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Susan LeGuyader's Beauty in Simplicity, Contemporary Wire Jewelry. Texturing. Sometimes the simplest supplies combine together to make a stunning piece of jewelry.

Beauty in Simplicity

by Susan LeGuyader
  • Category: Contemporary
  • Technique(s): Texturing
  • Skill Level: Beginner
Sometimes the simplest supplies combine together to make a stunning piece of jewelry. I love to take just wire and beads or in this case washers and make a bracelet. Working with just two elements highlights both supremely well.
This bracelet is industrial, yet delicately textured. The copper is rich in tone and color and the steel wire is black. The contract between the two materials is a thing of beauty.

Materials

16 gauge annealed steel wire
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Copper Washer, 24 Gauge, 1 Inch, Pack of 6
MET-530.05
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $4.10
  • Gold Club Price: $3.08
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Tools

Bench Block Helper with Steel and Nylon Blocks
DAP-500.30
  • DAP-500.30
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $29.95
  • Gold Club Price: $22.46
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Brass Hammer, 9-1/8 Inches, 3 Ounces
G3-20
  • G3-20
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $6.97
  • Gold Club Price: $5.23
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Power Max Cutter, Full Flush, 6-1/2 Inches
PLR-791.00
  • PLR-791.00
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $40.97
  • Gold Club Price: $30.73
Out of Stock
Chain Nose Wire Pliers
G2-508
  • G2-508
  • Lesson Quantity: 2.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 2.00 each
  • Price: $32.95
  • Gold Club Price: $24.71
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Wubbers Medium Bail Making Pliers
G2-1302
  • G2-1302
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $27.95
  • Gold Club Price: $20.96
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Sharpie
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Steel wool
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
WireJewelry Ultra Pro Micro Abrasive Polishing Pads, 20 pack
G9-5-20PK
  • G9-5-20PK
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $8.95
  • Gold Club Price: $6.71
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Instructions
Step 1
Copper washers are available all over the web and you can also find them at your local Harbor Freight. If you've never been, you must go. It is full of great studio tools.

Select how many washers you will want to use. I decided on nine washers of mixed shapes. The size of the washers will determine how many you need for your bracelet.
Susan LeGuyader's Beauty in Simplicity - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, Texturing, washer bracelet
Step 2
Chose your texturing tools. Here I am using artisan-made stamps, in a nature theme.
Stamp both side of the washers.

Pro Tip: My stamps have a round shaft. Every time I moved to the next section or put the stamp down, I had to stop and look to see where the design was orientated. I added a dot of Sharpie marker to the base of the design I wanted facing me. This have me an instant visual of where the stamp was pointed and speeded up my process.
Susan LeGuyader's Beauty in Simplicity - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, Texturing, washer bracelet
Susan LeGuyader's Beauty in Simplicity - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, Texturing, washer bracelet
Susan LeGuyader's Beauty in Simplicity - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, Texturing, washer bracelet
Susan LeGuyader's Beauty in Simplicity - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, Texturing, washer bracelet
Step 3
With your Wubber bail making pliers and the 16g steel wire, make a coil.
I made a coil of 18 jump rings for this bracelet. I made a longer bracelet to fit my bigger wrist. With heavy duty cutters ,cut your jump rings.
Susan LeGuyader's Beauty in Simplicity - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, Texturing, washer bracelet
Susan LeGuyader's Beauty in Simplicity - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, Texturing, washer bracelet
Susan LeGuyader's Beauty in Simplicity - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, Texturing, washer bracelet
Susan LeGuyader's Beauty in Simplicity - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, Texturing, washer bracelet
Step 4
Using the Sharpie marker, color both sides of the washers black. Sharpie markers are just one way to add a patina to metal. When the marker is dry, use steel wool to clean both sides of the washers. You will see that the texture you added to the washers shows up very well.
Susan LeGuyader's Beauty in Simplicity - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, Texturing, washer bracelet
Susan LeGuyader's Beauty in Simplicity - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, Texturing, washer bracelet
Step 5
To assemble the bracelet, open a jump ring and add two washers. Add another jump ring to that section. Repeat adding jump rings and washers until assembled.
Susan LeGuyader's Beauty in Simplicity - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, Texturing, washer bracelet
Step 6
To make the big hook of a clasp, drape the bracelet around your wrist to see how much room you have. My clasp is 1 ¾" long. Use the bail making pliers to make a simple loop on one end of the wire (I work off the spool). Move to the other side of the pliers and finish making the loop. Cut and file the end smooth. I take time to adjust the curvature of the clasp, making it elegant and sexy.
Susan LeGuyader's Beauty in Simplicity - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, Texturing, washer bracelet
Step 7
Finishing this bracelet is all about comfort and durability. Use a Pro-Polish pad to finish buffing up the washers and cleaning the jump rings and clasp. You can also add Renaissance Wax to help preserve the patina. Use a file to get any rough spot. Double check all of your jump rings are aligned. These steps add a look of professionalism that moves your work to another level.

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