Judy Larson's Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelets Series    PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER , Metalwork. Filing, Finishing, Oxidizing Wire, Oxidizing, Antiquing Wire, Antiquing, Design. So you've decorated all your links and now we need to put the bracelet together.
Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelets Series PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER
by Judy Larson
  • Category: Metalwork
  • Technique(s): Filing / Finishing, Oxidizing / Antiquing, Design
  • Skill Level: Beginner
So you've decorated all your links and now we need to put the bracelet together. Some things have to wait until this last step, like stone setting, and patinating. Here's where we do those last bits.

Materials

Gold Filled Jump Ring Open (.030) 20ga (OD) 3.5mm (ID) 1.96mm - Pack of 25
J11-178
  • Lesson Quantity: 42.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 2.00 each
  • Price: $8.08
  • Gold Club Price: $6.06
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Tools

Liver of Sulfur 4 oz
SOL-600.04
  • SOL-600.04
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $16.95
  • Gold Club Price: $12.71
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Liver of Sulphur Gel, 1 Ounce Bottle
SOL-610.01
  • SOL-610.01
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $9.95
  • Gold Club Price: $7.46
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WireJewelry Ultra Pro Micro Abrasive Polishing Pads, 20 pack
G9-5-20PK
  • G9-5-20PK
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $8.95
  • Gold Club Price: $6.71
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Nylon Bracelet Bending Plier
PLR-840.00
  • PLR-840.00
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $19.97
  • Gold Club Price: $14.98
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Curved Burnisher with Wooden Handle
G8-14
  • G8-14
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $3.57
  • Gold Club Price: $2.68
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E6000 Adhesive Glue 3.7 oz. - Pack of 1
G16-18
  • G16-18
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $8.99
  • Gold Club Price: $6.74
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Super New Glue
GLU-100.01
  • GLU-100.01
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $1.97
  • Gold Club Price: $1.48
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Steel wool
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
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Instructions
Step 1
Read through the directions before beginning.

Patina: Patina adds depth and brings out the design features in each of the links. It also disguises little construction imperfections. However, the bracelet links do not need to be patinated as they are very pretty just the way they are.
Why wait to patina until all the bracelet links were finished? You now only have to get out the patina supplies once. It is a time saver to not have to clean up your work area after using patina, the supplies, and tools that go with it after each of the seven bracelets.

We all have our preferences about which patina we like to use. Use the brand and type of patina you like to patina all the pieces. Research the possibilities and you may find a new patina that you would like to try.

