Blog Archives

3/30/2015 1 Comment

Spiral Link Bracelet-Two Ways

This is a open bead link style, but a closed link style can also be made with these direction as well.

Tools

Round nose pliers
Flat nose pliers
Cutters
File
⅜” Mandrel (dowel)

Materials

18-16 gauge wire 30”(subtract 6” if using closed bead links)
20 gauge wire 10" (for beaded links closed loop style only)
Four 10- 12mm beads

Want to make these but need to see it in person? Book a private lesson or Party with me locally!

Large Spiral Center

Cut one piece of wire 10” (small wrist do 8”) long File ends smooth
Make a small loop on one end
Continue to wrap in a spiral with some space between each wire

When you have about 2 ½ “ left make a sharp bend (Optional step)
Wrap around round nose plier and make another sharp bend in the wire to create a U-shape under the spiral
Continue to wrap to the top and then make medium loop on the top going in opposite direction to spiral

Small Spiral Links(these can also be used for making earrings)

Cut two pieces of wire 4” long
Create small loop
Spiral wire around like you did for the large spiral, but without the sharp bend on the bottom
When only ⅝” are left make top loop in opposite direction

Eye for clasp

Cut one piece of wire 3 1/2” long and smooth ends
Create open loop on one end
Holding this end wrap the tail around ⅜” dowel and wrap tail around wire under the large loop

Hook for clasp

Cut one piece of wire 2” and smooth ends
Create open loop on one end
Create tiny open loop on the other end
Now make an open swirl with flat nose pliers
Hook should look like a fancy s

Beaded Links Open style

Cut four pieces 1 ½” long and smooth ends
Create medium size open loops on one end of each wire
Place on bead on each wire
Create open loop in opposite direction of first loop to trap bead on each wire (trim a hair,if bead has too much room)

Beaded link (Closed Loop Style)

Cut four pieces of 20g wire 2 ½” long.
Smooth ends with file
Create a loop on one end approximately ¾” from end and wrap wire closely together in a swirl motion under the loop
Place one bead on wire and create another loop about ⅛” away from bead
Repeat step 3 and 4 to finish link(Make sure that on two of the four links you have captured the hook on one and the eye on the other)

*Gently hammer all the spiral links including the center piece and the S hook.

*Before assembly please place all components out in the order you wish for the final project, this makes putting it together in the correct order, much easier.

Assembly for open style beaded links

Open one end of a bead link and place the eye on it close up tightly
Openother bead link side and attach to small spiral link,, repeat alternating pattern placing Center spiral after second bead link.
Continue pattern after center ending with the hook.
Check all connections are closed up and smooth out any rough spots with your file
Should bracelet not lay comfortably around wrist, you can round inward each end loop on the spiral links slightly.

Assembly for closed style beaded links

Open slightly the small loop on a small spiral link
Slide on the hook and bead link to the bottom of the spiral
Slide onto the small loop only one beaded link
Close small loop
Next open small loop the large spiral center and slide the chain at the beaded link onto the bottom spiral
Place the next beaded link onto the small loop and close
Now open the last small spiral and place the bead and eye link onto the bottom spiral and the longer chain onto the the small loop
Close it up

Come join me for a live, local class to make these and more fun pieces, at The Cape Cod Art Bar in the Mashpee Commons

1 Comment

3/30/2015 0 Comments

Simple Wire Rosette Ring

If you would like to get person to person instructions for this or other projects, check out my local Jewelry Party schedule!

Tools

Round Nose Pliers
Flat nose pliers
Flush cutters
File
Ring mandrel

Materials

20” of 20 gauge wire

Directions

Starting at the center of the wire(10”) wrap the wire around the mandrel one half to one full size bigger than finished ring will be.
If you want a two wire band start at the top of the dowel and go around once only, if you want a three wire band start on the bottom and go around on and a half times

Where wires meet at the top twist them around each other keeping the wires close to the mandrel
Begin spiraling the wires around one another
Every once in a while go above or below the wires to give it a three dimensional quality

When only 1” is left on each tail stop, each tail should be on opposite sides of the rose and crossing the band.
Wrap one tail under and around the band wires finishing with wire end on top(cut if needed)
Now wrap the other side the same way
File any rough spots on wire ends

For a more advanced style rosette ring check out my tutorial, Wire weaved rosette ring.

