Braiding copper wire into a cuff bracelet (and making tools to help)

Braiding a copper wire cuff bracelet is a quick and simple wire wrapping technique that is versatile and effective. The hardest part of this wirework is getting good tension on the wires as you wrap.
I solved this problem by making simple handles that attach to the ends of the wires, giving me the ability to pull a tighter braid.
If you’ve enjoyed this video please leave me a comment and feedback below, it’s great to have some connection with any viewers, or if you have any questions about my videos that I may be able to help with.
Also please consider subscribing to my channel to see new videos
as soon as I upload them … here’s a link you can click …
/ @nickscreativestuff
thanks
Ps
If you would like to see more of my creative stuff … here’s another link to click…
• Jewellery tools, tips ...
Cheers ….. Nick
#braidingwire #plattingwire #weavingwire
0:00 practising with cheap copper wire.
0:42 scrapyard copper wire
1:05 annealing copper wire
1:55 straightening copper wire
4:52 wooden wire clamp
6:38 drawing down to tighten weave

[@Nickscreativestuff]

If you would like to know more about the weave sequence in this video i’ve included more information in part two using silver wire for the same braid. Here’s a link … kzbin.info/www/bejne/o2i8hnWVh89ld6s

[@jewellerydesignerartists9353]

🙏👌👌👌

[@guidelineuk4876]

Great job

[@rolandschmidt8285]

Sehr schönes Video, sehr schöne Arbeit! Vielen Dank!

[@j.l.emerson592]

I'm a kinda-sorta hobbyist jewelry maker. Back in the mid 70s I worked in industrial construction. When we had down time, we got creative... with copper, brass & stainless steel rods & wire. We would take wire, chuck the strands into a drill on one end & a vise or vise grip pliers on the other end, then give it a spin. After that, we took the twisted wire to the crane operator & asked if we could put them under the rollers on the crane carriage. They got squashed almost perfectly most of the time. They came out of the crane bowed into a half moon shape. We never annealed the brass or copper, but we sometimes annealed the steel wire. Then came the shaping & polishing. We started with a wire wheel on a bench grinder then finished with a super fine emery cloth. (By hand) We usually made cuff & snake bracelets. We also made planters with scrap pieces of 4 inch or bigger iron or steel pipe. They looked like logs. We would weld 'bark' on the outside of the planters, along with legs. One of the more popular projects was making rings from brass or stainless nuts. Just grind out the threads & grind off all but one of the flat sides. (Sometimes we ground off all the flat sides on a nut.) The rings were a project that you could carry in your pocket & work on during any down time. We had fun back then!

[@Nickscreativestuff]

Hi JL sounds like you had a great employer allowing you to be creative in your downtime and allowing a crane to be used as a giant press was very relaxed. Creating a bark affect with a welder sounds fab, i’ll have to try that sometime. There’s something very nostalgic about reminiscing back to creative times past, i’m often reminded of it visiting my mum and seeing something she’s kept that I’ve made nearly 40 years ago. Makes me wonder what happened to other long lost projects never seen since … where are they now and is somebody still enjoying them … all the best to you … Nick

[@j.l.emerson592]

Those were free wheeling times back then... There was so much more that we did, but I won't bore you with the stories. And... our employer didn't give explicit permission to do the crafty stuff, they just looked the other way as long as we brought the job to a finish on time or early. It didn't hurt that we made certain to use scrap materials only.

[@Nickscreativestuff]

I can imagine time and motion wasn’t so crucial in some industries back then. An old friend of mine who worked in the print industry took turns with his colleagues to sleep all through his nightshift on a mattress hidden in an alcove. Nice to have access to scrap materials, I collect up all the stainless at work and take it to the scrapyard and regularly get £100 for it. however often end up spending most of it on other interesting bits and bobs I find there … N

[@rolandschmidt8285]

​das hört sich sehr nach einen sogenannten volkseigenen Betrieb an...😅@@Nickscreativestuff

[@clairebacchi360]

You are a genius! You have all the right equipment to make that lovely bracelet. And all the time you need to do it. That is definitely a man’s craft. I hope you sell your pieces because I’m sure people would love to have jewelry like that. Very nice work. I myself love wire wrapping, beading and making jewelry also. Just different than what you do. Have fun and carry on 😊.

[@Nickscreativestuff]

thanks for that Claire, I have definitely amassed quite a collection of tools over the years and I do prioritise time spent in my creative space. Wire wrapping and beading must be thoroughly captivating and absorbing in the same way. Great slogan “have fun and carry on” … N

[@Atlantismonkey40]

That was not a fart. That was my mind being blown. Outstanding work. I also wondered how that was done. I love KZbin, what a great time to be alive. Thanks again.

[@Nickscreativestuff]

Thanks Allen, Nice to hear I can blow peoples minds with my simple stuff. being on my own in a small workshop gassy days aren’t a problem. I never would have guessed KZbin would be my latest hobby, no time like the present to be alive and having fun … Nick

[@rickschuman2926]

The (and making tools to help) in the title is what got me to watch this video. I have since then watched 4 other make something from copper wire videos. None of them produce nearly as nice a work as what I saw here. The handles you made helped give an even tension to the braiding. More importantly though is the wooden mandrel that you pulled the work piece through. No one else did this and the braid was uneven and rough looking while your braid was smooth and even all along. Thanks for showing these techniques. I am actually a bowl turner but I am thing about putting a braided copper band around the rim of a bowl using this instruction.

