How To Make Jump Rings without the proper supplies
First thing you need is the desired wire size and color. I prefer using smaller gauges like 16 and 18 and sometimes 20 gauge as well. The smaller the gauge, the thicker the wire, so the size of wire you use really depends on what you want to make with the jump rings. If your using them to make chainmaille jewelry, thicker wire would be better.
Ok so the second thing you will need is something to wrap the wire around. Again, the size is completely up to you. I like to use a pen or a screwdriver. A screwdriver is easier because it has a handle to grip onto while your wrapping. But again that's up to you, anything with a cylinder shape to it will work for wrapping wire around.
And finally the third thing you will need are wire cutters. The wire cutters are to cut off the excess wire when your done wrapping it. And also to cut out your jump rings. Craft stores and fine jewelry makers usually use a proper saw but this is a "How To" without the proper tools of course. If you don't own a jewelers saw, then you can go for the next best thing which are wire cutters.
All you need to do is grab the handle of the screwdriver or the item you chose you to wrap it around and slowly wrap the wire around it. Be careful because if you try to go to fast, the wire will double wrap around itself if your not watching. (I learned that the hard way haha) Keep wrapping until you reach the end of the screwdriver (or dowel), now cut off your end from the wire spindle.
Both ends won't be perfectly round the way jump rings are so all you have to do is clip both ends. Now pull the wrapped wire off of your screwdriver, (it should look like a long spring). Pull on the spring, separating it so that it is easier to cute off the jump rings. After I pull on the spring, I like to put it back on the screwdriver and push it back into a spring to keep it nice and neat. It won't be super tight of course but it just keeps it neat. Now of course once again pull the wire spring off of the screwdriver and begin cutting your jump rings. And VOALA!! You now have your very own handmade jump rings.
I like to make my own jump rings because it saves money AND I can pick my own gauges and colors. Now that you know how to make your own jump rings, the possibilities are endless. :=) Bellow is a boxmaille bracelet I made with my handmade jump rings. I also made the clasp.
Have fun and happy crafting.
*Bear*