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3/23/2015 0 Comments

Simple Fish hook Ear wires

Tools and materials

Round nose pliers
Chain nose pliers
Cutters
Emery board
Pen w/cap
20 gauge wire 4”

Directions

Cut one wire 4” long
Make small loop with round nose pliers on both ends

Slide on loop under pen top with loop opening away from pen
Wrap wire about ¾ of the way around pen
Now do the same to the other side

Find center between the larger loop ends and cut making two ear wires
Cut shorter stems if you wish (no shorter than 7/8” from top of hook to tail end)
Gently file ends with emery board
Using Chain nose pliers make a small bend on ends facing away from earring loops( if you wish) to a 20 degree angle with flat nose pliers
Lightly hammer for added strength if you wish

Make sure to check out my other DIY instructions and check out my Gallery/Shop.

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3/23/2015 0 Comments

Wire Spiral Drop Earrings

Tools

Round nose pliers
Chain nose pliers
Flush Cutters
Emery board
Pen w/cap

Materials

20 gauge wire 16 ½ “
Two beads 8-12mm

Large swirl Link

Cut 2 wires 4” long
Make tiny loop in one end of wire

Coil around three times, then make larger open coil on last wrap
You need ⅜” tail on top, center of spiral to make link top loop
Make small top loop to hang on the ear wire
Repeat steps 2-5 to make second link
Set aside

Take a peak at my Gallery/Shop for more ideas or join me for a class locally.

Bead Drop with swirl

Cut 2 wires 2” long
Make tiny loop on one end
continue swirl wrap until only 1 ¼ “ tail is left
Bend tail 90 degrees at the base of the swirl
Gently hammer the bead posts swirl and the spiral link
Place bead onto post and trim post to 3/8 "
Make small loop front to back on top of bead
Repeat steps 2-7 to make other bead drop, try to make the swirl a mirror image of the other one
Make fish hook ear wires from previous week

Assemble

Open bead drop loop enough to hang on spiral links open wrap
Close loop snug
Open ear wire loop and place link loop on
Close up snug
Assemble other earring so be a mirror image of the other one

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3/23/2015 0 Comments

Fun Wire Beaded Flower Earrings

Tools

Round nose pliers
Flat nose pliers
Flush Cutters
Pen with cap
File

Materials

20” 22 gauge wire
4” 20 gauge wire
Fourteen 5-6mm beads

Flowers

Cut two pieces of the 22 gauge wire 10”
1 ¼ “ from one end of wire make a 90 degree angle
Place six outer beads onto the long tail
Make a circle in the wire so that long tail can meet the short tail
Wrap around the short tail twice

Then wrap long tail in through the center of the circle and between the first and second bead, this should create a frame around the first bead.
Continue wrapping each bead making a frame around all of them one at a time.
When you reach the top again wrap the longer tail once around the 1” tail

Bend long tail straight down
Put center bead onto it and bend wire back up the bead to meet the 1” tail
Wrap around the 1” tail two-three times
Trim and flatten the tail

Wrap remaining 1” tail around your round nose pliers
Wrap two- three times around under loop
Trim and flatten
Repeat to make other flower
Make Fish Hook ear wires using the directions from previous week
Now place flowers onto ear wires

Want to make something with me personally or maybe share the fun with a group of friends? Well you can! Go check out my classes, held locally and join the fun!

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3/23/2015 0 Comments

Wire Weave Rosette Ring

Tools

Ring Mandrel
Round nose pliers
Flat nose pliers
Cutters
File
String

Materials

18 gauge wire 16-17”
24 gauge wire 40-45”

Weaving the band

Start by cutting the large gauge wire in half so you have two pieces about, file ends smooth set aside to measure the band size.
Wrap string around the mandrel at the size ring you want. Measure it, this is the band length.

