Instructions

Making the Round Spiral Charms

1. Use wire cutters to flush cut the tip of one of the lengths of wire. Use round-nose pliers to form a small simple loop at this end and tighten it with chain-nose pliers.
2. Use your dominant hand and chain-nose pliers to grasp the wire so the loop lies flat within the jaws. Position the loop so the point at which the wire touches itself sticks out slightly from the jaws. The long end of the wire should point away from your dominant hand.
3. To begin a spiral, firmly squeeze the loop and use your nondominant hand to bend the wire tightly but gently along the loop (see photo).
    
   
4. Reposition the pliers so the edge of the spiral lies at the edge of the jaws. Bend the wire as before, curving the wire tightly along the spiral with your nondominant hand (see photo). To create a tight spiral with minimal gaps, pull the tail of the wire very tightly so it touches the exposed part of the spiral. You may need to use your chain-nose pliers to keep the spiral together as you continue wrapping. For a more open spiral, don’t pull the tail as tight, and adjust the position of the pliers more frequently.
    
   
5. Create as many or as few turns as you wish. When you’re finished, use the chain-nose pliers to bend the wrapping end of the wire to a 90º angle, straight up from the spiral (see photo). Then, bend the wire 90º perpendicular to the spiral and use round-nose pliers to form a simple loop.
    
   

Making the Geometric Spiral Charms

6. Start the center loop as before, but this time use chain-nose pliers to bend a small version of the shape you wish to create (see photo). It may be difficult to form the precise shape at first, particularly with heavy-gauge wire, but after one tight bend has been established, you’ll be able to start making the exact geometric form. Simply hold the wrapping wire tightly at the desired bend point and push the wire over it to form a sharp bend (see photo). Continue spiraling out in this manner. Also try squares, rectangles, and triangles.
    
   
    
   
7. You can also change the look of a shape by positioning the hanging loop in a different spot on the form (for example, by placing the loop in the corner of a square to make a diamond), as well as by varying the openness of the wrapping and the number of rotations.

Making the Triple Circle Cluster

8. Use wire cutters to flush trim the very end of the wire. Grasp the trimmed end with round-nose pliers, positioning the end on the portion of the jaws that will make your desired loop size. Pull the wire around the outside of one jaw until it meets the cut edge (see photo).
    
   
9. Reposition the pliers so one jaw is inside the loop and the other grasps the wrapping wire at the point where it meets the cut edge. Pull the wrapping wire around the outside of the jaw until it meets the other side of the first loop (see photo).
    
   
10. Insert one of the jaws into the first loop again, with the other jaw grasping the wrapping wire where it meets the outer edge of this loop. Let the loops stack while you wrap. Pull the wrapping wire around the outside of the jaw until it crosses the center point to form a sideways figure eight with the second loop. The first loop is centered below these two (see photo).
     
    
11. Use chain-nose pliers to align and flatten the shape.
12. Use chain-nose pliers to grasp the wrapping wire at the center point and make a 90º bend (see photo).
     
    
13. Bend the wire 90º perpendicular to the cluster (see photo). Use wire cutters to trim the wire and round-nose pliers to form a simple loop.
     
    

Planning the Bracelet

14. Make a selection of charm shapes with each type of wire. You’ll need enough charms to add one shape to each link of your chain. Be sure to leave the last link on each end of the chain open for the clasp.
15. Check all of the cut edges of the charms to make sure they are smooth. File and sand any rough edges.
16. Add any desired finishes to the chain. Use the planishing and other texturizing hammers and the steel block to vary the finishes of the charms, and apply any finishes to them that you like.

Finishing Steps

17. Add the charms to the bracelet links one by one. Vary the positions of shapes, types of wires, and finishes.
18. Use the silver wire to make a hook-and-eye clasp. If you don’t wish to make your own, use a purchased clasp to finish the bracelet.
19. Add the hook to one end of the chain link. Secure the bracelet by fitting the hook through the last open link on the opposite end of the chain.

Idea for a Variation

What a difference scale makes! Try making mini charms all out of sterling silver, as shown in the photo below.