Today we're sharing a fun and easy tutorial — for this absolutely gorgeous cuff — by our very talented Art & Soul instructor,
Eva Sherman. She originally began beading to spend time with her daughters, but
soon became hopelessly addicted. In 2005 she traded in her
architectural career for the opportunity to open
Grand River Beads in Cleveland, OH. This cuff is just one of the many pieces of jewelry Eva loves designing with wire and metals with an organic, unstructured style.
Take it away Eva...
Queen Victoria Cuff
By Eva Marie Sherman
Knit metal wire mesh from WireKnitZ® makes a beautiful canvas for vintage-themed creations — and you'll feel as elegant as the Queen in this dramatic cuff! Create the cuff, finish it with hand-stitched grosgrain ribbon, and add a vintage pin for a dramatic personal touch!
MATERIALS AND TOOLS
1 – 9”
3000 Series WireKnitZ® – metal mesh
Fireline® 4 lb. braided beading thread
2 – 6” x .5” Grosgrain Ribbon
1 – 30” x 1.5” Grosgrain Ribbon
3 – Sew-On Snaps
1 – Vintage Pin
Scissors
Tape Measure
Fabri-Tac™
Sewing Needle
STEP 1
Fold ribbon in half and make a seam 2” away from the fold
STEP 2
Open ribbon and make three folds on each side. Pin and then stitch in place.
STEP 3
Open WireKnitZ® metal mesh tube and gently massage folded edges until smooth. At
one end, gently pull outward with fingers until the end begins to roll
outward and then roll three times to measure about ¼” wide. Press the
roll down with fingers all the way around, burying the cut end. Repeat
at opposite end.
STEP 4
Stretch each end to get a slight bell shape. Stitch rolled ends in place, if desired, though it is not necessary.
STEP 5
Make a cut down the length of the tube. Fold the 1/2” grosgrain ribbon
in half lengthwise and pin in place along the cut edge of the tube. Tip: Before pinning to WireKnitZ®; create a soft crease in the
grosgrain ribbon by gently ironing with a light weight towel to protect
the ribbon.
STEP 6
Measure your wrist and size WireKnitZ® 1” larger than your wrist size.
Depending upon wrist size, it may be made larger by stretching
width at ribbon edges, or made smaller by stretching length at rolled
edges. To stretch, grasp opposing edges and gently pull, moving fingers
along edges. Keep moving fingers around and pulling as it begins
to adjust in size. When the sheet is the correct size, stop stretching.
A bit of trial and error may be required.
STEP 7
Line up the center of the tri-folded 1.5” grosgrain with the center of
the WireKnitZ®, approx. ¾” from the top roll and pin centers together.
Pin rest of ribbon in place, folding edges of ribbon under twice. Tip:
Use Fabri-Tac to secure ends of ribbon.
STEP 8
Stitch grosgrain ribbon in place. Secure vintage pin at center of tri-folded ribbon.
STEP 9
Stitch sew-on snaps in place as shown.
Enjoy the complements!
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Thanks so much Eva, for sharing this easy tutorial and providing us with such great inspiration! We're so happy to have you teaching 8 jewelry classes (yes 8!) at our
Portland event and another 6 workshops at our
Virginia event in 2014!