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Tutorial: Simplicity Bracelet

Created by Judy Rowe

This lesson shows how to make a simple linked
beaded bracelet by wire wrapping each bead. By
wrapping each bead first rather than just using
eye pins to connect the beads, you end up with a
frame around each bead creating a more finished
looking piece of jewelry. Once you’ve mastered
this simple technique, you’ll be able to apply it to
any shape or style.

Materials:

• 4 ½ Feet of 20 gauge Round Soft Wire
• (11) 8mm Round Beads (you may need

more or less beads depending on the size of
bracelet needed; 11 beads makes an 8”
bracelet)
• (1) Toggle Clasp
• (2) split rings

Tools:

• Round nose pliers
• Wire cutters
• Flat nose pliers
• E6000 Glue (optional)

Step 1: Start by cutting 4 ¾” of wire for the first
link. Each bead requires 4 ¾” of wire to wrap.

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Step 2: Measure ¼” from one end of the wire
and place your flat nosed pliers on that mark.
Your pliers should be between that mark and the
end of the wire. This is the part of the wire that
will be inserted into one of the holes on the
bead.

Step 3: Bend the wire 90 degrees.

1/4”

Step 4: Insert the bent end of the wire into one
of the holes in the bead. This wire should not go
all the way through the bead, nor should it stick
out from the opposite hole. You may add a drop
of E6000 glue to the end of the wire before
inserting it into the hole for added stability and
security. It’s not necessary.

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Step 5: Start to curve the wire around the bead
in a clockwise direction by using your fingers to
shape it. Make sure you keep the wire near the
center of the bead.

Step 6: Wrap the wire all the way around the
bead till you get back to where you insert the
wire into the hole.

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Step 7: Continue to wrap the wire around to the
opposite side of the bead.

Step 8: You should see the opposite hole on the
bead where there is no wire. You should have
completed 1 ½ loops around the bead.

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Step 9: Now that you are on the opposite side of
the bead where the wire began, bend the wire
up 90 degrees using your flat nose pliers.

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Step 10: Using your round nose pliers, create a
loop by wrapping the wire around the pliers in a
counter-clockwise direction so that the wire ends
up heading back in the clockwise direction after
the loop is completed. This loop should be
parallel to the bead.

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Step 11: Continue wrapping the wire around in
a clockwise direction 1 ½ more times.

Step 12: You should have created 1 ½ loops
around the bead ending up back at the
beginning.
The red arrow is pointing to the beginning wire.

You should have three rows of wire showing on
each side of the bead.

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Step 13: Grab the wire with your flat nose
pliers at the point where it meets the beginning
wire, which was inserted into the hole, and bend
it up 90 degrees.

Step 14: Use your round nose pliers to create a
loop upward. This loop will not be going in the
same direction as the opposite loop. It should
be 90 degrees to the bead.

Step 15: Finish the loop by curving the wire all
the way around to close it.

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Step 16: Trim the excess wire and close the
loop.

Copyright 2009 Judy Rowe Step 17: You will Repeat Steps 1 through 16 till
you have created each link. You can connect
each bead as you make them or wait till you
have them all made before connecting them.
Make sure you connect the loops as shown with
the parallel loop connecting to the 90 degree
loop. Also, make sure the direction of the 90
degree loop is always facing down so you don’t
see the cut end of the wire.

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Step 18: After you have all the links connected,
attach your toggle clasp with the split rings and
you’re finished!

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial.
For comments or questions, please go to
JewelryLessons.com

Please do not distribute, lend or copy.
Do not mass produce.

Please give credit to the Teacher. Use and view
of this content constitutes an agreement to
www.JewelryLessons.com’s Terms of Use.

Copyrights 2009 Judy Rowe

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VARIATIONS:
Try using different shaped beads like squares. These square beads were a bit smaller than the
8mm round beads so it took 12 beads to make an 8” bracelet. The square shape is a little more
difficult to wrap so I recommend starting with the round bead first till you get the hang of it.

You can also make simple dangle earrings.

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