ECT TV Episode 35: How to Make an Adjustable Wire Heart Ring
In this episode of ECT TV, learn how to make an adjustable heart ring. It's very cute and relatively quick to make.Here's the video tutorial:
If you learn better via photos, here's the photo tutorial for the Adjustable Wire Heart Ring:
Tools and Materials:
- 18 gauge half-hard round wire
- Ring mandrel or other cylindrical object to form your ring around
- Wire cutters
- Round nose pliers
- Chain nose pliers
Step #1
We'll work right off the spool (so don't cut a length of wire off.) Make a flush cut on the end of the wire.Step #2
Hold the wire about four inches from the end in round nose pliers.Step #3
Make the first curve of the heart by wrapping the wire around round nose pliers at the largest part of the pliers (nearest the handle.)Step #4
Close to the top of the curve, use your round nose pliers to bend up the wire.Step #5
Use round nose pliers to make the second curve in the heart.Step #6
Use chain nose pliers to pinch together the middle.Step #7
Cross the wires and form a heart shape.Step #8
Hold the heart in chain nose pliers.Step #9
Wrap the short wire around the longer wire under the heart shape a few times.Step #10
Cut off the excess wire. Try to do the cut on the top of the wire. Make sure the end is not poking out.Step #11
If your wraps weren't close together, you can pull them together with chain nose pliers.Step #12
Wrap around your ring mandrel about 1 to 2 sizes smaller than the size of your finger. I have found with adjustable rings it's always better to go a little small and then you can adjust it larger. If you start too big, it will always be too big.Step #13
Now cut the wire, leaving a few inches of extra wire if you are making a spiral. (You could instead just make a loop.Step #14
Now make a spiral pointing out away from the heart. Hold the wire in round nose pliers. Hold the wire in the pliers so it's at the top of the pliers, but you should be able to run your finger over the pliers and not feel it poking through.Twist your wrist away from you while wrapping the wire around the pliers. When you've twisted your wrist as far as it will go, readjust your wrist and the pliers and complete the loop.Step #15
Hold the loop in chain nose pliers and start to make a spiral. Push the wire up.
Then readjust the wire so it is out to the side again. Continue making the spiral until it's next to the heart.If you need more help making a spiral, see the video or see this post on how to make an adjustable spiral ring.
If you need to place the ring back onto your ring mandrel to make sure the ring still is in a ring shape.(You can lightly hammer the ring with a rawhide or nylon hammer to help it keep its shape, but I have found with the 18 gauge wire it does hold its shape well.)
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