Vid #161:
“Giggles… I love
bangles and this one has
such a clean simple design.
Fabulous!” ~Melinda-H
What could be more fun to make and wear than a playful wire worked bracelet with a polymer clay bead charm dangling from it? I can think of nothing! LOL. Why not get in on the fun and learn how to make your very own hammered copper Dangle Bangles!
On Friday, June 25th at the Polymer Clay Library (Volume-025-4), the member video tutorial will teach you how to make Dangle Bangles. They were discussed recently over at this Gallery post: Copper Metal and Polymer Clay Bracelets
Your dangle bangles are beautiful. I would love see how to make those. ~Loretta-C
Cindy your gallery pieces are just like your tutes, they just keep getting better and better. I love both your bracelets, they are shear genius. I am so honored to be learning from you. You and Doug just keep giving all of us so much while asking so little from us. Neither one of you have a selfish bone in your body. I would be lost without your blog and tutes. You can’t quit because I would go into a very deep withdraw and probably flip out then who knows what. All I know is I hope everyone agrees with me and asks you to do a tute on these bracelets or just one of them and very soon. So PLEASE WITH A CHERRY ON TOP will you consider doing a tute on your bracelet or bracelets.Love and Uuuuuuggggs. ~Peggy-B
Lovely bangle bracelet, Cindy, please show us how to make it. ~Ken-H
I really like these bracelets, Cindy. I like how the messy wrap on the clasp gives it more “weight” to balance with the dangle… just my preference. Although I could probably make something similar now, I vote for a tut on these. Your videos always teach me something new. ~Linda-K
I want to learn how to make wire bangles too! I guess you could apply the same concept to rings as well. ~Silverleaf
Very nice bangles! I love the clean and simple look. I especially love the one with the “messy wrap”. Although I agree with Linda and Freda that most of us could figure out how to make these, I would love a tute. You always show us tips that make things much easier – and better! I’d also love a tute on rings. I think they’d be really popular! I’m also hoping for tutes on polymer clay bangle bracelets with, and without, blanks. I think these gallery posts are a great idea. You’re showing us some beautiful jewelry, and we get to see it from all the angles. Way to go, Cindy! ~Phaedrakat
Love the pieces! I’d welcome a tut, too. ~Elizabeth-S
I agree completely with Phaedrakat, I really look forward to the gallery posts too. I love to see how the different techniques we’ve been taught can be combined to create such unique pieces. Would be very interested in learning this lovely dangle. Could be pretty with charms (anjou pears; hearts; poppy beads; tribal/carved designs; faux-anything…), very cool idea. ~DJ
I would love a tute on the bangle too. It’s beautiful – you’re jewelry pieces are unique. ~Cheryl-H
Please Note: A general prerequisite for all of my weekly tutorials is that you have a good understanding of the polymer clay basics, including: conditioning clay, using a pasta machine, clay blade and other simple tools, making Skinner Blends or Teardrop Blends, baking clay, as well as sanding and finishing. If you need help in these areas, my Polymer Clay Beginners Course will get you up to speed quickly. There is also plenty of free information on this blog. Use the search box at the top of the page to find articles on specific topics.
Supplies & Tools: Video-025-4 Dangle Bangle:
- 10 Gauge Copper or Sterling Silver wire (1 foot length). You could use 12 gauge instead but not smaller otherwise your bangle will get bent while wearing it.
- Afew feet of 24 gauge Copper Wire for wrapping around clasp (optional).
- Steel Block or Anvil for hammering on.
- Chasing Hammer with Ball Pein End.
- Flush Cutters.
- Round Nose Jewelry Pliers.
- Chain Nose Jewelry Pliers.
- Metal File.
- Tomato Paste Can or similar sized firm round shaped cylinder.
- Sharpie felt pen.
- Polymer Clay Charm and a Jump Ring .
The full version of the Vid-025-4 Dangle Bangle video will be posted in the Polymer Clay Members Library on Friday June 25th, 2010. But if you would like to see a sneak peek intro clip right now, scroll down the page a bit to the video player below.
Here’s That “Link Below” Referred To at End of the Video
>> Polymer Clay Tutorials <<
The full version of the “Dangle Bangle” preview video shown above, is now available for purchase at the Polymer Clay Library in the Vol-025 Back Issue Package.
