Classy Glass
Button Bracelet
Designed by Kristin Burgess
Buttons are back! And they are not just used for repairing old sweaters anymore! Vintage inspired jet black buttons make a striking statement atop our latest treasure...ribbon chain. This vintage chain is flat and very comfortable to wear. It's fun to embellish, making it the perfect bracelet base! Check out our new button pages featuring yummy glass and lucite buttons that work up wonderfully for a similarly designed charm style bracelet!
This project is great for all levels! The bracelet has a total length of 7&1/2". A total of 8 buttons are needed. Three of each of the two smaller buttons and 2 of the largest button for a total of eight buttons.
You will have plenty of leftover ribbon chain for future projects.
Step 1: Prepare a clutter free workspace to lay out piles of your buttons and components on. Start by removing the hook from the bar clasp using the flat nose pliers. We are actually only using the hook from the clasp but keep the two bars that are leftover to form earrings with or to use on another project. Pre cut the ribbon chain 1" shorter than your intended final bracelet length. Use the wire snips to cut through the chain. Set aside the rest and make a small pile of jump rings on your mat.
Step 2: 
Use the flat nose pliers to attach the hook to one side of the cut ribbon chain. Using two of the jump rings hook into the clasp and into the two vacant holes formed on the end of the ribbon chain. Swing both of these rings completely shut and pinch seam area. Repeat for the other side but include the two inches of cable chain. This makes the bracelet slightly adjustable. You can decide to wear the bracelet tight or loose. Perhaps the bracelet is a gift, this option is nice as you may not know the exact size of the recipient's wrist.
Step 3: Each of the buttons are applied using two round open jump rings.
By opening one ring, feeding on the button, then feeding on the
entire ribbon chain then swing the ring shut completely using the flat nose pliers. Go right down the bracelet applying the buttons to the ribbon chain base in just this manner. The buttons themselves sit about 1/2 inch from one another. The buttons should be applied in this order...1 small gold, 1 small black, 1 large gold, and so on until you end with one small black button. They are still able to move after they applyed though not easily. Make sure that the rings are completely shut using the flat pliers. Using your fingers space the buttons out evenly onto the base. Once they are spaced out evenly, use another jump ring on each button. The second jump ring should hook through the ribbon chain and include the round jump ring too. This application of the second jump ring encompassing the ribbon and the first jump ring keeps each button in place so that they are not able to slide on the chain anymore. This second jump ring addition reinforces the jewelry, making the bracelet much stronger. Use the leftover "ribbon chain" to create your own button bracelet design! See other glass and lucite button options on the button pages of the website for other colors and button ideas.
As always, enjoy!
