DIY Network

The Layered Look: Layered Bracelet by Tammy Honaman From "Jewelry Making" episode DJMK-505

In this segment guest jewelry designer Tammy Honaman joins host Jackie Guerra to demonstrate how to lay it on thick with this layered beaded bracelet that also doubles as a layered choker. You'll learn her chain making technique, how to make it so it fits both the neck and the wrist -- and how to make it convertible with clasps and jump rings.

Experience Level: Beginner

advertisement

Guest Tammy Honaman shows you how to create this colorful layered bracelet.

Materials --

2 sterling silver multi-strand ends
2 lobster clasps
Mix of gemstone beads and pearls
64-100 of the 5mm jump rings
30" of .013 beading wire
6 crimp rings
Six 3mm round sterling silver beads
6 Thai-silver tube beads with opening (optional)

Tools --

Flexible tape measure
Crimping or chain nose pliers
2 flat nose pliers
Wire cutters

	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D
	Figure E
	Figure F

Layered Bracelet

1. Wrap a flexible tape measure around your wrist to establish the length you would like your bracelet.

2. Lay out three layers of beads equal to the length of your bracelet minus your multi-strand ends and clasp.

3. Cut three lengths of beading wire long enough for each layer of your bracelet, approximately ten inches.

   Tip from Jackie: When you use gemstones, it is best to use coated wire.

4. Thread one crimp bead onto a three-end clasp, one 3mm round sterling silver bead, and one loop on one multi-strand end onto one end of the beading wire (figure A).

5. Loop the beading wire back through the 3mm round sterling silver bead and crimp bead (figure B). Pull snug but not so snuggly that the beads buckle. Using crimping pliers or chain or flat nose pliers, crimp the crimp bead closed making sure you secure the beading wire. Trim any excess beading wire.

6. Repeat Step 4 for your other lengths of beading wire.

7. Thread one layer of beads onto one length of beading wire. Thread on one crimp bead, one 3mm round sterling bead, and one loop of the other multi-strand end; be sure to pass through the same multi-strand loop you used on the first multi-strand end. Crimp the crimp bead closed. Trim any excess wire with wire cutters.

8. Repeat Step 6 for the other layers (figure C).

9. Open one jump ring and thread it onto the single end loop on either multi-strand end. Close the jump ring.

10. Open another jump ring. Thread on your lobster clasp and the other single end loop on the other multi-strand end. Close the jump ring.

11. For an added finished look, cover the crimp beads with Thai-silver tubes. Using flat nose pliers, open one tube bead. Wrap the tube around one crimp bead. Using flat nose pliers, close the tube, covering the crimp bead (figure D). Repeat for the other five crimp beads. Your three-layer bracelet is now complete and ready to be converted into a necklace. Set it aside.

    Tip from Jackie: When you are working with convertible jewelry -- something that goes from long to short -- you want a nice sturdy clasp.

12. Close two jump rings, open the rest.

13. Add one open jump ring to two closed jump rings; close. Repeat so that you have four jump rings, 2 x 2 (figure E).

    Tip from Jackie: When you are building a chain, it is good to open all your jump rings before you start working to save time picking up the tools each time to open a ring.

14. Continue adding two jump rings to the two top jump rings until you have reached the length you like, minus the length of your clasp. Once you have reached your desired length, add the other lobster clasp to one end. I made my chain long enough to also fit as a bracelet, adding to the multi-layered look. You can choose to make your chain longer so that when you add it to your bracelet it fits more loosely than choker length.

15. Link the lobster clasp on your chain to the loop end of your bracelet. Loop the lobster clasp on your bracelet to the last set of two jump rings (figure F). Wear your layered necklace proudly!

RESOURCES :

Beads, crystals, pearls, jump rings, head pins & tools
Fire Mountain Gems and Beads
Website: www.firemountaingems.com

Charms (Fire Mountain Gems)
Fire Mountain Gems & Beads
Grants Pass, OR
Toll-free Phone: 800-423-2319 - Customer service
Toll-free Phone: 800-355-2137 - Order by phone
E-mail: Questions@firemtn.com
Website: www.firemountaingems.com

GUESTS :

Tamara L. Honaman
Fire Mountain Gems and Beads
We apologize no contact information is available.