DIY Orbital Bracelets: A Step-by-Step Guide

Updated at: 30/01/2025

Orbital bracelets, with their sleek, modern aesthetic and subtle, captivating movement, are a popular accessory. However, the price tag on designer versions can be surprisingly high. This needn't be a barrier to enjoying this stylish piece of jewelry! With a little creativity and readily available materials, you can craft your own stunning orbital bracelet at a fraction of the cost. This DIY project offers a rewarding experience, allowing you to personalize your bracelet with your favorite colors and beads, resulting in a unique and truly special piece.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through each step of creating your own DIY orbital bracelet, from gathering the necessary supplies to securing the final clasp. Get ready to unleash your inner artist and discover the satisfying process of bringing this elegant design to life, one meticulously placed bead at a time. Let's begin!

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Memory wire
  • Memory wire cutter
  • Round nose pliers
  • Chain nose pliers
  • 3mm fire polish beads (50 bead strands)
  • 4mm bicone crystals
  • Jump rings (small and large)
Safety Guidelines
  • Always use appropriate safety glasses when working with tools, especially when cutting or sanding metal.
  • Ensure proper ventilation when working with any potentially harmful materials like certain glues or paints. Avoid inhaling fumes.
  • Thoroughly clean your hands after handling any materials to prevent accidental ingestion or skin irritation.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare the Memory Wire Base

    • Cut a perfect circle of memory wire using a memory wire cutter.
    • Using round nose pliers, bend one end of the wire back on itself towards the outside to create a loop.
    • Close the loop on the other side, using the same technique as step 2.
    Close the loop on the other side, using the same technique as step 2.Close the loop on the other side, using the same technique as step 2.Close the loop on the other side, using the same technique as step 2.
    Prepare the Memory Wire Base

  2. Create Bead Strands

    • String four 3mm fire polish beads and four 4mm bicone crystals randomly onto one side of the memory wire.
    • Repeat steps 3 and 4 to create five more strands of beads.
    Repeat steps 3 and 4 to create five more strands of beads.Repeat steps 3 and 4 to create five more strands of beads.
    Create Bead Strands

  3. Join Individual Strands

    • Join each pair of strand ends using small jump rings. Open the jump rings at the 12 o'clock position and close them carefully to avoid damage.
    Join each pair of strand ends using small jump rings. Open the jump rings at the 12 o'clock position and close them carefully to avoid damage.
    Join Individual Strands

  4. Connect Strands

    • Take the three pairs of joined strands, and connect them together using large jump rings.
    Take the three pairs of joined strands, and connect them together using large jump rings.
    Connect Strands

  5. Braid and Secure

    • Braid the three strands tightly together.
    • Secure the braid by closing a large jump ring through all three strands.
    Secure the braid by closing a large jump ring through all three strands.Secure the braid by closing a large jump ring through all three strands.
    Braid and Secure

Read more: DIY Tiered Tassel Earrings: A Quick & Easy Jewelry Tutorial

Tips

  • Always use a memory wire cutter for memory wire to prevent damage to your regular wire cutters.
  • String beads randomly to create a more unique and interesting look.
  • When opening and closing jump rings, open them at the 12 o'clock position to avoid deformation.
  • Braid the strands tightly to maintain a secure and aesthetically pleasing finish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Uneven Wire Wrapping

Reason: Inconsistent tension while wrapping the wire around the orbital creates a bumpy or lopsided look.
Solution: Maintain consistent, gentle pressure throughout the wrapping process.

2. Improperly Sized Jump Rings

Reason: Using jump rings that are too large or too small can lead to the bracelet looking unprofessional and potentially breaking easily.
Solution: Use jump rings that are appropriately sized for your wire and beads for a secure and aesthetically pleasing finish.

3. Insufficient Wire Length

Reason: Cutting the wire too short before completing the wrapping process leaves insufficient length for securing the end properly.
Solution: Always add extra wire length to account for adjustments and securing the end securely.

FAQs

What kind of wire is best for making orbital bracelets?
For beginners, I recommend using soft, flexible wire like 20-gauge or 22-gauge craft wire. It's easier to manipulate and less likely to snap. For more experienced crafters, you can experiment with different gauges and materials like memory wire for a more resilient bracelet.
How do I prevent the wire from kinking or breaking while making the loops?
Use wire cutters to create clean cuts, avoiding any jagged edges. Work slowly and deliberately when forming the loops. Using pliers with soft jaws or covering the wire with masking tape can help prevent kinking. If your wire is stiff, annealing it (heating and then cooling it slowly) can improve its flexibility.