January "Designs We Love" braceletMonica Han uses unexpected materials for simply spectacular results
Published: November 24, 2011 Stretching the rules often produces something wonderful. Monica Han of Potomac, Md., linked Swarovski sew-on stones — typically reserved for use in the clothing industry — with chain links and a lobster claw clasp to create her icy hexagon bracelet. Simple and simply wonderful. Monica is a Create-Your-Style with Swarovski Elements Ambassador. Contact her at mhan@dreambeads.biz.
Check out the "Designs We Love" gallery in the January issue of Bead Style for more winter-inspired jewelry.
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For this bracelet, you'll need five or six inches of 10 mm-link chain. It's crucial that the links are not soldered closed. You'll also need a 10-12 mm lobster claw clasp and three Swarovski sew-on stones (one 26 mm hexagon and two 18 mm baguettes).
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1. Separate two links from the chain. When opening the link (Basics), have as much tool-to-surface-area contact as possible. Flat nose pliers work great for this type of operation, but two chainnose pliers will be fine. You can try to use a roundnose pliers but it will be difficult to maintain a good grip.
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2. Use the separated links to attach the crystals as shown. Close the links. Separate a 4-5-in. (10-13 cm) piece of chain. Open an end link and attach it to the crystal segment.
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4. Open the remaining end link. Attach the lobster claw clasp and close the link. Check the fit and add or remove links as needed.
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