Spiral Link Connector Bracelet

Skill Level: Beginner - The Spiral Link component can be used in bracelets or neckchains paired with wire-wrapped beads or used alone connected by jump rings. Consider using them for simple earrings also with a crystal or bead dangling on one end and connecting ear wires to the other. Be warned, these can become addictive like potato chips, you can't enjoy just a few!

Materials

• 18 ga round dead soft wire

Tools

• Flush cutters
• Round Nose pliers
• ruler/measuring tape
• sharpie marker
  

For each link cut 7 inches of 18 ga wire. This amount allows for a bit of extra wire to hold onto while
forming the link. Once proficient in the action, you may be able to cut the wire slightly shorter. Start by closing 4 rings and opening 2 others.

Instructions:

1. Cut 7 inches of 18 ga wire using flush cutters. Holding the wire horizontally, measure 2 inches in from the left tip (Tip A). Hold the wire at the 2 inch mark with round nose pliers and make a 90 degree bend by pushing the right side wire up against the pliers with thumb or fingers.
   .
   
2. Still holding the wire with the round nose pliers, grasp the longer end that's pointed upwards now (Tip B) and wrap it around the round plier end counterclockwise as far as able making a small loop.
   
   
3. Hold the piece just in your non-dominant hand and continue to manually form a larger spiral
   counter clockwise by winding the wire around the initial loop for 2 more revolutions.
   
   
4. End with wire Tip B pointed at a 90 degree angle to the initial first 2 inches Tip A. Measure and mark Tip B wire at 1/2 inch from spiral. Cut at the mark with flush cutters, keeping the flat side of the cutters towards the spiral piece, and the indented side of the cutters away from the work you are keeping.
   
   
5. Using round nose pliers, grasp the tip you just cut at the end and roll in towards the spiral making a
   closed loop. The end of the wire should land flush against the side of the spiral.
   
   
   
6. With the piece positioned as above, adjust the opposite end Tip A so it's at a 90 degree angle to the
   spiral.
   
7. Measure and mark this end the same as the prior one, 1/2 inch from center of spiral. Trim with flush
   cutters, flat side towards the spiral.
   
   
8. Repeat rolling the trimmed end into a closed loop using the round nose pliers. This wire end will land
   against itself but slightly under the spiral formed.
   
   
9. If using bare copper or sterling silver, additional dimension in the link can be brought out by antiquing or tarnishing the piece using Liver of Sulfur solution. If you want a larger loop on either end of the spiral piece to accommodate bigger jump rings or connecting components, measure a bit more wire than 1/2 inch before trimming. Then roll with the round nose pliers a bit further down the plier making a larger loop.
   
   



Congratulations! You've made your first Spiral Link Connector Bracelet.

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