DIY Hand Chain

I don't know about you, but I have been obsessed with hand chains recently. I brought one while I was in Free People in the states, and haven't taken it off since I have been back in the UK. I wanted to have a go at making my own using this gorgeous turqiouse stone that I have fallen in love with. I saw a lot of jewellery with this coloured stone on and I was excited to try this hand chain DIY using this little detail.

What you'll need: Turquoise stone, chain, pliers, wire, small hoops and a clasp

Start by measuring your chain. The length of chain will depend on how big your hand is and how tight/loose you will want your chain. You'll need a piece a to go around your wrist, around your middle finger (this will be around the same size as the length of your hand between your wrist and knuckle), two smaller chains and two longer chains to use for detail - you can measure those once you have your stones in place if you'd prefer.

Begin buy attaching a small hoop and a clasp to either sides of your chain for your wrist using your pliers. The trick for this DIY is to keep trying on your bracelet to make sure it is at your desired size. Then you'll want to find the centre of your chain and carefully being to wrap your wire around the middle link. Once your wire is secure start to thread on your stones. If you have smaller stones, I would suggest around three to four would be enough. If you have bigger stones, either one or two would suffice.

Now you have your stones in place, wrap the end of your wire around three or four links of chain. Using your pliers, attach your two smaller pieces of chain onto the second or third link (your choice) and position them to the side of your stones and an angle.
This part can be a little tricky, but perseverance and patience is key. Find the links of your wrist chain where you would like to attach your smaller chain, I left mine looser as I wanted my hand chain to have more movement. Open the bottom links with your pliers, attach them to your desired links on your wrist chain and seal shut.

To add on more stones you will take your wire and wrap it around the last link of chain you attached to your first few stones. Thread on your desired number of stones (they will need to finish below your knuckles) and attach 3 of 4 links to your wire. Attach your longer chains to your wrist chain repeating the step I have shown you above.
Once your longer chains are attached to your wrist chain, attach a loop to go around your middle finger. You will do this by adding a small hoop onto the final link of chain you added to your stone, attach one end of the chain, measure the chain around your finger (leaving enough room to take it on and off) and attach the final end in the hoop and seal it shut.

This DIY may look daunting, and it can be slightly tricky, but you will feel a big sense of accomplishment when you have finished. If you give this a try (please do!) try not to get frustrated with it. Take a break, get some fresh air or read a book and come back to it when you have cleared your mind. Its a lot of fun to do, and your hard work will be rewarded with a lot of compliments.

As I leave you this Sunday evening, I leave you with this picture I found on pinterest. This week we will have no bad days.