I keep a metal blackening solution in a brush pen for when I need to put patina in just one area of a piece. I thought I would like to try it on some of the bracelet links so cut two trial pieces of textured copper. I found it flaked a little while applying it so I covered that area with more solution. When it was dry, I rubbed it with a piece of tissue. Most of the patina came right off. I brushed on a second layer of solution, let it dry, and rubbed again. Much better. I then compared it to a piece dipped several times in a hot liver of sulfur solution. The piece patinated with liver of sulfur resulted in warmer tones. The piece the blackening solution patina was used on had a more grey cast. I decided to go with liver of sulfur.
Judy Larson's Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelets Series    PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER  - , Metalwork, Filing, Finishing, Oxidizing Wire, Oxidizing, Antiquing Wire, Antiquing, Design, Mixed Metals Sampler Bracelet putting it all together
Judy Larson's Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelets Series    PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER  - , Metalwork, Filing, Finishing, Oxidizing Wire, Oxidizing, Antiquing Wire, Antiquing, Design, Mixed Metals Sampler Bracelet putting it all together
Judy Larson's Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelets Series    PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER  - , Metalwork, Filing, Finishing, Oxidizing Wire, Oxidizing, Antiquing Wire, Antiquing, Design, Mixed Metals Sampler Bracelet putting it all together
Judy Larson's Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelets Series    PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER  - , Metalwork, Filing, Finishing, Oxidizing Wire, Oxidizing, Antiquing Wire, Antiquing, Design, Mixed Metals Sampler Bracelet putting it all together
Judy Larson's Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelets Series    PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER  - , Metalwork, Filing, Finishing, Oxidizing Wire, Oxidizing, Antiquing Wire, Antiquing, Design, Mixed Metals Sampler Bracelet putting it all together
Step 2
Use a dedicated container to mix a patina solution according to the directions on the packaging. Do not use the container for anything else. After the pieces have been darkened to the point desired, rinse thoroughly. Mix a tablespoon of baking soda in a cup of water and let the pieces soak in it for a bit. Thoroughly rinse the pieces again and dry them before going on to the next step. I have a small jewelry only dedicated dehydrator I sometimes use with metal clay and used that to completely dry the pieces.
Judy Larson's Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelets Series    PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER  - , Metalwork, Filing, Finishing, Oxidizing Wire, Oxidizing, Antiquing Wire, Antiquing, Design, Mixed Metals Sampler Bracelet putting it all together
Judy Larson's Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelets Series    PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER  - , Metalwork, Filing, Finishing, Oxidizing Wire, Oxidizing, Antiquing Wire, Antiquing, Design, Mixed Metals Sampler Bracelet putting it all together
Step 3
When all the pieces are dry, it is time to buff off the excess patina from all the raised areas using 0000 steel wool. This is a pretty messy job and you may wish to wear a pair of disposable vinyl gloves to protect your hands. Those little broken off steel wool bits can get stuck in your skin and be hard to find to be able to pull them out. Clean the back and sides of each link. That way, if they bend, they can be put on a flat surface when the front is done and they will flatten back out.
Judy Larson's Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelets Series    PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER  - , Metalwork, Filing, Finishing, Oxidizing Wire, Oxidizing, Antiquing Wire, Antiquing, Design, Mixed Metals Sampler Bracelet putting it all together
Judy Larson's Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelets Series    PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER  - , Metalwork, Filing, Finishing, Oxidizing Wire, Oxidizing, Antiquing Wire, Antiquing, Design, Mixed Metals Sampler Bracelet putting it all together
Step 4
Rinse and dry the pieces. If you see areas that need more highlighting, repeat Step 3. I am very lucky to own a Micro Motor System from Jewelry Tools. The 80 grit yellow radial discs are great for highlighting and also for removing patina in areas that are hard go get into with steel wool.
Judy Larson's Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelets Series    PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER  - , Metalwork, Filing, Finishing, Oxidizing Wire, Oxidizing, Antiquing Wire, Antiquing, Design, Mixed Metals Sampler Bracelet putting it all together
Judy Larson's Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelets Series    PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER  - , Metalwork, Filing, Finishing, Oxidizing Wire, Oxidizing, Antiquing Wire, Antiquing, Design, Mixed Metals Sampler Bracelet putting it all together
Step 5
The fold formed parts on the A Little Sparkle links were copper coated brass, which I did not realize when I decided to use them. I used several layers of the metal darkening solution on them to see if that would work. I really liked the look of the valleys being darker, but the dry solution started to flake off so I just buffed the area clean. You can see how the pen with the darkening solution would work in smaller areas, though. Refilable brush pens, which come with a variety of brush tip sizes and shapes, would also make it easier to work with alcohol inks on metal.
Judy Larson's Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelets Series    PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER  - , Metalwork, Filing, Finishing, Oxidizing Wire, Oxidizing, Antiquing Wire, Antiquing, Design, Mixed Metals Sampler Bracelet putting it all together
Step 6
Set the cabocons. Use a toothpick to place a very small dot of e-6000 glue in the bottom of a bezel cup. Press the cabochon into the glue in the bezel. You have used too much glue if it squishes out, so be sparing with the glue. Use a half wood clothespin to push the bezel edges, first at the N and S points, then E and W. After that push the rest of the edges in, smoothing the top edge of the bezel with the end of the clothespin. Keep working at it until the top edge is pushed towards the stone evenly. Of course, if you have tools to set stones in bezels, use those as they will make the process easier.
Judy Larson's Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelets Series    PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER  - , Metalwork, Filing, Finishing, Oxidizing Wire, Oxidizing, Antiquing Wire, Antiquing, Design, Mixed Metals Sampler Bracelet putting it all together
Judy Larson's Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelets Series    PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER  - , Metalwork, Filing, Finishing, Oxidizing Wire, Oxidizing, Antiquing Wire, Antiquing, Design, Mixed Metals Sampler Bracelet putting it all together
Step 7
Glue chatons in place. Place a small amount of super glue or hypo cement on the tip of a pin. Run the glue on the pin around the top inside of one of the rivets the chaton will sit in. Pick up a chaton with a pair of tweezers, set it in place. Press the chaton into the glue with the tweezer tips, making sure that the top of the chaton sits flat and level with the rim of the rivet. Repeat the process to secure the chatons in the other rivets. Allow to dry overnight before connecting the links.
Judy Larson's Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelets Series    PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER  - , Metalwork, Filing, Finishing, Oxidizing Wire, Oxidizing, Antiquing Wire, Antiquing, Design, Mixed Metals Sampler Bracelet putting it all together
Step 8
This step is not necessary, but the links will fit the wrist better if they have a slight curve. Not all the links can be curved or fully curved. The Steampunk links and links with bezel cups can receive only a slight curve. Cabochons are easier to set on a flat link before being slightly curved. Be very careful curving the links. A failed solder join is a possibility if the pieces are curved too far, especially on the Steampunk links and links with bezel cups. If you hear or feel a slight crack or crunch, you may have curved the piece too much and a solder join may have broken. Flatten the link, reheat it until the solder flows again, pickle, patina, etc. and be a bit more cautious during the curving process.
Use a bracelet bending pliers to curve the links without domed or bezel cup embellishments. If the plier is not available, press the links around a 1 ¾" to 2" dowel (closet rod), baseball bat, or one of the pieces from a metal shaping/forming U-channel set.
Judy Larson's Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelets Series    PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER  - , Metalwork, Filing, Finishing, Oxidizing Wire, Oxidizing, Antiquing Wire, Antiquing, Design, Mixed Metals Sampler Bracelet putting it all together
Judy Larson's Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelets Series    PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER  - , Metalwork, Filing, Finishing, Oxidizing Wire, Oxidizing, Antiquing Wire, Antiquing, Design, Mixed Metals Sampler Bracelet putting it all together
Judy Larson's Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelets Series    PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER  - , Metalwork, Filing, Finishing, Oxidizing Wire, Oxidizing, Antiquing Wire, Antiquing, Design, Mixed Metals Sampler Bracelet putting it all together
Step 9
The links are ready to be connected. Some of the links made for each bracelet in the series can be connected to make a bracelet. The links not used can be set aside to mix and match with other leftover links to create a unique bracelet. Or, mix and match all the links and toggles to create bracelets that will be completely different than any someone else may make. Decisions, decisions!
Judy Larson's Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelets Series    PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER  - , Metalwork, Filing, Finishing, Oxidizing Wire, Oxidizing, Antiquing Wire, Antiquing, Design, Mixed Metals Sampler Bracelet putting it all together
Step 10
More decisions! How do you want to connect the links? How you connect the links is up to you. Something to consider: Since I chose not to solder the jump rings closed, I decided to use brass jump rings because brass is stronger than copper and less likely to pull open. Nickel silver jump rings would be a good choice as well.

