Woven Willow Pattern

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  Step 1

  First cut 18 separate coils of memory wire using memory wire cutters. Use the smaller barrel of the memory wire looping pliers to make a loop at one end of each coil of wire as shown. This will stop the beads falling off and be the means to attach the coils to the frame later.

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  Step 2

  Empty around half of each tube of seed beads into the bead spinner. It works best when it is at least half full. Dip your memory wire end into the spinner bowl so the beads cover it then spin the bowl using the grooved handle. Beads will begin to fly onto the wire in a completely random order. When you have around an inch of beads, push them around the coil and dip the wire end again to spin once more. Keep going until you have filled the wire within ½”/12mm of the end.

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  Step 3

  Now secure the beads on the coil by turning another loop with your memory wire looping pliers. The pliers ensure all the loops are the same size. Make sure that the loop is completely closed. Dip the next coil into the spinner and keep going until all 18 coils are filled with beads.

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  Step 4

  You now need to make two ‘frame’ wires to which all the coils will be attached. Cut two 3.5”/8cm lengths of 18AWG/1mm silver plated wire. Turn a loop at one end of each with round nosed pliers or your looping pliers.

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  Step 5

  Take one of your frame wires and thread on a Chalk Dark Blue size 8/0 seed bead. Next thread on the loop of one of the beaded memory wire coils. Add another seed bead followed by another beaded coil. Keep going until you have threaded on six coils, ending with a seed bead.

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  Step 6

  Now thread the other ends of the coils onto the second frame wire with a seed bead between each as shown. At this point, it is useful to loosely tie a ribbon around the six coils to keep them together. This will make weaving the coils easier later.
  Thread on the next six coils in the same way as before and tie this group loosely with another ribbon.

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  Step 7

  Before you add the third set of coils, you need to make an ‘eye’ shape with the first two sets by pushing the second group of coils over the first group as shown. They will cross each other either side of the ‘eye. They will want to spring straight back so this is a little tricky. They will settle once the next coils are added.

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  Step 8

  You now need to add the third set of coils, one at a time by weaving them in and out of the first two sets of coils. Holding the bracelet so that it looks like the photo in step 7, take the first coil and thread the loop onto the left hand frame wire.
  Pass the coil UNDER the top set of coils (2), then OVER the next set.

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  Step 9

  Bend the coil around so it can then pass UNDER set 2 again. Bring it OVER set 1 to thread the loop onto the second frame wire. As you add each of the final set of coils, the cuff will become firmer. Remember to add a seed bead at each end, between each coil.

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  Step 10

  Once you have added all the coils (finishing with a seed bead), push them down firmly. Trim and turn a loop with the frame wires to secure the coils and beads. You can now remove the ribbons and curve the frame wires slightly to shape the cuff. Work your fingers over all the coils so they lie nice and flat. Your bracelet is complete.

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