Sunflower Bracelet

STEP BY STEP

A gorgeous sun-catching bracelet featuring crystal briolettes and a silver sunflower as seen in issue 4.1 of Australian Beading.

Materials

8 5x10mm rosaline AB Swarovski crystal teardrops

4 6mm rose alabaster Swarovski crystal bicones

6 6mm amethyst Swarovski crystal bicones

1 silver leaf design hook-and-eye clasp

1 silver-plated sunflower connector

2m 22-gauge silver non-tarnish wire

Tools

Chain-nose pliers

Round-nose pliers

Wire cutters

Step 1

Cut the 22-gauge wire in half.
Take one 1m length and place your round-nose pliers in the middle and make a loop by taking one wire around the nose of your pliers. Thread one loop of your sunflower connector onto this loop. Now wrap one wire around the other to create a 3-5mm coil to secure your connector in this position.

Step 2

Onto one wire, thread two crystal teardrops. Wind the other wire over and around the tip ends of the briolettes and then wrap back onto the first wire immediately after the briolettes to secure them in this position. Now, returning to the first wire, thread on one amethyst bicone and take second wire around the bicone and wrap back onto the first wire immediately after the bicone. Working in the same manner, add one rose alabaster bicone, one amethyst bicone, one rose alabaster bicone, one amethyst bicone and a pair of briolettes, remembering to wrap immediately after each addition. After you have made your last wire coil, trim the coiled wire end and use your chain-nose pliers to gently squeeze it flat against your main wire — this will prevent it catching on clothing or scratching your skin. Trim the remaining wire end to approximately 7mm and then make a loop. Thread one half of your clasp onto this loop before closing.

Step 3

Repeat Steps 1 and 2 to complete the other side of your bracelet, using the second 1m length of wire.

Kits for this project are just $22 and are available from WishWare Beads at www.wishwarebeads.com.au or via phone order (08) 9721 6566.