Do It Yourself Jewelry Projects and More

2/6/2018 0 Comments

Wire Weave Teardrop Pendant

Wire weaving can be very ornate and a bit daunting to attempt if you haven't tried it before, but you shouldn't let that keep you from giving it a go. I came up with a little trick after many failures to making a more uniform bezel and I began with a simple two wire base to get myself started. This smaller teardrop stone sits very well and securely and look beautiful in this design. The teardrop is the easiest shape besides a round for beginners, but with more practice and a little tweaking I am certain it could be used for almost any shape you wish to wrap. Let's give weaving this pendant a try shall we?

Tools

Round nose pliers
Flat nose pliers
Flush Cutter
Ruler
Sharpie
¼” dowel
½” blue painter tape

Materials

18g wire 18”
26-24g wire 3 ½-4 ft
¾ ” teardrop stone

Directions-Prep

Cut 18gauge wire into two even pieces (9”)
Lightly hammer these wires to slightly harden if using copper or soft wire
Mark center of the wires then mark out 1” on either side of the center mark

Weaving

Wrap 1”of thinner wire around one 18g wire on the outside the outer marks heading toward the center of the wire, one side of the wire only.
Place 18 gauge wires one on either side of the ¼” dowel not quite in the dowel center and tape them and the dowel together just to the outside of the wrap you just made.
Thin wire now goes over the short side of the dowel, then wrapped over and between the outside wire and the dowel.
Wrap around and between the wire and dowel three times

Weave back under the dowel and back to the first wire and wrap it three times
Alternate weaving back and forth under the dowel, until you get to the last mark on the wires
Be sure to keep smooshing the wires together and keep them about the same distance apart on the dowel as you weave.
Now trim wire 1” and wrap 18 gauge wire to finish weave ( it should be on opposite sides to the beginning of this weave
Trim and flatten wire towards the inside

Remove tape and shape the hammock around your stone. Shape as needed carefully
Bend front and back wires at top to capture the stone
Place the ¼” behind the tails at the base of the top of the pendant stone
Wrap two back wires around the ¼” dowel to create a bail leaving tails flat against the stone back

Using front wires wrap around the bail twice so tails end in the stone front
Trim and file front wires
Curl the front wires flat to make a pretty design and to help secure the stone.

Trim back wires and file
Curl them up towards the bail to finish ends

Make sure to visit my Etsy shop for something a little different!

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1/30/2018 0 Comments

Wire Wrap/Weave Donut Pendant

Donut stones can be quite stunning, but they can be equally confusing as to how to wrap them in a complimentary way. I love this wrap because it alternates between an open stone area to a wrapped area and back and forth. I also love how it has space between the frame and the stone making feel like it is floating. It is not a wrap that hides to much of the stone and it has a modern character. So if you want to learn how to wrap a donut stone into a frame like an expert, let's get on with it!

Tools

Round nose pliers
Flat nose pliers
Flush cutters
1/4" dowel (for bail)
Dowel for frame 1 1/4"
File
Rubber hammer and bench block (opt)

Materials

30mm Donut
16 gauge wire 8 ½”
24 gauge wire 4 ft

Directions

Wrap 18 gauge wire around the dowel (center it as best as you can)
Bend wires with flat nose pliers up in the center so that they lay next to one another and out away from the dowel in a 90 degree angle
Two inches in on the thinner wire, wrap it around and upward over the 18 gauge wires where they meet at the top of the circle until the two inches is all gone
Flatten the end with the flat nose pliers to tuck it in
Do not cut the long wire!

Take off the dowel and hammer the circle only to harden the frame, do not hammer the thin wire wrap.
Now wrap the thinner wire around the circle frame on one side 5 times
Begin the weave by wrapping the wire in between the stone and the frame then around the stone and back in between the frame and the stone. This creates a little space between the frame and the stone
Now wrap the frame five times before wrapping around the stone again.

Repeat the wrap of frame and stone until you cover ¼ of the frame and stone
End this section by wrapping the frame five times
Cut and flatten the end to the inside of the pendant

Now repeat wrap/weave that you did before starting at the center bottom of the frame heading up.
Begin with the five wraps around the frame then work your way up and end with five wraps
Trim and tuck the end into the inside of the pendant

Place the ¼” dowel behind the 18 gauge tails just above the thin wire wrap
Wrap the tails over the dowel and down the back of the pendant
Trim and file the tails just shorter than the stone hole.
Make tiny loops on the tails up wards and away from the stone

Be sure to go see some of my original work at my Etsy store!

