Wire Wrapped Jewelry and More

Beads in Wire Woven Bangle Tutorial

2018-09-02T10:38:00.002-07:00

This tutorial shows how to make a Wire Woven Bangle.
Printer friendly -5 pages

Buy this tutorial here

Wrap Bracelets

2017-08-26T13:06:00.001-07:00

These women's wrap bracelets feature a combination of high quality beads and crystals.
Over 200 beads are skillfully woven to a strand of silver/grey colored leather.

See more at AroundBeads.etsy.com
Use coupon code BLOG10 to get 10% off!

Button Rings

2017-05-29T15:56:00.000-07:00

How much fun it is to be able to use round craft wire and a few "found" items to make a fashionable item! Instead of using buttons, you can substitute large flat beads, add your own flair with a few accent beads, use colored craft wire, and you're making a new ring in just a few minutes.
This is a great crafts project for young girls at a party or on a rainy afternoon, too!

Materials:
20ga round read soft wire - 2ft
2.5mm round metal beads - 8 (your button may require more beads, depending on its size)
4-hole button

Tools:
Chain nose pliers
Wire cutters
Ring mandrel
Ruler

Instructions

Cut the necessary wire. Place the center of the wire on the ring mandrel, at ¼ size larger than the desired finished size. Wrap both ends of the wire very tightly around the mandrel until you have 3 or 4 full wraps around it.

Keeping the wire on the ring mandrel, insert each wire end through the respective bottom hole on each side of the button.

On one wire end, place an even number of as many beads as needed to cross the top of the button diagonally, and then thread the wire through the opposite, diagonal hole in the button.

On the other wire end, place the same number of beads as used on the first wire, and lay this beaded segment diagonally across the button, so the center of the beaded segment lies across the center of the first beaded segment. Thread this wire through the opposite, diagonal hole in the button.

Carefully remove the ring from the mandrel and turn it to the back side. While keeping the ring base flat, wrap each of the wire ends firmly around the ring base, 4 or 5 times to show. Trim and tuck each end.

Now that you have completed a single-button ring, have fun experimenting with 2-hole buttons, and more variations!

Button Earrings

2017-05-29T15:48:00.002-07:00

I always find a few left-overs that can be used for a new project. Today’s very simple tip would work perfect for those miscellaneous buttons, ear wires and beads that you have just sitting around.

Use small 2-hole buttons as connector/ findings to hook ear wires and beads together.

I prefer to use oval jump-rings to connect the button and beads. CLICK HERE to see how to make your own jump rings. Very easy to do with a mandrel and wire.

Cotter Link Chain

2017-03-28T11:34:00.001-07:00

Tools and Materials:
·         20ga dead soft round wire (1.5" (4cm) for one link)
·         Flat nose pliers
·         6 Step Barrel Pliers (you may use round nose pliers with 5mm and 2mm diameter marks)
·         Wire cutters

Step 1: To make one link, cut 20ga DS round wire 1.5” (4cm) long. Place the center of the wire between the barrel pliers’ jaws, just across 5mm jaw.

Step 2: bend the wire around 5mm jaw so the wire ends meet each other and form 180 degree angle. Both wire ends have to be the same.

Step 3: Using flat nose pliers grab one wire end just by the “intersection” and bend at an angle 90°.

Step 4. Repeat step 3 with another wire end.

Step 5: Make sure that both ends run parallel and they are the same length (if not, just cut the longest end to even both ends).

Step 6: Using the thinnest jaw of barrel pliers (2mm mark on round nose pliers), grab both wire ends and make a loop (eyelet). First link is done.

Step 7: Repeat steps 1-5 for the next link (do not make an eyelet yet!)

Step 8: Slide semi-finished link into the first link’s eyelet as shown.

Step 9: Repeat step 6 to make eyelet.

Step 10: Work in the same manner until your chain has desired length!

If you use this measurements, 8 links=3”

Sea Turtle Pendant

2017-02-19T15:06:00.001-08:00

This wire wrapped turtle necklace is a great gift for the turtle lover in your life!
I have used 16 gauge solid copper wire to fabricate a turtle, it was textured with a hammer, oxidized and polished.