Mark center of large gauge wires with sharpie.
Now with sharpie mark ½ the distance of the band size on each side to center the band weaving
Place small piece of tape ¼” above (on the outside of band markings)first mark of band and tape both large wires together.
Gently spread the opposite end into a small v-shape to create a channel to bring thin wire into for each wrap
Give yourself a 1” tail to hold onto then wrap the thin wire around one large gauge wire six times just above the tape to get to the first mark (my picture shows only three wraps, but I added more for better security)

Now begin weaving the second large gauge wire together with the one you started, alternate back and forth wrapping each side two-three times.
As you go tighten up wrapping to keep it clean looking. Try to keep the wires the same distance apart as you weave.Use fingers to push coils together if needed.
When you get to the center mark take a break and shake your fingers out.

Continue to the last mark, recenter the weaving if necessary and finish the end by doing the six wraps
Shake out your hands again
Flush cut the thin wire on the outside of the band and flatten smooth with flatnose pliers( these ends will be covered by your rosette so no need to file them).

Making the Rosette

Wrap band back around mandrel ½ size larger than you want it
Grabbing the large gauge tails from one side in one hand and the other in the other hand wrap them around each other in a tight twist once. Trying to make it coil and the wrap to seem flat.
Continue to wrap these outward around the center coil until you have only about 1 ¼” tails are left and wire is across the band

Now wrap the tails around the band once and flatten with flat nose pliers.
Finish wrap on outside of band on top, to avoid any sharpness inside your ring.
File ends smooth and/or curl if any tail remains and you want a more fancy finish
Check for any sharp edges and lightly file if needed.

Check out my gallery/shop and see what other beauties I create.

0 Comments

3/23/2015 0 Comments

Coil and Beaded Bracelet

Tools

Round Nose pliers
Flat nose pliers
Flush cutters
File
3/8" Dowel

Materials

16 gauge wire 28”
Four 10-12mm beads

Check out the classes I offer for personal instruction.

Directions-swirl center

Cut one piece of wire 10” (small wrist do 8”) long File ends smooth
Hold wire at center on round nose pliers
Wrap each tail in opposite directions creating an outward spiral
Continue until you have gone around twice
Using flat nose pliers to hold swirl continue wrapping around until only a ⅜ -½ ” tail remains and center swirl is centered
Now make open loops on each tail going in opposite directions

Beaded Links

Cut 4 pieces 1 ½” long and smooth ends
Create medium size open loops on one end of each wire
Place on bead on each wire
Create open loop in opposite direction of first loop to trap bead on each wire (trim a hair,if bead has too much room)

Wire Coil Links ( these can also be used for earrings components)

Cut two pieces of wire 3 ¼” long and file ends of all of them
Do the same process as on the center coil to create link coils

Eye

Cut one piece of wire 3” long and smooth ends
Create open loop on one end
Holding this end wrap the tail around ⅜” dowel and wrap tail around wire under the large loop

Hook

Cut one piece of wire 2” and smooth ends
Create open loop on one end
Create tiny open loop on the other end
Now make an open swirl with flat nose pliers
Hook should look like a fancy s

*Gently hammer all the coil links including the center piece and the S hook.

Assembly

Open one end of a bead link and place the eye on it close up tightly
Open other bead link side and attach to small coil link,, repeat alternating pattern placing Center coil after second bead link.
Continue pattern after center ending with the hook.
Check all connections are closed up and smooth out any rough spots with your file
Should bracelet not lay comfortably around wrist, you can round inward each end loop on the coil links slightly.

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3/17/2015 0 Comments

All Wire Coil Bracelet

Tools

Round nose pliers
Flat nose or chain nose pliers
Flush cutters
File
1/8"-1/4" dowel (optional)
3/8" dowel or pen

Materials

18-16 gauge wire 36 1/2"

Creating the Center Coil

Cut 10" (medium wrist) or 8" (small wrist) of wire
Holding wire in the center with the round nose pliers begin wrapping tails in same direction around the tools nose.
Continue around at least one full spiral
Take wire off the round nose pliers and hold flat with flat nose pliers
Continue the spiral wrap until only 1/2" tail remains on either side of the spiral
Cut to center or even them up a bit ,file and then make loops going back from spiral to make hanging loops.

