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Easy Summer Anklets

By on May 16, 2014
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by Judy Ellis, Wire-Sculpture.com

 

Jewelry Tip for May 16, 2014

Easy Summer Anklets!

The summer season is quickly approaching, which means that women’s fashion calls for shorter skirts, Capri pants, shorts and longer halter dresses with side slits. Footwear includes heeled strappy sandals, decorative flip-flops or the lovely naked foot. For all of these fashions and important accessory is the Anklet.

This week I thought I’d give you a few fun ideas about making your own Easy Anklets!

Anklets can be made from about any material.

  • Some are simple pieces of leather, single strands or braided, with or without a charm or bead embellishment, which are tied around an ankle.
  • Trendy anklets include those made of plastic-similar to a braided lanyard; fabric or rickrack adorned with tiny bells for dancers; braided embroidery floss – the ‘friendship’ anklet; stretchy, etcetera.
  • Fashion anklets are made of both precious and base metals, some a simple decorative chain, while others incorporate beads and/or set gemstones.

The Basics:

  • The most common anklet lengths are from 7 to 10 inches.
  • To customize an anklet, using a measuring tape, measure around the person’s ankle, right where they would like it to lay, and then add half an inch.
  • Another way to measure is to use a length of chain, in the same manner, and then measure the length of chain needed, subtracting the length of the desired clasp.
  • Adding an additional 1 to ¾-inches of chain to the desired finished length adds size versatility to any anklet design.

  • Use a 4-inch piece of 22-gauge round wire with a wrapped loop at each end (insert the chain before the loop is wrapped closed) with a pretty combination of beads in the center and finish with a trigger clasp.
  • The clasp will fit into any of the chain links, so a small headpin charm has been added to the opposite chain end, acting as a weight-dangle.

A few ideas:

  • This ‘beaded center’ anklet design can dress up or down, depending on the beads used.
  • Just remember to be careful about the bead choice as some materials like freshwater pearls, fluorite and turquoise (to name a few) will not hold up well in the summer sun, chlorine in pools and hot tubs or salt water.
  • A ‘water-fun’ anklet is a good time to use whimsical beads made from shells!
  • For an elegant summer wedding or dinner, an anklet made of 14kt gold filled chain with freshwater pearl and crystal drops will certainly add sparkle.
  • If you wish to offer a slightly different look to your anklets, try attaching a chain from the anklet at the top of the foot to an adjustable toe ring, to fit the big toe. In Eastern cultures, this chain was added to force a smaller/shorter step for the ladies
  • The ‘Lady Bugs’ sample, shown below, is a combination of four headpin charms that are used to attach two chain lengths together, before wrapping in the final loops.
  • Use a length of medium weight chain; add a few wrapped headpin drops and a nice clasp-Done!

To make it even more simple, take a look at our FREE Pattern for an Easy Agate Anklet.

I hope you have fun making these Easy Summer Anklets!

Happy Wrapping!

Judy Ellis

 

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One Comment

  1. avatar

    Moonstone Mary

    May 16, 2014 at 12:11 pm

    Thank you for this article. It was very timely as a local friend, when finding out I make jewelry, asked if I made anklets. I told her “I can.” Some good simple ideas here and what a great way to use up small quantities of leftover beads.