Sizing a Bracelet

by Marilyn Gardiner

Today's quick tip comes to us from Marilyn Gardiner about sizing a bracelet for a "distant" relative, friend or customer...

Marilyn Says:
If you want to make a chain mail bracelet for your sister (mother, friend, customer...) who doesn't live nearby, what measurement should they send you?

Instructions

I would ask them to use a tape measure around their wrist, holding it a bit loose to mimic the amount of looseness they prefer for their bracelets, and record that measurement.

Now, how can you make your chain mail bracelet so it will fit their wrist?

Well, if you make the length to match the distance around their wrist, you know it will likely be too short.

So, how much longer should it be? If you are making a thin, flat chain, the final length will be shorter that if you are making a fat, chunky one! This is because it's the inner diameter of the bracelet that counts.

The solution is to use The EZ Bracelet Sizer. This "tool" comes as a flat piece of flexible plastic that assembles to form a cone that is labeled with wrist measurements.

(You can find both of these great tools on our sister site - JewelryTools.com)

EZ Sizer, Bracelet Mandrel
Product ID: GAU-110.00

EZ Sizer, Bracelet Mandrel, Travel Size
Product ID: GAU-110.10

Marilyn Gardiner's Sizing a Bracelet - , Tools For Wire Jewelry, Design, Tools, , EZ Bracelet Sizer

Marilyn Gardiner's Sizing a Bracelet - , Tools For Wire Jewelry, Design, Tools, , EZ Bracelet Sizer Travel Size

Just slide the finished bracelet onto the cone to read the inner diameter of the bracelet.

The EZ bracelet Sizer comes full size or in a Mini Travel Size. I prefer the Mini-it measures from 5 inches through to 9 inches, which is what I need.

Don't forget you can also use a Round Smooth Bracelet Mandrel or Round Step Mandrel as well if you have one on hand.

I hope this quick tip helps you keep get your bracelets sized the first time!

Materials

Jump Rings

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Wire

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Tools

EZ Sizer, Bracelet Mandrel Product

GAU-110.00

GAU-110.00
Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each

EZ Sizer, Bracelet Mandrel, Travel Size

GAU-110.10

GAU-110.10
Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each

Add All Items to Cart

Category: Tools
Technique(s): Design, Tools, General Education

Reviews

Marilyn Gardiner

I am a teacher who worked for many years as a teacher librarian and educational computer consultant. As part of my job I taught teachers and principals how to use computers in the classroom and I developed curriculum modules.I love jewelry, color, pattern, and design. It is thrilling to create something new that others love too. And I truly enjoy breaking down something complex into an easy-to-learn sequence that I can share with others, whether in print or in a classroom.

During the past 10 years I have energetically and enthusiastically developed my beading and chain mail skills and used my teaching background with adults to develop bead work and chain mail kits with step-by-step instructions that really work. I know that the kits have good quality instructions because of the positive feedback from students I teach and from customers who buy the kits at shows and from my online store.I regularly teach classes locally in Toronto ON, as well as occasionally in Mississauga, Barrie, Temple TX and San Antonio TX.I have been a vendor at bead shows in Toronto ON, Guelph ON, Montreal QC, Ottawa ON, Calgary AB, Halifax NS, Milwaukee WI, and Tucson AZ - and I teach a full slate of classes at these shows. My website has details.

In 2007 I was "Folk Artist in Residence - Beadwork" at the Joseph Schneider Haus in Kitchener ON. This involved setting up a series of lectures, seminars, and demonstrations throughout the year. There was also a good-sized gallery exhibit of beadwork that featured my work and included the contemporary and historical work of many others. The residency resulted in several articles in the local media.

I later completed a bead work commission for the museum, and some of my work is sold in the museum gift shop.I have published projects available online at Beading Times, Bead Bugle, All Free Jewelry, and The Beading Gem's Journal. Some of my kits are sold online through Beadfx. Kalmbach Publishing published my first book, Modern Chain Mail Jewelry, in 2015.Most of my time at present is directed to creating new chain mail projects.

I am currently working on several new designs that will be ready as kits and for teaching this fall. Each of these will have an Argentium sterling and a copper or Jeweler's Bronze version, and a couple will be silver filled 925/10. This will bring my chain mail kit total to more than 150. (My husband makes all our jump rings and packages the kits. Good man!)

Website: www.marilyngardiner.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/GardinerDesign