Tool Focus: Simple and Fun Bangles Using Bracelet Presses
In this two-session virtual workshop we will learn the art of bangle making in a variety of gauge thicknesses and patterns with a simple forming tool known as the bracelet press. This handy and versatile tool can bend wire up to 10 gauge thickness in repetitive and sinuous patterns efficiently and consistently. Applications for creativity are endless and extend beyond just bangles!
Explore making a set of stacking bracelets, fused element cuffs, or multi-element hoop earrings! Simple, fun, and effective!
For more information about virtual courses, visit our Virtual Course FAQ page.
Please read the Materials & Tools tab!
Meet the instructor
Paulette Werger is a metalsmith and teacher who works in Lebanon, NH. She sells her work both nationally and internationally and is owner of Metalpeople East, a jewelry and hollow ware studio. She has taught metalsmithing at the University of WI, Montana State University, and at craft schools throughout the country.
Materials & Tools
The following supplies will be used for course demonstrations and objectives. A suggested item and/or vendor has been provided below for reference. Click the vendor name (in red) to be redirected to a page where you can find the item. The quantities needed for each item are listed first. If ordering, please be aware that some items may come in larger quantities than needed for this class. We recommend not opening an item's packaging until the day of the workshop. Student participation during or in-between class sessions is strongly encouraged but not required - observers are welcome.
Metal/raw materials:
- 12" min. x Argentium® round wire - 18g dead soft (Rio Grande)
- 12" min. x Argentium® round wire - 16g dead soft (Rio Grande)
- 12" min. x Argentium® round wire - 14g dead soft (Rio Grande)
Forming tools (note you can get one or all presses listed below):
- bracelet forming press - 102-040, 102-041, 102-045 (Contenti)
- 1 x brass or raw hide weighted hammer (Contenti)
- 1 x bracelet mandrel (Rio Grande, Contenti)
Hand tools:
- 1 x round nose pliers (Rio Grande, Contenti)
- 1 x chain nose pliers (Rio Grande, Contenti)
- 1 x flat nose pliers (Rio Grande, Contenti)
- 1 x snips / flush cutters (Rio Grande, Contenti)
- 1 x jewelers saw (Rio Grande, Contenti)
- 1 x pack saw blades - 2/0 (Rio Grande, Contenti)
- 1 x bench pin (Rio Grande, Contenti)
- 1 x half round hand file - #2 cut (Rio Grande, Contenti)
- 1 x rotary tool - flex shaft, micro motor, etc. (Rio Grande)
- 1 x set of needle files - #2 cut (Rio Grande, Contenti)
- 1 x half round forming pliers (Rio Grande, Contenti)
- 1 x center punch (Rio Grande, Contenti)
- 1 x scribe (Rio Grande, Contenti)
- 1 x ring clamp (Rio Grande, Contenti)
- 1 x rawhide / plastic mallet (Rio Grande, Contenti)
- 1 x riveting hammer (Rio Grande, Contenti)
- 1 x chasing hammer (Rio Grande, Contenti)
- 1 x steel block / steel surface (Rio Grande, Contenti)
- 1 x small steel ruler (Rio Grande, Contenti)
- 1 x sheet of sand paper - 220 to 600 grits (Amazon)
Torch setup:
- 1 x fireproof area - steel sheet, tiles, etc. (Amazon or Home Depot)
- 1 x Solderite™ pad (Rio Grande, Contenti)
- 1 x torch - Smith mini, Silversmith, or butane (Rio Grande, Contenti)
- 1 x #0 or #1 torch tip - if getting Silversmith (Rio Grande)
- 1 x striker - Silversmith system has one (Rio Grande, Contenti)
- 1 x soldering tweezers (Rio Grande, Contenti)
- 1 x soldering pick (Rio Grande, Contenti)
- 1 x paste flux (Rio Grande, Contenti)
- 1 x Ronda's Purple Flux (Rio Grande)
- 1 x 6” silver solder - medium (Rio Grande, Contenti)
- 1 x pickle - sodium bisulfate or citric acid (Amazon)
- 1 x tempered glass container or sink - for quenching and rinsing
- 1 x small brush - for flux
- 1 x liquid hand soap - for cleaning metal
Other/miscellaneous items:
- hard work surface
- fan and open window - or ventilation system
- safety glasses
- pencil, Sharpie, notebook
- rags/towels