Making the Links and Jump rings

Cut four pieces of wire 3 1/4" long
Follow the same directions as for the large center spiral to create four smaller links
To make the jump rings use fattest part of round nose pliers and create a spring coil or use a 1/8"-1/4" dowel to do the same. Make spring coil go around enough times to make 6 jump rings
Take off the tool and cut the jump ring straight apart
Open them sideways gently and file seams to be smooth when closed

Creating the Hook and Eye
Eye

Cut a piece of wire 2 1/2" long and file ends
Create a open loop on one end
Wrap remaining tail around 3/8" dowel leaving enough room between open loop and dowel to wrap the tail around the wire.
Wrap twice and flush cut if needed
Smooth out any rough edges
Each loop should be going in opposite direction (twist if needed)

Hook

Cut one piece of wire 2" long and file ends
Create an open loop on one end
now make a small open loop on the other end
continue to spiral the small loop into a large loose loop making it look like a letter S

Hammer time and Assembly of the bracelet

Before assembling we need to do a little hammering
Gently hammer the hook.
Hammer the center spiral and all the spiral links
Make sure all loop ends are closed up tight

Now we are ready to assemble

Lay out all your pieces in order of assembly
Start with the hook end and using a jump ring attach it to a link
Now another jump ring and link
Next a jump ring and the center spiral
then jump ring and link
Jump ring and link
Finally jump ring and eye( if it seems to be a bit to small add a second jump ring on this end or both if needed)
Make sure all connections are closed up tight
You may slightly curve the outside loops of the links and spiral center to make the bracelet lay flatter
Check for any rough spots and file them or buff them out

Come see some of my work in my Gallery. Or come take a class with me in person.

0 Comments

3/17/2015 0 Comments

Beaded Wire Bracelet with Coil Center

Tools

Round nose pliers
Flat or chain nose pliers
Flush cutters
File
3/8" Dowel

Materials

16 gauge wire 2410"
6 10mm beads with large holes (big enough for 16 gauge wire)

Come see some of my Recycled Copper pieces

Making the Coil Center Piece

Cut 10" (medium wrist) or 8" (small wrist) of wire
Holding wire in the center with the round nose pliers begin wrapping tails in same direction around the tools nose.
Continue around at least one full spiral
Take wire off the round nose pliers and hold flat with flat nose pliers
Continue the spiral wrap until only 1/2" tail remains on either side of the spiral
Cut to center or even them up a bit ,file and then make loops going back from spiral to make hanging loops.
Hammer this piece to harden and or texture
Gently bend outer loops down in a slight cure to help it lay flatter on your wrist

Making the Beaded Links

Cut six pieces 1 1/2" long and file ends
Create a open loop on one end of each wire
Place bead on each wire
Create a second open loop on the other end to trap the bead (wire can be cut first if there is to much wiggle room )

Creating the Hook and Eye

Eye

Cut a piece of wire 2 1/2" long and file ends
Create a open loop on one end
Wrap remaining tail around 3/8" dowel leaving enough room between open loop and dowel to wrap the tail around the wire.
Wrap twice and flush cut if needed
Smooth out any rough edges
Each loop should be going in opposite direction (twist if needed)

Hook

Cut one piece of wire 2" long and file ends
Create an open loop on one end
now make a small open loop on the other end
continue to spiral the small loop into a large loose loop making it look like a letter S
Gently hammer the hook.

Assembling the Bracelet

You should now have a Center spiral, 6 beaded links, and a hook and eye.
Begin by laying all the pieces in order of assembly ( in case you have a bead pattern)
Start with the hook and gently open one of the beaded links end just enough to put the hook on and close it up.
Move to the next link and add it to the last beaded link
Repeat step 4 with another link
Now add the Spiral center
Add next beaded link
Repeat step 7 two more times
Now add your eye
Check all connections are closed up tight and you are done

Feeling you may want to learn this first hand with some help from me personally? Now you can. Join me at The Cape Cod Art Bar for a class! All materials included and you you can bring a glass of wine and some friends! I would love to meet you.