Customer Feedback About Membership Value:
Hi Suzanne… I want to welcome you and tell you how pleased all of us are to have another member. You are in for more than you would ever imagine. I promise if you learn 1/2 as much as I have and enjoy 1/2 as much you will be on overload for a long time and I guarantee you will be hooked. Cindy and Doug are the best and there isn’t a member here that would not love a chance to help you in anyway they can. Just ask and someone will answer. If you get a chance and have the money, buy some of the back issues. I ended up buying everyone of them. You can’t beat the prices or the experience. Even if you know a lot about polymer you will learn much more. SO BUCKLE UP you are in for the most wonderful learning adventure. Enjoy the ride. Uuuuuuuggggs. ~Peggy-B
The following topics are included in this week’s Dangle Bangle video tutorial:
- See examples of two different versions of Dangle Bangles with different clasps and charms.
- Discussion of the wire and tools needed to create these funky bracelets.
- Tips on how to form and work harden the bangles using a tool you have in your kitchen cupboard.
- Release the day’s tensions by hammering away to your hearts content.
- Learn the secret to getting the perfect sized bangle for your wrist.
- Find out how to make two different versions of this bracelet, one simple and one wire wrapped style
The full version of the “Dangle Bangle” preview video shown above, is now available for purchase at the Polymer Clay Library in the Vol-025 Back Issue Package.
I know I say this almost every week, LOL, but I’m REALLY looking forward to this video.
Did you find 10 or 12 gage copper wire at Home Depot?
Having a rough day so far (although there’s a bird somewhere even more miserable… we had an encounter this morning…eep) but this makes me feel better. I’m looking forward to next week (as I will be in New York on Friday).
Now I think I’ll go work on some jewelry pieces or take some photos while my dogs are sleeping (finally! Tons of energy in a small furry package.)
@Katie: So sorry about your encounter! I hope the rest of your day is much better. (And RIP little birdie…)
This tute is gonna be fun, but I’ve got to find some wire. I used the last of my large gauge wire, so I need a new source. I might just have to order by mail, since not having my car in working order makes it even harder to “shop around”. You think the looks at Home Depot are bad? You should see the looks from family members when you say you need a ride to Home Depot. “Okay,” they say, “what do you need?” “Oh, no,” I think. “I’ve had this conversation before, and it does NOT go well…”
Because I don’t wear bracelets I asked Cindy to make me a choker using the same design. I absolutely love it-wear it almost every day. The front closure clasp with the dangle hanging from it is really striking and I get so many comments when I wear it. Guess what I am trying to say is that this is gonna be a really cool tut. Can’t wait!
I enjoy wearing bangles and so am looking forward to this one. Cindy, your watercolour bead is SO beautiful it makes me want to try this technique again. The first time I made them I sadly ended sanding off most of the effect but I must definitely have another go.
@Susan B: I agree, Cindy’s watercolor bead in the intro video is gorgeous! Makes me want to make some, too!
I have a large wrist so this is going to be great!! I can finally wear a bangle…yippppeeee.
Andrea
@pollyanna: Isn’t it great? That’s the beauty of making your own jewelry. You can size it to fit any wrist, neck, etc. I’m so glad you’re finally gonna get the “right-sized” bangles you deserve! Hurray, Andrea! ;D
I got some wiring cable from Home depot. One length has maybe three lengths of large gauge copper, 14 or 12, maybe even larger. The rubber coating is easily stripped. I can get 14 from Monsterslayer.com but I rarely need a large amount so Home Dept works for me.
Home depot it is. Claycass mentioned (on another thread) having trouble with some wire she bought there, though, so I’m waiting for her to show us a picture. If they’re selling something that looks like copper wire, but isn’t — I don’t want to end up with it! I’ll monitor the “5th Friday” thread, the one about headpins, so I can see the photo of the wire when it’s posted. If it really is coated wire, or something other than pure copper, I want to know about it so I can avoid it.
@Koolbraider: I’d forgotten about the wiring cable I bought. I need to get it out of the “bag of goodies” I stored when I started my “renovations” (hahaha). It’s been so long, I can barely remember what’s inside (the bag); but I know there’s at least one large gauge copper wire in the cable I bought. Thanks for reminding me! I just hope it’s 10g — I want some sturdy wire for my bangles!
