Jump rings are one of the most useful findings in jewelry making. Almost every piece of jewelry you wear has them incorporated in one size or another. The advantage of making your own is being able to choose the gauge of the wire as well as the diameter of the rings and you can choose a type of metal to match your project. Plus, if you know how to make your own jump rings you will never have to run to the store when you run out of them.
For this project, you will need:
To use a mandrel you will need to gently smooth out the wire. Place the tip of the wire on the mandrel and begin wrapping wire around the desired size, forming a coil.
Use your cutters to snip the end of the wire from the spool of wire. Remove the coil.
This is where the flush cutters work best. They will leave a nice flush cut on one side of every cut you make.
Place your cutters inside the coil as shown. Snip the coil one row at a time.
You now have individual jump rings. If you have any ragged edges you can use the Precision Side Cut Pliers to trim. This 2 piece set of mandrels makes 1mm, 1.5mm , 2mm , 3mm , 4mm , 5mm , 6mm , 7mm , 8mm and 10mm jump rings. I have found these to be the most commonly used sizes. Check back tomorrow to see the fun Fall Bracelet created with the mandrel, wire and pliers.
Disclosure: Materials provided by ConsumerCrafts.com
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Niki is known for her distinctive, high quality creations that feature a diverse mix of styles and highly creative approach to even the smallest detail. Her creations are simultaneously beautiful and functional.
Visit her site at www.365daysofcrafts.com or her blog, Niki Meiners – Live a Life Handmade at www.nikimeiners.wordpress.com
Thanks much