Arm chains are perfect for the spring season because you can wear them with tank tops that show off the arms. I have been wanting to make an upper arm chain for a while but was debating on the design. I ended up winging the design for my wing chain arm chain.
Materials
The materials include a double-looped charm (mine is a wing shaped charm from my Michaels Haul), chain, a clasp, and six jump rings.
Step 1
Measure the chain around your upper arm and cut off the measured amount to create the main chain. Add a jump ring to either side of the chain and then add a clasp to one of the ends.
Step 2
To make the sitting of the piece flatter against the arm, I placed a jump ring between the chain (not shown in the picture) and then attached another jump ring to that. Add the double-looped charm onto the lower jump ring. On the other end of the charm, add a jump ring with another jump ring just like before. By using two jump rings on each end, the charm sits straighter because the ends are facing up rather than sideways.
Step 3
For the swooping chain parts, you will need to make two of each. Measure about 7 inches of chain (or whatever length you desire) to make the longest swooping chain parts. Connect one end of the measured chain to the lower jump ring hanging from the charm. Attach the other end of the swooping chain to the center point between the clasp point and the charm point. Repeat on the other side.
Step 4
Measure about 5 inches of chain for the shorter swooping chain parts. To easily find the placements of where to connect the chains, make a box-like shape with the main chain, and the corners of the box is where the shorter swooping chains’ ends should connect. For a less technical method, attach the shorter chains to the center points between each of the gaps on the main chain. Repeat on the other side.
Step 5
Lastly, measure about 3 inches of chain for the shortest swooping chains. Attach one end to the same lower jump ring hanging from the charm. Then, attach the other end about one or two links from where the shorter swooping chain parts are attached on the main chain. Repeat on the other side.
Tips
- To make the piece symmetrical, use a ruler to measure the chains and the placements where connecting
- When working with chain, try to make sure that the links of chain are facing the same way and are not twisted so that the piece will lay properly on the body
- Have a general idea of what you want to do, but also know that it is okay to change and adjust along the way
- Try on the piece as you go so that you can test how the piece sits, if something does not look right, if you want to add or take away a part, etc.
Final Pictures
Jewelry Making by Mikayla 