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4/25/2017 0 Comments

Three Bead drop Earrings

If you want to learn how to make your own earrings, here is a super easy style to make. They have swing and sass and can be made with any beads you like. You don't need a lot of tools and they will take such little time to master. Let's get started!

Tools

Round nose pliers
Chain/Flat nose pliers
Cutters
⅝” Dowel (you can use the top of your favorite nail polish)
Emery board

Materials

20 gauge wire 11”
Two of each - 4mm beads, 6mm beads, 8mm beads

Check out my store too!

Directions
Hoop earwire

Cut two 20 gauge wires 2 ¼” long and file ends
Make an open loop one one end only of each wire
Shape around the ⅝” dowel with loop facing out
Hammer well to strengthen and flatten out the hoop
Reshape on the dowel so that opening is not to big and the earrings will stay on your ears

Beaded drops

Cut two wires each - ¾”, ⅞”, 1”
File ends of each wire
Make a loop with a back bend on one end of each wire
Place 4mm beads onto smallest wires, 6mm beads onto middle size wires, 8mm beads onto longest wires
Make a loop going in the opposite direction of the first loop (ie, front to back and side to side) on each wire to capture the beads
Open sideways one end loop on each bead drop
Now connect to each drop and close loop ,going largest to smallest then to the earwire

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6/8/2016 0 Comments

Tumbled Stone Ring

You went to the beach and collected tones of really cute shells, beach glass and stones. No wait you went to the bead store and raided all their cool polished stones. Now what? Well here is a fun project that you can do with all those awesome treasures. A wire wrap ring that is so fun you won't be ab;e to stop making them.

Materials

Tumbled stone (Preferably with angles and oblong)
18g wire 2.5-3.5ft (depending on stone and ring size)

Tools

Round nose pliers
Flat nose pliers
Cutters
File
Ring mandrel
Sharpie

Find wire center and mark it
Wrap wire around ring mandrel two times , starting at the top of the mandrel.
Use ½-1 size larger than the one you want to end with, exp I want a size 7 ring so I make band on a 7.5-8 on the mandrel.

Wrap the wires around each other going in opposite directions and keeping the flat against the band.
Continue wrapping these tails in a spiral fashion to create a rosette center for the stone to sit on

Place stone on the rosette
Wrap one tail around the stone two times then go under the band and across to the other side and wrap once around the other side
Wrap under the band and then around the band twice to secure the wrap
Cut the end on the outside of the band to 1/8" file and flatten it down on the outside band

Now wrap the other tail in the same manner around the stone and through the band to the other side of the ring.
Wrap twice around the band, cut to outside, file and flatten
If stone feels loose feel free to tweak the wires in a zig zag fashion under the band or all over to make an organic look.
Place back on the mandrel and reshape or size as needed.
Smooth out any scratches or dings with file or polishing clothe

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4/27/2016 0 Comments

Closed link Wire Wrap Bracelet

I know you have all seen these gorgeous closed link bracelets and wondered, could I make that? Well yes you can, and I am going to show you how.

A closed link technique can be used to make all kinds of chain designs, from these bracelets to earrings and full necklaces. It is one technique repeated over and over to make the chain. The difficult part is remembering to capture the last bead when making the new link. But if that happens just catch it in the next link, or making a matching set of earrings to go with the bracelet or necklace.

Tools

Cutters
Round nose plier
flat nose plier
¼” dowel
File

Materials

Chain (optional) 2"
22g wire 25"
20g wire 8"
8 beads size 10mm

Directions
Bead Links

Cut 22g wire into 8 pcs 3” long.
Create a loop on one end approximately ¾” from end of the wire tail.
Wrap wire closely together in a swirl motion( or coil) under the loop
With flat nose pliers flatten the wire in close

Place one bead on wire and create another loop about ⅛” away from bead
Make a loop about 1/9" away from bead and wrap the tail under the loop and around the wire to meet up with the bead and secure it.
Trim Excess if needed and flatten or tuck the end in to be smooth

Make your next bead link loop, but before you wrap the wire under the loop, make sure to catch the last bead links loop to create a chain.
Now place on bead
Make loop on other side of the bead
Repeat these steps until all eight beads are attached into a chain.

Hook and Eye Clasp
Eye

Cut 20g wire 3 ½”
Make a small loop with the 3 ½” wire like when you made the bead links and capture one end of the bead chain (and the safety chain into the loop, if you are using a chain) before wrapping it closed
Wrap long tail around the ¼” dowel about 1/8" away from finished small loop
Wrap the wire closed, under the dowel and loop until it meets the other coil making sure to trim or flatten the end

Hook

Cut 20 gauge wire 5 ½”
Make a small loop and capture the other end of the bead chain (and the safety chain as well, if using)
Wrap the wire under the loop
Now bend the tail at 1 3/4" from the finished loop and squeeze it tightly.

