How to Make Earring Wires with Beads
Want to add a little something extra to your earring wires?Learn how to make earring wires with beads and then you can customize your next pair of earrings even more!Watch the video tutorial:
Step-by-Step Photo Instructions:These are the same instructions as the video, but in photos.Tools and Materials:
- 20 gauge half-hard wire
- 2 beads
- Wire cutters
- Round nose pliers
- Chain nose pliers
- Sharpie or something cylindrical to form a bend around (I used my ring mandrel)
- Jewelry file or burr cup
Step #1
Cut 2 pieces of wire. I cut mine 2 1/2 inches long, but you can make them longer or shorter depending how large you'd like your earring wires.Just make sure they're the same length.Step #2
Make sure each end has a flush cut. (To make a flush cut, use the back/flat side of your wire cutters toward the "work" or your project.)Step #3
Make a loop at the end of each wire.To make a loop: hold the wire in round nose pliers. The wire should be at the top of the pliers, but not poking through. Twist your wrist away from you forming a loop in the wire.Step #4
Slide a bead on each wire.Step #5
Line up the wires and then bend them around something cylindrical (such as a sharpie or the small end of your ring mandrel.)Step #6
Hold the earring wires together and make an outward bend at the end of the wire using chain nose pliers.Step #7
Round the end of the wire with a jewelry file, burr cup or wire rounder.Optional: You can hammer the earring wires to harden the wire with a rawhide or nylon hammer. Just make sure to hold the bead off to the side of your steel block or anvil.Now you have super cute earring wires to use in your earring designs! Just customize them with a bead that matches the earrings you create!
Are you ready for a jewelry challenge?Join Earrings Every Day Month and you'll be challenged to make a pair of earrings every day for the month of September!Learn more and sign up here: Earrings Every Day Month