[@Nickscreativestuff]

Hi Rick thanks for your comments, I sometimes enjoy making tools and jigs as much as the end product itself. The handles came from necessity this weave needs a strong pull and my hands aren’t what they used to be. I made the oak drawer plate a long time ago, comes in useful for all sorts … at its best when pulling a chain through it … gives a very even finish. Like the idea of a copper rim around a bowl very unique. I noticed your mini pole lathe pic. I worked with Mike Abbott when I was a teenager many years ago, he runs some great courses. … all the best …Nick

[@jewellerydesignerartists9353]

🙏👍👍👍

[@juliejelaco5208]

And also great work

[@Nickscreativestuff]

Thanks for your comments … N

[@jewellerydesignerartists9353]

👍👌🙏

[@Barnabus33]

glad you added the link for the braid

[@Nickscreativestuff]

cheers Shane, bit of an epic lesson to learn this KZbin stuff, I tend to make it up as I go along hopefully getting some of it right. all the best … Nick

[@jewellerydesignerartists9353]

👌👌👍🙏

[@nataliex4758]

I need one of these bracelets in my life. If caring was better pay I'd maybe have one. That looks awesome x

[@Nickscreativestuff]

thanks Natalie, this was a practice piece in copper before moving onto silver and giving it to somebody special as a Christmas present … Nick

[@IWH777]

OOOO MAN WHAT A LOAD OF FANTASTIC WEAVES WOULD YOU CONCETER MAKING A VIDEO ON EACH OF THOSE WEAVES I HAVE BEEN LOOKING FOR SOME OF THEM AN I CANT FIND THEM ANYWHERE... I JUST RAN ACROSS THE WIG JIG MAKING AN YOU ARE FANTASTIC.... YOU TAUGHT ME MORE IN THIS ONE VIDEO THAT I HAVE HAD IN AGES TY TY TY TY KEEP ON KEEPIN ON DUDE YOU ROCK FRANKI

[@Nickscreativestuff]

Thanks for that Franki, some of the plats in the beginning of this video are similar and just finished in different ways. I tend to start by practising with string, if that works I then move onto scrap copper to see what it’s like with wire. Ending up with lots of odd short practice pieces. If I’m really happy with a copper outcome I tentatively move onto my precious silver. I made a part two video about this weave in silver here’s a link to that video kzbin.info/www/bejne/o2i8hnWVh89ld6s There’s been an astonishing amount of interest in this copper bracelet so I am working on other weave videos. Just takes me awhile to get stuff sorted. All the best to you … have fun … Nick

[@jewellerydesignerartists9353]

💍👍🙏🙏

[@tywhitmire860]

Would love to see you braiding the square wire example shown in the intro. Very interesting tools too! Thanks so much for sharing your skills!

[@Nickscreativestuff]

thanks for that Typhenus, i’ve been meaning to do more with square wire so I’ll keep in mind your suggestion for next time … all the best … Nick

[@yourbestlifebrandi]

Wow! so cool... I really enjoyed watching this video!

[@Nickscreativestuff]

Glad you enjoyed it YBL, thanks for watching … N

[@venganzamujer354]

love the music to this video too...great job

[@Nickscreativestuff]

Nice to hear that Rhondaebayer … cheers … Nick

[@SongSoulJah]

Absolutely gorgeous. This is the type of impeccable work I aspire to create.

[@Nickscreativestuff]

Thanks for that SoulElixir, aspiring to create is the fuel for many entertaining workshop projects … All the best … Nick

[@jewellerydesignerartists9353]

🙏👍👍

[@mawi1172]

Better learn some heavy-duty man skills then. This whole operation isn't for the feint of heart. Unless you're a very heavy, healthy females. He's a poet in tools! 💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕

[@oddanneout]

nice. I love your wooden drawing tool. 👌🏼🕶

[@Nickscreativestuff]

Thanks oddanneout, simple to make and I use it a lot for all sorts of projects … N

[@bandilla7317]

very awesome idea very interesting

[@Nickscreativestuff]

thanks for that Bandilla, I was glad to find a way of finally pulling a tight braid … cheers … Nick

[@jewellerydesignerartists9353]

👌👌🙏👍

[@Vothtrucks]

I am an experienced artist in a number of areas but I am impressed by your ideas , tools and methods . I ran across some simply beautiful copper wire... very large and stranded like a womans hair and thought to create a bracelet. Found I kept ruining it ! Watched your video and made something so wonderful' Well done sir.! Thanks to you.

[@Nickscreativestuff]

Hi jr thanks for your comment, I do love playing with copper it’s such a beautiful and versatile material. I tend to use a lot of it trying out ideas and testing techniques before sometimes moving on to my precious silver. I don’t often finish a project in copper but these cuff bracelets seem to be well liked … all the best … Nick

[@donaldjones8920]

Excellent video.

[@Nickscreativestuff]

Thanks Donald, i’m amazed this video has now had over 10,000 views … All the best … Nick

[@jewellerydesignerartists9353]

👍👌🙏

[@juanitasews5782]

WOW... what craftmenship. BRAVA.

[@Nickscreativestuff]

thanks for that Juanita … N

[@funkybongo00]

Thanks for sharing your technique 👍

[@Nickscreativestuff]

thanks funky bongo, nice to be able to share … Nick

[@angelagracielarodasvarela17]

Amazing job. All my admiration for you🙃

[@Nickscreativestuff]

Nice one Angela, thanks for watching … N

[@yvettecintron3988]

Great braid!

[@Nickscreativestuff]

thanks for that Yvette … N

[@msre620]

I enjoyed your video. I seldom subscribe to channels when I see them for the first time, and I hadn't subscribed if it were not for the way you asked for it. Most channels say something along the lines of "please subscribe" (for no reason mentioned) others try it by saying "please subscribe so you don't miss my next video". But you were honest and open and asked to subscribe to bring a smile to your face. That's fair. Have my subscription.

[@Nickscreativestuff]

HI MSRE, thanks for your heartfelt comment and sub, i’m amazed how quickly it’s happened … now over 1000 subscribers. For me life is about having fun and I only do things I enjoy. So watching my subscriber count go up so quickly certainly does bring me a smile. All the best to you … Nick

[@jewellerydesignerartists9353]

👍👍👍

[@allanthompson9695]

Lovely designs.

