How to Make Your Own Upper Arm Armlet

Armlets create drama when they are worn by professional dancers.

Armlets are upper-arm bracelets that are designed to be tight fitting so that the jewelry stays in place. Wire is often used to make this type of bracelet because you can adjust the fit easily by bending the wire to fit your arm perfectly. Wire is also a good medium for beadwork and design because the beads slide on and you can wrap and shape the wire to add attractive details using simple tools.

Things You'll Need

• 18 gauge copper wire
• Wire cutters
• 4 to 8mm beads
• Round nose pliers
• Needle nose pliers
• Hammer
• Vise
• Worktable

Instructions

1. Cut 11 inches of 18 gauge copper wire.

2. Bend 2 inches of the wire into a scroll design. Add a bead to the end of the wire and bend the wire tight around the bead. Use needle nose and round nose pliers to bend the wire into the shape you want.

3. Add 7 inches of beads. Bend the last 2 inches of the wire into a spiral or scroll form. Insert a bead at the end of the wire and bend the wire around the bead.

4. Place your wire end flat on a hard, firm object like a vise or work table. Flatten 1 1/2 inches of copper wire from the end bead. Flatten the other end of the wire in the same way.

5. Curl the central beaded section around your arm. Press the ends into a soft spiral that clings to the upper arm. Turn the ends so that one crawls up the arm and the other winds down the arm.

Tips & Warnings

• Add dangling charms between the beads to create more movement.

References

• Witty Living: Wire Wrapped Armlet or Cuff Bracelet Project; Denise