Copper Bracelets

After making the copper bracelet on the right from recycled water pipe, I decided to purchase copper tubing and try to perfect my technique. Two sizes of copper tubing were available-one fourth inch outside diameter and on fourth inch inner diameter. Since both were inexpensive, I purchased both sizes.

To make a variation, the smaller tube was selected for the new bracelet. The smaller tubing was much easier to bend around the bracelet mandrel than the recycled tubing probably due to the thinner tube wall. The thinner wall has not affected the sturdiness of the bracet. To give variety, I wrapped the extending wire before making the swirls. This bracelet is definitely better looking and will be a welcome addition to my grand daughters' copper jewelry collections.

Recycling Copper Pipe For Jewelry

We replaced copper pipe under our sink. I saved the two eighteen inch lengths we removed in hopes of making copper jewelry. You can imagine my delight upon reading Sharilyn Miller's new book Contemporary Copper Jewelry to see directions for a copper bangle bracelet using copper pipe. The old dark dingy copper pipe was polished to a gleaming shine with very fine steel wool according to the directions. Using the pipe cutter was a new experience, but not very difficult. Bending the pipe around the bracelet mandrel took patience. An advantage to using the old pipe was the bracelet did not have to be textured or distressed. I was pleasantly surprised at how quickly the bracelet was completed. New pipe which I purchased for another bracelet was not as difficult to bend around the mandrel. I am now busy trying to develope variations to the design. This book is an excellent reference and resource with detailed easy to follow directions. This is one time being a pack rat paid off!!