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

How To Make a Beaded Wire Ring

How To Make a Beaded Wire Ring<br /><br />Just when you thought beadworks are only possible in necklaces and bracelets, this set of instructions will teach you how to create your own beaded wire ring. This unique jewelry piece will also add variety to your bling collection. Wouldnt it be hip to match that pink beaded necklace with a green beaded ring? Truth be known, those who have started making beaded accessories have gotten hooked to beading and even earned from it. Aside from the fun you get from creating various pieces, you may even be even doing mother nature a favor. Leftover beads may be recycled into accessories instead of throwing them. You may not only be a budding fashion icon but also an environmentalist. How about that? So get all your beading materials and lets get this started.<br /><br />You will need small beads, preferably flat ones. You dont want to leave bead marks on your ring finger or wherever you prefer to wear the ring. Besides, you need to consider comfort in fashion as well. You should also pick an elastic nylon thread to slip the ring in your finger comfortably and keep the beads in place. Prepare other materials such as a pair of pliers, various designs of seed beads, and crimps.<br /><br />This part may be tricky, but you only need to concentrate just like how you focus when slipping a thread into a needle hole. Slip a small bead on both ends of the thread.<br /><br />You should now have a loop with three beads. Pull both nylon ends tightly to keep them in place.<br /><br />Repeat steps 4 and 5 until your beaded pattern is long enough to fit your ring finger or wherever you plan to wear the jewelry piece. Remember, however, to skip a small bead on your last loop set.<br /><br />You have to knot the tail ends without showing the tiny bunch. You do this by sliding the ends through the small bead you had slid step 2. Tie both ends, using an overhand knot.<br /><br />Finally, trim off the excess cord.<br /><br />You now have your own beaded ring! Be creative and let your imagination run wild in making accessories you have always wanted to wear or give as gifts. Create as many patterns as you like. This hobby could even open doors for business opportunities. You dont need much to start making money out of your skill. Remember that. Wouldnt it be nice to get paid and have fun at the same time? These fashion accessories can also save you money when you need to buy presents for your family and friends. They even add a personal touch to your gift giving ideas.

How To Make a Beaded Wire Ring

How To Make a Beaded Wire Ring<br /><br />Just when you thought beadworks are only possible in necklaces and bracelets, this set of instructions will teach you how to create your own beaded wire ring. This unique jewelry piece will also add variety to your bling collection. Wouldnt it be hip to match that pink beaded necklace with a green beaded ring? Truth be known, those who have started making beaded accessories have gotten hooked to beading and even earned from it. Aside from the fun you get from creating various pieces, you may even be even doing mother nature a favor. Leftover beads may be recycled into accessories instead of throwing them. You may not only be a budding fashion icon but also an environmentalist. How about that? So get all your beading materials and lets get this started.<br /><br />You will need small beads, preferably flat ones. You dont want to leave bead marks on your ring finger or wherever you prefer to wear the ring. Besides, you need to consider comfort in fashion as well. You should also pick an elastic nylon thread to slip the ring in your finger comfortably and keep the beads in place. Prepare other materials such as a pair of pliers, various designs of seed beads, and crimps.<br /><br />This part may be tricky, but you only need to concentrate just like how you focus when slipping a thread into a needle hole. Slip a small bead on both ends of the thread.<br /><br />You should now have a loop with three beads. Pull both nylon ends tightly to keep them in place.<br /><br />Repeat steps 4 and 5 until your beaded pattern is long enough to fit your ring finger or wherever you plan to wear the jewelry piece. Remember, however, to skip a small bead on your last loop set.<br /><br />You have to knot the tail ends without showing the tiny bunch. You do this by sliding the ends through the small bead you had slid step 2. Tie both ends, using an overhand knot.<br /><br />Finally, trim off the excess cord.<br /><br />You now have your own beaded ring! Be creative and let your imagination run wild in making accessories you have always wanted to wear or give as gifts. Create as many patterns as you like. This hobby could even open doors for business opportunities. You dont need much to start making money out of your skill. Remember that. Wouldnt it be nice to get paid and have fun at the same time? These fashion accessories can also save you money when you need to buy presents for your family and friends. They even add a personal touch to your gift giving ideas.

