How to Make an Ocean-Inspired Memory Wire Bracelet
This fun tutorial will guide you through using 5mm gemstone beads that will fill SilverSilk Sea Foam color Hollow Mesh in the most delightful way, creating a mulit-layered and very textural design, inspired by the intricate layers of the ocean! Hollow Mesh fits easily over any beads, 5mm or smaller. SilverSilk Hollow Mesh is a revolutionary knitted wire jewelry chain. It’s made by knitting wire as thin as human hair into a tubular wire mesh. The result is a 5mm hollow knitted wire tube that can be filled with leather cord, chain, craft wire, seed beads, or virtually any material between 3-5mm found in your beading drawer. The possibilities are endless! Find out more about SilverSilk Hollow Mesh here. Follow along each step in this tutorial guide, as well as in video form, to create this sea faring design.
Before we dive into the magic, let's gather our tools and materials:
Tools:
Memory Wire Cutters: Needed for making cuts in strong memory wire
Chain Nose Pliers: These pliers will be used for opening and closing jump rings
Round Nose Pliers: Needed for forming loops in memory wire
Flush cutters: Used to cut your Hollow Mesh
Materials:
18in • SilverSilk Hollow Mesh
2 • SilverSilk 6mm Hollow Mesh Cord Ends
18in • 5mm gemstone beads
2 Coils • Gold Memory Wire
2 • Feathery tassels
2 • 6mm Faceted glass beads
2 • Enameled octopus charms
NOTE: Beads and decorative jewelry chains were supplied by Jesse James Beads
The Ocean-Inspired Memory Wire Bracelet Video Tutorial
The Ocean-Inspired Bracelet Written Step-By-Step Guide
Step 1: Create Two, Small Loops on the End of your Memory Wire
Grab the end with your round nose pliers then slowly turn, rotating your wrist until you have two, small coils, making the loop strong and tucking away the cut end. Anything you attach to the ends will be secure.
Step 2: String on the Cord End to the End of your Memory Wire
Slide one Cord End down to meet the two coils at the end of your memory wire. Tip: Having too many coils on your memory wire can make it tricky to get the beads to settle. If you have more than two coils, it can be easier to make multiple, stackable bracelets. You’ll spend less time fussing with all the different beads and components.
Step 3: String 5mm Beads onto the Memory Wire
String your beads onto the memory wire. If they settle into the Cord End, go ahead and let them for now as you string. Leave 1-inch free of beads at the end.
Step 4: Make a Hook at the End of the Memory Wire
Make a hook with your round nose pliers at the end of your memory wire. The hook doesn’t have to be pretty. It will enable feeding of the beads through the Hollow Mesh without getting tangled in the knits of the Hollow Mesh chain.
Step 5: Feed the Mesh over your Beads
Gently feed the Hollow Mesh over your beads. You don’t need to pre-cut the Hollow Mesh before this step. You can preserve as much as possible, by cutting the mesh to fit after you’ve fed it through to cover all the beads.
Step 6: Trim Hollow Mesh Ends and Pinch the Hollow Mesh Chain Down Around and Over the Last Beads
When you reach the last bead, make sure there aren’t any hiding under your Cord End, then fold over and pinch the end of the Hollow Mesh over the last bead. This will help it package the bead as they settle back into the end cap, securing the Hollow Mesh around it.
On the other side of your bracelet, trim your Hollow Mesh one knit at a time around, going in a circle with your cutters around the mesh. Fold the mesh and pinch it tight around the last bead.
Step 7: Finish with another Cord End and Add Decorative Charms
Use chain nose pliers to undo your hook in the memory wire. String on the Cord End and slide it over the beads. Trim the end of the memory wire if needed using memory wire cutters. Use round nose pliers to coil a loop, aiming for about two coils. Use 6mm jump rings to add charms and baubles to the ends of your bracelet.
Enjoy your new bracelet!
Conclusion:
Hollow Mesh is a very versatile medium for any jewelry design. The beautiful colors available in Hollow Mesh will add interest and allure over any beads or gemstones. We hope you enjoyed this tutorial and feel inspired to make a unique bracelet for yourself or a loved one. Don't forget to check out the full video tutorial on YouTube. If you enjoyed it, give us a thumbs up and subscribe to our channel for more exciting tutorials.
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