Memory wire bracelets are fun and easy to create, making them an ideal way to start off in the world of jewelry making. The basis for the bracelet is obviously memory wire, which is a special type of wire that holds its given shape even under duress. Memory wire bracelets can be bought from hundreds of internet stores, and generally speaking the more you buy the cheaper they are.
Constructing a memory wire bracelet
The vast majority of memory wire bracelets are threaded with beads. The type of beads you use is totally a personal choice and can range from tiny seed beads through to chunky, irregularly shaped beads that imitate natural stones. The larger the beads the more substantial the finished bracelet so the purpose of the bracelet should be thought about before deciding on what type of beads to thread.
The first step in the creation of a memory wire bracelet is to bend one end of the wire into a small loop, the purpose of which is to stop the beads falling off the bracelet as quickly as you thread them on! This simple loop can be accomplished by curling the wire around one of the legs of a pair of round-nosed pliers, making sure it is big enough to keep the beads on the wire.
Next you simply thread as many beads as you can on to the wire. If you’re using seed beads then this can take a while as most memory wire bracelets encircle the arm between 3 and 5 times, rather than just once as with a traditional bracelet. Larger beads are quicker to thread but as mentioned above they produce a finished bracelet with a chucky design, and this can be imposing on a small wrist.
When you have approximately 2-3cm of wire left you need to make another loop as you did the first to finish off the bracelet.
Making it special
Because memory wire bracelets are so easy to make, numerous pieces can be made in a single evening. By varying the size, shape, color and material of the beads you can make a unique memory wire bracelet for each of the important people in your life. If you want to go a step further you can even use lettered beads and create a personalized message in the actual bracelet. These are a great gift idea for youngsters who enjoy wearing things with their name on.
An alternative to using different types of beads is to create an ensemble of sorts. In addition to a memory wire bracelet you can always make a matching memory wire choker, or you can make a matching pair of bracelets and wear one on each arm.
The possibilities for this type of jewelry are virtually limitless. You just need the memory wire itself, a pair of pliers, some beads and plenty of imagination.
