Working With Memory Wire

Memory wire is made from stainless steel and is used as a beading medium.  It's called "memory" because it is already formed in the shape of rings, like a spring, and it stays in this form for the most part, unless you really overwork it. Even then, it will still be like a spring, just larger because overworking it can make it stretch its shape a little. But generally speaking, this material is very easy to work with. It comes in bracelet, ring, and necklace size.   I think that it's the perfect way for beginners to start working with.  I am also thinking of teaching the campers how to make some memory wire bracelets for the Arrowhead Day Camp elective classes that I teach in July.

I have been making quite a few Memory Wire bracelets as of late.  I really like making these for two reasons:  They are pretty much one-size-fits all; They also are fairly inexpensive to create.  

I tend to use bead chips and then add some larger beads to add interest.  I also like to make bead dangles and add them to the loops on one side of the bracelet.  For the dangles I use beads and chips from the bracelet design and then I like to add a message tag (happiness, dream, laugh etc.)

 Here are two examples of pieces I've recently created:

For this bracelet, I used Carnelian nuggets and Turquoise chips.  

This bracelet is made using light Amethyst chips and handcrafted ceramic beads. 

For the dangle, I added a message tag and some Amethyst Swarovski crystals.

Thanks for stopping by to take a look!