The interior diameter (ID) of jump rings that should be used to connect the links will be determined by how far in from the edge of the link the holes are. Even though they hold the links closely together, 5mm round jump rings are pretty large looking. They will work if you solder them and then squish them into oval shapes with flat nose pliers. Purchased oval jump rings are a great option as well.
Smaller links in each of the link corners can be connected together with another jump ring. 18 gauge jump rings, the smallest gauge that should be used as a single ring, may not have enough "presence" for your liking. Up to 16 gauge jump rings will fit the holes. Using larger size rings between the links to connect the jump rings in the link corners can add length as well as design possibilities. Try using twisted square wire jump rings.
We each will have our personal preferences. I happen to like the look of two 20 gauge 3.5mm ID jump rings in every link corner as well as for connecting the corner rings together.
Another option: Use slightly larger jump rings in the corners and connect all four of them to a larger heavier gauge jump ring between the links.
Judy Larson's Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelets Series    PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER  - , Metalwork, Filing, Finishing, Oxidizing Wire, Oxidizing, Antiquing Wire, Antiquing, Design, Mixed Metals Sampler Bracelet putting it all together
Judy Larson's Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelets Series    PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER  - , Metalwork, Filing, Finishing, Oxidizing Wire, Oxidizing, Antiquing Wire, Antiquing, Design, Mixed Metals Sampler Bracelet putting it all together
Judy Larson's Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelets Series    PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER  - , Metalwork, Filing, Finishing, Oxidizing Wire, Oxidizing, Antiquing Wire, Antiquing, Design, Mixed Metals Sampler Bracelet putting it all together
Step 11
How long the bracelet should be is really a personal preference. If the links were not curved, more length may be needed.

I used 3.5mm jump rings to attach links and toggle pieces together. To make it easier to change out the links to get the size I wanted, I did not use double jump rings to start. Once I knew which combination of links made a particular length/size bracelet, I could then use double jump rings.

