(Components list at bottom of page)

by: Dwyn Tomlinson

Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let down your golden hair!

This simple braiding of metallic beading cable has the look of woven hair from the most exotic of princesses - or maybe unicorn tails? Make it short and make a bracelet, or go really long and make a belt. I started with strands about 23 inches long, and wound up with a braided piece about 19 inches - there was some wastage at one end - so figure about an additional 20% over your final intended length. The finished necklace is 21 inches - the rest is made up by the cones and toggle clasp.

This is just a simple braid - there are five strands of each of the three colours - folded and secured in the middle - so ultimately - 10 strands of each. Secure both ends of the cables with lo-tack painters tape to control them.  This project took me significantly longer than it might have, as the cables got away from me and I had to stop and untangle them. And trust me - I'm good at braiding. ;-)

Use light wire to wrap and secure the ends, and cones to make the ends look neat. The brushed silver findings look excellent with the texture of the wire.

You can wear this plain or use it to hang a favourite pendant.

The coordinated colours of the Softflex Trios would also be excellent for this project - you can simply braid up a bracelet or watchband.

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Components Clicking on components links will open a new window so that you don't lose this page.
		74701021 Craft Wire - 26ga - Silver Plated (Tarnish Resistant) (Artistic Wire) (2 pieces about 10 inches each - to secure each end and thread through the cone to attach the clasp.)	Price: $ 10.95 per	In Stock
	Qty: 1	tc94-6121-61 Findings - Clasp - Toggle - Hammered Square - Bright Rhodium (The brushed metal findings came from my stash - they are long gone, but the hammered look would be effective too.)	Price: $ 3.55 per	Sorry - this item is unavailable.
		25001015 Softflex (tm) Beading Wire - 30ft .024 (Heavy) - Copper Colour (Spool) (230 inches, about 19.25 feet, or about 6 meters - depending on the length you want.)	Price: $ 24.95 per	In Stock
		961ext02430gld Softflex (tm) Beading Wire - 30ft .024 (Heavy) - Extreme 24k Gold (Spool) (230 inches, about 19.25 feet, or about 6 meters - depending on the length you want.)	Price: $ 71.92 per	Sorry - this item is unavailable.
		250ext02430cmp Softflex (tm) Beading Wire - 30ft .024 (Heavy) - Extreme Champagne (Spool) (230 inches, about 19.25 feet, or about 6 meters - depending on the length you want.)	Price: $ 42.95 per	In Stock
	Qty: 2	96002414 Sterling Beads - 4mm Seamless Round - Bright Sterling (50)	Price: $ 34.95 per	In Stock
	Qty: 2	s23278 Sterling Cone - 20 mm Hammered - Sterling (1) (I liked the brushed metal - but these came from my stash and are now gone. Hammered would look good too.)	Price: $ 5.30 per	Sorry - this item is unavailable.