Cairn Pendant Video Tutorial (Stacked Bead Pendant with Paddle Headpin)

Sep 6

You know those little stacks of rocks you see sometimes maybe in the woods or by a river or the ocean? They’re called cairns. And today’s tutorial is inspired by them.

They are actually bad for eco-systems and we should just leave the rocks where they are, but we can use some gemstone chunks to create a pretty piece of jewelry inspired by them.

In the video I used bigger gemstone chunks for the pendant, but I also made a sweet pendant with gemstone chips. You could also use the same technique to make earrings with the lighter gemstone chips.

Here’s the video tutorial:

Tools and Materials Needed:

Gemstone chips or chunks (sometimes called rough nugget gemstone beads)
Wire - I used 18 gauge silver Parawire to make the pendant in the video; I used 20 gauge to make the smaller pendant. I use Parawire brand almost exclusively. It’s non-tarnish and I never have had any issues with it. Use the largest wire that will fit through your bead.
Wire cutters
Chain nose pliers
Bent nose pliers
Round nose pliers
Chasing hammer and steel block or anvil
Jewelry file

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