bracelet - Riotous Garden Wire Crochet

Riotous Garden - wire crochet bracelet

(CC0157) wire crochet, bracelet

This, my first, wire crochet, wire worked bracelet is destined for my sis-in-lay, Audrey.

I came across a tutorial by Kristin St. Clair in the "Make It : Live from Tucson!" article found at Martha Stewart's the Craft Dept.

I was all ready to attempt a facsimile of that but I didn't quite like how it was finished. So this bracelet evolved. I made the wire worded flowers and leaves pretty much according to that tutorial. And then to give me a smoother and more finished look, I decided to go with making a wire crochet base. It is folded over after the flowers and stuff are woven in so that when the other half is folded over (which will lie against the skin) I have a perfect matching backing for looks and protection and the likelihood of bits of wire from the woven bits would not be poking into the wearer.

Approximate length: 19 - 19.5cm
Approximate Weight: 85grams

Materials

* brass wire - silver plated - 0.25mm dia (both for the wireworked flowers and the crochet)
* hook: Clover 0.7mm hook
* magnetic brass slide clasp (silver plated) - 2.5cm / 1inch
* crystal leaves, metallic wooden beads, Czech teardrop beads, faceted crystals, gemstone chips, turquoise chips, butterfly slider (free gift from Crystal Flair)

My "Model"

Lacking a "proper" model and also for the fun of it, I "persuaded" Pete my DH to pose for me .. which he disinterestedly but obediently did ... The second pic, well I had to do a wee bit of air-brushing coz a hairy hand with the bracelet does not look quite right .. especially, close up!

Construction Notes

Lots of photos below to pretty much show the work sequence.

For the crochet base, take into account the wrist size (the bracelet should sit quite snug with only a bit of space) plus any allowance you might have to make for the type of clasp you will be using. After you have made the right length, keep going. Remember you will be folding this over in half.

After the piece is complete, you can end off normally. Leave some tail to be woven into base and neatened. Flatten the wire base by rolling with bottle. Will give a smoother finish against the skin and a more professional and neat finish.

Use the same thin wire to over-sew along all sides and secure both halves together as well as attaching the clasp as you go along. Try to make it so that as little of the clasp is showing - here by tucking the clasp-loops under the base.