[@Nickscreativestuff]

Glad you like them … N

[@bapbap22]

nick my guy, besides being a better jewelry teacher without saying anything, i am learning how to generally be more handy by watching you work and the bespoke tools and solutions you come up with. thanks for sharing

[@Nickscreativestuff]

thanks for that bapbap, being camera shy I tried voice overs but was told I sounded miserable. so I’ve now found a style I can handle. making tools for a project is as satisfying as the job itself sometimes. cheers Nick

[@jewellerydesignerartists9353]

🙏🙏👍👍👍👍

[@myrnaroman9611]

Super like!

[@Nickscreativestuff]

Thanks for that Avelia … Nick

[@jewellerydesignerartists9353]

❣️👍👌👌

[@dangaba424]

Like your work..... keep in touch....

[@Nickscreativestuff]

thanks for that dangaba … Nick

[@blueberrypancakes7330]

Very beautiful jewelry indeed.👍❤️ Good work.

[@Nickscreativestuff]

thanks for that blueberry🫐 … ❤️ … Nick

[@jewellerydesignerartists9353]

👍🙏🙏

[@Helliconia54]

great video. Loved the background music,too.

[@Nickscreativestuff]

Thanks for that John, I have a bit of a eclectic taste in music so when I come across something I like I tend to just use it. Easier than a voice over, somebody once said my voice sounded miserable Cheers … Nick

[@jewellerydesignerartists9353]

👌🙏👌👍

[@pariskasim3196]

Very nice work

[@Nickscreativestuff]

thanks for that Paris … Nick

[@monroewilliams2434]

great work simple, straight and right to the point

[@Nickscreativestuff]

Nice one Monroe, thanks for your comment … N

[@4759690]

I absolutely lovely I give him a try thank you very much

[@Nickscreativestuff]

thanks copperhead, I love a bit of trial and error, i never know where it’s gonna get me… Nick

[@justinemajewelry7908]

Your weaving cuffs are so creative and beautiful. Thanks a lot for sharing!

[@Nickscreativestuff]

thanks for that Justine, having some sort of handles helps to pull a tight braid … all the best … Nick

[@tishsmiddy71]

My favorite video of making a bracelet so informative ❤️

[@Nickscreativestuff]

hi Tish thanks for the comment, also one of my favourite techniques. I remember being fascinated watching girls braid hair like this when I was a kid … N

[@local.gay.writer]

Honestly you are very underated and thank you for the tutorial. I hope you are doing well!

[@Nickscreativestuff]

hi coven of crows, thanks for your comments, being a bit of a layman I find KZbin alchemy difficult to understand and get right… watching my subscriber count go up and receiving nice comments like yours keeps me inspired to do more…. thanks Nick

[@jewellerydesignerartists9353]

🙏👍👍👍

[@jwstanley2645]

Very interesting. Thanks. It reminds me of both some ancient artifacts found in digs, especially European ones, though others also, as well as bobbin lace (very pop in the 19th c. but so lost today). Perhaps you would find some future ideas in bobbin lace. Still, great job. Thanks for posting.

[@Nickscreativestuff]

thanks for your comment Jw, these iconic patterns are very reminiscent of ancient art around the world. I love the Celtic look rope and knot work that includes animal spirit symbolism. I’ve not come across bobbin lace, will definitely have to check that out … all the best to you … Nick

[@jewellerydesignerartists9353]

👌🙏👍👍👍

[@herbertherrmann5705]

Very nice! Thank you, it was enjoyable to watch and listen to meditative music that makes me feel like doing something like this. Subscribed

[@Nickscreativestuff]

thanks for your comment and sub Herbert, it’s very satisfying to braid wire like this, I practice a lot with string first to make sure I can get it right … cheers … Nick

[@herbertherrmann5705]

@@Nickscreativestuff thanks, Nick. I am learning to work with copper, made about 10 bracelets from copper pipes. However, i dont have proper tools yet, so I am doing that according to what i can do from available tools petspective. My hommies are saying that I am wasting the time doing all that, that i can not earn money with that etc. etc. But I am stubborn and will continiue ha ha

[@Nickscreativestuff]

hi Herbert that sounds great. It’s said that massive distances are achieved with small steps, and that considerable tool collections start with a single spanner. Have fun being creative …… just one more …… often those that criticize others reveal what they lack themselves … All the best … Nick

[@jewellerydesignerartists9353]

🙏👌👌

[@alexanderthegreatsdad.3831]

Great vids. I love it, no talking, homemade tools, using common materials we can find.. Very cool.

[@Nickscreativestuff]

Thanks Alexander, being rather camera shy just showing hands is a lot less challenging and being a hobbyist saving money by making tools is very satisfying … cheers … Nick

[@dragonshoarddesign3094]

I'm a Goldsmith and I just learned some cool tricks from you thank you

[@Nickscreativestuff]

Nice to hear that dragons hoard design, being a hobbyist I’ve never worked with gold. I have always fancied visiting a country where it can be found with a metal detector … Nick

[@dragonshoarddesign3094]

@@Nickscreativestuff it can found here like that

[@Nickscreativestuff]

Lucky you … if that was me I think I’ll be out at it 24/7 … 🤠N

[@dragonshoarddesign3094]

@@Nickscreativestuff no just get a hold of stellar and order the gold I need I let other people sweat in the the field looking for it it'd be a fun outing I'd rather go to the crater or diamond and look for rocks, ps channel

[@Nickscreativestuff]

being a hobbyist it’s all a bit out of my league … I love playing with silver but a bit precious with it … N

[@wynemawalker]

Absolutely beautiful!!

[@Nickscreativestuff]

Thank you! Cheers Wyn.

