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MEMORY WIRE
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Creating
Colorful Memory Wire Bracelets |
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MATERIALS
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Memory Wire
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Assorted Seed Beads
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If you've seen us at a show, you know
we have lots of these bracelets made up as samples. We love all the
textures and colors you can combine into a beautiful piece of jewelry
using these simple materials. Whether you make a bracelet or a
necklace the process is the same. I have some additional bracelets
pictured below.
Enjoy!
Doug & Pam -
www.beadstuff.com |
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TOOLS
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Memory Wire Cutter
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Round Nose Pliers
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Chain Nose Pliers
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If you want to view the supplies
for making this memory wire project, I've included links to get you to the
pages that contain the materials. Each link opens a new window.
Memory
wire
Seed
Beads
Tools |
WARNING!!! Don't use your good
flush cutter on Memory wire!
Memory wire
is very hard, hard enough to damage the cutting blade of most cutters so
they won't cut other things. I have three nicked cutters
because I keep trying to test the limitations of different flush cutters.
Trust me when I say "memory wire is really hard stuff." It's true!
A memory wire cutter is a good investment. They are designed to cut hard
wire and it won't dull or nick like your flush cutter will. It can also be
used to cut heavy silver or copper wire easily. It cuts the end of the
wire square so it's less likely to poke you and it shears the wire with
much less pressure so you save your hands.
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| Begin by counting off any
number of loops that you want. Cut the wire off your supply using
your memory wire cutter. We use 4 loops as shown here. I'm holding
the other end of the wire between my thumb and index finger. Try to
cut enough wire so the ends will overlap each other by an inch or
two after the end loops are formed, this gives your bracelets a fuller look.
We select a pre-made seed bead color mix or we
mix 3 to 6 different beads to give us a fun mix of color and
texture. Example: 5 Triangles mixed with 6/0 and 8/0 rounds, add
some 4mm cubes and you will have fantastic textures. Pick colors
that coordinate and experiment to find your favorite combinations.
You will need about 3/4 of a 6" tube of seed beads to fill 4
loops of wire like we used here.
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| Get a
firm grip on the end of the wire. Trap it between your thumb and
index finger. Use your round nose pliers to grip the wire at
the end. Curl the wire and form a loop. Memory wire is very
stiff. To make forming loops easier, stand up and hold your hands
about waist level. You have greater strength this way and it makes
forming the loops easier. |
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Here's the completed loop on
the end of the wire. Be sure your loop is completely closed so the
beads can't escape. Notice that the loop is curled away from the
center of the memory wire coil. This ensures the loops won't dig
into your wrist. If the loop ends up twisted sideways, use a chain
nose pliers to straighten it. |
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Begin stringing the beads
on the memory wire. To ensure a consistent "random look"
to your project, never string more than three of the same
bead next to each other. By varying the color, size, and shape of
the beads you use you can create fun & exciting color combinations.
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Move the beads down the
wire to the end where you formed the first loop. Continue adding
beads until the wire is full to within 1/2 inch of the end.
Use different sizes and shapes to get
a textured, artistic, random look. You can also add larger accent beads if desired.
Try combining Swarovski
crystals with seed beads that are a similar color. You'll
add big "bling factor" to your bracelet, but
it's more economical than just using crystals alone.
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Use the round nose pliers to form a nice round loop
on the final end. Turn the loop away from the center so the finished
loop won't rub on your skin. |
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Finish the loop and make sure it is all the way
closed so your beads can't escape from the end. If needed, you can use your
chain nose pliers to straighten the loop if it is twisted sideways
or off center. |
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Here's a picture of the finished memory wire bracelet.
You might want to make two or three of these
at the same time. Your friends are sure to want one when
they see yours.
This is a great way to fund your hobby! |
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You can design small dangles using some head pins and a few extra
beads. If you need help with this technique it is shown on the
Earring page. There's a link to get there at the top of this page. |
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Attach your dangle to the loop you made at the end of your bracelet
and your project has been dressed up. Put it on and be sure you let
everyone know you made yourself. Enjoy! |
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When you make a memory wire necklace,
using the neck size
memory wire, be sure you allow a little extra
wire so the ends will overlap each other when you put the necklace on your
neck. This ensures a more comfortable fit. |
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Feel free to print these instructions
and share them with your friends. We require that you include our
name and copyright information. Contact us prior to using this for
classes or commercially, you need our permission. |
Copyright 2006
BeadStuff
"Everyone
Needs A Few Good Beads!"
Doug Larson
PO Box 204013
Austin, TX 78720
512-836-5702
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SAMPLE
BRACELETS
Most of these mixes can be found in our Japanese
Seed Beads. A few of these are made from beads we selected and mixed
so they are not available in a mixed tube.
Click here to see the
Japanese Seed
Bead pages |
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Blue Triangle Mix |
Orange Lime Multi Mix
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Bronze Multi Mix |
Colored Cube Mix
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Chartreuse Multi Mix |
Grape Nehi Multi Mix
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Victorian Romance Mix |
Triangle Multi Mix
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Mardi Gras Party Mix |
Metallic Rain Multi Mix
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Go To TOP
We're compiling other useful ideas to share with our
friends and fellow beader's. Send us an email
with useful ideas or your favorite tips and tricks. We'll be glad to publish your
ideas here on Beadstuff.com!
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| We carry a great selection
of Glass Beads, Seed Beads, Findings, Tools, and Stringing Supplies for
creating your own jewelry. Our products include Czech Glass Beads, Hand
made lamp work beads, Japanese seed beads, Czech Fire Polished Crystals,
and Swarovski Austrian Crystals.
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