*A terrific clamp for heavy wire bundles*

 

I found this package of 4 clamps at Walmart, with the tarps and bungees. It snugs down really tight and is not too large or bulky. They are also available at many auto parts or sporting goods/camping supply stores.

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Step 1

*Assembled pieces held with painter's tape*

Four 14g base wires, four 8mm cubes, nine 8mm hematite rounds strung on 18g. Tape one end or use clamps. This design is totally flexible - change the size of the wire, the beads, the numbers, where you put the binding wires, and on and on.

You may find it easier to start with just the center section of beads - for instance here, just the 3 cubes and the 2 rounds between them - always binding between beads to hold the spacing in the frame, adding more beads as you go along.

 

Step 2

*Make a hook*

Wrap 3 or more times around between beads. Pull tight after each turn and squeeze the bend with your pliers to tighten it.

You may find it easier to start the binding with a longer tail.

 

Step 3

*Hook on and wrap*

Pull the wire tight as you wrap around the base, squeezing after the bend to make it tight.

 

Step 4

*Underside finished*

 

Tuck the ends inside the bracelet so they don't scratch.

 

Step 5

*Bend the ends together*

 

I find it easiest to bend both wires over the bead, (like the top wire in the photo), then bend them straight, into the finished position, (like the inner wire, second from the top)

 

 

Step 6

*One end finished, one in progress*

 

 

Step 7

*All ends shaped and laying together*

 

 

 

 

 

Step 8

*Ready to wrap the end - Method One*

 

Make a 90 degree bend in the center wire, which holds the beads. Wrap around the base wires, back toward the beads. Use pliers to hold the center wire steady when beginning the wrap, if necessary.

 

 

 

Step 10

*Alternate method for the end wrap - L hook*

 

Make two small bends, to hook over the base wires. See next photo for size.

 

 

Step 11

*Hooked over and wrap started *

 

This version wraps away from the beads, giving more flexibility to the final length of the cuff. The final end of the wrap wire will be hidden under the folded base wires (next photo). 

***Gently but firmly squeeze the wrap wire each time you make a wrap. 

Pull HARD as you wrap it around, but not so hard that the frame gets distorted.

 

 

Step 12

*One end finished*

 

Clip the base/frame wires even and bend them over, to the inside of the cuff. File all rough spots, before and after bending.

 

 

 Finished cuff!