DIY Network

Stacked Wire Cuff by Kate Ferrant-Richbourg From "Jewelry Making" episode DJMK-404

Kate Ferrant-Richbourg shows you how to create your own stunning stacked wire cuff bracelet.

Materials --

16-gauge wire, Sterling Silver wire -- 1' per spoke of cuff tier

Example: A 2-tier cuff would take three 1' pieces of wire.

24-gauge wire, Sterling Silver wire, 18" per tier
Beads to fill each tier (20 -- 8mm beads per tier; 30 -- 6mm beads per tier, and 40 -- 4mm beads per tier)

Note: The size and shape of the beads should be the same on each individual tier, but can vary from tier to tier.

Round nose pliers
Chain nose pliers
Nylon jaw wire straightening pliers
Wire cutter

advertisement

	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D
	Figure E

1. Use a tape measure to measure your wrist. The tape measure should fit snugly around the wrist. To make the cuff the correct size, add 1/4" to 1/2" to this measurement.

   
   

2. Make a spiral end on two pieces of the 16-gauge wire. This spiral can be any size and any diameter. This is a decorative element on either end of the cuff. Spiral only one end of each wire at this time.

   
   

3. Securely wrap the 24-gauge wire around one of the base 16-gauge wires. Make about three wraps. If your wire is not as close together as you would like, you can use your needle-nose pliers to push the wire together so you will have a nice tight wrap (figure A).

   
   

4. String a bead onto the 24-gauge wire and wrap the wire around the second 16-gauge base wire three times to secure the bead between the two wires (figure B). The bead will sit at a slight angle between the wires.

   
   Note: It is important to keep your wire straight while working on the bracelet. Wire straightening pliers are great for keeping the wire straight as you work (figure C).

   
   

5. Continue adding the beads until the length is 1/2 to 3/4 shorter than the finished desired length. End wrapping by cutting the wire away after the last wrap and tucking in the end.

   
   Note: The size and shape of the beads should be the same on each individual tier, but can vary from tier to tier.

   
   

6. Finish the bracelet by making a spiral on the opposite end.

   
   

7. To add another tier, repeat steps 2 and 3 using a new 16-gauge wire and wrapping between the existing finished piece and the new wire (figure D).

   
   

8. To shape the cuff, carefully bend cuff into a curve to fit the wrist or use a bracelet mandrel to help you shape it down (figure E).

RESOURCES :

Anne Mitchell
Website: www.annemitchell.net