A few months ago I ordered some jewelry-making supplies from a new Etsy shop, Geometric Land. Jewelry making projects are some of my favorite because when I’m done I get to wear them! And while I’ve been thinking about what to do with these supplies forever, it wasn’t until today that I got to work.

My original plan was to add some color using a few different colors of blue paint. First, though, I needed to choose a chain. I had a thinner more antique chain from Michael’s or a thicker chain that came from Fire Mountain Gems. I tried the Michael’s chain first and could have just stopped there. I think the simple shape of the bead is beautiful and it looks great just like that.

But I didn’t stop there, because I then I wondered how the brass tube would look threaded on some metallic leather cord.

Yeah, pretty awesome. I finished of this simple bracelet by tying a knot at the tail end and adding a jump ring and cinching tight around both cords near the looped end.

So easy I could make hundreds of these in an afternoon. To wear, just push the knot through the loop.

But I still had plans for a chain bracelet with colorful stripes so I went back to work.

I painted a different color block design on each of three brass tubes.

This time I used acrylic paint (and then sealed with with a clear sealant) but I would recommend that you use nailpolish. It will last longer and have a nice glossy enamel finish.

After all of the pieces have been painted, let them dry.

Then add the chain.

Once the chain was through each tube I connected all three chains at each end with the jump ring. Then I added a clasp to one of the jump rights.

And this is the finished bracelet. But I kept thinking that it would also make a great necklace, so I cut a length of chain to use as an extender and attached another clasp to one end.

Now it can be worn as a necklace and a bracelet.

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Alicia DiRago

Alicia DiRago is the founder and CEO of Whimseybox. She has led DIY events across the country and been featured in the Wall Street Journal. Alicia is a lifelong crafter and former chemical engineer obsessed with making everything from bracelets to (homebrewed) beer! You can find her personal DIY, fashion and design blog at dismountcreative.com.

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