I made a family: Mama-Turtle and two babies :)

You can buy these pendants here

Crimp Pliers – Not just for crimping beads

2016-07-24T12:01:00.001-07:00

Make your own headpins using…crimp pliers! It is so fast and easy.
1. Paddle pin.

Use the back flat surface of the pliers to “squeeze” the end of wire.
If the paddle is not even, file it with an Emory board.

Using the same method, I made this pair of earrings separating crystals by flattening the wire.

2. U-bend head pin.

Start with the tip of chain nose pliers and make a tiny 180 degree bend bending.
Now, take a crimp pliers and using “O” shaped notch and complete forming a “head”.
Notice that this method will place the wire end very close to the pin.

I hope you enjoyed this tip.

Bracelet Sizer

2016-06-26T08:39:00.001-07:00

I made these three bracelets that are the same length (8”) but they fit differently because the size of the beads.

You can make your own bracelet sizer from Styrofoam cup.

First, I made templates with pieces of thread, one for each size.

Fold the thread in half; place a knot half size away from the fold. For example, for 7” size, place a knot 3 ½” away.

Turn the Styrofoam cup upside down and slide the thread templates on it. Mark the cup with sharpie marker tracing on the threads and write the size too.

Slide your bracelets to determine the size (my blue large bead bracelet does not fit for this cup).

Helpful guidelines for bracelet sizes:
I work on the following rule for making my bracelets:
wrist measurement + 1 inch = bracelet size

Women's Sizes:
Small: 6.5"
Average: 7"

Large: 7.5 – 8"
X-Large" 8.5+"
Men's Sizes:
Most Common: 8"
Average: 8-9"
Ankle Bracelet (Anklets)
Most common: 9"
Average: 9-10"

Oval jump rings

2016-04-15T16:25:00.000-07:00

Oval jump rings are a great alternative to round jump rings. These rings are ideal for connecting clasps, charms or beads to chains.

Need a mandrel to make your own oval jump rings? Use a set of two the same size knitting needles, wrap your wire around them.

Carefully remove coil and cut evenly with sharp flush cutters (double- flush cutters work the best).

Measuring Template

2016-04-08T16:23:00.001-07:00

If you’re making a piece of jewelry that requires multiples of one component, make all those matching components as close as possible to being the same size.

* Mark your round nose pliers with Sharpie marker to make the same size loops every time.

* Use a popsicle (craft) sticks as a template for measuring the wire for making ear-wires, S-clasp, head/eye pins, etc. Write down the wire measurements, wire gauge (I use a pencil to write, Sharpie marker can smear). Also, you can tape a sample or trace it.

Spiral Post Earrings, Part 2 (using butane torch & LOS)

2016-03-10T13:31:00.000-08:00

This lesson shows how to make a spiral post/stud earrings with balled end.

Materials:
8” of 21 ga round half hard wire

Earring backs-2
Tools:

Flat nose pliers
Round nose pliers
Wire cutters
Bench block
Ball peen hammer
Metal file
Liver of sulfur (optional)
Butane torch (optional)

1. Cut a piece of 21 ga wire 4” (10cm) long.
Using a butane torch, melt one wire end until it has a small ball. You can notice the discoloration – do not worry about it (If you do not want to have a ball on the end, skip this step*)

2. Using flat nose pliers, bend another wire end at 90° angle in 3/8” (1cm)

3. Grab that end with the very end of round nose pliers so the short end is paralleled to the jaws

4. Start coiling the wire.

5. When you have two wires in spiral, hold the wire with flat nose pliers

6. Continue coiling until you reach the ball.

7. Place the stud on the bench block as shown and flatten the ball and the spiral with ball peen hammer.

8. Now, you can flatten a little a stud itself. This will harden the wire

9.Round the end with a file.
10. Repeat steps 1-9 for the second ear post.

* You can make a loop instead of balled end and attach a bead.

Oxidizing.

Put your ear studs in liver of sulfur solution until it is dark.

