Judy Freyer Thompson's Rain Chain Bangle, Contemporary Wire Jewelry. How To Punch Holes, Hole Punching, Punch A Hole, Riveting, Riveting Techniques, Wire Rivets. I love using heavy wire for pieces, and this one is no exception.
Rain Chain Bangle
by Judy Freyer Thompson
  • Category: Contemporary
  • Technique(s): Hole Punching, Riveting
  • Skill Level: Beginner
I love using heavy wire for pieces, and this one is no exception. This simple rustic bangle bracelet project used 8 gauge copper wire and a few rivets. Simple, yet stunning, and the soft clinking noise it makes reminds me of a wind chime. I am going to be showing this project using three rings, but you can add as many as you like using the same method. The measurement for the wire reflects a ring with an approximate ID of 2 3/4"; consider this as a size medium as you need a little extra room to fit the bracelet over your hand due to the fact the rings are interlocked. You can adjust as necessary for you desired size.
I have one with 7 rings that is my go-to bangle, I wear it almost every day.

Materials

8 Gauge Round Dead Soft Copper Wire
H11-8D
  • Lesson Quantity: 30.00 inches
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 5FT
  • Price: $10.88
  • Gold Club Price: $8.16
Add to Bag
12mm Copper Rivet - Pack of 25
A5-512
  • Lesson Quantity: 3.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 3.00 pieces
  • Price: $1.99
  • Gold Club Price: $1.49
Add to Bag
Add All Items to Cart

Tools

Premium Steel Bench Block 2 1/2 X 2 1/2
G17-9
  • G17-9
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $15.97
  • Gold Club Price: $11.98
Out of Stock
Flex Shaft System, 1/4 Horsepower Motor
HDP-150.00
  • HDP-150.00
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $123.97
  • Gold Club Price: $92.98
Add to Bag
20 pc. 61-80 Small Gauge Drill Bits
G26-60
  • G26-60
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $4.97
  • Gold Club Price: $3.73
Add to Bag
Needle File Set Pack of 5
FIL-970.00
  • FIL-970.00
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $11.57
  • Gold Club Price: $8.68
Add to Bag
Natural Beeswax--1oz Tube
WAX-100.00
  • WAX-100.00
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $7.95
  • Gold Club Price: $5.96
Add to Bag
Xuron Flush Cutter - Pack of 1
G2-504
  • G2-504
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $20.97
  • Gold Club Price: $15.73
Add to Bag
Relentless Sawblade - Cut 4 - Sold by the Dozen
SAW-400.10D
  • SAW-400.10D
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $3.57
  • Gold Club Price: $2.68
Add to Bag
Deluxe V-Slot Bench Pin with Clamp
BPN-105.00
  • BPN-105.00
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $7.97
  • Gold Club Price: $5.98
Add to Bag
Steel Round Smooth Bracelet Mandrel
G7-15
  • G7-15
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $39.97
  • Gold Club Price: $29.98
Add to Bag
Auto Center Punch
PUN-430.00
  • PUN-430.00
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $8.97
  • Gold Club Price: $6.73
Add to Bag
Jewelers Saw with Adjustable Frame without Blade
G18-3
  • G18-3
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $12.97
  • Gold Club Price: $9.73
Add to Bag
4/0 Relentless Sawblade - Sold by the Dozen
SAW-400.03D
  • SAW-400.03D
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $3.25
  • Gold Club Price: $2.44
Add to Bag
Add All Items to Cart
Instructions
Step 1
Clean the length of wire using 400 grit sandpaper. Measure and mark 10" on the wire, you will end up with 3 pieces. Load the saw frame with the cut 4 blade and slide the blade through the beeswax. Lay the wire on the bench pin and saw the wire into three pieces.
Judy Freyer Thompson's Rain Chain Bangle - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, How To Punch Holes, Hole Punching, Punch A Hole, Riveting, Riveting Techniques, Wire Rivets, cut 10 inches
Step 2
Measure and mark ½" off both ends of the wires.
Judy Freyer Thompson's Rain Chain Bangle - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, How To Punch Holes, Hole Punching, Punch A Hole, Riveting, Riveting Techniques, Wire Rivets, measure
Step 3
Place one end on the steel bench block, using the chasing hammer, flatten the end up to the mark, flipping as necessary. Repeat with the opposite end and the remaining wires. Make sure you flatten the wires on the same plane.
Judy Freyer Thompson's Rain Chain Bangle - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, How To Punch Holes, Hole Punching, Punch A Hole, Riveting, Riveting Techniques, Wire Rivets, flatten
Step 4
Measure ¼" off the end of each wire, mark with the permanent marker.
Judy Freyer Thompson's Rain Chain Bangle - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, How To Punch Holes, Hole Punching, Punch A Hole, Riveting, Riveting Techniques, Wire Rivets, mark each end
Step 5
Using a flat metal file, rest the wire on the bench pin and file the flatted ends to slightly round them.
Judy Freyer Thompson's Rain Chain Bangle - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, How To Punch Holes, Hole Punching, Punch A Hole, Riveting, Riveting Techniques, Wire Rivets, file rounded ends
Step 6
Using the centering punch, punch each marked location to make a divot. Using the Flexible Shaft and a #52 drill bit coated with beeswax, drill at each location.
Judy Freyer Thompson's Rain Chain Bangle - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, How To Punch Holes, Hole Punching, Punch A Hole, Riveting, Riveting Techniques, Wire Rivets, make a divot
Judy Freyer Thompson's Rain Chain Bangle - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, How To Punch Holes, Hole Punching, Punch A Hole, Riveting, Riveting Techniques, Wire Rivets, drill
Step 7
Using a soup can, start bending the wires. Bring the ends together and align the punched holes, install a rivet from the underside.
Judy Freyer Thompson's Rain Chain Bangle - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, How To Punch Holes, Hole Punching, Punch A Hole, Riveting, Riveting Techniques, Wire Rivets, wrap around the mandrel
Judy Freyer Thompson's Rain Chain Bangle - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, How To Punch Holes, Hole Punching, Punch A Hole, Riveting, Riveting Techniques, Wire Rivets, rivet
Step 8
Slide the ring on the bracelet mandrel until the ring is secure. Trim the rivet shank with wire cutters to approximately 1/16". Use the ball end of the chasing hammer to set the rivet. Thread a second ring through the first one and set a second rivet. Repeat with third ring. If you choose to add more, repeat the above steps.
Judy Freyer Thompson's Rain Chain Bangle - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, How To Punch Holes, Hole Punching, Punch A Hole, Riveting, Riveting Techniques, Wire Rivets, trim the rivet
Judy Freyer Thompson's Rain Chain Bangle - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, How To Punch Holes, Hole Punching, Punch A Hole, Riveting, Riveting Techniques, Wire Rivets, add another ring and rivet
Step 9
When your bangle is complete, slide the rings on the bracelet mandrel and use the ball end of the chasing hammer to texturize the wire, turning as necessary.

Touch up the rivet connections if necessary with the flat file. Don't be concerned if the ends are not lined up perfectly, this only adds to the rustic feel of the bracelet. If you choose to apply a patina, proceed using manufacturers' instructions.

Judy Freyer Thompson's Rain Chain Bangle - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, How To Punch Holes, Hole Punching, Punch A Hole, Riveting, Riveting Techniques, Wire Rivets, texture