ECT TV Episode 46: Wire Spiral Pendant
I love spirals and today we're making a really cool but simple wire spiral pendant on ECT TV episode 46!Watch the video tutorial here:Symbolism in SpiralsI have been drawn to spirals for quite a while. I use them quite often in jewelry designs. In fact, I have done 10 free jewelry tutorials involving spirals on my blog. (I linked them all below!) They look cool, but they have a lot of meaning, too.I always have thought about the meaning of spiral being that in your life you'll come around to the same spot again (same situation, etc.) in your life, but the next time you have more understanding and be able to deal with that situation or use past information to handle the situation much better this time.I did some research and found more symbolism for spirals. Maybe you'll find something that resonates with you in this list:
- In spirituality, spirals symbolize the path leading from outer consciousness to inner. (Ego to enlightenment.)
- Spirals can represent the consciousness of nature beginning from the core or center and expanding out.
- Spirals symbolize growth, evolution, coming back to the same point in your life but with new understanding.
- Female energy and the womb.
- Constant change.
- Harmony, beginning, concentration and focus.
- Journey, direction and progress.
- Infinity.
- In Celtic symbolism spirals play a huge role. It usually symbolizes birth, development and expansion.
Whether you find symbolic meaning in spirals or if you just think they are a cool shape, you're going to love this simple and fun tutorial!Wire Spiral Pendant Tutorial in Step-by-Step Photos:
Tools and Materials:
- 16 gauge dead soft round wire
- Wire cutters
- Chain nose pliers
- Round nose pliers
- Hammer and steel block
Wire: I used 16 gauge wire, but you can try larger and smaller gauge wire. The larger the gauge the larger the pendant will be. I wouldn't recommend using smaller than 18 gauge wire though.Hammers: I used a chasing hammer (pictured above) to flatten the pendant. If you would like the wire to keep it's round shape, use a rawhide, nylon or plastic hammer to harden the wire without flattening it.Step #1
For this pendant we'll work from the coil, meaning do not cut the wire off the coil.To start make sure you have a flush cut on the end.Step #2
Make a loop at the end of the wire.Hold the wire with round nose pliers so the wire is at the top of the pliers but not poking through. You should be able to run your finger over the top of the pliers.Twist your wrist away from you and wrap the wire around the pliers. Once you've gone as far as your wrist will allow, readjust the pliers, your wrist and the wire and complete the loop.It will look like a "P."Step #3
We're going to spiral around that original loop. To do that hold the loop in chain nose pliers.Step #4
Push the wire up. Then readjust the loop in the chain nose pliers and do it again.Hint:
As you're spiraling and moving the pliers, keep the pliers positioned close to the loose wire and just do the spiral a tiny bit at a time.Step #5
Continue to spiral until it's the size you would like. I made mine about the size of a quarter.Step #6
Cut the wire making sure you make a flush cut.Step #7
Make a loop just like you did to start the spiral. Make sure you make it large enough to fit a chain or cord through.Step #8
Use your chain nose pliers to twist the loop so it's perpendicular to the spiral (so it will hang correctly when you place it on a cord or chain.)Step #9
Hold the pendant with the loop off the side of the steel block and hammer the pendant. See note above about hammers.Step #10
If you want, you can also hammer the loop.Step #11
Add your favorite chain or cord and wear your new pendant!More Spiral Tutorials:
My new Beaded Spiral Pendant eWorkshop. These pendants are so pretty and fun to make that I've made several! If you like today's tutorial, you'll love this eWorkshop. Learn more about it here.ECT TV Episode 41: Spiral and Bead Link EarringsAdjustable Spiral and Bead Ring Video TutorialECT TV Episode 34: Open Spiral Headpin Spiral Toggle Clasp Tutorial
Spiral Wire Ring Individual Jewelry PatternECT TV Episode 21: Adjustable Spiral RingECT TV Episode 12: Spiral Charm PendantSpiral and Dangle Earrings TutorialSpiral Earring WiresSpiral and Gemstone Chip EarringsAnother pair of Spiral EarringsHopefully you'll find something in that list you like!Remember if you make this project, I'd love to see it! Use the hashtag #ECTTV on Instagram. (Follow me @KimberlieKohler) or post it on the Emerging Creatively Tutorials Facebook page---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Get a PDF eBook of each new ECT TV Episode when the episode is published right in your inbox every time a new one is available by signing up for my email newsletter!You'll also be the first to know about new patterns, eWorkshops and classes and you automatically get my completely FREE 14 day eCourse, Intro to Jewelry Making when you sign up. Just fill out the form below: