Twisted Leaf
Bracelet
Designed by Kristin Burgess
Our vintage metal section always has neat old rare parts that are loads of fun to design with! Our latest filigree shipment contained a golden brushed metal round that I am excited to have featured here. Simply strung on softflex, alternating the rounds with Swarovski's Khaki crystal makes a for a fantastic effect: Shiny vs. matte. By mixing texture and cut along with size, using only two types of beads are enough to make a dramatic statement. The hoops featured in the earrings are engraved and have a very sweet and intricate floral vine design that works lovely complimented with our lucite leaves. The larger metal beads have such a unique texture that they actually feel soft to the touch and therefore make for a super comfy bracelet that is also very easy to function.
This project is great for all levels! Crimping and wirework are involved with this project. The bracelet has a total length of 8". Two crimp beads and covers are needed, on each side, to attach the beaded strand to the clasp.
By omitting beads evenly you can decrease the length of the bracelet without altering the look. I find it helpful to strand the bracelet directly onto the softflex spool as it is easier to keep the pattern even (you can deduct beads from either side should the piece end up longer than intended). The earrings we will put together after, using the leftover khaki crystals.
Step 1: Prepare a clutter free workspace to lay out piles of your beads and components on. Start by stringing this pattern onto the Soft Flex spool...2 crimp beads, 1 khaki cry, 1 brushed gold round, 1 khaki cry, 1 brushed gold round, 1 khaki cry, 1 brushed round, 1 khaki cry, so on until you have threaded a symmetrical bracelet ending with a khaki crystal fllowed by 2 crimp beads (like side one).
Step 2: 
Crimp the beaded strand to the toggle clasp. Remember that the clasp will add length to your bracelet! Having two crimp beads on either side of the bracelet makes the toggle bar able to swing sideways (so that it can pass through the ring). If you choose to use a different clasp be sure to measure and consider it's length along with the beaded softflex length. Crimp both crimp beads but crimp them one at a time. After crimping side one, trim the remainder Soft Flex tail using the cutters. Using the end part of the crimper tool attach the crimp cover over the crimp for a more finished look. Repeat crimping and covering for side two.
Step 3: Bead "leftovers" can be used to make the featured dangle earrings to match! Using the one goldfill eyepin thread on a single khaki bead. Form a perpendicular loop with the leftover wire on the other side of the crystal using the round nose pliers. Cut any left over wire with the wire snips. Use the thin line pliers to open the loop to include a twisted jump ring. The other side of the crystal you will need to swing open to include one ear wire. Repeat for earring #2
Step 4: Take two of the large metal hoops from the strand. On one add
a cut stwisted jump ring and one lucite leaf and thread through
the twisted ring on the crystal. Swing the twisted ring shut
completely. Pinch the seam with the thin line pliers. Repeat
for earring #2. If you are worried about the safty of the open
jump rings try adding an extra on each earring for a doubled
look that is even stronger!
Enjoy!