Arrggg. I did it again. I wrote a long paragraph and accidentally hit one of the links to the side. Bye-bye comment. Anyway. I’ll try again when I’m not so frustrated. (I will definitely use notepad no matter how short I thing the comment will be!) Topic: large-size bracelets & chokers/necklaces.
@Phaedrakat: Hope you are feeling better. I have the same problem you do with losing everything I typed. This happens more often on my lap top. For some reason the keys are so very touchy on it. You are in my prayers for better days with much less pain. God bless.
Uuuuuuuggggs, Peggy
Could some one tell me how to reply to more than one person in the same message???? I know it was explained before but I can’t find where or I am not searching with the correct words. Thanks in advance for the help if anyone can give it to me.
@Peggy Barnes: Hi Peggy, I’m sorry, I’m actually feeling a bit worse today. Not sure why, but I’m getting really irritated about the whole thing! (Tired of this pain in the neck! Literal & figurative ones!)
I have the “disappearing comment” problem when using my laptop, too. I use it while lying on my back in bed. The angle I have to use makes it easy to accidentally hit the wrong button and refresh the page or click on another link. I just have to remember to use notepad. Which segues into…
You have to use notepad or some type of word program to reply to multiple recipients. (BTW, I typed “reply to more than one person at a time” in the search box, and found two places where it was explained previously.) The way you do it is: you reply to someone, type a message, and then copy the entire message, including the html code, to notepad (or other word software.) Then you cancel the reply, and hit the reply button for the next person you want to add. Keep going, adding each new reply message under the last in your temporary “document.” When you’ve replied to everyone, copy the entire list of reply messages & codes into the comment box and submit.
You can do this a slightly different way by using your clipboard. See Cindy’s comment here: Comment Replying (the reply to Carolyn.)
Thanks, Peggy!
@Peggy Barnes: When you think you’ve lost your typing, click on edit at the top of your screen then select ‘undo typing’. It will undo that last key stroke that caused your typing to disappear. It is at least worth a try. This has saved my bacon a lot of times.
@carolyn: Hi Carolyn, I hope you are feeling great and up to all your old tricks by now. Good tip! I’ve always used the “undo” feature (you can also “right-click” & choose undo from the context menu that pops up,) but I didn’t realize it could be done multiple times. With some applications, it’s one time only. Undo acts more like a toggle (pressing “undo” again is actually a “re-do.) Luckily, that’s not the case here. I was able to undo about 12 different keystrokes yesterday (yep, a big mistake!)
Unfortunately, what usually makes me lose comments is accidentally hitting a link. This of course goes straight to the new page, dumping the comment I’m writing. I wish the comment box had a pop-up warning or message, asking if we want to send the comment before leaving the page. I do most of my typing laying in bed with the laptop on my (fittingly) lap, so it’s easy to make mistakes in this awkward position. Sometimes when I lean a certain way, the mouse pointer drifts to a link and the next time I hit the touch pad it’s “bye bye, comment!” I would have better results with my regular mouse, but it’s hard to use laying in bed! (There’s no hard surface to use it on, for one…)
Thanks! Hope you’re having a great weekend!
Bangles make for a perfect gift for any woman or teen. You put the right bead on it and you can use it for the youger girls also. As always a perfect home run for everyone. I love Friday’s tutes. With Cindy’s artistic ability with clay and Doug’s filming talents you can count on 100% satisfaction with every tute. The couple makes the perfect team they do indeed. Thanks again for all the 2 of do for us and share with us.
Many Uuuuuuuuuuuuuugggggggggggs, Peggy
Great tutorial- so clear and easy with heaps of possibilities!
WOW I love this tutorial it opens up possibilities for all size wrists and the charm for all ages. I just have to decide what kind of bead or even how many. Great job again you two. The Lietz team has done it once again. Thank you so very much for giving your all plus much much more. I hope to be able to work on some clay this weekend. I am working on my craft room again but I told myself I would continue to play as long as I had room to do so. Wish me luck I hope to finish this weekend. In my world that means next weekend if I am lucky.