[@jewellerydesignerartists9353]

🙏👍👍👍

[@jewellerydesignerartists9353]

Nice work 🙏👍

[@Nickscreativestuff]

thanks for that, nothing compared to your delicate gold work … Nick

[@angelacarrasquillo2940]

Beautiful work 👏

[@Nickscreativestuff]

thanks for that Angela … Nick

[@jimphubar]

May I suggest, at least for the round section braids, rather than twisting the ends and clamping you double the length of the wires and loop them on a sturdy hook in the wall. The odd leftover can be shorter and wrap around to keep the bunch tight at the start. You will have a built in loop at one end if that's useful. Really nice work btw.

[@Nickscreativestuff]

Thanks for your suggestions jimphubar, always good to hear how others achieve a project. I’ll give those ideas a try next time. KZbin can be one big lovable limitless library of lessons to learn … Nick

[@2hotscottpro]

😎

[@jewellerydesignerartists9353]

🙏👍👍👍

[@Charlielizard]

Just happened across this video. Good Lord, I was fascinated within minutes. Liked your technique and more importantly, the end result. Had to subscribe and will be watching your past videos. Thanks for posting. 👍

[@Nickscreativestuff]

thanks for your comment Chuck, I am amazed how many views this video has now had, it’s surprising what one successful video can do for a channel. just got to come up with some more ideas to film now … cheers … Nick

[@Charlielizard]

@@Nickscreativestuff Keep the faith! 👍

[@Nickscreativestuff]

definitely … cheers … N

[@jewellerydesignerartists9353]

🙏👍👍👍

[@rhaven50]

I never would of thought to ball the ends. Awesome!

[@Nickscreativestuff]

Thanks rhaven50, not so easy to achieve if I didn’t have my incredibly hot oxygen and propane mixed torch … all the best … Nick

[@dalenawatson2752]

It’s genius. I kept wondering how to solder on a sheet metal endcap and how fiddly that would be. So much simpler. I was thinking they could be flattened and stamped too.

[@Nickscreativestuff]

Hi Dalena, fusing wire ends of a bracelet is a very simple and quick technique to use. Can be a bit hit and miss sometimes and quite unpredictable, but if you can allow for this it can be a swift way to get nice results. I’ve been playing with charcoal to help with this process recently. I try and show this process in a more recent video here’s a link … kzbin.info/www/bejne/opzbiaaFjKh_oZI … all the best … Nick

[@jewellerydesignerartists9353]

🙏👍👍

[@jewellerydesignerartists9353]

🙏👍👍👍

[@tammygurl64]

That's very cool! 👍 Thanks for sharing! It's disappointing that I don't think my butane torch would get hot enough to melt all those copper strands together. I wish it could. I know I can make balled head pins using smaller gauge wires with my butane torch but I doubt it's capable of doing that. I suppose, alternatively, end caps could be soldered onto it. Again, great video. That's a lot of work to make those tools.

[@Nickscreativestuff]

thanks for your comments Tammy, it was all a bit of fun to try out an idea I’d had for a long time. my hands aren’t as strong as they used to be and these handles make light work of pulling this braid. I feel privileged in owning an oxygen and propane mix torch that burns incredibly hot, enabling me to melt copper ends easily. With a little more effort cap end tubes look really good with this style of bracelet. all the best to you … Nick

[@jewellerydesignerartists9353]

🙏👍👍👍

[@CKILBY-zu7fq]

Only work bro.👍

[@Nickscreativestuff]

thanks for that … N

[@LoveSonayon]

Excellent work and ideas. Thanks for sharing

[@Nickscreativestuff]

thanks for that Sonayon, always good to share … N

[@Aeblehjem]

Mate. Yes. Very good craftmanship, I have been thinking in the same lanes as you ! Love the loungemusic. Subbed and liked

[@Nickscreativestuff]

Hi Lasse thanks for your comment, Love seeing what I can come up with when fiddling with scrap wire. I do everything on my iPad with LumaFusion app … endless music to choose from but its hard to find something that I think may suit. cheers Nick

[@jewellerydesignerartists9353]

🙏👍👍👌

[@kekokcraft]

Wow.. this is so cool. 👍👍👍

[@Nickscreativestuff]

thanks for your comment kekokcraft, I was never very good at plaiting hair but it works well in metal…… cheers nick

[@jonkent928]

Wow what a creation. Love it! Really wanted to see how you cleaned it up after but this was still awesome to watch!

[@Nickscreativestuff]

thanks for that Layman-philosopher, I tend to throw most of my stuff into a barrel polisher to finish … cheers … Nick

[@jat919]

I'm going back to see some of your older videos. I like this one, too! But I'll have find a tutorial on that 7 wire weave. Thanks for sharing :0)

[@Nickscreativestuff]

thanks for that Julie, I made a follow on video using silver for the same 7 strand braid in this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/o2i8hnWVh89ld6s … I try and explain the weave pattern sequence … cheers … Nick

[@philw245]

nice job, very inpressed by how easy you made it look.

[@Nickscreativestuff]

Thanks Philw … Digital illusion … 95% try test and practice, 5% filming and then hours of editing. however unbelievable results with this video … now nearly over 30,000 views … KZbin jiggery-pokery at its best … cheers … Nick

[@XVRickXV]

Excellent video. There is just something magical about the look and feel of a copper bracelet on your wrist.

[@Nickscreativestuff]

Thanks for your comment Rick, The magical and mysterious properties of copper must go back thousands of years to early civilisations, but it still looks good today on the wrist of a modern man … all the best … Nick

[@jewellerydesignerartists9353]

👍🙏🙏🙏

[@dianedeering5889]

Really beautiful, such nice work!👍 😃

[@Nickscreativestuff]

Thanks Diane, simple but effective … must be the same braiding somebody’s hair… Nick

[@jewellerydesignerartists9353]

👍👍👍

[@codyjarvis3426]

Ok New Sub ... I Like this.. I am always making stuff .this is pretty

[@Nickscreativestuff]

thanks for your sub Cody, these handles where an idea after feeling my hands are getting old and weak and not capable of doing what they used to achieve … N

[@AlmostCouture]

Beautiful 😍 you make it look soooooo easy!

