How to: Make your own chain web bracelet
This whole idea was born out of a very depressing hour surfing through a variety of online shops, picking out truly kickass items that’ll definitely contribute in making me look like walking sex even though I was fully aware that I couldn’t (and still can’t) afford any single fucking thing. Do you have any idea how depressing that is?
So yeh, I whipped out a couple of old chains I had lying around (remnants from old necklaces) and started comparing sizes. Then suddenly, a stroke of brilliance (not really) hit me and I remembered that I actually own jewellery pliers. The rest, as they say, was history.
First, you’ll need some shit. Don’t worry, materials come cheap. Hell, my first two bracelets didn’t cost me a single cent; all products of old necklaces and bracelets. Also, grab a couple of packets of those small rings (used to link chains to hooks or whatever) and lobster hooks. The pliers would really really help, so I’d recommend it. Anybody up for using their fingers will be in for a pretty painful and bloody night, confirm. You can purchase all of these items at Spotlight or Clegs, and they even have a range of chains for you to choose by the metre.
So once you have everything, it’s time to begin.
I basically ripped off Leviticus Jewelry’s Black Web bracelet but it’s helpful to have a rough idea of the design in your head. Measure out the chains according to your design on your hand (remember to leave about one or two jump rings just in case) and cut, and then you can start the extremely tedious process of linking them all up.
After finishing off the chains that rest on your hand, it’s time to focus on the finger. Measure out the number of chains you want as the ring and cut.
Personally, I decided on two layers for the ring because I wanted it thicker. After that, all you have to do is link the ‘ring(s)’ together, and then to the main bracelet. And that’s it.
Beyond easy right? Pfffft to spending actual dollars on bracelets like these when you can just make them at home, for free. Of course, my first attempt may look damn good in the photos but it actually turned out way too loose, so I had to spend another hour after that trying to figure out the mechanics of each jump ring to fix it. But otherwise, I think it was a job well done. :)
I’ve actually perfected the one featured in the photos and made another one; this is how obsessed I’ve been over web bracelets. And seriously, it’s fucking simple. Even a simpleton from some little village in an undeveloped country that I’ve never heard of would be able to sort it out. A few pointers though: Always remember to let the chain hang loose before linking it up; you wouldn’t want a twisted chain ruining your creation. Also, take note of the positions of the jump rings being linked to one main ring. I didn’t check and ended up with an unintentional cross on the design. -_-
Feel free to add little bits and bobs to the bracelet. I added safety pins to this one, mainly because I had nothing else on hand that would fit in nicely, but also because they help keep my chains in position.
I ended up shortening the chains by quite a fair bit because I’d overestimated the lengths. It’s like I’m still under the impression that I’m still one mother fat fuck from Planet Lard with tree trunk wrists. -_- Took my second one out for a test run a couple of days ago at school and received quite a few compliments and requests to make them, the latter of which really surprised me. Some chick was willing to fork out AUD$50, whaddamadcunt.
So there you go, a pretty idiot-proof guide to making your own web bracelets. I’m sure even a five-year-old with ADD would be able to understand this, so no excuses yeh. Go off and release your wallet from misery!