Carolyn, I want to thank you for the information on the sale for studio clay. I purchased the last of it in my area when they put it on clearance. They have not replaced it and it does not look like they will.
Love and Uuuuuugggggs to all and have a Fantastic Weekend everyone. Peggy
In the video you use what looks like a metal block for hammer. What kind of surface can be used as a substitute? I’d like to try this but I’d like to know what you can hammer on.
It looks really fabulous
This is great! I bet I could do this tut with the new puppy on my lap! Being a Chihuahua, I’m lucky he will sit with Daisy and supervise for awhile – if need be! This means: I will be able to “babysit” and play with my clay at the same time!
Oh, Carolyn, would you recommend PYM II to “seal” the copper wire so it won’t oxidize?
@Catalina: Your newest family member sounds so cute and I am sure so loved. I hope before you know it Daisy has a new best friend. They are such an important part of the family I sometimes forget my is really a dog. My husband says I spoil her just like my grandchildren. I needed her as much as she needed us. My husband spoils her just as much as I do he just won’t admit it.
Many Uuuuugggggs for you and your babies, Peggy
Man, I love this! I was thinking that all those lonely left over beads that didn’t get make it into the design of a necklace can now become dangles. Thanks, Cindy & Doug.
BTW, one question-what size can would work well for a choker?
This is a great tutorial and a great idea. Does anyone here work with silver wire and if so, can they recommend an on-line seller? I read somewhere about silver-coated copper wire and wonder how that looks and how it stands up to wear and tear.
@Elizabeth S: I can well imagine that your choker must be beautiful if these bangles are anything to go by!
@Peggy Barnes: Thank you Peggy! You always say the sweetest things. That is so exciting about you working on your craft room. Something I so desperately need to do, but just haven’t been able to squeeze the time in. Want to switch rooms with my daughter, but before we do all the work of moving everything we will need to paint and do the flooring. So that is why it hasn’t happened yet. Have fun making bangles. You’re right they are perfect for all ages and sizes!
@Susan A: I just used a chunk of aluminum my dad gave to me. It is a little soft though and dents easily, so I have been wanting to get a steel bench block. You can find them online in lots of places. The one I would like to get is round and sits in a rubber ‘holder’ that deadens the sound. It also comes with a nylon disk for hammering items you don’t want to flatten… just harden. By the way, before I had the chunk of aluminum, I used a large rock. So as you can see, there are lots of ways to make do. If the hammering surface you are using scratches your metal, you can use some steel wool to smooth those out when you are using solid metals.
@Catalina: Your new Chihuahua sounds so sweet! I bet you’re crazy about him! Yes, PYMII will work for sealing the wire. Clean the wire well first so that the spray sticks well.
@Elizabeth S.: A large coffee can will work. The thing about a neck is all it’s funny angles. You may find you will have to play with it quite a bit to get it to fit right. Using the one I made you for reference will help though.
@Susan B: I don’t have a good suggestion for an online source to buy wire, since I have bought all my wire locally. So maybe someone else can pipe up here. I’m not sure how well a silver coated copper wire would stand up to the hammering. You may still be able to use it if you were able to buy it in half hard or hard so it wouldn’t need much hammering. You would have to try it to know though, since i haven’t tried it myself.
@Cindy Lietz from Copper Bangle Tutorial:When I told you it couldn’t fit better if I had sent you my neck I wasn’t kidding. I can tell from the shape of the choker that you put bunches of time and effort into getting it to lay just right–part of the reason I love it so much.
@Susan B:Oh, it is!
@Susan B: My husband makes chainmail jewelry and we do a fair amount of wire wrapped stuff – I have found wire-sculpture.com to work pretty well. Their prices are good on wire and they have some nice wire work how tos. Just to add to what Cindy is teaching. :) I think their prices are better than Fire Mountain for wire, but that’s just my experience. Hope that helps. BTW – Cindy, I love the tuts and am really enjoying the beginners course also. :)
@Susan B: Hagstoz is a good place to buy sterling and gold filled wire. You can’t buy on line but do buy over the phone. If you Google Hagstoz and then click on order you’ll get an 800 # to call. I also think there is a coupon code you can provide for discounts.
