Coloring for Adults! Textured Metal Bracelets

Coloring for Adults: Textured Metal Bracelets

Create armloads of colorful, lightweight, inexpensive brass bracelets using just a few basic tools!

We created several custom color blends of 4mm Swarovski bicone crystals (or Crystal Jams) inspired by our favorite songs! Keep a few jams on hand to add a bit of sparkle to your designs — these harmonized palettes of beads are perfect when playing with color!

Using one piece of patterned brass sheet metal or patterned copper sheet metal you can make several bracelets. The 24-gauge sheet is sold in 4″ by 2-1/2″ pieces, which cut nicely into long strips.

• Step One: Begin by deciding on the width you want for each bracelet (the set shown is 6mm). Mark the back side of the sheet metal using a permanent marker. Carefully cut each strip using metal shears, flattening metal as needed with a nylon hammer or rawhide mallet.

Step Two: Punch a single hole at both ends of each strip. The screw-action on our favorite hole punch takes a bit of getting used to, but once you have mastered it you will reach for it time and again. It makes perfect holes in two sizes (1/16″ & 3/32″), without damaging the metal. It is fast, requires no electricity and is an absolute workhorse.

Step Three: File metal strips as needed to remove any sharp points or burrs. No bench is complete without a rubber square soft-anvil work surface, perfect for sanding and polishing! We call the Grobet® Swiss flat hand file the “Butter File” because it moves through metal like butter! It is smooth and quick.

(Side note: I cut my sanding sponges into several small squares, as I typically am working with tiny pieces of metal. These flat sponges are perfect for lifting off only the top layer, without disturbing the color held in the recesses.)

Step Four: Use bracelet bending pliers to form the connector; it shapes the metal strips perfectly! (Consideration: it is generally best to do this before applying color and sealant, to prevent cracking).

Step Five: Apply color to the metal blank! Experiment and play! For tips on oxidizing, applying patina or coloring metal, please read our technique sheet on the subject.

• Work in a well-ventilated area and avoid contact with eyes, skin and clothing. Consider wearing gloves to protect your hands.
• Make sure your metal is clean (free of dirt, oil, grease, scale) and dry.
• Test the chemical(s) on a small sample of the goods.
• Apply before assembling. Some applications can be layered or mixed for different finishes.
• After application is dry, buff gently with a sanding pad to create antiqued crevices and shiny high points.
• Store colorants, patinas and antiquing solutions upright in sealed plastic bags or storage container.

Vintaj Patinas are festive, opaque, permanent, fast-drying inks specially formulated to adhere to metal! They create durable and beautiful effects on metal, and can be blended and layered for an endless array of results. A dauber is great for applying inks to large surfaces.

Gilder’s Paste provides very durable, opaque finish. It is great for highlighting metal. Polishing the Metallic Gilders Paste with a soft cloth produces a gilded finish. For more tips, check out a previous blog article.

Win-Ox blackens brass quickly and completely. If not sealed properly, a container of Win-ox will oxidize the closest metals. We recommend that you overbag the bottle and store away from all metal materials.

Step Six: Seal the color. Reniassance Wax (Micro-Crystalline Wax Polish) is a great way to finish your piece as it dries instantly, does not show finger prints, will not discolor, and imparts a beautiful soft sheen. You can also use the amazing ultra-polish pads which are tight-bond foam pads, permanently bonded micro-abrasives, great for adding highlights to oxidized items, removing tarnish and polishing to a high shine.

Step Seven: Cut the chain to fit, and attach it to the connector using jump rings. Attach a split ring to the end of one side of the chain and a clasp to the other side. Check out our basic jewelry making guide for tips.

Have fun playing with color!!!

PS: Before ordering, make sure you are aware of any hazardous shipping restrictions for the items mentioned. (There are colorful warnings next to products that have “HZ” shipping restrictions.)