Make a Bangle Bracelet from Steel Wire

Since we found this partially used spool of steel wire in our basement catchall tool drawer, we have had a lot of fun turning the wire into jewelry. To date, we made earrings  and a wire link bracelet.

Bracelet by GeltDesigns

Today, we share how we used the same wire, some leftover 6mm crystal quartz beads and 24-gauge brass wire to create an elegant bangle bracelet.

Tools
Round nose pliers  or 3-Step wire looping pliers
Chain nose
Wire rounder or needle file
Wire side cutters or flush cutters
Round or oval bracelet mandrel
Small ball pein hammer, plastic or rawhide mallet


Step 1
Measure your wrist or the wrist of the person for whom you are making the bracelet to determine the bracelet size needed.

Step 2

Make a simple bangle bracelet. Use round nose pliers  or 3-Step wire looping pliers to create a large loop at the end of the your round steel wire . Adjust the loop with your chain nose pliers so that the loop sits centered on top of the wire. Measure the length needed for your bracelet and cut the wire using wire side cutters or flush cutters.  File both ends of the formed wire  until they are smooth wire rounder or needle file.  Wrap the wire around a round or oval bracelet mandrel. Hit the formed bracelet with a small ball pein hammer, plastic or rawhide mallet while the bracelet is still on the mandrel to harden the wire.

Note: For this project, we are using the same technique we outlined in our tutorial

How to Make Your Own Silver Bangle Bracelet
except we embellished the bangle with beads and contrasting colored wire.

Step 3
Feed the beads onto the formed bracelet wire. Bend the other end of the wire to create a catch.

Step 4
Wrap the 24-gauge brass wire around the wire of the bangle five times beginning just above the clasp and before the first bead. Continue wrapping the 24-gauge brass wire over the first bead. Wrap the wire five times after the first bead. Repeat until you come to the end of the bracelet.


Step 5
Check your work. File any rough spots with a needle file, if needed.

Related Tutorials 
How to Determine Bracelet Sizes

How to Make Your Own Wire Wrapping Tool Kit
How to Care for Your Wire Wrapping Tools 
How to Straighten Wire 
How to Smooth Sharp Edges on Wire
How to Measure Wire
How to Use a Wire Gauge
How to Make Your Own Silver Bangle Bracelet
How to Store Beads 
GeltDesigns Tutorials by Topics  


Further Reading
Inspired Wire: Learn to Twist, Jig, Bend, Hammer, and Wrap for the Prettiest Jewelry Ever
Wire Style: 50 Unique Jewelry Designs
Bead on a Wire: Making Handcrafted Wire and Beaded Jewelry
Complete Guide To Making Wire Jewelry

Day 13. Week 2. Jewelry from Found Objects.  $ spent: 0
Found material: steel wire
New Jewelry a Day.