ECT TV Episode 45: Bead Dangle Bracelet
Today I have a fun new video tutorial for you: bead dangle bracelet!In the episode you'll learn:
- Stringing
- How to make a bead dangle (wire wrapped headpin)
Watch the video or scroll down for step-by-step photos.Make sure to sign up for my newsletter to get the project from each episode in PDF form when they come out. (Scroll down for the sign up form.)ECT TV Episode 45 Video:Bead Dangle Bracelet Step-by-Step Instructions:
Materials and Tools:
- Beads *
- Headpins **
- Beading wire
- Crimp beads
- Crimp bead covers (optional)
- Clasp
- Crimp tool
- Round nose pliers
- Chain nose pliers
- Bent nose pliers
- Wire cutters
*Beads: You can use whatever beads you like for this project. I'm using tiny glass beads that are similar in size to larger seed beads. If you use larger beads, you may want to change the pattern of the beads to just put one bead in between each bead dangle when you're stringing.**Headpins: You can use pre-made or try making your own. Here are a couple tutorials if you want to try to make your own:
Please feel free to experiment and see what works for you.Step #1
First we're going to make a bead dangle (also called a wire wrapped headpin.)First slide two beads onto a headpin.Step #2
Hold the headpin with round nose pliers just above the beads.Step #3
Wrap the wire around one barrel of the round nose pliers.Step #4
The loop is not straight above the beads and we want it to be. So straighten it. I usually hold the loop in chain nose pliers and pull the loop straight while I make one wrap around.Step #5
Then make a few more wraps around.Step #6
Trim off any excess wire.Step #7
Make sure the end is not poking out.Step #8Make several of these bead dangles. The size of your wrist and the size of the beads you're using will determine the amount you'll need.Step #9
Cut off a piece of beading wire that's a few inches longer than you need on each side.Put a bead stopper or you can use a piece of tape like I do on one end.Step #10
String your beads and bead dangles onto your beading wire. I started with two beads, a bead dangle, two beads, a bead dangle and followed that pattern.You may find that you like more or less beads in between the bead dangles. If your beads are large, you may only want one bead in between bead dangles.Continue until your bracelet is the length you would like.Step #11
To end the bracelet, we'll use crimp beads. I like using two crimp beads at each end, but it's not really necessarily until you're using heavy beads. It's up to you. I like the extra security.If you're using two crimp beads, add a crimp bead, a small bead and then another crimp bead.The slide on one end of your clasp.Bend the wire and go back through the crimp bead, the bead and the other crimp bead and two or three more beads from the bracelet.If you want to use wire guards, see this tutorial: How to String Using Wire GuardsStep #12
Use your crimp tool to close the crimp beads. Use the larger notch closer to the handle to first smash the crimp bead and it also creates a bend in the crimp bead.Step #13
Then fold the crimp bead in half using the smaller notch closer to the tip.Repeat for all the crimp beads.Step #14
If you wish, add crimp bead covers to all the crimp beads.Step #15Now take the tape off the other side of your wire and repeat for the other side of the bracelet with the other half of the clasp.Step #16
Trim off any excess wire and enjoy!
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