15% off Links, Blanks & Aanraku >> For tips, extra details, and related products, click item images or names. Coronavirus Update: We are shipping full speed, and our Spokane Showroom is... (more info)
Live With Intention Cuff Tutorial
Created by: Polly Nobbs-LaRue
Designer Tips
Stamp favorite quotes on inexpensive easy-to-use strips of precut copper, then rivet them to sturdy brass cuff bracelets. If you make a mistake when stamping on the copper strip, it's a much less expensive mistake than a mis-stamp on a specialty blank or bracelet.
Stamp a phrase on the the 24-gauge copper bracelet strip. With metal shears, cut to length (keep approximately 6mm or 1/4" extra at each end for riveting) and gently round the corners. And textures of your choice with ballpeen, chasing or other jewelry hammer. File any rough edges.
Oxidize the strip of copper, then clean with steel wool (or a flat green plastic dish scrubbie) for a light matte texture.
Continued Below...
With your fingers (or a bracelet mandrel) and a nylon hammer, shape the copper strip to fit the the curve of the bracelet. If you are making the bracelet to fit a particular person, first have them adjust the brass bracelet to fit their wrist.
Polish the brass bracelet cuff as desired: steel wool for a matte finish, or tumble with steel shot (1-2 hours) for a mirror-bright finish.
Using an extra-fine-point Sharpie permanent marking pen, mark spots for the rivet holes 2-3mm from each end of the copper strip.
In the Crafted Findings tool, replace the default (flat) cutting base with a domed piercing base. This will prevent a divot or dent in the domed brass bracelet (and it works fine on the flat strip).
Replace the default rivet setting set with the reverse rivet setting set. The allows you to keep the nice rivet head on the top of the bracelet.
Punch both ends of the copper strip. Carefully center the copper piece on the bracelet, and mark, pierce and rivet one end of the bracelet.
Make any final adjustments necessary to the shape of the copper strip (use a nylon hammer). Mark, pierce and rivet other end.
Polish entire bracelet with steel wool or a soft polishing cloth, and seal with Renaissance® wax.
