ECT TV Episode 47: Dangle Spiral Earrings

In this episode of Emerging Creatively Tutorials TV, I continue on in my "Spirals Phase" and show you how to make Dangle Spiral Earrings.These earrings go great with either ECT TV 46's Wire Spiral Pendant or the Beaded Spiral Pendant eWorkshop.Watch the episode here:Tutorial in Step-by-Step Photos:Tools and Materials:

• 20 gauge half-hard round wire *
• 2 earring wires **
• 2 4mm jump rings
• Wire cutters
• Round nose pliers
• Chain nose pliers
• Bent nose pliers
• Chasing hammer and steel block or anvil

* You can use any metal you like.  If you're just starting, start out with less expensive wire such as silver plated copper, copper or brass until you get the hang of it.** You can use store bought earring wires or make your own.  I show you how to make your own earring wires here.Step #1Cut the 20 gauge wire in 6 pieces:

• 2 pieces at 3 1/2"
• 2 pieces at 3 1/4"
• 2 pieces at 3"

Note:  It's more important that you cut the wire in pairs than the actual size.  You can experiment with different lengths if you want your earrings longer or shorter.Step #2Flush cut each end of each wire.  To make a flush cut, use the back, flat end toward what you're cutting.Step #3I'll show you on one wire and then repeat this on each wire.First make a loop on the end of the wire.  Hold the wire in round nose pliers as close to the tip of the round nose pliers as you can.  The wire should be at the top of the pliers but not poking through.  (You should be able to run your finger over it.)Twist the wrist holding the pliers away from you while using your other thumb to wrap the wire around one barrel of the pliers.Twist as far as your wrist will go, readjust your wrist and the pliers and wire and then complete the loop.  It should look like a "P."Step #4Hold the loop in chain nose pliers.Step #5 Push the wire up.  Then readjust the loop in chain nose pliers so it's to the side again and repeat.  Continue to do this to spiral around.I spiraled 3 1/2 times for my spiral.  You do not have to go around the same number of times as I did, but keep all your spirals consistent for all of your wires.Step #6The spiral is off to the side and we want the wire straight up the middle.  Use chain nose pliers to bend the wire straight up.Step #7Repeat for all 6 wires.Step #8Make a loop at the other end of each wire just like you did at the beginning.Step #9 Center the loop on the top of the wire.  Just place your round nose pliers back in the loop and kind of roll it back into place.Step #10Use chain nose pliers to bend the loop so it's perpendicular to the spiral.  Pay attention to do this the same way for all your spiral dangles.Step #11This part is more optional, but if you want a hammered look, hammer the spiral.  I only hammered the spiral.  If you do not want a hammered look you can use a rawhide or nylon hammer to harden your spiral without flattening the wire.Step #12Open a jump ring.  For a quick video on opening and closing jump rings, click here.Add the spiral dangles to the jump ring starting with the largest, then the medium size and finally the shortest.Close the jump ring.Step #13Open an earring wire (it's similar to opening a jump ring.)Step #14Add the jump ring and close the earring wire.  Repeat for the second earring!I hope you like these earrings as much as I do (and that you're not sick of spirals yet!)  I'm calling it my "Spiral Phase."If you can't get enough spirals here are some more things you can check out:

• Beaded Spiral Pendant eWorkshop.  These pendants are gorgeous!
• Spiral Wire Pendant (free ECT TV episode 46)
• Spiral Wire Jewelry eBook

Plus I'll have a brand new Hammered Spiral Bracelet eWorkshop ready very soon!!Additional resources:New to working with wire and maybe found this challenging?  Check out my free Wire Workshop and make sure you sign up for my free 14 Day Intro to Jewelry Making eCourse (which also signs you up for my weekly newsletter!)You may also love my Wire Wrapping for Beginners eBook or print book if you're just starting.If you make this project and share it on Instagram, use the hashtag #ECTTV and you can follow me here:  @KimberlieKohlerOr you can post a photo on my Facebook page.Coming up in September!!  Earrings Every Day Month.  Learn about the completely free event or sign up for the premium (a tutorial every single day) here.