Project of the month: Frame Work

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Materials:

• Pewter shape frames or donut beads (quality to use depending on the length of the bracelet; we use 7 for our project to make a 7.5" bracelet)
• Accent beads to connect the frames. We use 8 x 6mm round Swarovski® crystals
• 1 x pewter button and 16 x 3mm silver beads for the closure or use any clasps
• 1 ft x 22 gauge silver wire

Tools:

Round nose pliers (for making simple loops), wire cutter

Estimated cost: $15

Estimated time: 1.5 - 2 hours

Step 1.

Make bead links: Cut 1" of the wire, at 3/8" from one end, bend a 90° angle and make a simple loop.

Step 2.

String one crystal onto the wire. Bend a 90° angle right on top of the crystal and make another simple loop. (Pay attention to the loop orientation so both loops line up in the same direction.)

Repeat Step 1 & 2 to make 7 bead links.

Step 3.

Make bead loops to fit the button for the closure: Cut 5" of the wire, follow Step 1 to make a simple loop at one end. String the last crystal beads, then 16 silver beads.

Step 4.

Gently bend the beaded wire into a loop shape and cross the wire over on top of the crystal. Make sure the beads are snuggly tight on the wire. Wrap the tail on top of the crystal couple of times to secure. Cut off the excess tail with wire cutter.

Step 5.

To assemble the bracelet, simply open the loops on both side of the bead links and connect the beads between the pewter frames.

Step 6.

Connect the last bead link to the pewter button on one end and connect the last pewter frame to the bead loop closure to finish the bracelet.

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