Create a custom, vintage-inspired bracelet from a fork

There is a certain rhythm in how you get ready to leave the house for work or an outing. The routine at some point involves deciding on the perfect pieces of jewelry to complement your outfit. During the day, you might choose something understated yet unique, and play up that same piece with a different nighttime outfit. Jewelry that can be worn on every occasion is rare. A dainty, antique-inspired bracelet is a stylish choice and easier to make than you might think.

If this is your first attempt at metalwork crafting, read all safety instructions for the rotary tool and use proper safety gear. Choose a piece of silverware with as much or as little filagree as you like. By using one with more heirloom details, you can achieve the antiqued look created in this tutorial. You can find many options at a secondhand store or convert something you already have. Once the vintage-inspired bracelet is done, slip it on and pair it with a ring or wear alone for a simple yet chic eye-catching ornament for a night out.

Materials
- Old or antique fork, preferably with filagree
- Clutch style bar clamp
- Rubber mallet
- Dremel rotary tool with cutting wheel
- Needle nose pliers
- Sanding sponge
- Jewelry chain

Instructions
1. Place the fork on a sturdy work table and secure the end of the handle with a clutch style bar clamp.

2. Gently tap the overhanging length of the fork to bend it using the rubber mallet. Using gentle taps and bending the fork slowly will lead to a softer curve with less hard bends in the metal.

3. Once a bend starts to form, flip over the fork so the opposite end is held by the clamp, but keep the bend going in the same direction. Continue to gently tap the curve into the fork with the mallet.

4. Keep curving the metal until the metal follows the same curve as the top of your wrist. Hold the fork over your wrist to test it a few times.

5. Use the clamp to hold the prongs of the fork against the edge of the work table with the filigree hanging over the edge.

6. Trim off the pronged head of the fork, just above the filagree, with the round metal cutter attachment on the rotary tool. Wear work gloves to avoid injuries, and use needle nose pliers to help remove the bent shaft from the head of the fork after it's cut.

7. Once the pronged head is removed, smooth the cut side of metal with a sanding sponge to remove any sharp edges.

8. Pry apart the end of the jewelry chain with needle nose pliers. Slip it over the skinny part of the bracelet toward the end just sanded. Pinch the link closed with the pliers. (This method avoids having to make a hole in the metal.)

9. At the other end of the chain, pry open the last link with needle nose pliers and loop it through the holes of the filigree at the end of the fork. Pinch the link closed with the pliers.