Retired - Bronze Age Bracelet

Note: Components and tools listed within this INSTRUCTIONS box and the printer-friendly PDF, if available, may have been discontinued since this project was published. Refer to the PURCHASE COMPONENTS and TOOLS AND OTHER SUPPLIES sections for current availability.

1. Begin by watching our video on how to use Vintaj patinas. Pour out a little bit of opalite patina on your work surface. Use a dry paintbrush to dab the patina sparingly onto one Vintaj fluted brass bead (try not to cover the whole bead in patina). Blot off the excess with a paper towel. Repeat this step with 6 more Vintaj brass beads, so you have 7 beads dappled with patina. Wait a few minutes for the patina to dry.
2. Using flush cutters, cut three 10 inch lengths of bronze beading wire.
3. Take one length of beading wire and string 1 antiqued brass crimp bead and 1 closed brass jump ring. Take your wire back through the crimp bead and pull snug. Crimp the crimp bead using crimping pliers. Leave the wire tail in place to reinforce the strand.
4. String your beads onto the first strand in the following order: 1 Czech glass 4mm bead, 1 Toho demi round bead, 1 Czech glass 4mm bead, 1 Toho demi round bead, 1 Czech glass 6mm bead, 1 Toho demi round bead. Repeat this pattern for 6 inches.
5. String another crimp bead and slide it down to the end of your strung beads. Then string 1 closed brass jump ring. Take the wire back through the crimp bead and pull snug. Crimp the crimp bead using crimping pliers. Cut off the excess wire with flush cutters.
6. Repeat step 3, attaching the second strand of wire to the existing closed jump ring on that side. String your beads onto the second strand in the following order: 1/2 inch of Toho demi round beads, 1 Czech glass 4mm bead, 2 Toho demi round beads, 1 Czech glass 4mm bead, 2 Toho demi round beads. Then string 1 Vintaj brass bead, 2 Toho demi round beads, 1 Czech glass 6mm bead, 2 Toho demi round beads, 1 Czech glass 6mm bead, 2 Toho demi round beads, 1 Czech glass 6mm bead, and 2 Toho demi round beads, and repeat this pattern 2 more times. Then string 1 Vintaj brass bead, 2 Toho demi round beads, 1 Czech glass 4mm bead, 2 Toho demi round beads, 1 Czech glass 4mm bead, and 1/2 inch of Toho demi round beads. (See photo for reference.) Repeat step 5, attaching the other end of the wire to the closed jump ring on that side.
7. Repeat step 3, attaching the third strand of wire to the existing closed jump ring on that side. String your beads onto the third strand in the following order: 1 Czech glass 4mm bead, 1 Toho demi round bead. Repeat this pattern for 6 inches, adding 1 Vintaj brass bead at the 2, 3, and 4 inch marks. Repeat step 5, attaching the other end of the wire to the closed jump ring on that side.
8. Take 1 hook from the Vintaj hook and eye clasp set. Open the loop of the hook the same way you would open a jump ring. Slide it onto the closed jump ring on one side of the bracelet. Close the loop.
9. Take 1 eye closure. Open one of the loops the same way you would open a jump ring. Slide it onto the closed jump ring on the other side of the bracelet. Close the loop.
10. Enjoy your bracelet!