I made up a fun little winter-themed bracelet over the weekend and I love how it turned out. This was the first time I ever tried an all-over stamping pattern, and it makes for a really fun textured effect.
Because a cuff bracelet takes a lot more metal than say, a charm, I ordered aluminum bracelet blanks. (That’s a whole lot of metal to make a mistake on, LOL.) Aluminum is a bit softer than silver, I found, so it makes for a very easy stamping medium. I also got to try out my brand-new bracelet bender, and that thing is really cool! (If you’re looking for the same supplies as I used here, I ordered from Gotta Get A Deal on Etsy and was happy with the transaction.)
First things first – I needed to stamp my message. I wanted to make a snowflake design, so I thought that “one of a kind” would be a fun sentiment. It’s for a friend of mine. :) I measured against my own wrist to approximate how much of the bracelet the “top” would represent. It can curve over the edges a little, but I wanted it to be as legible as possible. So I just measured and centered my blank on my bench block.
Then, I stamped my message. I’m not going to get into tips in this post, but if you would like to know more about stamping, I shared a post back in the Spring that has info about how to get started with metal stamping for jewelry projects.
Once I had my message stamped, I added a few snowflakes, because I’ve been dying to use them. (They are from ImpressArt.) Once I added a couple, then I decided to add some more… and some more. Until I covered the whole bracelet. It was just so fun, I couldn’t stop, and as I worked, I found that I really liked the all-over effect. I played with stamping some normally, and some more lightly to make a light impression. I found that was a cute way to fill some of my blank areas without the design becoming too overwhelming.
Once I had it all stamped, I debated whether to darken my impressions (this can easily be done with a Sharpie marker – if you’re using silver, then liver of sulfur would make a more permanent darkening, but it won’t work on aluminum). Ultimately I decided that I’d go without contrast on this piece and go with the more subtle pattern. (I did buy a 6-pack of blanks, so I can always try it the other way, when I play with those!)
Now – these blanks are thick enough that you can stamp a message on the backside, if you want. I did. But it’s staying secret… I don’t think my friend will read this post before Christmas, but I’m going to play it safe. ;)
Now – to bend the blank into a bracelet shape. It seems intimidating but it is really, really easy. Just tuck one end of your blank into the crease, and bend the blank around the curved portion of the bender (stop when you get to the corner). Repeat the process on the other side. Bam – instant cuff bracelet. I am going to LOVE this tool, I already know it. ;)
That’s it! It’s a lot simpler project than it looks (shhhh… don’t tell!) The hardest part really is getting comfortable enough with your stamping to achieve a result you like the looks of.
What personal gifts are you making for friends and family this year?
Hi I can’t seem to get the link for the Etsy shop, can you tell me where to find them or another website to find the supplies?
It has been quite a while since I made this piece but the good news is, the bracelet bender is much easier to find AND is less expensive! I usually shop Goody Beads, and you can find the blanks here: https://www.goodybeads.com/store/products/A021497.htm
and the bender: https://www.goodybeads.com/store/products/TL00198.htm
Hope that helps!!
LOVE THIS BRACELET! AM A WIRE NUT CASE AS MY KIDS CALL ME, BUT HAD A SMALL STROKE AND HAVE LIMITED USE OF MY LEFT HAND. WHAT I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IS WHERE DID YOU GET THE BAR TO BEND THE BRACELET, TO SHAPE IT? LOVE THE IDEA OF NOT HAVING TO USE A MANDREL TO ACHIEVE SUCH NICELY SHAPED BRACELET. PLEASE HELP THIS OLD WIRE NUT GET BACK IN DOING HER FAVORITE THING, BEING CREATIVE. THANKS CAT
Hi Cat – I found mine locally, but I know Goody Beads sells them. Looks like they’re out of stock at t he moment, but here’s the link: https://www.goodybeads.com/store/products/TL00148.htm
Good luck!
Thanks for reviewing gottagettadeal on ETSY. Very nice review and very informative!
Have fun creating!
Lizz
http://www.foodsafemetal.com
Tis is exactly the project I want to do. What kind of metal did You use and what length and width was your blank for the bracelet? Thanks!
That’s so pretty! Your jewelry always impresses me. :-) Thanks for sharing at The Fun In Functional!
I have been wanting to know how to make cuffs for EVER!! Great tutorial! Thanks so much for sharing.:)
This is so pretty! She will love it!
oh i just LOVE this! :)
That’s awesome! I’d love to try crafting things like that but it’s still a bit out of my price range (and storage space ha!). I’ll have to bookmark this for later : )
This is so pretty! What a thoughtful, special gift. I recently bought letter punches and haven’t yet made anything with them. I’ll definitely check out Gotta Getta Deal on Etsy for some supplies!
I love this!!!! You are so bad for my wallet….more stuff to add to my shopping list. :)
Oh wow,…that tool is amazing!! I would be making them just for kicks. And I really like the all over snowflakes.
Very cute idea!! You are so talented!