How to Design Your Own Compass Bracelets

Turn a small compass into a funky fashion accessory.

Compass bracelets are a popular fashion accessory for men and women. You can shop for a small compass at a specialty gift shop, thrift store, estate sale, pawn shop or online store. Then you can make the bracelet with a few simple tools. Jewelry-making components are available at local craft stores or online. A single compass bracelet offers a unique nautical flair, or you can wear it layered with gold and silver bangles.

Things You'll Need

• Jewelry chain
• Tape measure
• Wire cutters
• Jump rings
• Chain-nosed pliers
• Toggle clasp
• Epoxy
• Compass
• Jewelry wire
• Tape
• Sand paper

Instructions

Prepare the Chain

1. Measure and cut the jewelry chain to the appropriate length for your wrist using the wire cutters.

2. Open a jump ring by twisting it to the side with the chain-nosed pliers.

3. Slide the jump ring onto one side of the toggle clasp. Then close the jump ring.

4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 to attach the other side of the toggle clasp.

Wire-wrap the Compass

1. Place a dab of epoxy on the top edge of the compass.

2. Measure 1 inch of jewelry wire and place it against the epoxy on the compass. Apply a piece of tape to hold it. Allow the epoxy to dry according to the manufacturer's directions. Then remove the tape.

3. Dab the epoxy onto three spots around the edge of the compass to adhere the rest of the wire wrap.

4. Bend the wire tightly around the compass and against the epoxy points using the chain-nosed pliers. You may be able to wrap the wire twice around it, depending on the thickness of the compass and wire. Allow the epoxy to dry.

5. Gather the ends of the wire at the top edge of the compass. Twist the two end pieces of wire together.

6. Cut off the excess wire so that there is 1 inch of twisted wire.

7. Smooth jagged edges by rubbing the tips of the wire with sand paper.

8. Wrap the end wires around the chain-nosed pliers twice at the top of the compass to make a loop.

Add the Compass to the Chain

1. Open a jump ring and add it to the twisted wire loop on the compass.

2. Slide the open jump ring onto a link in the chain where you want to attach the compass.

3. Close the jump ring.

References

• Fire Mountain Gems; Wrapping Stones and Beads with Half Wire
• Beadaholique; Using Wire for Wire Wrapping, Looping, and Wire Jewelry
• Fire Mountain Gems; Opening a Jumpring