The memory keeper bracelet

By Spotlight

Incorporate things like a loved one’s watch face & trinkets from travel to create one-of-a-kind jewellery items.

Final Result

Materials

• chain - ‘lost & found’ dark silver round ring link or chain of choice
• dark silver toggle clasp
• dark silver jump rings
• dark silver head pins
• round nose pliers
• flat nose pliers
• bead board
• optional - craft drill
• small found objects & charms that have some meaning or significance for the wearer

Step 1

The chain

Measure the chain around the wrist and decide on the length of chain to suit your wrist measurement, approximately 17cm. Using a pair of pliers separate a link on the chain to remove the excess. Attach the toggle bar onto one end of the chain and the toggle ring onto the other end.

Step 2

The look

Lay the chain out straight on the bead board. Place the objects and charms along the chain. If there are not enough add more, if too many remove some. Rearrange until you have the desired look.

Step 3

Attaching

Use the craft drill to make a hole in those items where it is necessary, e.g. scrabble tile. Thread beads or stones onto head pins, cut off the excess the pin and using round nose pliers turn the end of the head pin into a loop, e.g. Native American turquoise chips.

Step 4

What to include

An old cabinet key, an earring from Venezuela, an old watch face that belonged to my mother, an elephant made from bone, beads from an aunt’s favourite necklace, charms from places I’ve visited, etc.

Handy Hint

• When not wearing your keepsake bracelet display it by placing it around the neck of a clean glass bottle. That way you can see the sentimental mementos all the time.

• Gather together everyday bits and pieces and make a bracelet using only plastic objects or metal objects.