How to Make a Wire-Wrapped Crystal Suncatcher From a Bangle

Steps

1. 1. Choose a Bangle and Crystals for the Wire-Wrapped Suncatcher

   Pick a bangle for the frame. A thrifted one or an old one from your jewelry box is perfect.

   Tip: Lay your beads out in small dishes by color so they are easy to grab while you wrap.

   

2. 2. Attach the Faceted Crystals to Copper Jump Rings

   Get the hanging crystals ready before anything else. Use two pairs of pliers to twist a 10mm jump ring open sideways.

   Tip: Twist jump rings open front to back, never pull them apart, so they close up round.

   

3. 3. Start Wrapping 26 Gauge Copper Wire Around the Bangle

   Cut about an arm's length of 26 gauge copper wire, roughly a meter. Hold an inch of the tail against the bangle with one hand.

   Tip: Start where the top of the suncatcher will be, so the join hides under the chain.

   

4. 4. Slide a Crystal Bead Onto the Wire and Wrap the Bangle

   Once you have three wraps, slide a crystal bead onto the wire. Push it up against the outside edge of the bangle so it sits on top.

   Tip: Keep each bead on the outer edge of the ring so the whole rim sparkles.

   

5. 5. Alternate Crystal Bead Colors Around the Bangle

   Keep going: three wraps, a bead, three wraps, a bead. Change colors as you go.

   Tip: If you run out of wire, tuck the end and start a new piece on top of the last wraps.

   

6. 6. Finish the Copper Wire and Snip the Ends Flush

   When the beads meet the start, wrap the wire three to five times to secure it. Five is more secure.

   Tip: Run a finger around the inside to check for any sharp ends that need tucking.

   

7. 7. Hang the Faceted Crystal Inside the Wire-Wrapped Bangle

   Take one of the crystals you put on a jump ring earlier. Open another jump ring, hook it through the crystal's ring, and close it around the top of the bangle where you want the suncatcher to hang.

   Tip: Hang the center crystal right under the spot where the top chain will attach.

   

8. 8. Make Lollipop Loop Bead Links With 18 Gauge Copper Wire

   For the chain above and below, make bead links. Turn a small loop at the end of a piece of 18 gauge wire and center it.

   Tip: A 6-step bail making plier gives every loop the same size.

   

9. 9. Link the Beaded Chain and Teardrop Crystal to the Suncatcher

   Connect each new link to the one before by opening a loop, hooking it on and closing it. Build a short chain for the top and attach it to the jump ring on the bangle.

   Tip: A bigger loop on the last link can act as a jump ring and save a step.

   

10. 10. Add a 16 Gauge Copper Hanging Loop to the Suncatcher

    For the top, you can tie on a ribbon or use a ring. Here a hanging loop is made from about 2 inches of 16 gauge copper wire.

    Tip: Hang it in a sunny window and watch for rainbows on the walls in the afternoon.