Lace & Wire Bracelet Tutorial

 During Enchanted Affaire, Denise Hahn of http://inmyblueroom.blogspot.com/ taught a "make & take" of this charming wire and lace bracelet.  I just loved this project.  Denise was generous enough to allow me to share it with you.  THANK YOU, Denise. 

 Supply list is short, and you may already have most of this in your stash.  For the foundation wire, Denise used "rebar wire from Home Depot".  I first used coat hanger wire before going to my local hardware store for the rebar wire (which is 16 gauge wire).  Then tickle your fancy with an assortment of 14" strips of narrow lace, ribbon, seam binding, torn fabric strips.  I like a variety of textures; Denise supplied a length of velvet ribbon with each kit and a pile of laces to choose from. 

 Start by making a closed loop at one end of the rebar wire; shape the wire around your wrist to check the fit...but allow extra room as the laces add bulk to the diameter; cut off excess wire if necessary; then form a hook on the opposite end of the rebar wire.  I've found that a 9 1/2" to 10" length of rebar wire works for most people.  Straighten out the rebar wire before continuing.  "Tie" on your strips of assorted lace by making several tight wraps around the looped end of rebar wire with the narrower wire.  I find 22 gauge works well.  Make sure to leave about 1" of the laces hanging over the closed loop. 

Now, holding the whole shebang in your left hand, twist the narrow wire around and around to attach the laces to the rebar wire.  This is so easy, don't overthink it, just hold and twist and you will see it binds nicely with no rebar wire showing.  I make around 8 loops for this binding.  Try and try again to get the effect you want, whether tightly bound or more loosey goosey.  This is meant to have a Bohemian flair, not an exercise in perfection. 

 When you reach the end with your binding twists, tightly wrap the narrow wire a couple times, then start binding the wire back up the bracelet, this time attaching your embellishments as you go by stringing the beads, etc onto the wire.   I make about 8 twists in this direction, adding beads, buttons, charms etc, with each twist.  The more the merrier. 

 When you reach the end of the bracelet, just before the rebar wire loop, wrap the narrow wire several times tightly to secure.  Tuck in the cut end of the wire and/or tie a small piece of lace around it.  Tidy up the ends of laces/ribbon to the length you desire and...

 You are done.  I find it unnecessary to hook the ends of the rebar wire together.  The wire is just the right strength to hold its shape as you slide it on and form it to your wrist size. 

These are so pretty, using color schemes of your choice.  I made 3 for Mother's Day gifts.  Go on...try it and let me know how much you love it.  Also, if I've been totally unclear with my directions, I shall try to explain better.