After I took a class to learn how to make earwires, I started thinking about what else I could make with wire and different sized mandrels. I have been wanting to make my own wire findings. I have even played around with a jig, but we'll get to that later.
This Christmas, I made earrings for my in-laws, including my stepson's mother. She has gauged ears, so I decided to try making earwires for gauged ears based on what I thought would work. What I came up with was a fun, swirly hoop. After making them, I thought they would also make a fun finding for earrings as well.
Thus, my swirly earring finding was born!
Required Techniques
Here are a couple tutorials that will aid you in working with wire. Please give them a read.- Wire 1: Basic Loop – required for a basic understanding of wire working, work hardening, basic wire tools (pliers, wire cutters), eye fatigue, etc.
- Easy Peasy Earwires - working with mandrels and tools for hardening wire.
Materials
- Earwire
- 18 or 16 gauge, half hard, German jewelry wire - remember, the smaller the number the thicker the wire. I used 16 gauge wire; however, this wire is pretty thick and may be a little more challenging to work with. I think 18 gauge wire would have worked just as well. Read my Wire 1 review for more information on wire and hardness.
Tools
- Side cutters
- Needle nose pliers
- Hammer
- Bench Block
- Mandrel - a mandrel can be anything. In this tutorial I used a finger mandrel; however, I could have used a prescription bottle or a bottle from my spice rack. Choose a mandrel slightly smaller then your desired shape, since the wire will spring out to a larger size.
Steps
Alternative Designs
You may want to make your earwire such that the eye faces forwards, perpendicular to the hook. This would allow the hoop to lay flat against the face. The way I made it the circle sometimes lays flat against my face, but prefers to face forward, showing off it's shape.You could also flip the finding over and attach the earwire to the larger circle, allowing it to be loose in the earwire. You could then attach beads to the outer P, which is now at the bottom. This is how I made the earwires for my stepson's mother, who has gauged ears.
I used the same thank you card stationary from my previous project to make jewelry cards for this project. I LOVE the yellow background in contrast to the black beads.
So what do you think of my new earrings?
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They are really pretty! I'm always amazed at the jewelry people make and these are no exception. Simple and classy. Maybe it's time I jumped on the jewelry making wagon and try my own ;)
ReplyDeleteHey, would love if you thought about guest posting one of your projects at Inspiration Cafe sometime!
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Wow, girl! You've definitely got some sweet jewelry making skills. I am definitely a hoop girl - - I have a few faithful pairs I always turn to when I'm not sure what will work best - - they always come through in a pinch. And the stationery you used as your backing is so bright a beautiful - - nice choice there. Thanks for sharing this lovely tute and your beautiful creations with us.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Lauren! I am getting more into hoops these days. I'm really digging these earrings. They are super light weight and fun. I'm really happy with how that stationary turned out. So much so, I had to make a second card for me!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for inviting me! I am really flattered. I just read the "How to Write a Guest Post." I've followed you on Facebook and Pinterest as well as following Inspiration Cafe through bloglovin'. I will send you an email.
ReplyDeleteYou really do have some mad skills...this is a great tutorial for someone like me who can barely thread a needle.. Love the earrings!!!
ReplyDeleteYou did a really good job. i don't think I could have made 2 identical circles, much less more than one set. they are really pretty
ReplyDeleteThank you!!! They are pretty fun.
ReplyDeleteThank you! I am really happy with how they turned out.
ReplyDeleteI love your design! It's so pretty, creative, and versatile! Nicely done!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much!
ReplyDeleteVery pretty! Thanks for linking up at my Pin Me Linky Party.
ReplyDeleteThank you! Your Pin Me party is great!
ReplyDeleteI just sprinkled this post at all my favorite places!!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing at Freedom Fridays and thank you for being one of my Five Faves!!
Have a super day!!
Thank you so much!!! I was over the moon that you featured me. I am really excited about it! Thank you!!!
ReplyDeleteI love this!! The black and silver looks so great!
ReplyDeleteI love how the black and silver look on the yellow card. It turned out really well and really fit the person I was giving it to. Thanks for stopping by!
ReplyDelete