When connecting the T-bar to the last link, the length of the bracelet can be changed by just adding a few extra jump rings. The photos show a T-bar connected with the minimum number of 3.5mm ID jump rings that should be used to still be able to slide the T-bar through the "O" ring opening on the bracelet. Attach four sets of 2 jump rings to each of the last two link corners. Attach these "chains" to the T-bar loop with two more jump rings, making sure the "chains" are not twisted.
Judy Larson's Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelets Series    PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER  - , Metalwork, Filing, Finishing, Oxidizing Wire, Oxidizing, Antiquing Wire, Antiquing, Design, Mixed Metals Sampler Bracelet putting it all together
Judy Larson's Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelets Series    PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER  - , Metalwork, Filing, Finishing, Oxidizing Wire, Oxidizing, Antiquing Wire, Antiquing, Design, Mixed Metals Sampler Bracelet putting it all together
Step 12
Open eight 3.5mm jump rings and close four 3.5mm jump rings to use between each link.
Judy Larson's Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelets Series    PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER  - , Metalwork, Filing, Finishing, Oxidizing Wire, Oxidizing, Antiquing Wire, Antiquing, Design, Mixed Metals Sampler Bracelet putting it all together
Step 13
Put an open jump ring in one corner hole of the "O" ring toggle. Put two closed jump rings on the open one. Close the jump ring. Put another jump ring through the corner same hole and the two closed jump rings. Close the jump ring. Repeat for the process with the other hole.
Judy Larson's Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelets Series    PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER  - , Metalwork, Filing, Finishing, Oxidizing Wire, Oxidizing, Antiquing Wire, Antiquing, Design, Mixed Metals Sampler Bracelet putting it all together
Judy Larson's Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelets Series    PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER  - , Metalwork, Filing, Finishing, Oxidizing Wire, Oxidizing, Antiquing Wire, Antiquing, Design, Mixed Metals Sampler Bracelet putting it all together
Step 14
Place an open jump ring through one corner hole in the next link and the two closed jump rings attached in the last step. Close the jump ring. Put another jump ring through the corner same hole and the two closed jump rings. Repeat for the process with the other hole. There will be a scant quarter inch between the links. This can give you an idea of how to space out links so you can decide how many and which size links you may need to connect for a particular size bracelet.
Judy Larson's Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelets Series    PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER  - , Metalwork, Filing, Finishing, Oxidizing Wire, Oxidizing, Antiquing Wire, Antiquing, Design, Mixed Metals Sampler Bracelet putting it all together
Judy Larson's Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelets Series    PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER  - , Metalwork, Filing, Finishing, Oxidizing Wire, Oxidizing, Antiquing Wire, Antiquing, Design, Mixed Metals Sampler Bracelet putting it all together
Step 15
Connect the decided upon links in the same manner as in Step 14.
Judy Larson's Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelets Series    PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER  - , Metalwork, Filing, Finishing, Oxidizing Wire, Oxidizing, Antiquing Wire, Antiquing, Design, Mixed Metals Sampler Bracelet putting it all together
Step 16
When a bracelet is finished to the size desired, slide it on a bracelet cone to see where it sits. To make it easier to replicate, make notes on the tutorial of the length, cone size, and which size links were used.

Personally, I prefer the printed plastic bracelet sizer cones, but misplaced mine so printed one out to work with. Google "free printable bracelet sizer". Print a cone, glue it to card stock, cut it out, tape the sides together and it is ready to use.
Judy Larson's Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelets Series    PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER  - , Metalwork, Filing, Finishing, Oxidizing Wire, Oxidizing, Antiquing Wire, Antiquing, Design, Mixed Metals Sampler Bracelet putting it all together
Step 17
When all the bracelets have been finished, they have probably been handled so much that they may be a bit dull. Use a nail buff to shine the links back up. It can also be used on the links during construction.
Judy Larson's Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelets Series    PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER  - , Metalwork, Filing, Finishing, Oxidizing Wire, Oxidizing, Antiquing Wire, Antiquing, Design, Mixed Metals Sampler Bracelet putting it all together
Step 18
It is time to start designing you own one of a kind sampler bracelet. Here's how I start with a new design. I had some patinated metal pieces in my stash. How gorgeous would they be riveted to a link under a washer!
As with the templates in the sampler bracelet sections, scale the blank design template up so that the top left link is 5/8" wide and 1" long. There are two templates started with some designs for you to run with, as well.
Judy Larson's Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelets Series    PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER  - , Metalwork, Filing, Finishing, Oxidizing Wire, Oxidizing, Antiquing Wire, Antiquing, Design, Mixed Metals Sampler Bracelet putting it all together
Judy Larson's Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelets Series    PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER  - , Metalwork, Filing, Finishing, Oxidizing Wire, Oxidizing, Antiquing Wire, Antiquing, Design, Mixed Metals Sampler Bracelet putting it all together
Judy Larson's Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelets Series    PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER  - , Metalwork, Filing, Finishing, Oxidizing Wire, Oxidizing, Antiquing Wire, Antiquing, Design, Mixed Metals Sampler Bracelet putting it all together
Judy Larson's Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelets Series    PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER  - , Metalwork, Filing, Finishing, Oxidizing Wire, Oxidizing, Antiquing Wire, Antiquing, Design, Mixed Metals Sampler Bracelet putting it all together