Accessorizing your outfit with a copper wire bracelet will make it look more put together. It will do the trick as it’s unique and currently on-trend. However, they can be costly when bought in jewelry shops, but don’t worry, going DIY with your twisted copper wire bracelet has never been this easy.
So, how to make twisted copper wire bracelets? Start by gathering the right materials, including a hammer, wire cutters, pliers, a polishing cloth, and more. After that, all you really need to make a twisted copper wire bracelet is patience and a little DIY skill.
In this article, we are going to teach you what materials you should have to do this project. We will also provide a step by step procedure and tips on how to effectively execute it. Now, let’s get to it.
How to Make A Twisted Copper Wire Bracelet
Below is the detailed guide to everything you need to know about making a twisted copper wire bracelet.
Materials
Before you start any project, the first step that you have to do is to gather all the materials you need. By doing so, you can save money and time. You can avoid repeated trips to the hardware and craft stores.
For this project, what you need to prepare are the following:
- 18 inches gauge copper wire
Here are the tools you will need:
- Bench block
- Smooth hammer
- Wire cutters
- Pliers
- Polishing cloth
- Tape measure
- File
Instructions
Now that you have all the tools and materials needed, you can now start on making the twisted bracelet. To do that, follow the steps below.
1. Measure your wire of choice.
Make sure that you calculate the circumference of your risk and how many twists you are planning to do. The wires tend to shrink when you intend to do a very tight twist.
2. Cut two pieces of 20 inches of the said wire.
If your wire of choice happens to be insulated, it is best if you would scrape away the insulation.
3. Fold both wires into half around the handle of your hammer.
Make sure that you arrange the wire neatly. They should be free from snags and straight.
4. Lock the four ends together by using your pliers.
Doing this will significantly give control in twisting the wires later on.
5. Twist the wires.
There are several ways to do this. You can do it manually, or you can use a hand drill if you have one lying around. Twist it until you achieve your desired effect.
6. Cut the connection to the hammer.
Sever the area where you attached the wire to the hammer. You can do this by using a wire cutter.
7. With a bench block, flatten the surface of the twisted wire.
Be careful with the amount of pressure that you use in hammering the twisted wire as they can quickly become too thin. Gradually increase the force to achieve your desired thickness and width. Also, be consistent with the strength that you use so that the wire shape and thickness become uniformed.
8. Measure the circumference of your risk.
How tight or loose you want your bracelet will depend on your preference.
9. Cut and polish the twisted wire.
Once you have measured your desired bracelet length, cut it using the wire cutter. Then, with your file, remove the sharp edges that developed around the bracelet during hammering.
This is an essential step because you wouldn’t want to injure yourself from the bracelet, right?
10. Bend the bracelet to your desired shape.
Once you have finished cleaning the edges of your wire, take a round metal object that you can use to template the curve that you want your bracelet to have.
These metal objects can be a water bottle or whatever is available around you.
Once you have followed all the steps mentioned above, you can now sport your brand new twisted copper wire bracelet. It will surely be a statement piece that many will appreciate.
If you’re a visual person, check out this video by Lan Ahn Handmade on YouTube.
Extra Tips
Here are additional tips that you can find useful while making your twisted wire bracelet.
1. You Can Choose Other Types of Wires
If copper is not your choice of wire, then it is okay. You can also use stainless spring wires, anneal coils, or music wire. They are also as flexible as copper wire, which makes them easy to manipulate.
If you want more details on which wire to use for jewelry making, check out this guide we wrote about exactly that!
If you happen to have other wires lying around your house from previous projects, then you could also use them as long as they can be twisted.
2. You Can Also Use a Different Pattern
If you want to do more than twisting, you could also make a braided wire bracelet out of the materials and tools listed above. The instructions are almost similar except that instead of two 20 inches wide, you would now need 3.
Braiding is the process of alternating at least three strands to make a pattern. What you would do with the wire is the same procedure as what you will do with hair.
At the end of the day, it all depends on your preference and the look that you want your bracelet to achieve.
3. Add Beads
Adding beads in the middle or at the ends will make your bracelet look more personalized. You can do by merely inserting your choice of bead to your desired area during the twisting process. However, this would mean that you have to be extra careful when pounding your hammer.
Your hammer motions should be precise and consistent. You shouldn’t strike the beads as they can be deformed or even damaged.
4. Put in a Bracelet Lock or Nuts
This one is also optional. If you do not like your bracelet looking like a bangle, you can attach a nut or bracelet lock at the end.
There are several bracelet locks that you can choose from. For this project, we suggest that you consider using a hook and eye or toggle type locks because they have eyelets that you can run the wire through for attachment.
Meanwhile, using nuts at the end of your bracelet would require you to use a soldering iron. The soldering metal will be what attaches the nut to the wire bracelet. If you do not have this or you do not know how to use it, you should stick with bracelet locks instead.
Related Questions
What Are the Advantages of Making Your Twisted Wire Bracelets?
Here are several advantages you will gain from making your twisted wire bracelets.
Practicality – By making your own twisted copper wire bracelet, you can achieve practicality. Rather than purchasing a ready-made twisted wire bracelet online or in stores, you only spend a few bucks.
Fun – Doing a DIY project is a productive way to have fun. If you are a person who enjoys arts and crafts, then you should try doing this project. You could also ask your family and friends to do it with you.
Uniqueness – By making your own twisted copper wire bracelet, you are sure that you are the only one who has it. You could also customize it according to your preference. It’s a way to express your creativity and work out your little masterpiece.
This bracelet can be a great gift to give a loved one too. They will surely appreciate it more knowing that you made it with them in your mind from scratch.
Style – Adding a bracelet into your ensemble is an excellent way to elevate your style. It becomes even more elevated if you choose to sport a twisted copper wire bracelet. This statement piece is a perfect combination of class and modernity.
Is Making a Twisted Wire Bracelet Difficult?
As mentioned, making this type of bracelet is not tricky. All you need to do is to have the right materials and tools and follow the instructions intently.
If you happen to have a previous experience making accessories on your own, then this will be a lot easier for you. However, if you do not have one, do not worry because that is okay. It doesn’t have to be perfect.
Plus, you can always make more anytime for fun, to get better, and to have your own personal collection that you can take pride in.
Final Thoughts
Not only do you save money from making your own twisted copper wire bracelet, but you can also own a unique statement piece and have fun by doing it.
To make your own, simply follow the instructions listed above and remember to have fun all the way.