Rinse the jewelry thoroughly under cold running water and dry.

Polish the ear posts with polishing cloth. Now studs are monochrome!

Post Earrings, Part1

Celtic Wig Jig Earrings

2016-03-08T15:00:00.002-08:00

Here is another video how to make a beautiful pair of Celtic Wire Earrings using a Wig Jig.

The final product

Spiral Post Earrings - Part 1.

2016-03-04T05:00:00.000-08:00

This lesson shows how to make a spiral post/stud earrings.

Materials:
• 8” of 21 ga round half hard wire
• Earring backs-2
Tools:
• Flat nose pliers
• Round nose pliers
• Wire cutters
• Bench block
• Ball peen hammer
• Metal file

1. Cut a piece of 21 ga wire 4” (10cm) long. Using the very tip of your round nose pliers, make a P-loop on the end of wire. Continue coiling with the round nose pliers until you have one and a half coils…

2. Now, hold the loop with flat nose pliers and gradually spiral one more spiral...

3. Continue coiling the wire using flat nose pliers until you have 5 full spirals.

4. Use the ball peen hammer to flatten and add some texture.

5. Hold the wire just across the spiral end as shown.

6. Bend the wire end at 90° angle, so the spiral and the wire end lie in perpendicular planes.

7. Trim the wire in 3/8” (1cm) from the spiral.

8. Round the end with a file...
Repeat steps 1-8 for the second ear post.

Post Earrings Part 2

Beaded Coral Tassel Tutorial

2016-02-28T11:10:00.002-08:00

This lesson shows how to make beaded coral tassel. You can use this technique for making earrings, key-chain and bag charms.

Materials:

Seed beads #11/0
Focal bead (or group of 2-3 large beads)
Beading thread
Lobster clasp (for bag charm)
Split ring (for keychain)
Ear hooks (for earrings)

Tools:

Beading needle #12
Scissors (or thread burner)

Instruction below will show how to make a bag charm, but you can use this technique for making earrings as well.

Step 1: On a comfortable length of thread, pick up focal bead(s) and lobster clasp. Place this group in the middle of thread.

Step 2: Pass the thread back through the bead(s) skipping the clasp. Tighten.

Step 3: Slide seed beads. Amount of beads depends on desired length of your tassel. Let’s call these beads a base.

Step 4: Skip the last bead and go back through 7 beads as shown.

Step 5: Tighten the thread.

Step 6: Slide 8 more seed beads.

Step 7: Skip the last bead and go back through 7 beads and 2 beads from a base as shown.

Step 8: Tighten the thread. Now, you have made two “needles”.

Step 9: Repeat step 6 picking 8 beads.

Step 10: Repeat steps 7-8 to make the next “needle”

Step 11: Keep making “needles” until you have 2-3 beads left on the base. Pass the needle through these base beads, the focal bead(s), and the clasp (photo).

Step 12: Pass the needle back through the focal bead(s) skipping the clasp. You have to have two thread ends going out of focal bead(s) as shown. Tighten both thread ends by pulling them.

Step 13: Thread the needle (use the longest end). Repeat step 3. You may want to use another color of beads.

Step 14: Repeat steps 4-12 to finish the second branch of the tassel.

Step 15: Make 2 or three more branches for your tassel. Add a new thread if needed.

Step 16: After finishing beading the tassel, secure the thread and cut it.

You can use this technique to make a key chain.

To make earrings, I passed the thread through the jump-ring. You may want to make smaller size of the “needles” – I made 5-bead needles for this pair of earrings.

Fancy Pyramid Pendant Tutorial

2016-02-28T10:16:00.000-08:00

This tutorial shows how to make a 3D pyramid wire wrapped pendant.