Holding the two wires still with your flat nose pliers wrap the remainder around the single shaft with your finger till you can not anymore.
Now switch the flat nose and with the round nose plier and continue to wrap the tail around closed and smooth
Make a loop in the double wire end around the dowel to make a hook that goes just past the finished loop
Gently bend or loop the end of the hook to make it neat

Make sure to visit my store.

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3/2/2016 0 Comments

Shamrock/Clover Earrings

I love Spring, as I am sure many of you do. One of the first signs of Spring in our family is the annual corn beef dinner on St Patrick's Day. I have very little Irish in my side of the family, but my husband's wonderful mother is mostly Irish and she makes a terrific feast for us all every year. So to celebrate the Irish in all of us, however small, I bring you these fun earrings that you can wear all Spring long.

Tools

Round nose pliers
Flat nose pliers
Wire cutters
File
Bic style pen with cap

Materials

4” of 20 gauge wire
12” of 18 gauge wire

Directions
Shamrocks

Cut 18 gauge wire into two 6 inch pieces
File end of each piece of wire
With round nose pliers create a small loop on one end of each 6 inch piece of wire.
Place loop face up under pen cap

Wrap wire just under half way around pen
Using flat nose pliers bend wire back away from loop

Place back under pen cap
Wrap wire around pen till wire almost meets
Using flat nose pliers bend wire back again

Now Bend wire with flat nose pliers into a 90 degree angle
Do it again using the tip of the tool
Bend again to finish making shamrock stem

Place under pen cap and wrap wire till it almost meets itself
Using flat nose pliers bend wire back

Place under pen cap and wrap wire around till it meets the beginning loop
Leave on pen and wrap tail around under the beginning loop

Trim excess tail and close loop
If you wish to adjust the loops now is the time
Repeat all the steps 1-18 to create other shamrock( feel free to use thw first one to help you make them close to the same, but remember they will most likely end up slightly different and that is perfectly ok)
You may gently hammer the shamrocks to flatten them, just do not hammer the top loops where they connect.

Now follow the fish hook ear wires link and assemble them onto the shamrocks to complete your earring so you can enjoy them. If you want to add some green go to this project and create the bead link to place in between the shamrock and the ear wires. Have fun and may these fun earrings bring you happiness.

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1/26/2016 0 Comments

Spiral Stone Caged Bracelet

This beautiful bracelet was inspired by Pearl Blay and her wonderful tutorial. My version can be done with an object that has no beading hole such as marbles. I also changed it a bit to create a slightly stronger bracelet, since I am very hard on bracelets. This technique can be adapted to make pendants or other pieces with smaller or larger objects to be caged, and the objects do not have to be perfectly round if you prefer a more organic look.

Tools

Round nose pliers
Flat nose or chain nose pliers
Cutters
File
⅛” dowel or coat hanger piece of wire as a mandrel
¼”-⅜” dowel
Hammer and block(for hardening)

Materials

Six to seven 12mm or so stones or glass
6.5ft 18g wire

While your here check out my store too.

Directions
Bead capture

Cut 6-7 pieces of wire 9” long
File all ends
Mark center of each wire
Make small loop on the ends of the wires going in opposite directions

Spiral around continuously till you reach the center mark on one side
Make same spiral on the opposite end going in the opposite direction to create a very fancy S
Repeat this for all 6-7 wires
Gently hammer all the spiral pieces to slightly harden them

Pull up the center spiral to make a loop connector on both ends
Fold each S in half to make spirals on top of one another
Gently grab the center of one spiral and pull outward to create a cup and repeat on other end creating cups

Gently open the spiral center and place the bead inside each cup and then re-close it to capture the beads

S Hook Connectors

Cut six pieces of wire into 3/4" size
File both ends of each wire
Create one loop on each side of the wire in opposite directions to create tiny s hooks
Gently hammer to harden

Clasp Hook and Eye
Eye

Cut one piece of wire 2" long
File ends and mark center
Wrap at center around a 1/4" dowel and wrap tail around the small stem
Now make a small loop with the remaining stem for a connector.

