How to Make a Bead on Wire Bracelet or Anklet

This is a fun way to use up those odd beads you always seem to accumulate in your bead box.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Jewelry Beads
• Jewelry Clasps
• Jewelry Supplies
• Seamstress Measuring Tapes
• Jewelry Wire
• Pliers For Jewelry Making
• Safety Glasses

Putting Beads on Wire

1. Choose about a 20-gauge wire. This can be coated jewelry wire, flex wire or a gold- or silver-plated wire.
2. Cut a piece of wire about 4 inches long or longer, depending on the length and number of beads you will use in a set. It is easier to cut excess wire than it is to redesign your set.
3. Use round-nose pliers to make a small loop on one end of the piece of wire. To do this, grip the end of the wire with the pliers, gently twist the pliers and wrap the wire around them until they form a loop.
4. Slide the bead or beads you wish to use onto the wire.
5. Hold the wire vertically so that the beads will be secure against the first loop you made.
6. Take the round-nose pliers and form another loop on the other end of the wire. You may have to trim the excess wire to form a small loop. Trim only a little of the wire at a time as you form the loop until you have the loop size you wish.
7. Finish by using your pliers to slide the end of the loop down into the bead. This closes the loop and hides the end. You can also wrap the end of the loop with a fine wire for a nice, finished look.

Assembling a Bracelet or Anklet

8. Use five bead sets, each approximately 1 1/2 inches long, to make a bracelet 8 inches long. You can make adjustments as you put your bracelet or anklet together.
9. Attach a strong clasp to one of the bead sets. Gently open the loop and slide the spring ring into the loop and close with pliers.
10. Open one of the loops and attach the wire to the next bead set loop until you have the length you desire.
11. Place the eyelet part of your clasp on the bead set loop and close with pliers.

Tips & Warnings

• When cutting or trimming excess wire, wear safety glasses to prevent flying pieces of wire from getting in your eyes.