DIY Network

Dichroic Glass Half-Bangle From "Jewelry Making" episode DJMK-207

Because this half-bangle is connected to a chain by spring clasps, it allows for dozens of mix and match options.

Jewelry artist Esther Lee creates a half-bangle bracelet -- a design that can be broken apart and mixed and matched to create dozens of new looks.

Materials:

1 Dichroic glass bead
2 large Czech glass beads (12mm)
6 3mm silver spacer beads
6 Bead caps
14" inches 18-gauge Wire
4 inches of silver link "snake" chain
3 Spring Clasps
1 Jump Ring
Chain nose pliers
Round nose pliers
Flush cutters
Small file
Wire cutters

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D

1. Make the end of the half-bracelet hook first by taking your wire and making a right angle turn with your chain nose pliers in your wire (figure A).

2. Use your round nose pliers and grip the wire about 1/8 inch from your right angle bend and with your fingers -- not pliers -- pull the end of the wire half way around so that the wire is sticking up directly opposite from where it was, wrapped around the round nose pliers, making a smooth curve in the wire.

3. Move your round nose pliers to the bottom part of the pliers and complete the circle.

4. Now take your chain nose pliers and grip the circle securely and again, using your fingers, not pliers, make two or three turns with the wire to complete your wrap (figure B).

5. Use your flush cutters to cut the wire as close to the wrap as possible, then use a small file to remove any burr that might remain (if necessary).

6. Thread your wire through your beads as you wish to assemble them on the bangle. Thread the small bead spacers on first, then a bead cap, followed by a glass beads and bead cap, each time making sure to place 2 spacer beads between each bead cap/glass bead/bead cap ensemble (figure C).

7. Finish the end of the centerpiece in the same fashion as above.

8. Measure the length around your wrist from one end of the half-bangle center piece to the other (in this case 4 inches).

9. Cut your length of chain in half with wire cutters.

10. Put a spring clasp on all three ends of the chain and a jump ring on the center end of one of the lengths, as this will become your closure for the entire bracelet.

11. Clip the spring clasps to the wire rings of the center piece section of the bracelet (figure D), and you now have a half-bangle with interchangeable center pieces!

GUESTS :

Esther Lee
Artist/Designer
Studios of Esther Lee
Phone: 205-836-2448 E-mail: estherl@bellsouth.net