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Getting Started
Making spirals is easier when you work with a longer piece of wire than needed for the finished charm. The extra wire provides something to hold onto while you’re doing the wirework. For these spirals, use a full 18" (45.7 cm) length of wire to begin the charm, ending the spiral when you feel it is the right size for your bracelet. Each piece of wire yields about four 3⁄4" (1.9 cm) wide charms, but you can choose to make smaller or larger spirals as you wish.
The easiest way to determine the length of the large-link chain you’ll need for your bracelet is to measure a bracelet you already have that fits well and subtract the length of the hook clasp. Alternatively, wrap a piece of string closely around your wrist. Add 1" (2.5 cm)—or any length that is comfortable and will allow for some movement—and subtract the length of the clasp.
Skill Level
- Experienced Beginner
Materials
- 16-gauge brass wire, 18" (45.7 cm)
- 8-gauge nickel silver wire, 18" (45.7 cm)
- 16-gauge sterling silver wire, 18" (45.7 cm)
- 18-gauge gold-filled wire, 18" (45.7 cm)
- 20-gauge copper wire, 18" (45.7 cm)
- 18-gauge half-hard sterling silver wire, 3" (7.6 cm)
- Large-link chain, 7" to 8" (17.8 cm to 20.3 cm) or long enough to fit your wrist
- Commercial clasp
Tools & Supplies
- Jeweler’s wire cutters
- Round-nose pliers
- Chain-nose pliers
- Flat file
- Sandpaper, 320-grit or finer
- Planishing hammer
- Small ball peen hammer
- Other texturing hammers
- Steel block
- Liver of sulfur
- Burnisher
- String
| Copyright © 2007 Kathleen Ann Frey | Acknowledgments & Disclaimer |
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