DIY Network

Brick Wall Bracelet by Steven James From "Jewelry Making" episode DJMK-510

Guest jewelry instructor Steven James joins host Jackie Guerra to compose a sturdy "brick wall" bracelet out of rectangular stones.

Experience Level: Beginner

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Guest Steven James shows you how to create a brick wall bracelet out of stones.

Materials --

1" segment of sterling silver chain
Four 10" segments of 21 strand (.019) Soft Flex
Eight 2x2 sterling silver crimp tubes
1 pillow sterling silver clasp for multiple strands
24 Thai silver 2mm hex cut beads
48 1-x3mm rectangular cut stone beads
Oxidizing solution such as Silver Black

Tools --

Tape
Wire cutters
Crimpling pliers

	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C

Brick Wall Bracelet

1. Before you begin the project, antique (oxidize) the silver with the oxidizing solution. Silver Black or Liver of Sulphur can irritate and burn the skin, so take caution when using it. Polish the silver to remove some of the oxidization. A safe alternative is to use a crushed hard boiled egg -- place all of the silver and the egg inside a sealed Ziploc bag, leave overnight and in the morning, the silver should be oxidized. Once the piece is oxidized, you can clean with up with a polishing cloth.

   Note: "Liver of Sulphur" is an oxidizing material that can be found at jewelry suppliers.

2. You need to allow a couple of extra inches for crimping, so cut the stringing material the size you need, plus 2". Use a bead board (figure A) to lay out the design. Tape off one end of the stringing material and begin stringing the beads, using the following pattern (three hex beads, six rectangular beads, chain spacer, six rectangular beads, and three more silver hex beads). The chain segment of which there are seven links is used as an alternative spacer bar. Place the chain after the sixth stone of each strand, bringing each individual strand through every other link. Once you have completed one strand, tape off the end and proceed to the next strand.

   Note: You can use a traditional spacer bar, but the chain allows the strands to loosely rest, one on top of another providing the look and feel of a brick wall.

3. Place the chain after the sixth stone of each strand, bringing each individual strand through every other link. Once you have completed one strand, tape off the end and proceed to the next strand.

4. It is important to use smaller beads (regardless of the bead type you use -- glass, silver, base metal) at the ends of the bracelet (figure B). You need to create a space where the strands can come together and be attached to the clasp. Larger, same sized beads will bunch and prevent a clean, finished look at the clasp. The use of smaller beads at the end of the bracelet is called tapering.

5. Once you have taped the strand ends off, test the measurements of the bracelet against your wrist. Adjust the strands, removing or adding beads as necessary. It is an important step to ensure the perfect fit.

6. Attach the two sides of the clasp together. This will insure that when you are ready to wear your bracelet, you have used the correct amount of stringing material and that the bracelet closes comfortably. Work on a flat surface and remove the tape from one side of the first strand, use the crimping pliers to attach the one end of the first strand to the clasp.

   Note:You will crimp the strands one at a time.

7. The crimping process: the head of the crimping pliers have two channels. The channel closest to the handle (bottom channel) is shaped like a pair of lips and this channel makes the first crimp. The second channel (top channel) shaped like an oval rounds the crimp.

8. String one crimp tube on the end of your strand. String the Soft Flex through one loop on your clasp and back through the crimp tube. Slide the crimp tube up towards the clasp leaving a small loop that is large enough to allow movement of the clasp. Center the crimp tube in the first channel of the crimping pliers and close firmly (figure C). The result should be a slightly rounded crimp with a dip (divot) running down the center. Now turn the tube on its side and center the crimp tube in the second channel (top channel) of the crimping pliers. Gently close the tube to round it on itself. The finished result should be a rounded and compact crimp.

9. For added security, use a pair of needle nose pliers to squeeze on the crimp tube for added security. Repeat the same step on the other side of the clasp and move to the next strand.

GUESTS :

Steven James
Phone: 415-992-1479
E-mail: stevenjames@macaroniandglitter.com
Website: www.macaroniandglitter.com