ECT TV Episode 63: Interlocking Wire Wrapped Bead Link Necklace
Today I have a new episode of Emerging Creatively Tutorials TV (ECT TV)!In this week's video tutorial, I'll teach you how to make a bead link and then teach you how to interlock them so you do not need jump rings to connect them and we'll make a necklace!Here's today's video episode:
Step-by-Step Photo Instructions:These are the step-by-step photo instructions of the exact tutorial that's in the video.Tools and Materials:
- Focal bead *
- 8mm Czech glass beads *
- 20 gauge, half-hard round wire, any metal.
- 2 jump rings
- Clasp
- Wire cutters
- Round nose pliers
- Chain nose pliers
- Bent nose pliers
*Beads: You can use any beads of your choice and you don't necessarily need a focal bead. You could just make a strand of the same bead.Wire: You really can use any wire you like, but if you are just getting started with wire wrapping I suggest experimenting with a less expensive wire such as copper, brass or silver plated to get started.Step #1
Cut approximately 6 inches of wire.Hold the wire in round nose pliers about 1 1/2" from the top.Step #2
Wrap the wire around round nose pliers forming a loop.Step #3
The loop is off to the side and we want it centered on the top, so we need to straighten it.To straighten it hold the loop in chain nose pliers. Make one wrap with the short end around the long end and while you're wrapping pull the long end out straight.{Note: there are other ways to straighten the loop. This is just my way. If you prefer another way, go ahead and do it that way.}Step #4
Now make 2 more wraps.Step #5
Trim off any excess wire and make sure the end is not poking out.Step #6
Slide a bead on the wire.Step #7
Hold the wire above the bead with round nose pliers. Just leave a bit of space.Step #8
Wrap the wire around the round nose pliers to form a loop.Step #9
Straighten the loop by holding the loop in chain nose pliers and while wrapping the wire pull the bead out straight.Step #10
Wrap around 2 more times.Step #11
Trim off any excess wire and make sure that the end isn't poking out.Now we have one completed wire wrapped bead link. You follow these directions for the first bead link only.Note: If you're using a focal bead, you may want to start in the middle with the focal bead and work your way out with the rest of the beads.Step #12
Follow Steps #1 and #2 cutting 6 inches of wire and forming a loop.Do not wrap it closed yet!Step #13
Slide a loop of the first wire wrapped bead link you made into the loop.Step #14
Now simply slide the wire wrapped bead link off to the side and finish making the wire wrapped bead link you started following the previous steps.
Step #15
Continue adding bead links until your necklace is the desired length.Hint: If you accidentally complete a wire wrapped bead link without adding it, there is a tip for adding it in the video tutorial.Step #16
Use a jump ring to attach the clasp to the ends.If you need help opening and closing jump rings, you can watch this quick video: How to Properly Open and Close Jump Rings.
And that's the completed necklace.Of course, you can use this technique to make other jewelry pieces as well, such as bracelets.
I have a new eWorkshop! The Decorative Wire Wrapped Bracelet eWorkshop. In it you'll learn 6 different techniques to make unique wire wrapped bead links!Put them all together to make a fun bracelet or use the techniques in other jewelry pieces.You get a total of 9 videos (6 techniques, an introduction, tools and materials and putting it all together) and a 35 page eBook with around 100 photos and clear step-by-step instructions.Learn more and get it here. Once you purchase you have immediate access to the eWorkshop!