0 Comments

3/16/2015 0 Comments

I am Six (A poem about my hero)

I am writing today not about jewelry, cooking or crafts, but because of an incident that happened to my beautiful son on Friday. I was shocked that he had to deal with this problem so young, but it hits us all at every age. I felt compelled to tell of his experience and mine as his mom. It is so heart breaking to see your loved ones hurt by the foolishness and senselessness we call judgement. No one is above it and no one has the right to be so bold. But we have all either fallen victim or even been the victimizer. I am sad to say that there have been moments when out of pure cruel intent I have judged another because of their hair, their outfit, their expression even. But after seeing how hurt my son was and how he tried to rise above it, I will be much more careful to not perpetuate this nonsense. Who am I to judge you, or you me? I hope that perhaps we can try to remember to be kind to one another and to remember the golden rules a little better. All my love to you and yours.

By Dawn Rosell
3/16/2015

Dedicated to my son and all those that get bullied for being themselves. Don’t let them have power over you. Stand up for those that can’t stand up for themselves and never give up yourself for their approval.

I am Six

"Get ready for school", says mom
I am six

I am so excited to show my friends my new outfit
I am six

My new pants, vest, and shirt are so cool
I am six

I get on the bus with such excitement
I am six

"Those are stupid!"
They are seven
I am six

"You look like a pirate, how lame"
They are eight
I am six

My mommy made them special
I am six

I shove them in my backpack
I am six

I sit alone and I am sad
I am six

Mom says they are mean and not to hear their words
I am six

She loves me and is sorry for my hurt
I am six

She says if I like them they are cool
I am six

She says they are just jealous and bullies
I am six

She hugs me and says she will understand if I don’t want to wear them again
I am six

I think it over
I am six

I wear them
I am six

I am a cool pirate
I am six

I do hear their words, but I don't care
I am six

I love myself
I am six

0 Comments

3/11/2015 0 Comments

Wrap a Coin (Quarter) or 1" Cabochon

This wire wrap project is appropriate for a coin that is the size of a quarter (1"across) or a cabochon that is fairly flat and also about 1" across.
I got some of my information and the inspiration to create these directions from another artists sight. https://www.scribd.com/beadinggem Please visit this sight to get even more information on measurements for other sized coins. Or visit http://www.scribd.com/doc/91672366/How-to-Wire-Wrap-a-Coin-Pendant-Tutorial#scribd for their full instructions.

*If making something a different size you will need to change your wire length, possibly add the number of wires for bezel width (for the depth of the stone), and also use the correct size dowel for creating the frame for your bezel.

Tools

Round Nose Pliers
Flat Nose Pliers
Cutters
File
Painters tape
Sharpie
Ruler
7/8"-1” dowel
¼” dowel

Materials

20 gauge round or square wire 30”
20 gauge half round wire 12”
Quarter $.25 or 1" flat cabochon

Come have a look at my handy work!

Making the Bezel

1. Cut four wires of square wire 7 1/2” long.
2. Lay each wire side by side flat and wrap painters tape around both ends to secure.
3. Lay wires down and mark with sharpie the center (3 3/4")
4. Now measure out 3/4” from center on both sides and mark with sharpie
5. Now measure out 3/4” out from those marks on each side with sharpie.
6. Now you have five marks total, each 3/4" from each other.

7. With half round wire wrap the three center marked areas on the square bundle wire four times each (cut ends should all be on one side and away from edges, this will be the inside/wrong side.)

9. Now wrap wire bundle around the 1” dowel starting at the center wrap with the inside/wrong side facing the dowel.
10. Place coin or stone into center of bezel and check that the wires cross at the top where the remaining marks are, if they do not, adjust them so that they do.
11. Once you get the marks correct make 90 degree angles outward from the frame on the marks (these will be the bail wires)

Setting the coin/stone
11. Using half round wire, begin to wire wrap the wire tails tightly at the base of the bezel, wrap five times around front. you may trim it if you wish or leave it attached.
12. Remove painter's tape from tails

14. Place coin or stone into bezel and hold in place with painter's tape.
15. At each bezel wrap on the frame and at the center of each side of the bail wires create small bends in the outer wire only to hold coin. Start at the bottom of the coin and go up towards the top. Do on both sides of coin. Start with top and remove painter’s tape as needed to reach bottom area. Do this carefully so not to scratch coin. Remove or adjust painter's tape when as you go.