[@Nickscreativestuff]

thanks topshelfnya, I suppose plenty of practice off camera makes it look like that … cheers … Nick

[@happydillpickle]

I thought it was easy. I guess it comes naturally to me. Then I tried to show someone how to do it. They struggled and gave up saying "Why do you make it look so damned EASY!? It's really hard!" I guess it's just practice? I find some things really difficult, though, so each to their own talents!

[@luistrejo7521]

Music is awesome

[@Nickscreativestuff]

Thanks Luis, I never know with music, so if I come across something in LumaFusion that I like I tend to just use it … Nick

[@jewellerydesignerartists9353]

👌👌👍👍👌❣️

[@BlooStorm1]

love this. you’ve got some ‘big’ tools there. I’ve got a much smaller tool setup to play with 😀

[@Nickscreativestuff]

thanks Robin, i’ve always had a love affair with tools and since having a double garage I suppose they’ve just got bigger … have fun …👁❤️ 🛠 Nick

[@donwebb827]

Interesting video and nice result.

[@Nickscreativestuff]

Many thanks….. Nick

[@jewellerydesignerartists9353]

👌👌🙏👍

[@dharmakaya_handcrafts]

Like a PRO

[@Nickscreativestuff]

thanks Zeek, just a happy hobbyist having fun … N

[@dharmakaya_handcrafts]

@@Nickscreativestuff I know the feeling brother. Keep up the good work!~

[@Nickscreativestuff]

just managed to melt a silver bar … exciting stuff … N

[@tango-bravo]

Bravo

[@Nickscreativestuff]

👍😎👍 … N

[@georgegregg9795]

Really cool, all God is a different patterns and never been like that.

[@Nickscreativestuff]

thanks for your comment George … Nick

[@SlowPersuit]

Wish you would do a full demo on how to braid the wire inc. wire thickness etc- if it is too thick you will never 'pull' it! I do weaves etc but have not done much braiding yet. Cheers!

[@Nickscreativestuff]

Hi slow Pursuit, I forgot to mention the wire thickness was 1.5mm in this video. I went into a bit more detail about the weave pattern in part two of this braid … here’s the link … kzbin.info/www/bejne/o2i8hnWVh89ld6s … cheers … Nick

[@SlowPersuit]

@@Nickscreativestuff omg sorry I just saw that on the pinned post at the top (when accessing your reply). Sorry for being dopey, and thanks again for the link! I've got 1.6 wire, so think I'll go have a play... :-)

[@Nickscreativestuff]

I find having the wire freshly annealed and a strong pair of hands helps. have fun … Nick

[@tlojewelrylove]

This is awesome!👍 I obviously MUST BUY a BIGGER TORCH because my little butane kitchen torch can't handle melting copper that size. ❓What kind of of torch is that?❓ Btw, I love the wooden tools you made. Did you make the wooden hammer, too? My woodworking friend will soon be hating me when I beg for an assist to make me some MORE wooden jewelry making tools. 😄 Thanks for sharing this! 👍 Have a gr-r-r-reat day! 🙂

[@Nickscreativestuff]

copper does need more heat to melt, I have a Smith’s Little Torch that runs on a mix of oxygen and propane and burns incredibly hot for the size of flame. A wooden mallet is a traditional carpenters tool mostly used for hitting chisels it tends to be a quite cheap hammer, especially when finding one in a secondhand tool shop … N

[@dylantappenden5848]

Hi, I make copper jewellery and I was wondering what you use to get the copper back to its original colour and shine after heating Thank you for the amazing video. :)

[@Nickscreativestuff]

Hi Dylan, The simplest solution is to dip it in a hot acid solution. There are a few that work well, some safer than others. A lot of people simply use hot vinegar and salt … quick, easy and cheap. citric acid which is a food grade acid is supposed to work well when hot. also commercial varieties available in powder form to mix with hot water called pickle, sold from jewellery tool supply companies. After the oxides have been removed by dipping in hot acid then it can be cleaned back easily with abrasive pads, soft wire brushes, also wire wool is good … N

[@garetkonigsfeld2]

To me a lot of those would look better if you file the top's flat but nice job that's tough to do thanks for sharing

[@Nickscreativestuff]

hi Garet thanks for the comment, I think you’re referring to the opening sequence of this video where I show a bunch of test pieces. I tend to practice, experiment, and try out ideas with scrap copper first before committing myself to a design in silver or a full weave in copper … hope this makes sense … Nick

[@2hotscottpro]

I’ve lightly hammered a flat look before.

[@jewellerydesignerartists9353]

👌👌🙏👌

[@petersmedley459]

I’m impressed...and extremely curious as to the weave pattern for the seven strand two ridge braid...

[@Nickscreativestuff]

hi Peter, there is a lot of weave patterns and strand numbers that can work well with wire, I tend to practice with string first and then move on to copper wire before committing to silver if I think it works….I try to explain the weave pattern for this cuff bracelet in my part two video braiding silver wire … kzbin.info/www/bejne/o2i8hnWVh89ld6s … hope this helps… Nick

[@petersmedley459]

@@Nickscreativestuff, it’s similar to a couple of braids that I do…I found a macrame video and came away with the mantra ‘over one and under two’. Reckon that should get me there!

