Sunday 30 September 2012

Chain and Ribbon Charm Bracelet- A Tutorial of Sorts.


Welcome to Handmade Monday! This week I have been making chain and ribbon bracelets, it’s a new technique for me and I thought I would write a sort of tutorial to show you what I did and leave myself a record to look back on. It is really easy and I think it is quite effective, I have lots of different ideas using different coloured ribbon and chain, I think I will be visiting my local haberdashery shop very soon!

You will need..

A length of chain (enough to go around your wrist) Make sure the links are big enough to pass the ribbon through.

A length of ribbon. I used a piece a good few inches bigger than the chain.

A clasp of your choosing.

Jump rings

Charms

The usual jewellery making tools ( I used  flat and chain nosed pliers and memory wire cutters)

Method

1.

Cut a length of chain long enough that it will fit around your wrist. I found when making the bracelets that the chain seemed to bunch up a little as I threaded the ribbon through so you may want to add a cm or so extra but don't forget that you will be adding a clasp. It may be better to add the ribbon until you get to your desired length then cut the chain. Do whatever you find easiest. I used memory wire cutters to cut the chain.

2


Tie the ribbon to one end of the chain. You can add a dot of glue to the knot when you have finished the bracelet to make it extra secure. I didn't have any glue so used clear nail varnish which seemed to work just as well.

3


Start to weave the ribbon through the links of the chain. You may find it easier to thread the ribbon onto a needle ( a darning needle would be ideal) just make sure the eye can pass through the links. I spent ages looking all over the house for my big needle only to realise that it wouldn't fit. Frustrating!


4

After all that threading, have a rest and a cup of tea. When you have finished your brew, tie the ribbon to the end of the chain.


5

Add your clasp, I had a nature theme in mind so chose a clasp with a flower and leaf design.

6

Set your charms out where you think they would look good. I think this is much easier than adding them as you go and then realising you don't like the look, but use your own preferred way of working.

7


Try not to drop your bag of jump rings.There are a good few hundred in there and I am still picking them out of the carpet. Rarrrrr!


8

Add the charms to the bracelet using the jump rings and there is is- the finished bracelet. There are loads of different colours you could use and different charms too.

Have a great week!

17 comments:

  1. What a lovely bracelet and a really great tutorial. x

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  2. Thanks for taking the time to do a tutorial. You could use a ribbon that matches the outfit you're wearing.

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  3. That's a really lovely bracelet :)
    Wish you hadn't mentioned the accident with the jump rings - you've reminded me that I knocked the pin box over this morning when rushing to grab the last things for the craft fair!!

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  4. This looks so pretty. Threading the ribbon is such a lovely idea. Hope you have a good week

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  5. I really enjoyed reading this. I like all the extra little bits like the cup of tea! I really like the bracelet at the end too. Thank you.

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  6. It's lovely! The ribbon makes a lovely touch.

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  7. What a neat tutorial! Thanks for posting it.

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  8. this is so pretty! those charms are beautiful and the splash of colour from the ribbon really brings it to life :) x

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  9. Very very good tutorial. I'm of the play with my jump rings. x

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  10. Thanks for the tutorial, its lovely!

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  11. The contrast of the ribbon against the metal is very nice.

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  12. I really like the charms you've used for this bracelet, very autumnal. And the purple ribbon is lovely. Great tutorial.
    Ali x

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  13. A great way to match jewellery to an outfit, a great tutorial, I use clear nail varnish too.

    Jan x

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  14. Love the nature theme and the clasp is perfect

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  15. I enjoyed reading your post on the making of your nature bracelet. It's so pretty!

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  16. I really like the look of this bracelet and have added your tutorial to my to-do list Thank you :)

    Bead Soup Mix

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