Retired - Istanbul 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. This project consists of over 30 identical beaded segments with simple loops on either end. So before starting this project, please watch the video on how to make a simple wire loop.
2. Take an antique brass eye pin and thread onto it 1 antique brass diamond cut-out 6mm round bead, 1 antique brass corrugated bead cap, 1 green jade bead, another corrugated bead cap, and finally another antique brass diamond cut-out round bead. Create a simple wire loop after the last bead. Cut off excess wire with flush cutters. At this point, check to make sure that your simple wire loops are both facing the same direction and that they are secure. Use your pliers to conform the wire as needed. Make a total of 33 of these segments, exactly alike.
3. Take 1 3" brass head pin and string onto it: 1 antique brass 4mm round bead, the loop from one of your segments above, the loop at the base of one half of a magnet clasp, another 2 round brass beads, the loop from one of your segments above, another 2 round brass beads, the loop at the base of one half of a second magnet clasp, the loop from one of your segments above, another 2 round brass beads, the loop from one of your segments above, another 2 round brass beads, the loop at the base of one half of a third magnet clasp, the loop from one of your segments above, and finally another round brass bead. At this point, hold your head pin with all the beads on it so that gravity helps to pull the beads down towards the head. Try to fit them together as tightly as possible with no gaps. Create a wrapped wire loop after the last brass bead you added. Cut off excess wire with flush cutters.
4. Take another 3" brass head pin and thread onto it: 1 antique brass 4mm round bead, the loop on the other end of the first segment you strung in the last step, the loop on the end of a segment created earlier, another 2 round brass beads, the loop on the other end of the second segment you strung in the last step, the loop on the end of another segment created earlier, another 2 round brass beads, the loop on the other end of the third segment you strung in the previous step, the loop from one of your segments created earlier, another 2 round brass beads, the loop on the other end of the fourth segment you strung in the previous step, the loop on another segment created earlier, another 2 round brass beads, the loop on the other end of the fifth segment you strung in the previous step, the loop from another segment, and finally 1 round brass bead. . Hold your head pin with all the beads on it so that gravity helps to pull the beads down towards the head. Try to fit them together as tightly as possible with no gaps. Create a wrapped wire loop after the last brass bead you added. Cut off excess wire with flush cutters.
5. Repeat the last step until you have 6 panels of bead segments connected together. Wait until the next step to finish attaching the last side of the sixth panel. So it will be 6 panels, 5 bead segments wide each. Please see photo. Please also note that you will want to vary whether you connect the loop on the other end of the previously strung segment first or the loop at the end of a "new" segment (when you are placing them on your head pin). If you continually place onto the head pin the loop at the end of the previously strung segment first, then the loop of the new segment, your bracelet will begin to slant. So mix it up, sometimes string on the new segments loop first, then the previously strung segment's loop and vice versa.
6. When you get to the last panel and have all 5 bead segments attached via a head pin to the previous panel, then please follow these instructions for completing this side of the bracelet:
7. Take a 3" brass head pin and place onto it 1 small round brass bead. Next, place onto the head pin the loop on the other end of the of the first beaded segment you attached in the last panel, the loop on the end of a new beaded segment, 2 small round brass beads, the loop on the other end of the second beaded segment from the last panel, 2 more round brass beads, the loop at the end of another beaded segment, the loop at the other end of the third beaded segment from the last panel, 2 more brass beads, the loop on the other end of the fourth beaded segment from the last panel, another 2 brass beads, the loop on the end of another beaded segment (this should be your last segment), the end loop of the fifth beaded segment from the last panel, and finally another small round brass bead. Make sure your beads are all snug close together and create a wrapped wire loop after the last brass bead. Cut off excess wire with flush cutters.
8. Almost done! On the three beaded segments which stick out from the "solid" part of your bracelet, open the simple wire loop at the end of each and attach the other half of the magnetic clasps you attached to the other end of your bracelet. Attach one magnet half to each beaded segment. Close the loops back up.
9. Take 1 head pin and place onto it 1 small round brass bead. Create a simple wire loop after the bead and cut off excess with flush cutters. Make a total of 7 of these.
10. Open the simple loop from one of your dangles created in the previous step, and connect it to one of the wrapped wire loops along the edge of your bracelet. Repeat this step with your other 6 dangles.
11. All done! Enjoy!

• BMB-1503 - Antiqued Brass Small 4mm Round Seamed Beads (50)
  Project uses 77 pieces. You will need 2 packages.


• BMB-5190 - Antiqued Brass Diamond Cut Out 6mm Round Beads (100)
  Project uses 66 pieces. You will need 1 package.


• FHP-06303 - Antiqued Brass Head Pins - 21 Gauge 3 Inches (25)
  Project uses 14 pieces. You will need 1 package.


• FHP-6281 - Antiqued Brass Open Eye Pins 21 Gauge 2 Inch (x50)
  Project uses 33 pieces. You will need 1 package.


• BMB-7050 - Antiqued Brass Small Corrugated Bead Caps 5mm (50)
  Project uses 66 pieces. You will need 2 packages.


• SPJD-10 - China Jade 8mm Round Beads Green / 15.5 Inch Strand
  Project uses 33 pieces. You will need 1 package.


• FCL-6825 - Antiqued Brass Plated Magnetic Clasps 6 x 4.5mm (4 Sets)
  Project uses 3 pieces. You will need 1 package.

• XTL-5514 - Beadsmith Jewelry Fine Round Nose Micro Pliers
• XTL-5511 - Beadsmith Jeweller's Micro Pliers Chain Nose Flat Nose
• XTL-5600 - Xuron Sharp Flush Cutter Pliers - Wire/Soft Flex