[@Nickscreativestuff]

Great name for it Peter, ‘macrame mantra’ … over one and under two shall I start with my left shoe … have a tangle free day … all the best … Nick

[@jewellerydesignerartists9353]

👍👍👌👌🙏

[@FOOKYOUTUBENUMBERS]

I like your work great vid, am going to start to make my own only for myself or just for the taking part in the task like a hobby should I say… Have you any advice where I should start and what do I need to start of, in way of tools material etc… If it’s not to much trouble thank u for your time kind regards

[@Nickscreativestuff]

hi Thatsmyname, jewellery making has been a thoroughly entertaining hobby to get into. if I was going to suggest somewhere to start it would be to learn how to solder. practising with copper is a great material to experiment and test with because it is so similar to working with as silver. If something can be made with copper it can then easily be made in silver. Learning to solder copper components together can be achieved with either silver solder strip or even traditional brazing rod it’s the same process. The basics that are needed are heat, flux, solder and a clean material. I would recommend a borax cone and dish as a good flux to start with. A gas torch needs to match the size of material that you are working with as plenty of heaters needed. if you’re making delicate copper chains a small refillable butane torch will easily achieve this … good luck with it … Nick.

[@cruthanna]

That was really interesting to watch! :) How do you polish the finished cuff at the end? It looks so nice and shiny compared to when you are working on it. Looking forward to seeing your other videos! (First time I've visited your channel)

[@Nickscreativestuff]

hi Claire thanks for your comment, I have a mini barrel polisher that I throw things in. it’s left to tumble in tiny metal pieces that get into all the nooks and crannies. it comes out beautifully shiny after about four hours. i’ve been enjoying building my channel and have now been monetised … hope the adverts aren’t too annoying … but it offers me the potential to work more from home … doing what I love … The next video I’m playing with is more about casting … all the best to you … Nick

[@jewellerydesignerartists9353]

🙏👍👍

[@gordo6202]

Great video. The "handle" is a very good idea for making a tight weave. Question, what is the purpose of the large washer on each strand of wire? Thank you for sharing your techniques.

[@Nickscreativestuff]

hi Gordo, I find getting a tight weave the hardest part of this braid when working with heavy wire. The handles help a lot but my hands soon fatigue with such a strong grip needed. I added the washers so my fingers have something to hook onto giving me more pulling power than just holding onto the round rods. hope this makes sense. I’ve benefited a lot from people willing to share so it’s nice to give back a bit. All the best … Nick

[@gordo6202]

@@Nickscreativestuff Thanks for your reply. Really makes sense. 👍👍

[@jewellerydesignerartists9353]

🙏👍👍

[@carmenpisters2544]

Nice❤You can let it shine by rubbing it with the juice of lemon

[@Nickscreativestuff]

Thanks Carmen, i’d not heard of that. Nice to share tips and tricks … N

[@carmenpisters2544]

@@Nickscreativestuff how did you shine it? I am from South america Suriname

[@Nickscreativestuff]

Hey Carmen all the way out there in South America … I tend to use a fine wire brush wheel in something like a drill … N

[@carmenpisters2544]

@@Nickscreativestuff yip, where are you? I' ve made one myself but I only had a wire cutter, hammer and a pleier. Don't have a burner, to soften the copper. It didn't came out as nice as yours, but I 'm proud of myself, first time I made such thing. I will try another one. My native language is dutch., so pardon me my english

[@Nickscreativestuff]

your English is better than mine, and I’m here in the UK. Good to start somewhere, surprising what you can do with a few basic tools and get inspired to collect more … N

[@rainbowlightwarrior1632]

Awesome video with creative ideas. Nick, are you going to sell those silver tube clamps to grasp the copper wire online at one point? If so, I am interested in purchasing. Thank you!

[@Nickscreativestuff]

thanks for your comment warrior of rainbow light, I love solving problems with creative ideas, being a hobbyist I’ve never sold anything on the Internet, however I’m sure a helpful neighbourly home engineering person would sort you out and make these simple handles for you…. all the best… Nick

[@julesroberts9723]

Ah such a shame your not selling clamps. I. Don't know anyone doing engineering lol

[@warlockborn1031]

@@Nickscreativestuff I have followed your video, but came up with the solution of using wire rope ferrules crimped on to the end of my wire, including the washer before crimping. The ferrules are readily available at most hardware stores. i can remember coming across ferrules that had Allen screws at one time, but cant remember where purchased! Cheers!

[@Nickscreativestuff]

hi Jim, Nice to hear you found something off the shelf that works for you. I much prefer this option rather than making something. I assume there’s always a solution to find around a problem if I look hard enough … part of the creative process I suppose… thanks for your comment … have fun … Nick

[@jewellerydesignerartists9353]

🙏👍👍👍

[@sharingthebounty2488]

Where did you get the wire cutters you used? I love the way you rigged them up on that clamp,... Great job!

[@Nickscreativestuff]

thanks for sharing the bounty, I found these old world English large tinsnips at a car boot sale many years ago. I think I paid the right royal sum of £2 for them …. they cleaned up nice … Very traditional holding them in vice to enable ease of cut…. nice one … Nick

[@jewellerydesignerartists9353]

🙏👌👌👌

[@benjaminmaldonadoluciano5973]

Nice 👏👏👏👏👏✨✨🤣🤣

[@Nickscreativestuff]

Thanks Benjamin … N

[@dmitrimedina1927]

just amazing and how do you seal the bracelet so it would not tarnish or put the hand green ?

[@Nickscreativestuff]

Thanks for your comment A, i’m not a fan of the dirty green wrist monster. So I wear silver and sell these practice pieces to people who want to wear them. I tend to seal them with beeswax helping prevent tarnish for awhile … N

[@jewellerydesignerartists9353]

🙏🙏👍👍👌

[@DebHerzog-mp3jk]

Amazing! Not sure the purpose of the silver discs and tubular ends you created, tho 🧐

[@Nickscreativestuff]

Hi Deb, my hands are a bit delicate these days and not as strong as they used to be, so I made these handles to help pull a tight weave. This seven strand braid technique needs the wires to be swapped and interchanged a lot of times so having a comfortable handle on the ends of each wire helps with a strong grip and a firm pull … cheers … Nick.

[@julieestabrooke1387]

Hi Nick! Just found this video! Great work! Question: did you simply melt the ends together or was there brazing material underneath them?

