So, you don’t make jewelry because it’s too tedious and eye-straining? Plus, you have to use all those tools, pick up tiny, metal links, open them, shut them, thread wire through this and out that – no wonder you don’t bother making jewelry very often! Hey, throw all of those beads, wire, clasps, and implements, in a bin for now. You can make a beautiful necklace or bracelet using no metal, no beads or expensive implements – it’s so exciting. If you can draw a figure 8 on a piece of leather – or another material – you can make gorgeous jewelry with no hassle.
If cutting small things doesn’t bother you at all you’ll love the figure 8 chain jewelry. Of course, a punch or die cut will make it much easier but, even if you don’t have such a thing, you can still cut the designs yourself. It’s a little time-consuming but not at all difficult.
The size of the figure 8 you draw will determine how large the necklace or bracelet will be, in width. So, if you make a figure 8 with wide circles on the top and bottom, you’ll end up with a wide-link design. To determine the size each link will be, cut one figure 8 from paper, fold it in half so that the holes of the 8 are stacked, and that shows you how large each “chain link” will be.
It’s very important that each figure 8 you cut is the same size. Use a stencil, if you’re cutting with scissors, and you’ll create the perfect figure 8 each time. To decide how many you’ll need, measure around your wrist or neck, decide how tall one figure 8 is, and cut that figure in half. No matter how you’re cutting the figure 8, cut out the number itself, then cut out the area where the hole is, on the top as well as the bottom.
To assemble the necklace or bracelet, fold one figure 8 in half so that the holes are stacked. Put half of the next figure 8 through the hole – through the bottom and out the top – then fold it in half. Continue sliding in the next figure 8, and the next one, as the chain grows. When you get to the last one, glue or sew it shut, after folding it in half like the others. Stack the holes on the ending chain link on the holes of the first link, and sew or glue them in place, to finish.
The figure 8 necklace or bracelet is a fashion statement that doesn’t require you to spend a bunch of money, or put in hours and hours to make it. Create one with all the same colors, or a jewelry piece featuring various colors of links. The necklace and bracelet looks as fabulous with jeans and a tee as it does with an evening gown.