Today’s easy bangle bracelet was inspired by one of my favorite jewelry bloggers, NorthShore Days. Natalie makes beautiful jewelry, and posted a particularly fabulous bracelet on Facebook. I used different beads for a different look (she goes for beachy, I go for bling, haha) but I used her basic layered idea to create this piece. (Which is okay, because I’m pretty sure she’s making up some of the cascading dangle earrings I posted on Tuesday.) Oh – but I digress! Back to the point: this memory wire bracelet is a great beginner project – it doesn’t take much in the way of supplies or special skills. You just need to find some beads that inspire you and fit your style – and I can point you in the right direction when you are choosing your elements in today’s post.
What you will need:
- Memory Wire (I used about 6 coils)
- Round nosed Pliers
- Wire Cutters (or if you plan to work a lot with memory wire, invest in memory wire shears, they are awesome!)
- Two colors of beads in various finishes, shapes, or even sizes
- Metal spacers
- A larger focal bead you love
- End caps to “frame” your focal bead
First, use your round pliers to form a small ring at one end of your wire. Memory wire is hardener to retain its shape, so you may have to muscle it a little.
Then, trim off several coils (as I mentioned, I used about 6) and begin threading your beads.
I had really no pattern or motive when I added my beads on. I did quite a few sparkly green rondelle beads, then added a metal spacer, and added about half a row of round white beads. I added another spacer and put on a few green pearls. Then I switched back to white, them more green pearls, more white, then just a few more green rondelles. Each time you switch colors, you can “divide” it with a spacer like these heishi spacers.
When it was time to add my focal bead, I added an end cap to either side of it to help it to stand out. Then, I looked back at the beads I had added, and re-created the pattern in reverse, so that the top of the bracelet would look very similar to the bottom, even if I didn’t follow any special pattern in making it.
The end result was a stacked two-tone look. Memory wire retains its shape, and will stretch a little to fit your wrist.
What do you think? These are a simple enough bracelet you can make some up as stocking stuffers or gifts for your girlfriends, or even have a craft night with friends! I’d love to see your version if you make one!
What gauge wire did you use for this? This one is beautiful
Don’t concern yourself about the gauge! It’s just called, “Memory Wire”! :)
This is beautiful . I needed something to make for my sisters and they will love them.
I love this the colors are beautiful!!
It looks amazing I will try to make it tonight
Thank you,
Ileana
Miami, FL.
thank you so much ,,, I will try it tonight … looks amazing ! :)
Hi Adrianne,
Thank you for another fantasticly stunning design. You introduced memory wire to me about 6 months ago and I haven’t looked back.
I am booked in for my very first Craft Fayre on Saturday March 12th as a stall-holder. Guess what ????????? your memory wire tutorial made a dozen different wraps and will hold centre stage.
Thank you so much.
Lots of love
Sheila
in Rothwell, Northants, England.
Love it, very easy. Thanks.
Absolutely gorgeous! I was inspired by Natalie to make memory wire bracelets a while ago and follow her blogs avidly…as well as yours!! You have made me want to reach for my wire and beads!! Thanks!! :-)
that is beautiful!
I love all your jewelry that you make!!! This is beautiful!! Thanks for the tutorial!!
This green and white bracelet turned out really beautiful. Im getting some supplies together tomorrow and Sunday afternoon will be the beginning of what I expect will be a love afair with memory wire and beads!
I’ve never used memory wire, but I just may have to try because this bracelet is fabulous! :)
Very pretty! Thanks for the tutorial. I have everything I need to make a memory wire bracelet or two, I just haven’t tried it yet. This post could be the inspiration I need.
Wow girl that turned out gorgeous.. I love the “bling” haha. Thank you so so much for the awesome shout out. I love memory wire bracelets. xxx Nat