Page 3      Three Strands of Beads Bracelet Jewelry Making Project

Step 8:  In order for the 2-1 component to be able to connect to the 18 gauge 3 hole spacer component, we need to modify the orientation of the loops in the 2-1 component.  We start this process by converting both of the loops made on pegs 4 and 6 into eye loops.  This is done by grasping the start of each loop with the tips of your round nose pliers and twisting.  Visit here for a picture of this jewelry making technique.   When both loops are converted, the wire component will appear as shown at right.

Step 9:  Using your bent chain nose pliers, grasp each eye loop in turn and rotate it 90 degrees.  The picture shown at left is taken from the side so that you can see the orientation of the two loops.  When rotating the loops, rotate one clock-wise and one counter-clockwise so that both openings in the loops are on the same side. 

Step 10:  Now we need to connect the 2-1 component to the 18 gauge 3 hole spacer.  This is the most difficult step in making this bracelet.  First, using your bent chain nose pliers, open the loop made on peg 4 in the 2-1 component, connect this loop to the end loop in the 3 hole spacer and close the loop.  Now for the hard part.  To connect the loop made on peg 6 in the 2-1 component with the end loop in the 3 hole spacer component, we need to open both loops using our bent chain nose pliers.  Open the loop on the 2-1 component away from the initial loop on this component.  In the picture above-right this would mean opening that loop toward the right as you view the picture.  With both loops open, connect the two loops and then close both loops.  Do this for both sets of 18 gauge wire components.  (Be patient.  This will work, but it isn't easy.)

Step 11:  Now we are ready to begin stringing the strands of beads.  The techniques for using crimp beads and Soft Flex can be found here and here.  Use 2mm by 2mm tube style crimp beads as these crimp beads are the easiest to use and make consistent and strong crimps.  Cut three segments of either .014 or .019 Soft Flex or Soft Touch each 10 inches long.  Be certain to use cutters that are appropriate for Soft Flex.  (Normal jewelry wire flush cutters will become dented by cutting Soft Flex wire.)  Using one crimp bead and a segment of Soft Flex or Soft Touch, connect the bead stringing wire to one of the loops in the 3 hole spacer component as shown at left.  Do this for all three loops in the 3 hole spacer.  At this point we are ready to begin stringing the beads.