Printer friendly- 6 pages, 33 steps

Materials and tools:
18ga round dead soft wire
26ga round dead soft wire
3mm round beads
Round nose pliers
Wire cutters
Chain nose pliers
Wig-Jig® Cyclops with pegs – optional
Extra optional: chains, beads, headpins

Tutorial is HERE

Lark's Knot Earrings

2015-11-15T08:10:00.002-08:00

Materials and Tools:

5 inches of 20 ga round dead soft wire
5 mm Jump Rings, 20 ga - 2
4mm Crystals/beads - 2
1 pair ear wires
Round nose pliers
Chain nose pliers
Chasing hummer
Bench block

Instructions

1. Straighten and cut a piece of 20 gauge wire, 2 1/2 inches (65mm) long.

2. Hold the wire with tip of the round nose pliers 7/8 inches (20mm) away from one end and make a loop, so there is a 90 degree angle.

3. Start making the second loop from another wire end, 1/8 inch away from the first loop.

4. While making the second loop, make sure that both wire ends are on the same side. The distance between these loops has to be about 1/16 inch.
You can have both ends the same length, or have one end shorter.

5. Fold the both loops together, so the cross wire is outside. You may use two sets of pliers for folding.

6. Hammer one wire end so it's flattened (I flattened the shortest wire).
7. Slide a crystal/bead on the longest wire and move it towards the knot. Hammer the wire end (watch for the bead, do not smash it.)

8. Open a jump-ring, slide through the two loops of the knot and add an ear wire. Close the ring.

Make the second earring in the same manner.

Chain Card

2015-09-20T07:44:00.000-07:00

To keep the chain neat and kink-free, wrap it around a business card. Cut two notches at opposite edges of the card and secure the ends in the notches. You may want to label the card with information about source, size, the price, item number.

Variation: Instead of thin business card, I use an old plastic card such as a gift card, a credit card, a membership card. Also, I peel the label from the vendor’s plastic package and place it on the card. So, I have all info about this chain.

Organize your wire

2015-09-06T07:21:00.001-07:00

I keep all my coils of wire (I order mine from wire-shulpture) in an accordion folder.

I have separate folders for different wires: copper, sterling silver, sterling silver filled, etc… Each pocket is labeled with the gauge and type (dead soft- DS, half hard- HH). Keeping the wire inside plastic bags will also cut down on tarnish (I keep my wire in the original bags.)

It's easy to see what I have and what needs to be reordered.

Tree of Life Wirewrapped Agate Sterling Silver Pendant

2015-03-29T10:26:00.000-07:00

The Tree of Life is an esoteric philosophy common to many cultures and mythologies, and the Ancients envisioned the entire cosmos in the form of a tree whose roots grow deep in the ground, branches reaching high into the heavens.

This Tree of Life pendant is made of sterling silver filled wire and natural agate cabochon.
The pendant's size: 1 1/2" x 2 3/4" (4cm x7cm)

Agate is an excellent stone for re-balancing and harmonizing body, mind and spirit. It cleanses and stabilizes the aura, eliminating and transforming negativity. Agate enhances mental function, improving concentration, perception and analytical abilities. It soothes and calms, healing inner anger or tension and creates a sense of security and safety.

Buy it here

Cello sale:)

2014-08-16T07:50:00.003-07:00

My daughter Anya wants to play the cello. Beautiful instrument! I want to buy her one.
So, there is a cello sale at my jewelry shop. Use coupon code CELLO to get 15% off!

Boho Style Chandelier Pendant

2014-08-15T03:00:00.000-07:00

Do you have some jewelry piece that is broken, has missing parts, or you do not wear it but would love to give it a second life?

That is what I had before: a pair of broken earrings with missing beads.

The finished result - Boho style pendant!

Extra materials you will need:

Head pins, eye pins*, a jump ring, extra beads of your choice.

1. Take off all the beads you have on your broken jewelry. Clean all the beads and findings if necessary (one of my earrings metal broke while cleaning it, that's why I made a pendant, not a pair of earrings).

2. Slide the smallest bead on a head pin, add another bead. I used dark brown wooden bead from another broken chain. Make a simple loop on the top, cut the wire. I made 6 of this elements: 5 for the bottom and 1 for the top.

3. Using eye pin (* I used the left over wires from the head pins), make 10 more beads with simple loops on both ends.

Speaking of tools... you may need: round nose pliers, chain nose pliers, and a pair of wire cutters.