Hook

Cut one piece of wire 1 1/2" long
File both ends
Make a small loop on one end and make a back bend to create a lollipop
On the other end make a tiny loop and then curve it into a hook
Gently hammer the hook to strengthen

Assemble
*(Lay out all pieces in order to make it easier)

Now open the loops on the bead spirals and hook onto the connectors beginning with the eye clasp.
Close and tighten both connecting loops if needed
Alternate between connectors and beads until it is long enough and then place the hook connector on last
Go back and just make sure all connections are tight and strong

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1/2/2016 0 Comments

Cross Wrap Ring

So you have a box of found objects that are collecting dust and you only bring them out once in a while when your feeling nostalgic, right? Well I decided it was time to do something great with those objects and enjoy them every day. I was inspired by a design I saw by Eva Marie Sherman and I tweaked it a bit to show more of the object and I also did a few trial runs to perfect it for my design. The technique is not difficult but the wrap can be tricky because that cool object wants to get away back into the box, But you can do it and with practice you'll be a pro in no time.

So go get that box and your tools and let's get started!

Tools

Wire cutters
Flat nose pliers
File
Ring mandrel

Materials

Found object (no larger than a nickle, preferably not to round or circular)
3 pcs of 20 gauge dead soft wire (round or square) 10" long each

Directions

1. Lay the three wires flat next to each other and tape the together keeping them parallel to one another.
2. Mark the center of the wires on the tape

lace center of wires onto ring mandrel 1/2 size larger than finished ring will be.
Wrap wires around to front center of mandrel crossing the wires
Holding the shank twist the wires around each other keeping the wires parallel
Continue to twist them around in a spiral design trying to keep them as flat and parallel as possible and make one rotation

Turn over mandrel and press down on the ring to flatten the wires and create a good base for your object
Make sure twist is tight on the mandrel
Place object onto the ring and adjust the direction of the wires to create a good capture

Holding the object on the shank, fold over one set of wires across it trying to keep the object centered and the wires parallel
Now fold over the other wire across the object as well
Cross and twist the wires around each other like we did to create the base. We are only crossing them once not a full rotation around each other.
Make sure wires are still parallel and that they are going to hold the object secure when wrapped under the shank.

Before we take the ring off the mandrel do any size adjusting (remeber ring should be 1/2 size larger now than when it is finished) making sure the object is tight and secured properly, and that the wires are facing the shank they will wrap around.
Wrap one side of the wires under the shank keeping them snug on the object and keeping the object centered.
Fold wires around the shank and wrap over

Trim wires and either tuck them under between the object and shank to prevent scratching the wearer or wrap the wires flat on the outside of the shank and file them.
Now wrap the opposite side in the same way to finish the wrapping

Place the ring back on the mandrel to check size and reshape if needed. You may gently hammer the shank if it is smaller than you wanted
Remove tape, polish and show off!

0 Comments

11/18/2015 0 Comments

Large Leaf Hoop Earrings

These fun earrings can be made for fall in copper or gold and with browns ,reds and dark greens or for Summer/Spring in silver with lighter greens and blues. Let your imagination go wild and make a set for every season! This is a beginner project with some difficulty.

Dawn Rosell Design.com

Tools

Ruler
Round Pen with cap
Emery board(nail file)
Round nose pliers
Flat nose or smooth chain nose pliers
Wire cutters

Materials

16” of 18 gauge round wire
3.5” of 20 gauge round wire
2 6mm beads

Directions
To create the ear wires for this project, go to my tutorial Simple Fish hook Ear wires

Leaf Component

Cut 16” 18 gauge wire in half to make two wires 8” long
File both ends smooth
On one end of each wire make a small loop then back bend it to make it centered to remaining wire

Place one bead onto each wire
Now make a 90 degree angle in the wire about ⅛”- ¼” away from the bead
This should leave you with approximately 7” of wire left from the bend

Place your round nose pliers on the wire at 2 ½” from the last bend of the wire
Wrap the wire tail around the pliers to make a sharp bend in the wire
Gently unbend the 90 degree angle just a bit to readjust the wire

Don't forget to check out some of my store designs as well!

Open slightly the sharp bend at the bottom
Gently Sliding your finger from the top bend down to the bottom bend and adding a small amount of pressure as you slide create a curve in both your wires
Place round nose pliers at the bottom bend with the tools out nose holding the outer wire
Bend back the wire away from the center just a bit

Sliding your finger gently with a small amount of pressure create a rounding on the opposite side from the bend to the top so the wire crosses itself
Tweak the shape a bit if you wish to but remember they do not have to be exactly the same, just close to the same.
Holding the two wires tightly where they cross wrap the end wire under the bead and through the leaf just using your finger to do this

Now bend the end wire up again and under the last wrap stopping when the wire is in the center of the leaf(If you need to use the flat nose pliers to make a tighter wrap feel free just don’t use to hard a hand or you will warp the leaf)
Use flat nose pliers to tighten
Now using the slide method with your finger again make the vein curved and more centered
Now just open the ear wires and place the leaves on and close the loops, to finish your fun earrings

*If you have done any hammering before you may gently and carefully hammer the fish hook wires and leaves before assembling them together, just watch out for the connections and the beads.

