"The Rose" Bangle Bracelet
Simple and graceful, the concept of this bangle bracelet is based on the Simple Wire Ring project. Using two sections of wire makes it more sturdy, and the wraps will add to the stability of the bracelet. Copper and sterling are pictured, but you could easily use colored copper wire, all sterling, or gold-filled wire.
Level: Intermediate
Materials
14g dead soft, round wire
16g dead soft, half round wire
Bracelet mandrel
Wire cutter
Jewelry file
Chain nose or flat nose pliers
Sharpie marker
If you don't have a bracelet mandrel, any round, cylindrical object that won't bend under pressure will work. Diameter should be about 2 1/2 inches across for an average hand/wrist. I have used a heavy plastic kitchen cup (the bottom of a travel mug that fits into a standard size automobile cup holder is about the right size!), or you can use dowels, cans...anything that will keep the wire in a circular shape while you are bending it.
Cut two sections of 14g wire 16 inches long. Straighten and clean wire. Line up wire so both pieces are parallel and wind around the mandrel. When the wires meet, the ends should be even, so you will have equal amounts of wire on both sides of the focal.
Twist the wires around each other, creating a small knot in the center. This is the center of the focal rose. Be sure the bracelet stays fairly tight against the mandrel so that you are not ending up with an elephant-sized mandrel! Also, be sure the wires on either side stay flat and don't twist.
Wrap the sets of wires around the first knot again, keeping them as flat to the band of the bangle as you can. Pulling wire this heavy will give your arms and fingers a work out, so be sure you rest periodically! You can wind one wire at a time and use pliers if they help.
Once the rose focal has been created, wrap the sets of wire around the band of the bangle next to the rose. Repeat so that there are two wraps on both sides of the rose.
Cut the excess wire so that the end is on the inside of the bracelet. Use a chain nose or flat nosed pliers to carefully crimp the ends. Use a file to smooth the ends.
Cut three 4 inch pieces of half round wire. Measure and use a Sharpie marker to mark the half-way point (directly across the bracelet from the rose focal) and at the quarter- and three-quarter points.
With the flat side of the wire against the bracelet (rounded side out), wrap one wire around both of the bracelet wires seven times, creating a band. Center the band on one of the marks that you made in the previous step. Clip excess wire, and crimp the ends using a chain nose or flat nosed pliers.
Repeat for other two marks. These bands will keep the wire of the bangle from spreading apart and will help it keep its round shape.
Oxidize using Liver of Sulfur or egg method if desired. Tumble the bracelet to give it shine and further harden the wire.