For tarnish resistant copper core sterling I go to Parawire.com. It holds up very well for occasional wear. I do have one bracelet that I wore constantly for several years and finally the copper started showing through.
@Susan B: Try ebay, I got some pretty decent deals there!
Awesome video – so clearly explained – I love it!
My hammering drives the kids crazy – they say it sounds like a jackhammer; I tell them to pretend it’s Santa’s elves tinkering in their workshop- for some reason they don’t agree with this imagery :)
@Maria: LOL! I found your imagery terribly amusing, hehehe!
@Cindy: Great tutorial! You always make such great videos, and this one was fun and made me want to make a dangle bangle asap! It’s good to hammer away those frustrations, so I need to get some 10g wire soon. I think I ran across some while prepping for the garage sale — I forgot about it in the chaos. I’ll look for it tomorrow — I’m hoping my neck will feel up to a search by then. I know where I put the items I needed to come back to; I’m guessing the wire is there. (That’s if it exists & I didn’t just dream it!) ;D Your big bunch of cable wire reminded me of my find. Anyway, thanks for another fantastic tutorial. You guys really are the best!
@Phaedrakat:Is your neck a little better today?
This reminds me of the cooper bangles I had back in the 80’s just that the bead makes it more “up to date”… I can’t wait to get some wire and make some. Thanks Cindy for this tute.
DulceTesoros
Arrrrggghhhh! Love to see the new video, indeed any video, but having problems with Adobe Flash. Is there anything else that works in lieu of Flash?
@Jocelyn: Flash is required to view the videos. Actually the majority of videos on the web today, require Flash. The trouble shooting tips I provide (see link by my name), will help you or a techie friend to resolve any issues you are having. Hopefully you are able to get fixed up soon so that you don’t miss out on all the fun.
I wish Flash would work on my iPad. I was hoping I could take my Polymer Clay Tutes with me – like while waiting for the doctor, dentist, ect… Maybe, Cindy, you could see if I could get around that if possible. Otherwise, I guess I’ll have to wait until Adobe and Apple iron out their differences.
Cindy, bless you for getting back to me so fast, surely appreciated. Hit your list of fixes first, lol. They are excellent, thanks for taking the time to spell it out so easily.
So Flash has a monopoly, eh? Whew, that’s a lot of videos under it’s control.
It’s a code problem, which is going to take some doing to find and fix, using the Flash help board over there for specifics. Something is missing. Something REALLY STUPID! Sigh.
Firemountain gems has a good price on the wire. I haven’t bought any silver wire yet except a small piece from art clay canada, for using with silver art clay.
@Cindy: Thanks for your feedback I will look into this some more. My father bought me a reel of copper wire from the UK but sadly it has a horrid transparent coloured coating painted on it which is almost impossible to remove. Probably if I found some non-coated copper wire I would be keener to use it. I checked out my local hardware shop this morning for 10 gauge copper wire only to be met with a blank stare as if I was asking for something that doesn’t exist — once again!!!
@Cheryl Hodges: Thanks I will check out this website.
@ Desiree: I took a look and this website looks great with good prices too.
My next question is whether gauge 10 dead soft or gauge 12 half hard and wire is better. I really want to try this technique but using materials that will work!
@Susan B: Just remember that any manipulation of wire tends to harden it. I’d be more inclined to use the 10 gauge soft so that I can work it as much as I want, and then harden it with the hammer and bench vise. Also the size 10 wire has a more substantial look to it. Remember, the higher the number the smaller the wire. But, in the final analysis, it is what look you want and how much you intend to work the wire. I’ve had half hard break … and it broke my heart … so I tend more toward the softer wires. Hint: Wire projects can also be ‘hardened’ in a tumbler with a little water, dawn detergent, and steel shot. Works well and polishes at the same time. This also works with wrapped stones, unless the stones are too soft (like malachite or opal). Just a side tip to keep you always on your toes … and it is so much fun giving you a tip since you give us so many of yours!
@Susan B: Susan, have you tried 90% rubbing alcohol to get off the coating? This often works to remove coatings that are not too thick. You may have to treat it more than once, but it should dissolve the coating.
