Bhangra Fusion Bangle Kit by Rachel Nelson-Smith

I'll be the first to admit that I do not have great wire work skills when it comes to beading and jewelry making. I've always been more of a stitcher than a wire wrapper. But this incredible Bhangra Fusion Bangle kit from Rachel Nelson-Smith attracted me the first time I saw the photograph, and I knew that I had to make it. Using Swarovski crystals, seed beads and other glass beads, each bracelet is one-of-a-kind.

The kit includes different beads depending on the colorway that you choose. I decided on the "Noir" colorway, which included Swarovski crystals in two sizes, two sizes of seed beads, two sizes of round glass beads, two gauges of sterling silver wire, a magnetic clasp, and a short length of sterling silver chain. The other two colorways available on Rachel's website are "Sari", a beautiful concoction of bright pinks, greens and blues, and "Dream", a sparkling, subtle array of creamy pinks and lavenders.

To make the bracelet, you will need a copy of Rachel's wonderful book, Seed Bead Fusion, as instructions are not included in this materials-only kit. Before you make this bracelet, you will also want to make sure that you have the required wire working tools and pliers: wire straighteners, round nose pliers, chain nose pliers and flush cutters. I was also glad that I had already completed Rachel's Marquis Component Necklace before I started on the Bhangra Fusion Bangle. The basic wire techniques I learned from the Marquis Component Necklace made it easier for me to navigate the curves in the Bhangra Fusion Bangle. For someone who loves to do wire work, this bangle bracelet will be a joy to create.

Because there are no set patterns in the book for the designs, Rachel leaves it up to your own imagination to create the wire wrapped embellishment. The design possibilities are endless, and you always have the option of including some special beads from your own stash to make your bracelet a real one-of-a-kind piece. Even using just the beads included in the kit, I still had enough left over to make a small pendant and pair of earrings using similar techniques, and I feel much more confident in my wire working skills after seeing the finished bracelet.

Rachel Nelson-Smith is a real master of wire work and beading, and this kit is a great example of her innovative techniques and style. Wearing your own Bhangra Fusion Bangle will make you feel red-carpet worthy no matter what the occasion.

Disclosure: Review samples were provided by the manufacturer. For more information, please see our Ethics Policy.