4. Assemble the dangles. Each bottom dangle has three beads as shown.

5. Open the loop of the top bead and attach it to the loop of the focal teardrop.

6. Attach all the dangles to the focal teardrop.

7. Open a jump ring, slide it on the top lop of focal component, place a chain, close a jump ring.

Your pendant is ready!

Photos by SocksAndMittens

Golden Bohemian Necklace - Reusing and Repairing Jewelry

2014-08-01T03:00:00.000-07:00

Do you have some jewelry piece that is broken, has missing parts, or you do not wear it but would love to give it a second life?

My friend Tanya had this pretty golden bracelet with stretched cords. Guess what? We made three different pieces of jewelry from this bracelet!

First jewelry is this eye catching bohemian style necklace.

1. Pull apart the bracelet. Clean the beads if necessary.

Extra materials you will need for this project: 26 ga golden brass wire, 2 gold head pins, chain with a clasp, a pair of round nose pliers, chain nosу pliers, and wire cutters.

For this necklace I used only "rectangular" shaped beads. Actually, they are 4-strand spacer beads. The necklace has 5 beads arranged into V shape. (From the rest of "oval" beads we will make other jewelry).

2. I inserted a head pin into a bead. Pulled the pin out...

3. Using round pliers, start making a loop...

4. Slide a link of a chain in the loop you just made...Finish wrapping the pin twice. Cut the wire end.

5. Joining the beads. Using 26ga wire, simply "stitch" the beads together, making sure that the wire goes inside the beads, not over the edges.

I made my wire run twice for more security.

6. Bring the wire ends together and twist them tight. Cut off the wire ends. Tack the twisted wires inside the bead (hide inside the bead) so it will not scratch your skin.

7. Attach all beads in the same manner.
8. Attach the second chain to another end.

Stay updated to see what was made next!

Photos by SocksAndMittens

Work with WigJig - Part 2 - Video

2014-07-17T15:45:00.000-07:00

Today, I want to show how to use a wire-wrapping Jig while making this pair of earrings.

In general, I use 20 gauge wire for earrings, 18 ga wire for bracelet components and 18 or 16 ga wire for necklace components. Using dead soft wire may require hardening of the finished piece.

You may use different size of pegs to change a size of the loop like here.

Use the same element as an embellishment for a pendant.

Work with WigJig - Part 1

Beaded Tea Ball Infuser

2014-07-07T03:00:00.000-07:00

Whether you're brewing cups of your favorite loose-leaf tea or seasoning wine, cider or soup with spices, you'll be happy to have these infusers on hand. Having a nice looking infuser makes your tea taste even better.

You will need an infuser, beading wire 1 ft, crimping beads, beads of your choice, and crimping pliers (buy them here). I have one large bead (diamond shape in my case) as a focal bead.

Slide a crimp bead on your beading wire. Slide on a focal bead and loop beading wire back through crimp bead leaving ~1" of beading wire.

Using your crimping pliers, put the crimp bead into “C” shaped notch. Pinch closed. Make a 90 degree turn with the bead and crimp closed.

String the beads onto the wire (I pass the short wire end together with long wire hiding this short end). You can string the beads in random order or in the pattern.

When you have all beads on the wire, push them towards the focal bead. Slide a crimp bead and a chain link of a ball infuser on your beading wire and loop the wire back through crimp bead and 3-4 beads. Tighten the wire.

Crimp the last crimp bead.

Your fancy infuser is done!
Now, fill it with your favorite loose tea leaves (you may want to add some fresh mint leaves too), brew, and enjoy your cup of tea!

See another DIY tutorial how to make a bracelet using this technique here

Photos by SocksAndMittens

Shawl / Scarf Pins

2014-07-05T10:50:00.002-07:00

I made these pins a while ago. I used thick, 16ga wire, to make this little accessories. I finished up each pin with spiral closure.

This classic and elegant shawl made with a lamp-work bead.

I wire wrapped in herringbone technique and finished up this brooch with spiral closure.

Click on the photo to buy or get more info about a pin.