How to Care for Your Jewelry

How to Care for Your Jewelry<br /><br />Most good jewelry will last for many years if properly taken care of. Taking care of your jewelry includes several important steps. Storage<br /><br />Store jewelry in an organized container, with plenty of room so that different jewelry pieces do not touch each other. This serves a dual purpose. First, it prevents tangling of chains, a phenomenon with which most women are unfortunately familiar. Second, it prevents tarnishing. Often, if different metals such as gold and silver touch each other, there will be a chemical reaction and the color will turn. Of course, storing your jewelry in an organized fashion also prevents you from losing those tiny earrings and earring backs. In addition to a standard jewelry box, a great way to store earrings is on a special earring rack. Also, necklaces can be hung on mini hooks. Inexpensive jewelry displays can be purchased at accessory stores in the shopping mall, such as Claires Boutique. You can also make your own using pretty pieces of fabric and wall hooks.<br /><br />If you want your jewelry to last, it is imperative that you take it off when you bathe and go to sleep. This flies in the face of what many people do. Some people are stuck in the old tradition of never taking off a ring or necklace because of its sentimental value. But in reality, if you really love a piece of jewelry, you are only showing it care by removing it. Sleeping in chains causes them to weaken and eventually stretch or break. Leaving rings and earrings on all the time causes them to get filthy dirty with globs of lotion, soap, and who knows what else.<br /><br />Also, certain types of gemstones are simply not meant to be worn every day. For example, soft stones such as aquamarines or citrines will eventually get scratched and lose some of their shine if worn every day. It is best to wear them only occasionally, and remove them when you get home. Harder stones such as diamonds are much more durable, and can be worn daily, which is one of the reasons they are used for wedding and engagement rings.<br /><br />When you put your jewelry on in the morning, it should be the last part of your routine. That way, you will not get lotions and makeup on it. Be sure to spray perfume and let it dry before you adorn yourself with jewels. Pieces that you wear often should be cleaned about once a week. Gold and most gemstones can be placed in store bought gold jewelry cleaner. This comes in little jars for about $4. The jewelry should be placed in the basket inside the jar, and left to soak for a little while. It should then be scrubbed with a small brush and rinsed in water. Some cleaning products such as Mr. Clean can also be used in a pinch. While some people use toothpaste, this is not a good idea, as it is too abrasive and may scratch stones. Electric or sonic jewelry cleaning machines can also be purchased for about $25. As for silver jewelry, special silver cleaner should be used. Silver can also be polished with chemically treated silver cleaning cloths, available for purchase in many jewelry and department stores. When it comes to cleaning other types of jewelry, such as pearls or even wood or vintage plastics, the best thing to do is use a damp cloth and gently wipe the jewelry down and let it air dry.

How to Care for Your Jewelry

How to Care for Your Jewelry<br /><br />Most good jewelry will last for many years if properly taken care of. Taking care of your jewelry includes several important steps. Storage<br /><br />Store jewelry in an organized container, with plenty of room so that different jewelry pieces do not touch each other. This serves a dual purpose. First, it prevents tangling of chains, a phenomenon with which most women are unfortunately familiar. Second, it prevents tarnishing. Often, if different metals such as gold and silver touch each other, there will be a chemical reaction and the color will turn. Of course, storing your jewelry in an organized fashion also prevents you from losing those tiny earrings and earring backs. In addition to a standard jewelry box, a great way to store earrings is on a special earring rack. Also, necklaces can be hung on mini hooks. Inexpensive jewelry displays can be purchased at accessory stores in the shopping mall, such as Claires Boutique. You can also make your own using pretty pieces of fabric and wall hooks.<br /><br />If you want your jewelry to last, it is imperative that you take it off when you bathe and go to sleep. This flies in the face of what many people do. Some people are stuck in the old tradition of never taking off a ring or necklace because of its sentimental value. But in reality, if you really love a piece of jewelry, you are only showing it care by removing it. Sleeping in chains causes them to weaken and eventually stretch or break. Leaving rings and earrings on all the time causes them to get filthy dirty with globs of lotion, soap, and who knows what else.<br /><br />Also, certain types of gemstones are simply not meant to be worn every day. For example, soft stones such as aquamarines or citrines will eventually get scratched and lose some of their shine if worn every day. It is best to wear them only occasionally, and remove them when you get home. Harder stones such as diamonds are much more durable, and can be worn daily, which is one of the reasons they are used for wedding and engagement rings.<br /><br />When you put your jewelry on in the morning, it should be the last part of your routine. That way, you will not get lotions and makeup on it. Be sure to spray perfume and let it dry before you adorn yourself with jewels. Pieces that you wear often should be cleaned about once a week. Gold and most gemstones can be placed in store bought gold jewelry cleaner. This comes in little jars for about $4. The jewelry should be placed in the basket inside the jar, and left to soak for a little while. It should then be scrubbed with a small brush and rinsed in water. Some cleaning products such as Mr. Clean can also be used in a pinch. While some people use toothpaste, this is not a good idea, as it is too abrasive and may scratch stones. Electric or sonic jewelry cleaning machines can also be purchased for about $25. As for silver jewelry, special silver cleaner should be used. Silver can also be polished with chemically treated silver cleaning cloths, available for purchase in many jewelry and department stores. When it comes to cleaning other types of jewelry, such as pearls or even wood or vintage plastics, the best thing to do is use a damp cloth and gently wipe the jewelry down and let it air dry.

