Juliebureau Natural Healing Remedies

Bracelet Small

07 Sep 2010

7 Sep, 2010 Natural & Homeophatic Remedies

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Bracelet Small

Here's something you may have never thought you could do: Make your own charm bracelet!

First, you'll need a chain. When choosing a chain, consider one that is sturdy enough to support your charms, with links that are not woven together too tightly; you'll need room on the chain links to attach your charms. Some chains come with a lobster clasp already attached (this is a "finished" chain), but fear not if your chain is unfinished. Simply pick up a small package of lobster clasps to match your chain, and we'll go over how to easily attach it.

Next, choose your charms! This is the fun part. You can choose charms to create a themed bracelet (beach, dance, sports, etc.), or you can personalize your bracelet with charms that are special to you or the recipient.

Let's go over some tools and supplies you'll need to pick up while in the jewelry section at the craft store:

1 pair of flatnose pliers

1 pair of chainnose pliers

1 package of jumprings (the same color/finish as your chain)

1 pair of wire cutters (if your chain is unfinished)

1 package of lobster clasps (if your chain is unfinished)

A jumpring is simply a sturdy wire in the shape of a circle or oval. They come in different gauges and sizes. You'll want a jumpring that's at least 5-6mm in diameter, so choose those over the tiny 3mm ones.

The most important thing about using jumprings is how to open and close them:

With one pair of pliers in each hand, hold the jumpring, making sure the opening of the jumpring is at the top where you can see it. Twist the pliers in opposite directions to open the jumpring; one hand twisting toward you and one hand twisting away form you. It's that simple.

The key is not to bend the jumpring outward because you will change the shape of it, and it will no longer be the perfect circle or oval that it once was.

To close the jumpring, simply twist it back to its original position by twisting your pliers in the opposite direction that you used to open it.

Okay, let's assemble your bracelet! If your chain is unfinished, you'll need to cut your chain to the length you want. Bracelets generally measure 7 to 7Â½ inches in length. When measuring, remember that you'll be adding a lobster clasp, and that will add to your length. If you're nervous about cutting your chain, leave an extra inch; you can always shorten it later.

Lay out your chain with the charms where you want to attach them. The distance between the charms depends on how many charms you are adding to your chain. Obviously the more charms you have, the closer together they will be. Consider leaving a 1-inch tail (with no charms) at one end of your bracelet. This way, the lobster clasp can attach anywhere within that 1-inch, and your bracelet will be adjustable in size (a great feature).

All that's left to do is to thread the charms onto the jumprings, and attach the jumprings to your chain. Simply open the jumpring, put the charm onto the jumpring, and then thread the jumpring (with charm attached) through the link of your choice. Repeat this process for the remainder of your charms.

If you're adding your own lobster clasp, attach it at the end of your chain using the same procedure we used to attach the charms. If you'd like, you can attach a jumpring at the opposite end of your bracelet as your closure for the clasp. As an alternative, it's fun to attach a mini-charm at the end of an adjustable chain. This way, you have a little dangle at the tail end of the bracelet, and a very finished and fancy look to your jewelry.

M. Rinehart is founder of Darling Charms. For quality gifts, visit http://www.DarlingCharms.com.