First there were the Livestrong bracelets, then Pandora -- now the biggest craze is the Alex & Ani bracelets. I think these are the most adorable bracelets. However, these bracelets can easily run you up to over $50 a pop (with the average bracelet still costing at least $25+). And these bracelets, much like charms on a charm bracelet, are meant to be collected, I could easily go broke trying to buy them all. So, I made a trip over to Michael's and made my own (low-end) version.
All I needed was:
- Beading wire (I suggest getting stainless steel, as aluminum is too flimsy)
- Charms
- Pliers (flat-nosed and needle-nosed, are preferred)
- Wire cutters
I first cut roughly 1 1/2 the circumference of the wire -- or roughly twice the circumference of my wrist.
I added a charm onto the bracelet and slid it to roughly the center part of the bracelet.
I bent the lower end of the wire up (so that the bent portion is touching the top wire).
After measuring the wire around said wrist, I used my needle-nosed pliers and curved the bent portion around the top wire.
Then, while holding everything in place, I used the flat-nosed pliers to squeeze the bend until the wire cannot move through it.
I then slid on whatever remaining charms for the bracelet.
I fed the free wire 1/3 of the way around the bracelet and repeated the process, only now on the bottom portion of the wire. After squeezing everything into place, I cut off the remaining wire and smoothed any rough bends.
I ended up making 4 bracelets with what I got: one is a Celtic spiral bracelet, another is a summertime bracelet, another is a religious bracelet, while one is just a mash-up of charms that caught my eye.
I spent a grand total of $16 for this project, including taxes. The cost for these four bracelets was less than the cost of just one Alex & Ani bracelet. They're definitely not as nice (and are lacking the signature "Made in America with love" et al), but, eh, details.
where do you get the charms
ReplyDeleteI got them in the jewelry-making section at Michael's. I know smallers Michael's don't necessarily have them, but I'm sure you could get them online. They were roughly $2-3 a piece.
DeleteWhat brand of wire did you purchase? I got stainless steel wire but it still bends way too easily.
ReplyDeleteAh I believe I got stainless steel as well. I think it all depends on the diameter of the wire -- I can't for the life of me remember the exactly number in MM but I do remember that it was one of the thickest wires they had there. They're a little more flimsy than the Alex n Ani versions, but I imagined any thicker and I'd have difficulty bending the ends.
DeleteYou can use Memory Wire. It makes great bracelets/
DeleteTry Craft Designer Permanently Colored Copper Wire (silver colored) in 16 gauge. 7 feet coil for less than $4.00. Bought some at Walmart. Also, try Esty.com for charms. Some as low as $2.50 for 8 (same design).
DeleteThese look great! I have a few real Alex and Ani's so I mix my knock-offs to really add to thte look. Thanks for the inspiration!
ReplyDeleteThats so creative :) love it
DeleteOMG what a pretty Bracelets. This is my first time to this site but my friend has told me about your work and you are very very good!
ReplyDeleteBangle Bracelets
Were you able to make yours so they slide open/adjustable?
ReplyDeleteI'm able to adjust them by opening the the folded sides and moving them accordingly before closing the sides up again.
DeleteI think you do a great job making bracelets its about the creative artist inside of you. 16 Gauge is a good wire for bracelets, continue to use your mind and hands to create beautiful bracelets.
ReplyDeleteI have been trying to make these bracelets for a gift and finally came across this article. I had been using aluminum rather than the stainless steel so thank you for the tip! Do you happen to remember where you bought it? I'm having trouble finding it in craft stores and online. What gauge/mm would you recommend?
ReplyDeleteTry Craft Designer Permanently Colored Copper Wire (silver colored) in 16 gauge. 7 feet coil for less than $4.00. Bought some at Walmart. Also, try Esty.com for charms. Some as low as $2.50 for 8 (same design).
DeleteI have been using memory wire "oval shaped" wire. Turning the ends is a little bit hard but it can be done. The wire is thinner than the original alex and ani's but remember this is a knock off and it will keep it's shape forever.
ReplyDeleteI made the same kind, with the thickest wire Michael's had and it shows that it's not as strong as A & A's. The bends are SO hard to get out. Just from where you have to hold it to form it into a halfway good looking circle. Wonder if anyone has a tool or trick to making the thing perfectly round? The metal also scratches easily so not sure about forcing it over something round to form it , , , any ideas?
ReplyDeleteI got beadaholique 16 gauge wire which was suggested for the bracelets but the looping to seal and the start the bracelet is really hard. I got the 3/4 semi hard which is just about as hard as it gets unless I get the 100% which would be really hard to work with. I am having so much trouble getting the loop - any advice? I am pretty sure I got the correct gauge and thickness. UGH. Ordered $300 in supplies to add this to my etsy business.
ReplyDeleteyou need two pairs of pliers. One needle nose and one flatter, I'd recommend with padding (I bought a whole set with my Michael's coupon for 40% off, for about 8 or 9 bucks, and so far so good). I took one of those moleskin pieces Dr. Scholl's sells with the sticky back, and cut it to fit the flat pliers, so as not to ding the wire - it happened, so the second time around I was ready! Hold the wire with the flat, padded pliers that you do not want to "loop". Use the needle nosed ones to MAKE the loop, as tight as you can get it so the charms don't slip through the crack later (also happened yesterday :( ), but making loop large enough for the bracelet part to still slip in and out of while putting it on or taking it off your arm.
DeleteI believe the Alex and Ani's must surely be made with a minimum of 12 gauge wire, but they've probably got fancy machines that turn them out with them getting all bendy like mine :)
DeleteThis post is worthy of appreciation, looking forward to more exciting! ,swarovski necklace
ReplyDeleteAmei, parabéns!!!
ReplyDelete
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ReplyDelete