Making the Bail
Option one (with 1/2 round trimmed)
     15. Move back three to four wires closest to the front forward and gently away from the bail
16. At the bezel base place the ¼” dowel and wrap the four to five front square wires in a U shape towards the back.
   17. Then wrap them under and around the bail. Trim and flatten.
   18. Take remaining wires and create a swirl in towards the front, Trim and curl the ends.

Option two (with 1/2 round un-trimmed)
16. Wrap the four to five bail wires front to back around the 1/4" dowel.Use flat nose to bring them in close.
17. Wrap the bail with ½ round wire tightly, trim 1/2 round wire and re-tighten with flat nose pliers
18. Spread out the bail loops to look nice

19. Cut the back tails(4) to 3/4" , file smooth
20. Make tiny loops on small tails at the back of the coin and lay them flat against the coin
21. Finish remaining tails by filing them and curling them into soft coils or creating large loopy swirls towards the front.

Feel free to check out my other projects or just learn a little more about me and my passion.

0 Comments

3/2/2015 0 Comments

Chunky Monkey Cookies

I know these are not jewelry, but I also love to bake. I love chocolate chip cookies, Nestle is my favorite recipe, but like everyone else I am trying to make healthier choices. So I took their recipe and altered it a bit to make these very yummy cookies a bit healthier. They are still cookies and not good to eat loads of them but the sugar and fat content are better. So enjoy!

Ingredients

1 1/4 Cup all purpose flour
1 Cup Wheat flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 stick butter( I used salted, but unsalted is fine too)
1 over ripe banana
1/4 cup white sugar
1/4 cup dark brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla
2 eggs
1/2-1 cup chocolate chips
1/2-1 cup roasted unsalted almonds chopped

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees

Cream together softened butter and banana. Then cream the sugars into this mix. add vanilla and eggs and beat till well combined.

In a separate bowl mix together flours, baking soda and salt. combine both wet and dry ingredients. Now add chips and nuts. make 1" scoops or use a cookie scoop to place dough onto non stick cookie sheets ( used well seasoned stone wear sheets). They should be 1-2" apart. gently flatten with a fork. Bake for 10-12 minutes then remove to a cooling rack when done.

Yum!

0 Comments

3/2/2015 0 Comments

Chandelier Earrings

I love chandelier earrings and everything sparkly and I am guessing you do to. Here is a fairly basic patter to create a pair of two tiered loop chandelier earring with crystals. Of course you can take these and put even more sparkle, non at all or use your own style of bead.

Tools

Round nose pliers
Flat nose pliers
Cutters
File
⅜” Mandrel (dowel)
⅝” Mandrel (dowel)
Round pen with cap

Materials

20 gauge wire
16 gauge wire
5 beads/crystals 4-6 mm

Here is a few more projects I came up with and would love to share, enjoy!

Come join me at The Cape Cod Art Bar and take a class with me. Gets hands on experience in a relaxed atmosphere and go home with a treasure!

Foward facing Ear wires (Follow the link for this design and skip the jump ring for this style.)

Fish hook Ear wires (follow link for pictured directions)

Hoops and Jump rings

Cut two 2 ½” pieces and two 3 ½” pieces of 16 gauge wire and smooth ends
Wrap each 2 ½” piece around the ⅜” dowel to create a teardrop shape
Wrap each 3 ½” wire around the ⅝” dowel just like in step
To create jump rings wrap 16 gauge wire off spool around largest part of round nose pliers twice and cut at wire end to make two
Smooth wire ends of jump ring to create nice smooth finish

Beaded Drops

Cut 6 1” and 4 ¾” pieces of 20 gauge wire
make tiny open loops on one end of all these wires
Place beads onto the wires and create medium size open loops on other ends

Assembly

Create one open loop on one side of largest hoop
Place one short then long then short bead link onto loop
Create closed loop on other side
Pinch loops together and make a bend just under it to make the loops face upright
Make a loop on one end of smaller hoop
Feed through loops on larger hoop but also feed on one of the remaining bead links in between the loops
Close other end and pinch hoop and straighten loops
Open one jump ring and put on one the loop, the last bead link , the ear wire and then the last loop.

9. Close jump ring.