[@Nickscreativestuff]

Thanks for that Julie, I have an oxygen and propane mixed torch that burns incredibly hot, so it’s a simple process to just melt the ends together … N

[@mazadan]

Do you make the handles for sale. The weaving is reminiscent of the bread weaving i do in my bakery

[@Nickscreativestuff]

hi Peter, being a hobbyist I’ve never sold anything on the Internet. weaving dough into loave sounds very satisfying. as a kid I remember admiring girls braiding each other’s hair like this … N

[@user-rh8xp2jb3e]

Your wire... what size what it scrapped from? Great Video!

[@Nickscreativestuff]

Hi RondaRura, the wire was 1.7mm diameter. Here in the UK a scrapyard is were people sell valuable recyclable metals. I occasionally visit my local yard where they are happy to sell copper to me by the kilo. A bit more info in this video … kzbin.info/www/bejne/bGqqmYprhM54n6c … cheers … Nick

[@Nickscreativestuff]

don’t get too carried away at the scrapyard otherwise you’ll need a rather fat wallet … N

[@tango-bravo]

Have you ever used these techniques to create braided copper cuff links?

[@Nickscreativestuff]

Hi Tangobravo, i’ve not tried making cufflinks, but nice idea I’m sure it would look good … N

[@ltw1306]

Thank you. This was very helpful. What temperature needs to be reached in the annealing process? With steel, quenching hardens. Allowing it to cool very slowly softens it. Is the same not true for copper? Copper is a metal that work hardens, correct? The washers you added above your holders are for extra grip? If they were on the back of the holders (with a weld or bolt), could you get a longer weave? Have you tried soldering and brazing instead of welding? I'm wondering if it would be a viable option for someone with only a propane torch. In my head, it'd work just fine, but maybe it's ugly or sucks? (Obviously would want lead free). P.S. 👍

[@Nickscreativestuff]

Hi LWT thanks for your comment, copper work hardens very quickly and needs repetitive annealing otherwise it will go brittle and fail. Steel is similar to this, if you have some wire you can’t cut repetitive bending eventually breaks it. I do find it strange that copper softens if you heat to dull red (about 500c) and quench where as steel would harden with a similar process and a bit more heat. Putting the washers at the bottom of the handles is a good idea, I’ll have to try that next time. I do feel rather privileged to have an Oxy propane torch set up in my workshop. The extreme heat it produces allows melting and fusing the ends of the wire easy to achieve leaving a neat finish. If I didn’t have this option my next best choice would be using a copper coloured brazing rod I was surprised to find at my local hardware shop. I do find spending time in my workshop playing and experimenting with ideas very satisfying coming up with looks that are aesthetically pleasing to myself and hopefully others … All the best to you … Nick

[@ltw1306]

@@Nickscreativestuff Thank you. Your guidance is much appreciated. P.S. Subbed.

[@Nickscreativestuff]

thanks for that LTW, i’m amazed how my subscriber count has gone up. you are now number 696 it’s part of what gives me the incentive to do more. nice one …. Nick

[@jewellerydesignerartists9353]

🙏👍👍👍

[@victormartinezcastreje-kj4nh]

Como soldastes la puntas del cobree

[@Nickscreativestuff]

hi Victor, having an oxygen and propane mix torch that burns incredibly hot allows me to just melt the ends of the copper wire … N

[@user-hz1dn9sc9n]

Ну вы и заморочились с держателями проволоки!! А так ,конечно красиво. Есть чему поучиться и чего упростить.

[@Nickscreativestuff]

thanks for your comment, I made these handles because my hands aren’t as strong as they used to be and I was struggling to pull this bride neatly … cheers Nick

[@jewellerydesignerartists9353]

🙏👍👌

[@KK-no7be]

What type of torch did you use to melt the ends over? Would a normal blow torch be hot enough? Thanks.

[@Nickscreativestuff]

Hi K, I use an extremely hot oxygen and propane mixed torch (smith’s little torch) to fuse the ends of this copper bride. Difficult to achieve with a butane torch, possible with a pure propane but not necessarily quick and neat. A MAP gas style torch would be more capable of melting copper however I’ve not tried one for this process. Hope this helps… Nick

[@KK-no7be]

@@Nickscreativestuff Thanks for the reply. I found a smith's little torch on Amazon. Cheers.

[@Nickscreativestuff]

I bought mine from Cooksongold a reputable company for jewellery tools. There are a lot of fake or counterfeit copies of this awesome American torch on the market … Nick

[@KK-no7be]

@@Nickscreativestuff Ok thanks, I'll have a look on there.

[@dalenawatson2752]

I have used smith’s silversmith acetylene torch to melt copper. I’m not sure what gauge wire Nick is using but it looks heavy. Not sure how long it would take to melt 7 stands of heavy gauge wire.

[@user-ui6qd2gr3e]

Uhhmm. Hi. I've seen complicated designs of copper bracelets and I wanted to make one for myself. How do I glue(?) or attach two separate copper wires together? Thank you.

[@Nickscreativestuff]

hi thanks for your comment, twisting wires tightly together works well otherwise with a bit of heat lead free plumbers or electricians solder is easy to use. with a lot more heat I use jewellers silver solder. With extreme heat copper can be melted and fused together however the end result can be a bit unpredictable….. hope this helps… Nick

[@jewellerydesignerartists9353]

🙏🙏👍👍👍👍👌

[@user-dc1ko9fl6u]

СУПЕР КРАСОТА, А НЕ ПРОЛАЕТЕ?

[@Nickscreativestuff]

thanks for that … 👍😎👍 … N

[@livbetter]

Are your creations available for purchase? I’d love to get one!