How to Care for Your Jewelry

How to Care for Your Jewelry<br /><br />Most good jewelry will last for many years if properly taken care of. Taking care of your jewelry includes several important steps. Storage<br /><br />Store jewelry in an organized container, with plenty of room so that different jewelry pieces do not touch each other. This serves a dual purpose. First, it prevents tangling of chains, a phenomenon with which most women are unfortunately familiar. Second, it prevents tarnishing. Often, if different metals such as gold and silver touch each other, there will be a chemical reaction and the color will turn. Of course, storing your jewelry in an organized fashion also prevents you from losing those tiny earrings and earring backs. In addition to a standard jewelry box, a great way to store earrings is on a special earring rack. Also, necklaces can be hung on mini hooks. Inexpensive jewelry displays can be purchased at accessory stores in the shopping mall, such as Claires Boutique. You can also make your own using pretty pieces of fabric and wall hooks.<br /><br />If you want your jewelry to last, it is imperative that you take it off when you bathe and go to sleep. This flies in the face of what many people do. Some people are stuck in the old tradition of never taking off a ring or necklace because of its sentimental value. But in reality, if you really love a piece of jewelry, you are only showing it care by removing it. Sleeping in chains causes them to weaken and eventually stretch or break. Leaving rings and earrings on all the time causes them to get filthy dirty with globs of lotion, soap, and who knows what else.<br /><br />Also, certain types of gemstones are simply not meant to be worn every day. For example, soft stones such as aquamarines or citrines will eventually get scratched and lose some of their shine if worn every day. It is best to wear them only occasionally, and remove them when you get home. Harder stones such as diamonds are much more durable, and can be worn daily, which is one of the reasons they are used for wedding and engagement rings.<br /><br />When you put your jewelry on in the morning, it should be the last part of your routine. That way, you will not get lotions and makeup on it. Be sure to spray perfume and let it dry before you adorn yourself with jewels. Pieces that you wear often should be cleaned about once a week. Gold and most gemstones can be placed in store bought gold jewelry cleaner. This comes in little jars for about $4. The jewelry should be placed in the basket inside the jar, and left to soak for a little while. It should then be scrubbed with a small brush and rinsed in water. Some cleaning products such as Mr. Clean can also be used in a pinch. While some people use toothpaste, this is not a good idea, as it is too abrasive and may scratch stones. Electric or sonic jewelry cleaning machines can also be purchased for about $25. As for silver jewelry, special silver cleaner should be used. Silver can also be polished with chemically treated silver cleaning cloths, available for purchase in many jewelry and department stores. When it comes to cleaning other types of jewelry, such as pearls or even wood or vintage plastics, the best thing to do is use a damp cloth and gently wipe the jewelry down and let it air dry.

How to Care for Your Jewelry

How to Care for Your Jewelry<br /><br />Most good jewelry will last for many years if properly taken care of. Taking care of your jewelry includes several important steps. Storage<br /><br />Store jewelry in an organized container, with plenty of room so that different jewelry pieces do not touch each other. This serves a dual purpose. First, it prevents tangling of chains, a phenomenon with which most women are unfortunately familiar. Second, it prevents tarnishing. Often, if different metals such as gold and silver touch each other, there will be a chemical reaction and the color will turn. Of course, storing your jewelry in an organized fashion also prevents you from losing those tiny earrings and earring backs. In addition to a standard jewelry box, a great way to store earrings is on a special earring rack. Also, necklaces can be hung on mini hooks. Inexpensive jewelry displays can be purchased at accessory stores in the shopping mall, such as Claires Boutique. You can also make your own using pretty pieces of fabric and wall hooks.<br /><br />If you want your jewelry to last, it is imperative that you take it off when you bathe and go to sleep. This flies in the face of what many people do. Some people are stuck in the old tradition of never taking off a ring or necklace because of its sentimental value. But in reality, if you really love a piece of jewelry, you are only showing it care by removing it. Sleeping in chains causes them to weaken and eventually stretch or break. Leaving rings and earrings on all the time causes them to get filthy dirty with globs of lotion, soap, and who knows what else.<br /><br />Also, certain types of gemstones are simply not meant to be worn every day. For example, soft stones such as aquamarines or citrines will eventually get scratched and lose some of their shine if worn every day. It is best to wear them only occasionally, and remove them when you get home. Harder stones such as diamonds are much more durable, and can be worn daily, which is one of the reasons they are used for wedding and engagement rings.<br /><br />When you put your jewelry on in the morning, it should be the last part of your routine. That way, you will not get lotions and makeup on it. Be sure to spray perfume and let it dry before you adorn yourself with jewels. Pieces that you wear often should be cleaned about once a week. Gold and most gemstones can be placed in store bought gold jewelry cleaner. This comes in little jars for about $4. The jewelry should be placed in the basket inside the jar, and left to soak for a little while. It should then be scrubbed with a small brush and rinsed in water. Some cleaning products such as Mr. Clean can also be used in a pinch. While some people use toothpaste, this is not a good idea, as it is too abrasive and may scratch stones. Electric or sonic jewelry cleaning machines can also be purchased for about $25. As for silver jewelry, special silver cleaner should be used. Silver can also be polished with chemically treated silver cleaning cloths, available for purchase in many jewelry and department stores. When it comes to cleaning other types of jewelry, such as pearls or even wood or vintage plastics, the best thing to do is use a damp cloth and gently wipe the jewelry down and let it air dry.