@carolyn: Thank you so much for all your helpful comments — I will definitely check out both of the websites you mention. I did try alchool to remove the nasty coating on the copper wire I have but sadly it just didn’t budge it — wire wool seems to be the most successful method but it just too much hard work! I think I will opt for the dead soft 10 gauge to try this bangle since, as you say,that will give a more substantial look and I think all the hammering will be very therapeutic!
Hi Cindy,
I love all the tutes I’ve seen so far. I’m new to polyclaying and find
to buy polyclay at the big local craftstore in little 2 ounce blocks is quite expensive. However, you can buy a 1 pound block at the friendly big box store in Bellingham for US 5.69, or thereabouts. A bargain! BUT it only comes in one color- White.
Do you know any way to color it in different colors? Or do you know of a more reasonable priced source of poly clay?
@Antonia: Right now the on-line Polymer Clay Superstore has a 50% sale on Studio Clay. Every week they have some kind of product on sale. Also you will get a 15% one time discount when you sign up with them. Also, if you watch for the sales at the local craft stores, you can usually get your clay at a reasonable price. There is also an on-line place: DickBlick where you can get a few other 1 lb. blocks but they run around $10.00. Mister Art is also sometimes a good source, not only for polymer clay but other items you might want and feel you need.
@carolyn: I have ordered from the polymer clay superstore, unfortunately shipping to Canada was $30 and customs $15. So this did not amount to a huge saving.
@Antonia: Hi Antonia, what kind of clay is it that you found? Also, where are you located? I’m not sure where Bellingham is — maybe the UK? It helps to mention where you live, since there are members from all over the world here. They can sometimes be quite helpful in finding clay in places where clay is either expensive, hard to find, or both!
You mention enjoying Cindy’s tutes so far — did you get the Beginner’s Course? (It also helps us to know how much you already know about clay, or what resources you have — like the beginner’s course. That way we don’t have to repeat ourselves all the time! LOL (Although I find I still do, can’t help it!) ;D
I’m so happy you found polymer clay, and I know you’re just going to love it. If you need help finding anything, try the search box at the top of each page. You can type in things like “where to buy clay” or “clay colors to choose” or “how to mix colors” —whatever you’re looking for. You’ll get a list of articles to choose from. Be sure when you read the article that you read the comments below, as well. Often there are more tips & tricks in the comments section than in the article above, which makes sense with all of the people writing in with information and questions that require more answers!
I’m going to wait for your answers before I say much more, but you can buy certain clay color basics, and then mix all of the colors from those. They are Black, white, translucent, and then a red, blue, yellow (or fuchsia, cyan, yellow.) These translate to certain colors within clay brands.
Have fun! Check out your basics course, use the search box, and then ask any questions if you need more help… ~Kat
@Phaedrakat: Hi Kat, thanks for replying. I live in Chilliwack, BC, Canada. Bellingham is just a short hop across the border to the US. The cheap clay is Sculpey white and very soft. I don’t like it, as it doesn’t combine well with the other brands. But if you were to mix it with some powdered colors it might stiffen up a little. I like to try different things. I also thought that shredded crayons may do some interesting thisg combined with various clays. I’ve not taken the beginners’ course, but have looked at some books, and that’s what hooked me.
Antonia
@Antonia: Try ShadesOfClay.com, they’re in Canada, and lots of members order from them. I think they only have Kato clay, though. Cindy herself is Canadian — you probably already know that, but just in case…
You can also look out for clay sales at Michaels. They have 4 for $5 sales on Premo Sculpey (and Fimo, Sculpey III) or you can sign up at Michaels.com and recieve coupons to get 40 or 50% off an item. Helps when you need a particular color. You can also watch the paper for coupons.
That Desiree? Wow.
I haven’t been out much lately. My marathon running-nothing can stop me- husband has managed to herniate a disc in his lower back. To put it mildly, he has not adapted well to reduced mobility. That aside, I managed to get out for a little while today to Home Depot to purchase my wire for “dangle bangles”. I know we have been here before but the hardware store experience again was one for the record books when the person cutting the wire for me learned that I was purchasing electrical wire for a jewelry project. His “are you kidding?” response was so funny!! We really need to put a hidden camera and mike on someone soon. The world deserves to know what we go through for our “Cindy” projects.