[@Nickscreativestuff]

hi livintheworld, sorry but no … being a hobbyist I’ve never sold anything on the Internet only odd bits to friends and family … maybe one day if I figure it all out … all the best … Nick

[@livbetter]

@@Nickscreativestuff ok 🙁 I feel you’re extremely talented at a lot of things, please reconsider sharing your incredible creations with the world as it would make it even more beautiful 💫 I know you can figure it out if you want to… I make jewelry and artsy things so I appreciate great work, and yours is amazing!!!! So well done 😃 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

[@Nickscreativestuff]

Thanks for the confidence boost, I appreciate your comments. I’am employed as a welder at the moment across town. I would love to retire and work from home one day earning a pension from my Workshop somehow. With a bit of time and effort i’m sure I could gain the confidence and learn the skills needed for sales and marketing. In the meantime I’m having lots of fun making films about making stuff and learning this new KZbin thing. stay arty 🖼 👍 … all the best you … Nick

[@talexsey]

Hi! What kind of torch are you using on 7:50

[@Nickscreativestuff]

Hi Alexsey, i’m using what’s called a “Smith’s Little Torch” that runs on a mix of propane and oxygen and has interchangeable nozzles … N

[@talexsey]

@@Nickscreativestuff , thank you!!!

[@petervrabcak5597]

If you quench HoTMetaL doesn’t it temper?

[@Nickscreativestuff]

Hi Peter, It’s strange that different metals have varied effects when quenching steel it will harden where as copper softens… Nick

[@jewellerydesignerartists9353]

👌🙏💍👍👍

[@ShedsandArrowheads]

How long did it take you to melt the ends? I’ve tried twice now with propane and map gas holding for at least 10 min each and it doesn’t even start to melt

[@Nickscreativestuff]

hi Steven, I never had much luck melting copper until I got my Smiths Little Torch that runs on oxygen and propane. Quick and easy once you have the extra heat a larger amount of copper seems to need … N

[@ShedsandArrowheads]

@@Nickscreativestuff that makes sense, thanks

[@AlbiesProductsOnline]

If you colour each handle a different colour and number them you can write down each formula for each braid so you will have a record for every one you do

[@Nickscreativestuff]

Great idea Barnez, The more formula the better. somebody mentioned lace bobbin work … now that must have one hell of a formula … cheers … Nick

[@jewellerydesignerartists9353]

🙏👍👍👍

[@docpalo2011]

Is your big torch propane? Oxy/ acetylene? Propane/ oxy?

[@Nickscreativestuff]

Hi docpalo, yes I have a Smith’s Little Torch running on oxygen and propane. Incredibly hot compare to propane alone … 🔥 … N

[@docpalo2011]

@Nicks creative stuff I've got that as well, with a rosebud fit doing melts. What gas do you use for the large torch?

[@Nickscreativestuff]

I also have a Sievert torch running on propane with interchangeable nozzles from very small to rather large that I use a lot for annealing … N

[@bambubambu1234]

ALGUÉM PODERIA ME AJUDAR COMO QUE É FEITO ESSA SOLDA... OU ME INDICAR UM CANAL QUE ENSINA A FAZER SOLDA EM PULSEIRAS E ARTESANATO EM COBRE OBRIGADO!!!!

[@Nickscreativestuff]

Hi Bambu, I melted and fused the ends off this bracelet together with an incredibly hot oxygen and propane mixed torch. you can pick up copper craft skills from a variety of channels that also cover silver. Being very similar to work generally what you can do with one you can do with the other … N

[@spuddyspud8178]

Should of made it out of silver soldering rods at least you wouldn't get black greenish marks on your wrist.

[@Nickscreativestuff]

I quite agree spuddy spud, i’m not one for wearing copper. I make these to practice, test measurements and try out techniques before moving on to silver. Check out my part two video … kzbin.info/www/bejne/o2i8hnWVh89ld6s …all the best …Nick

[@jewellerydesignerartists9353]

🙏👌👍👍

[@1down4upworkshop61]

I never thought you could use wood as a drawing down board....

[@Nickscreativestuff]

thanks 1 down, this is an Oak board that is very hard the advantage being it doesn’t mark your metal in anyway … cheers … Nick

[@jewellerydesignerartists9353]

👍👍🙏👍

[@AaAa-iz3cp]

good but copper is easy to oxidize, and it turned black the next day after I finished it. After I tried soaking it in hydrochloric acid, the effect lasted for a long time.

[@Nickscreativestuff]

hi Aa Aa, some people try and seal copper to keep it shiny with wax or varnish, I tend to practice a lot with copper to make sure a technique works before moving onto silver. This next video shows the braid finished in silver kzbin.info/www/bejne/o2i8hnWVh89ld6s … cheers … Nick

[@AaAa-iz3cp]

thanks👍

[@waliza001]

What's the diameter difference in holes in that wooden plate? 1mm or 0,5?

[@Nickscreativestuff]

The holes in the oak plate go up in 1mm increments … very useful I use it for all sorts … N

[@waliza001]

@@Nickscreativestuff thx. I'll make my own one.

[@Nickscreativestuff]

I would recommend half mm increments if you have the drills … more versatile … N

[@jewellerydesignerartists9353]

👌👌🙏🙏👌

[@dhduncan]

How many strands braid ..7?

[@Nickscreativestuff]

hi Heather, it doesn’t look like seven strands when it’s finished, but using narrow gauge wire you need plenty of it to make it look chunky enough as a bracelet … cheers … Nick

[@jewellerydesignerartists9353]

🙏👍👌

[@garykurtz45]

Great diy. All you need is a 15000 dollar milling machine

[@Nickscreativestuff]

yes please Gary, have dreamed of having a milling machine for years a mini type would fit in my workshop perfectly … no harm in dreaming …. Nick.

[@jewellerydesignerartists9353]

🙏👌👍

[@mawi1172]

Mute this and you'll be able to enjoy the video. You have my eyes glued.

[@Nickscreativestuff]

Hi Ma Wi, I realise everyone has different tastes in music that’s why now in my new videos i’ve started to state … this being a voiceless video if you don’t like the music you can turn the sound off … Nick