What we'll be doing

In this workshop we will be making jewellery using aluminium wire. Aluminium wire is nice and soft so it makes for wonderful freeform cuffs and pendants. Your imagination is the limit with this workshop!

Tools

We will provide tools for use in class, but you may like to purchase your own if you don't already have them and would like to continue at home!

Items you will need to purchase

  • Wire 1.5mm
  • wire 0.6mm or 0.8mm for wrapping
  • Beads

You may wish to purchase

  • Clasp (if making a necklace)
  • Chain (if making a necklace)
  • Pliers

Instructions for the cuff (the pendant shown is similar, just use shorter pieces of 1.5mm wire!):

Step One

The amount of wire you will use depends on how big you would like the bracelet. So it is good to start off with more than you think you will need. Start with about 40cm of 1.5mm aluminium wire (2 pcs each 40cm). Using your round nose pliers make a swirl in the end of each piece (once you have started the swirl, it is easiest to use your fingers rather than pliers, as aluminium wire is very soft).

Step Two:

After you have completed the two swirls, join your two pieces of wire together using 0.6mm wire (cut the 0.6mm wire to about 2 metres). Wind the wire around the two thick wires, which will secure them at the end. Wind for about 1cm. After about 1cm of winding around both pieces of 1.5mm wire, start to wind the 0.6mm wire around just one of the 1.5mm wires. Make about 5 wraps.

Step Three:

Thread a small bead onto the 0.6mm wire, then continue to wind the wire around just one piece of the 1.5mm wire. Make about 10 wraps. From here the process is the same, estimating how many beads you will need to fill your gap between the two pieces of 1.5mm wire. Use random beads to give the same look.

Step Four:

When you get to roughly the center, use a large feature bead. Then continue to add random beads until you have finished filling the gap. When you get to the end, wrap the 0.6mm wire around both pcs of 1.5mm wire to secure it in place. Leave about 10cm of 1.5mm wire (both pcs) and cut. Then using your pliers and fingers make swirls on this side of the bracelet as well.

Step Five

Bend the piece to fit around your wrist.