop on one end. Instead of attaching one part of the clasp to the loop, attach the other link, and finish the wrapped loop. Then repeat step 3.<br /><br />Step 5: Repeat steps 3 and 4 until youve completed all the links. I used 7, but you may need 8 or 9. For the last link, which will be part of the clasp, make a wrapped loop link as you did before, just omitting the beads.<br /><br />Your links should be about one inch long, making your bracelet 8 9 inches long, depending on how many links you make. For an easier version, make the links separately, closing each loop as you go along. Use the jump rings to connect the links, which will make the bracelet a bit longer, in which case you may only need 6 7 beaded links.<br /><br />You can also use this same technique, but make 15 18 links for a necklace. Better yet, if you use the jump ring method, you can add or subtract links in a few minutes to make it longer or shorter, to go with any outfit. Moore<br /><br />Beads: Lima Beads<br /><br />Clasp: EE Beads<br /><br />Published by Paige Maxim<br /><br />I am a 27 year old life long Mainer, and I love designing jewelry, other crafts, and writing. I been selling my jewelry designs online on Etsy and Artfire since 2008, as well as at local craft shows. View profile