Wire Wrapped Bangle
Designed by Katie Hacker

Neon Baubles

It's easy to add your own designer touch to store-bought bracelets, earrings and more. This simple wire coiling technique lets you add pops of color to any circular jewelry components. Have fun!

Materials:
Hematite bangle bracelet
(You can use any thin wire bangle)
Neon pearls from SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS
14 8mm assorted orange, pink, yellow
19 4mm assorted orange, pink, yellow
Artistic Wire  
22-gauge hematite
Beadalon        
nylon-jaw pliers
chain-nose pliers
wire cutters

1. Cut a 24" length of 22-gauge wire. This is the longest length of wire that is comfortable to wrap around the bangle – if you need to add more wire, simply cut another length.

2. Wrap the wire tightly around the bangle twice to anchor it.

3. Add one 8mm bead to the wire and coil it twice around the bangle. Add another 8mm bead and coil again.

4. Add three 4mm beads, coiling around the bangle between each bead.

5. Repeat the pattern: two 8mm beads, three 4mm beads to cover the bracelet. (Add a 4mm bead if necessary to fill any empty space at the end.)

6. If you want to see more wire wrapping on the bangle, cut an extra 12" length and coil it between the beads all the way around the bracelet.

Tip: If you want to embellish it, you can add a short coil of coordinating colored wire around the ear wire.

For more ideas featuring colorful Artistic Wire and SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS Beads, check out
Live Wire Jewelry
(Northlight Books 2012) available at
Barnes & Nobles stores and KatieHacker.com.