Ribbon Wrapped Bracelet tips

by Judy Larson
On a recent Florida trip to visit family, I saw many young people wearing vacation mementos on ribbon wound around their wrists. Most ribbon ends were tied in a knot, making them almost impossible to remove. There is nothing wrong with that, but I knew the girls in my family would like to be able to change out the ribbon colors. A bow could easily untie and a clasp meant the wraps had to be the perfect length for each wrist. My solution might work for you.
Instructions
Materials:

Focal element and 40-48 inches of ½-inch wide silk ribbon, with or without finished edges (adjust length to suit you).

If silk ribbon isn't available locally, a quick internet search will reveal many sites selling beautiful options.

Directions:
Read through the tutorial before starting. Follow all safety precautions related to your tools, supplies, and workspace.

Begin with a focal element. This could be grouped charms on a ring, a bead link, a gemstone donut, or similar.

I made my own focal using scrap Argentium sheet metal, following the Argentium Silver Scrap Chain tutorial. After using coins as templates, scraps were layered, melted, and shaped to the desired thickness and look. Shells and ball accents were soldered inside each circle.

They were so fun I made another using a quarter as a template, then added a Liver of Sulfur patina to that ring
Judy Larson's Ribbon Wrapped Bracelet tips - , Wire Jewelry Design, Design, ribbon wrapped bracelet tips
Judy Larson's Ribbon Wrapped Bracelet tips - , Wire Jewelry Design, Design, Three roughly formed mottled surface.
Judy Larson's Ribbon Wrapped Bracelet tips - , Wire Jewelry Design, Design,  circular shapes light gray, mottled surface.
Judy Larson's Ribbon Wrapped Bracelet tips - , Wire Jewelry Design, Design, Four circular, textured silver-tone pendants
If your focal elements are circular or have loops/openings at either end, fold the ribbon in half and make a lark's head knot on one side.

For charms, secure them together with a lark's head knot or slip them onto the ribbon and tie at the center.

Wrap the ribbons around your wrist in opposite directions. End the ribbons as described in Steps 5-6.
Judy Larson's Ribbon Wrapped Bracelet tips - , Wire Jewelry Design, Design, ribbon wrapped bracelet tips
Judy Larson's Ribbon Wrapped Bracelet tips - , Wire Jewelry Design, Design,  heart shape, crafted from a textured, light silver-colored metal.
Judy Larson's Ribbon Wrapped Bracelet tips - , Wire Jewelry Design, Design, ribbon wrapped
Place the focal on top of the wrist.

Wrap one ribbon under wrist to the opposite side.

Wrap the ribbon twice around the focal element opposite the lark's head.

Pull the ribbon end until it is comfortably tight on the wrist.
Judy Larson's Ribbon Wrapped Bracelet tips - , Wire Jewelry Design, Design, ribbon wrapped bracelet tips
Judy Larson's Ribbon Wrapped Bracelet tips - , Wire Jewelry Design, Design, ribbon wtapped
Judy Larson's Ribbon Wrapped Bracelet tips - , Wire Jewelry Design, Design, A silver heart-shaped charm is tied onto a metallic cylinder with a light blue ribbon
Judy Larson's Ribbon Wrapped Bracelet tips - , Wire Jewelry Design, Design, metallic cylinder with a light blue ribbon
Wrap the ribbons in opposite directions, ending under the wrist.
Judy Larson's Ribbon Wrapped Bracelet tips - , Wire Jewelry Design, Design,  wrapped with a light blue ribbon
Judy Larson's Ribbon Wrapped Bracelet tips - , Wire Jewelry Design, Design,  running vertically across its surface
Judy Larson's Ribbon Wrapped Bracelet tips - , Wire Jewelry Design, Design,  It's tied in a simple knot around the cylinder
Tie the ribbon ends together only once.

Twist the ends tightly (the ends were pinned because both hands were needed for the photo).

Tuck the twisted ends under the ribbon wraps. Pull ribbon over the twisted ends if needed. This is secure enough to last for the day.
Judy Larson's Ribbon Wrapped Bracelet tips - , Wire Jewelry Design, Design, the ends are left loose and falling gracefully
Judy Larson's Ribbon Wrapped Bracelet tips - , Wire Jewelry Design, Design, ribbon wrapped bracelet tips
Judy Larson's Ribbon Wrapped Bracelet tips - , Wire Jewelry Design, Design, ribbon wrapped bracelet tips
Judy Larson's Ribbon Wrapped Bracelet tips - , Wire Jewelry Design, Design, ribbon wrapped bracelet tips
Adjust the ribbon wraps on the front of the bracelet.
Judy Larson's Ribbon Wrapped Bracelet tips - , Wire Jewelry Design, Design, ribbon wrapped bracelet tips

Materials

22 Gauge Dead Soft Argentium Silver Sheet - 6 Inches
H19-22SM6
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 1 Inch
  • Price: $104.76
  • Gold Club Price: $78.57
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Tools

Basic Soldering Kit
G15-4
  • G15-4
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $58.95
  • Gold Club Price: $44.21
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  • Category: Design
  • Technique(s): Design