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  • Wrap Your Wrist in Washers
  • Learn how to create a dramatic bracelet using fender washers, wire and glass beads.
    From "B. Original"
    episode DBOR-102


    If you can use a drill, you can "build" a bold, dramatic bracelet using fender washers, wire and glass beads. B.Original host Michele Beschen shows you how!

    To make the bracelet, you’ll drill holes in large fender washers, embellish the washers with glass beads and link them together with jump rings.
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    PHOTO

    Make this hardware you'll love to wear!
    Materials:

    drill press or hand drill
    1/16" drill bit suitable for metals
    small clamp and scrap wood
    three large fender washers
    jump rings
    jewelry clasp
    E6000 glue or soldering gun with solder
    sandpaper or small file
    glass beads
    20-gauge wire
    needle-nose pliers
    spray polyurethane
    tape measure, string or existing bracelet (to measure for size)
    PHOTO

    Figure A
    Prep Your Washers

    • Drill two holes close together on one fender washer, then drill a matching pair of holes opposite the first ones. Jump rings will go through these holes to attach the washers to each other and form the bracelet (figure A).

      Note: Use a piece of scrap wood behind the washer when drilling, and make sure you use a drill bit suitable for hard metals. If you’re using a hand drill, clamp the washer tightly to the wood. Remember, always wear eye protection when drilling metal.

    • Drill holes around the washer’s center hole.

    • Sand or file away any rough bits of metal from your washer.

    • Repeat the drilling process for the other washers, then spray all of the washers with 1-2 coats of polyurethane to prevent discoloring.

    Build Your Bracelet

    • Measure your wrist with a tape measure or piece of string, or simply lay your finished washers alongside an existing bracelet to check for size. Decide how many jump rings you’ll need between each washer for a proper fit.

    • Attach your washers using jump rings, then solder the rings shut or use a drop of E6000 glue to make sure they don’t pull open (figure B).

    • Once the polyurethane dries, attach glass beads across the center of your washers with the 20-gauge wire. Use the pliers to snip the wire to length and bend the wire ends under to conceal any sharp edges (figure C).

    • Add your clasp, and solder or glue to make sure it stays in place.
    Photo

    Figure B

    Photo

    Figure C



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