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5/13/2015 0 Comments

Adjustable Wire Ring

Tools

Round nose pliers
Flat nose pliers
Flush cutters
Ring Mandrel or dowel the correct size
File

Materials

6” of 16 or 18 gauge wire
One 6mm bead with large enough hole
Two 4mm beads with large enough hole

Check out my other free tutorials!

Directions

File one end of 6” wire
Make a small loop on this end
Place beads onto wire

With tip of round nose pliers grab wire right under the beads and bend the wire so that the small loop is facing outwards
Now wrap the remaining wire around the dowel or ring mandrel(I use a size 7 ½ )
Also round out the beaded section by pushing on the ring around the mandrel or dowel( you can use your flat nose pliers to help you)

Where the long tail meets the small loop place your round nose pliers
Make a bend in the tail wire, going back in the direction of the bead section
Cut tail so it is no longer than where the bead section begins
File end smooth
Make a medium loop to finish off the wire end
If you removed the wire from the mandrel to do these steps place it back on to reshape it

Visit my Gallery/Shop for other designs made by me!

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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.

0 Comments

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

3/11/2015 2 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.

2 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.

Also Checkout some of my handmade pieces as well

0 Comments

4/9/2014 0 Comments

DIY Rock and Roll Hoop Earrings

Always wanted to learn how to make some fun and fashionable earrings? Well lets get to it! These earrings not only have swing and a little rock and roll personality, they are fairly easy to make yourself and you can change them to suit your limitless imagination and bead supply, which ever comes first.

Supplies and Tools

12" of 18 gauge wire
18" Chain with links open enough for wire. (I recycled a broken necklace)
Twelve 6mm ball beads
One set ear wires
Wire Cutters
Round nose pliers
Shot Glass (preferably empty, so bottoms up)

Direction

Cut wire in half to make two pieces 6" long
Make a loop at one end of each wire with round nose pliers
Wrap wire around the shot glass close to the top with the loops facing out. This should create a teardrop shape.

4. Cut chain into 14 pieces 1"(there may be a very tiny chain left but we are losing one ring each time we cut, so do not cut them longer).

5. Slide one chain then one ball onto the hoop alternating till you have 7 chains and six balls on each hoop. Do not worry if the wire gets a little warped, you can reshape it on the shot glass if needed.

6. Now make a loop on the other end that goes around under the other loop and close it.

7. Add your DIY ear wire and you have a pair of real rock and roll earrings

Gallery/Shop

0 Comments

4/7/2014 0 Comments

Making a metal bangle bracelet

Making a metal bracelet with a center bead can be done with a few tools and is a great beginner project for learning wire shaping. I love these bangles because you can stack the bracelets and they take very little time to make when you get the hang of it.

Supplies and Tools

14 gauge copper wire
16-18 gauge copper wire
Bead/s of choice with large enough whole to put the 16-18 gauge wire through
Round nose pliers
Flat nose pliers
Wire cutters
Emery board
Round pencil or pen
Sturdy round object about 2" across(exp wooden dowel, plastic bottle, or thick drinking glass)
Jewelers Hammer and block(optional)

Directions

1. Cut the 16-18 gauge wire to 4"

2. Cut the 14 gauge wire to 6 1/2(small) , 7"(medium) or 7 1/2"(large)

3. Using emery board gently round and soften the ends so they do not scratch you

4. Slide bead/s onto the 16-18 gauge wire centering the beads

5. Using the round nose pliers bend each side down about 45 degrees

6. Using the pen or pencil and your fingers if possible wrap the wire around and cross over the wire.( if you are good with round nose pliers you can do it without the pen)

7. Using the flat nose pliers wrap the wire around twice for a clean and secure conection

8. Hammer one end of the 14 gauge wire approximately 1/2" from end to flatten slightly, then using the emery board smooth out edges (If you do not have a hammer, do not panic. This step can be left out. I like to do it for a cleaner more professional look).

9. Using widest part of your round nose pliers hook the other end but do not close the loop completely yet.

10. Using the 2" round object you have wrap the wire around it to form a open circle with your loop facing out.

11.Using the round pliers make a half circle on the other end facing out.