@Elizabeth S.: Another shopping trip, huh? We really do need to record these encounters to video! What kind/gauge wire did you get, and where was it in the store? On the big rollers that the guys have to operate? How much was it? Sorry about all the questions, but I have to have someone take me to Home Depot, so I need to know they have what I need (and I’ll have to call in advance. If I call without a little fore-knowledge, I’ll never get any help!)
So sorry to hear about your hubby’s injury. I can so relate, but then, so can you, right? Sounds like you’re going to have to keep him from harming himself—my ex was like that, would never “nurse” an injury so it would last longer than it had to! Good luck trying to keep your “good man down!” At least you’ve got some wire now to make some fun Dangle Bangles! Have lots of fun!
@Phaedrakat:Thanks for the good wishes for my hubby-maybe it’s a man thing not to want to stay down with an injury.
Anyway, about Home Depot-I did find the wire where those big rolls are. I only had him cut six feet this first time until I see whether I can do this successfully. It was $.34 per foot so with tax my bill was $2.21. Not bad, huh? There may have been wire elsewhere in the store but once I found this I didn’t go further. I also like that it is bare and doesn’t have to have the covering removed. At this price I can do lots of practicing.
I wish we lived closer to each other-I would gladly be your Home Depot chauffeur. What fun we would have!
@Elizabeth S.: Thanks for the info—I’m glad they have it, & at such a great price! Now I can call to make sure it’s in stock, and then find a ride. That would be fun if we could make a HD run together. We could really put some strange looks on the employees’ faces, working it together! Oh, yeah, what a blast that would be! I can’t even get people to come in with me (although they will now-hello summer!) My family members just do not “get it” when it comes to shopping for craft supplies at home improvement stores!
Just to be sure, what gauge wire did you get—10 g? That price is so wonderful. Imagine, you can make 6 copper bangles for 2 – 3 bucks? Nice profit margin on these! And once the technique’s down, you’ll be able to make them pretty quickly! Have fun, Elizabeth, and thanks for letting me know about the wire. Take care of that hubby, too—don’t let him run any marathons just yet… ;D
@Elizabeth S.: I vote you get to do the “Candid Camera” spot first! I bet you would get some great feedback! Maybe Cindy could creat a new contest – the one with the Funniest Wire Shopping Video!!!!
I hope your hubby gets a quick recovery. Back pain is no fun. I got a date for my surgeries, AUG 2!!! I hope I can last that long!
@Catalina: Wow, the date’s finally set. It’s a ways out, & I’m really sorry about that. I’m sure you want some relief—like NOW already! I’m glad you finally know, at least. Worrying about when the docs gonna call is stressful, and the less of that the better. I pray that your pain level stays low—tell your bod you got it the first apptmt you could get, and maybe it will play nice. Although Aug seems far away, it will probably go pretty fast—unless the pain’s too bad, of course. You need lots of distractions! Good distractions, that is. Will you be working in the interim, or are you off work now? I’m still praying for you, sister Cat. I’m hoping the time flies by with barely any pain, and that the little shot of canine medicine you got on Father’s Day helps to take your mind off this. Hugs to one of the sweetest clay friends I know!
@Phaedrakat: Oh, Sweet Sister, Kat!! You are the best! Just your kinds words make me feel better! I got to play a little today with my clay and made another six of my dichroic heart shaped pendants! One was a custom order made from her boyfriends funeral flowers. I used the UV Resin and it came out nice. I still have to pratice some more with it though.
I tried the bangle bracelet but I told my hubby he needed to help me find a pounding block that is bigger than my thumb! He found a small piece of steel at work but I need something bigger. The dogs didn’t like me pounding on my desk. (Yes, both love to sit and watch me play!! How cool is that?) So, I have to figure something else out.
My girlfriend’s daughter will be spending a few days with me this week. She just graduated from high school and loves polymer clay. I think this tute will be fun to teach her. And it will be good medicine for me and keep my mind off the surgeries.
Thanks for the well wishes and a big hug back to you, my friend!
@Catalina:I’m so happy to read that August 2 might be the beginning of the end of your pain. We’ll all just have to work extra hard to keep your spirits up until then.
