Hardware Charm Bracelet

Okay, a hardware charm bracelet might not be the most beautiful charm bracelet there is. After all, a piece of metal from a hardware store cant possibly compare to a pewter football, a gold ring, or another fancy charm, that a person can buy for a bracelet. However, when you combine certain hardware pieces, and use them in the same fashion as you would a charm, you can make an unusual charm bracelet-type jewelry piece, which youll love with jeans, t-shirts, and other everyday fashions.Start out with a chain that you already have. It can be a ball or a link chain but it must have its own closure. You can make a necklace or a bracelet using just the chosen chain and some wire. Purchase really thin wire - copper or another type; it should be a little larger in diameter than thread.Look around at a home improvement or hardware store and youll find many different types of small metal pieces. There are hooks, and tiny caps, and even metal washers. One particularly nice combination for a charm bracelet is the metal washers and "s" hooks. Purchase small ones and, along with your wire, you can make the cute charm bracelet.Start with the front of the chain facing you, and the clasp facing away from you, and find the exact middle of the chain. At that area, position one of the metal washers, right next to the chain. Cut a piece of wire, string it through the washer, and through one of the links of a chain. If you have a ball chain, wrap the wire between two of the tiny balls. Bring the wire back through the washer, and through the chain, a couple of times. Snip the wire off and push it closely against the chain.Move over an inch or so and hang an "s" hook on the chain. Just measure from the washer, to where you want the hook, and attach it. Squeeze the top of the "s" closed with pliers and then push the closed end against the chain. Slide the wire through the opening at the top of the "s" (even though youve closed it theres still an opening), and wire it through a link, or between two balls, of the particular chain.On the other side of the washer, measure the same distance between it and the "s" hook, and follow the same steps to add the "s" hook to that side. That is, one "s" hook should be on each side of the washer, and each "s" should be spaced equally away from the washer.On the other sides of the "s" hooks, add a washer to each side, and continue alternating washers and "s" hooks, until youre finished. Wear it in a casual manner with nearly any outfit you own.