How to Make Italian Charms

Written on August 8, 2009 – 6:20 pm | by craft shop

Italian charms bracelets are stylish and very popular among the fusionist set.

Originally from Italy, these charm bracelets are now sweeping the United States as people, especially teenagers and fashion aficionados, discover how much fun it is to wear them.

One of the more interesting aspects these charm bracelets has is that it can express various meanings, even represent a meaningful piece of someone’s life.

They can be worn to express one’s interests, beliefs, or hobbies with just a use of a simple logo, symbol, photos, or even words.

This expressive quality is perhaps the reason why Italian charms are very popular.

They are also inexpensive yet classy and make perfect additions to any charm bracelet.

Even more fun is making your own Italian charm bracelet. But making one from scratch is not difficult.

Here are five simple steps on how to make your own Italian charm bracelet:

Step 1:
Choose the charms you like and determine how many you will need for your bracelet.

A bracelet for a small wrist will need approximately 17 charm links to finish.  A medium wrist needs about 18 links and a large wrist about 19 links.

Step 2:
After deciding on your bracelet theme, arrange the charms by number and order.

Step 3:
Start making the charm bracelet. Italian charms have a loop on one end and a hook on the other. The bracelet must start with the starter link, which has a locking mechanism.

Connect the hook end of a regular link by aligning it with the locking loop of the starter link. The hook should slide easily into the loop. After sliding the hook in, lock it to complete the connection.

Step 4:
Add the links until the bracelet fits your wrist. The recommended size for the charm bracelet is to allow enough slack to make it comfortable for wearing but not so much that it can fall off over your hand.

Step 5:
Add the last link and lock it into the other side of the starter link to finish the Italian charm bracelet.

You can also decorate your charm with designs, emblems or photographs if you like.  You can try engraving it with words or your name.

There are thousands of designs to choose from to match your interests, tastes or personality.  Here are three simple steps to do it:

Step 1:
Write a name or words in a style you like and print it on sticker paper. Trim the paper to the right size and stick the word over the charm in the spot you want the engraving to be.

Step 2:
Slowly and evenly trace the name or words on the sticker with an engraving pen. Trace hard enough for the engraving pen to cut through the paper.

This would at least take an hour, but take your time since there’s no way to change the engraving once it is done.

Step 3:
Remove the sticker to view the finished engraving once you have completed tracing the charm.

Tell us what you think of Italian charms. Your comment is welcome as it allows the exchange of ideas.

Tags: charm bracelet, charm bracelets, Italian charm bracelet, italian charms