About the “Candid Camera” spot, h’mmm, you’ve got me thinking. Let’s wait for something even wierder than buying roofing supplies to make bezels (although that has to rate up there among the all time classics)—wasn’t she talking about sending us to the fishing tackle department for crimp beads or something? Now, that poor clerk–just imagine. lol. If these poor people just knew what was coming, right?
I should have added in my last comment that my husband had just confessed to attempting to resume lifting weights today in spite of admonitions from his physician and physical therapist to avoid anything physically challenging until he is at least one week pain free. He is not even close so that is what I meant when saying that he is not adapting well to reduced mobility. Just needed to clarify that-I admit to having scolded him for putting himself at risk after the suffering he has endured. I just want him to get better.
Hello to all,
I want to thank all of the people in this group. You are all very helpful to new members and so encouraging. I really love this site. Purchased an oven to make beads so next step is to purchase some clay. Thanks a million to all.
@Sue C: Awesome! You’re on your way now… :D
@Sue C: Well, Sue, it looks like you have been bitten by the clay bug! Enjoy the new oven and clay away!
@Sue C:Yay, Sue!! So happy to have you aboard! Just promise that you will post regularly as we all love to hear from each other about what is going on with our pc endeavors. I can’t tell you how much I have learned and grown from the generous sharing of those on this site.
Always wondered how to do that, thanks again Cindy! I have small wrists, but big hands, very attractive. . . :o) I had a gold bangle on for 4 years!!!! Went on, wouldn’t come off!
@Pam: LOL (not at you, with you!) The imagery is just very easy with that. I sure hope you liked that bracelet! ;D
Hi gang -sorry I haven’t been on lately -computor problems w/ electricity brown outs -UURRRRRRRRRG!! I pray everyone’s “Hurts” will get better soon. Been there -done that -both back and neck. Cindy your bangle bracelet is wonderful. Will be making beads for it soon. BTW -I can’t seem to find the Adirondack inks -everybody is out of the Nature walk colors -I bet I know why!! Cindy’s people have been shopping..LOL….Hugs, pattw
@pattw: Our suppliers would do well to follow Cindy’s blog for a heads up as to what a whole bunch of us are going to be purchasing! Cindy, you may have to switch your newer videos over to a different set since the Nature Walk seems to have been bought up at this point.
@carolyn: Actually that is already starting to happen. See the link by my name about Glow in the Dark clay sales in the UK.
PS: have a safe journey home tonight and tomorrow. Hopefully your prize beads will be there waiting for you when you get home :-)
@carolyn: You bring up a good point! I also think they’d do well to send samples to Cindy — a good review from her on a new clay or tool, and they’re flying off the shelves (or through the mail.) Then her members post about the product on their blogs, and — more sold. Seriously, these people need to pay attention to our amazing leader!
@Cindy: You should be getting free samples of clay, tools, etc. Terry Morris & the PYM II folks (Donna) are very smart about this. I’m don’t know that they give free samples, I mean they help with questions when their products are mentioned, and they’re probably selling very well. Take note the rest of you!
@Phaedrakat: Thanks for saying what you said above. I really do love to review products and put them to the test in my studio. Not only do the manufacturers benefit from the exposure, but you guys get to see how to use the tools and materials in creative ways. So when you have the opportunity to talk with manufacturers and suppliers, please do put a bug in their ear to let them know about the site here.
Cindy,
What a wonderful project you created. I really like the shaping process of the bangle and then to top it off, add a beautiful polymer clay bead. Excellent! Excellent!
Just a wonderful bracelet….excellent instructions. Think using this for a charm bracelet, with clay beads adorning either sides on jumprings, would be stunning. A crazy wrap in between the rings could put your charm or bead exactly where you wanted.
@Jocelyn: Good tip!
Drill large holes in large beads and slide them on the bangle before doing the final end bending. If they slide too easily, then follow Jocelyn’s idea of wraps between beads.
JUST POSTED… Member project photos that relate to the theme of this page… Dangle Bangle Copper Bracelets.
You can view the larger images by clicking on the link by my name.
BTW: Thanks to everyone above, who took the time to comment in this thread. Your feedback, support and engaging conversations are always such a wonderful part of my day. Although I don’t get a chance to address everyone individually, please know that I do read and give consideration to everything that is said here. ~Cindy