ECT TV Episode 12: Spiral Charm Pendant

ECT TVHow to Make PendantsJewelry Tutorials
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ECT TV Episode 12Here's the video:Using Jewelry Tutorials as Creative Inspiration:I share jewelry tutorials and techniques so that my you, my readers and viewers, can learn to make jewelry to express your creativity.  So you can most definitely follow my tutorial exactly with the exact materials and supplies I use, but I encourage you to experiment and try different things.The centerpiece for this tutorial are the gorgeous turquoise nuggets.  I love turquoise and I love these nuggets a lot.  Maybe you don't, though.  Try some different beads.  Or maybe you love the turquoise, but you don't love what I did with it.  Then get yourself the turquoise and do something different with it.Maybe you don't like the pendant, but like the spiral.  Use that technique on something different then.Use the inspiration from the tutorials I share as a jumping off point to express your own creativity!Wire Wrapped Charm PendantIn Episode 12, I made the pendant slightly smaller and used 3 dangles instead of the 4 here.  Try your pendant either way!IMG_6505 Don't you just love the natural look of these gorgeous turquoise nuggets?How to Make a Wire Wrapped Charm PendantMaterials and Tools:

  • Natural Turquoise Nugget Beads 12-16mm - 4; From Happy Mango Beads
  • 18 gauge copper wire
  • 20 gauge copper wire
  • 4 copper jump rings
  • Ring mandrel, broom handle or any other item that you have around the house to form a circle.
  • Ruler.
  • Wire cutters
  • Round nose pliers
  • Chain nose pliers
  • A second pair of pliers - I used bent nose pliers.

Step #1 How to Make a wire wrapped charm pendantFirst we'll be making spiral headpins.Cut a piece of 20 gauge wire about 3 inches long.Step #2 How to make a wire wrapped charm pendantGrasp the wire with round nose pliers. The end should not be sticking out of the pliers, you can run your finger over it to make sure.Step #3 How to make a wire wrapped charm pendantTwist your wrist away from you to form a loop. Twist your wrist as far as you can then carefully release the wire and reposition the pliers, keeping the wire on the same part of the pliers and twist again. How to make a wire wrapped charm pendantStep #4 How to make a wire wrapped charm pendantHold the loop with chain nose pliers and bend the wire around the loop using your hand. Keep moving the loop in the pliers as you go around.Step #5 How to Make a Wire Wrapped Charm PendantHow to Make a Wire Wrapped Charm PendantGo all the way around twice. (Or however many times you prefer.)Step #6 How to Make a Wire Wrapped Charm PendantUsing your pliers, bend the wire to make it straight as shown.Step #7 Repeat this 4 times to make 4 headpins.Step #8 How to Make a Wire Wrapped Charm PendantSlide one of the Happy Mango Beads Turquoise Nuggets onto the headpin you just made.Step #9 How to Make a Wire Wrapped Charm PendantHold the wire just above the wire, leaving just a little bit of room.Step #10 How to Make a Wire Wrapped Charm PendantHow to Make a Wire Wrapped Charm PendantWrap the wire down and around the barrel of the pliers. Then start a wrap around the wire.Step #11 How to Make a Wire Wrapped Charm PendantRemove from the pliers and then straighten the loop so it's centered above the bead.Step #12 How to Make a Wire Wrapped Charm Pendant Continue wrapping in the same direction to finish the wrap. Clip off any excess wire if necessary. Repeat for all 4 of the turquoise nuggets. (Note: If you just add earring wires, these would make beautiful, simple earrings.)Step #13 How to Make a Wire Wrapped Charm PendantNext we'll make the wire wrapped pendant that to hang those bead dangles. Cut 6 inches of 18 gauge wire.Step #14 How to Make a Wire Wrapped Charm PendantWrap the wire around the biggest part of your ring mandrel or whatever you're using to form your circle. (You can make this larger or smaller, too, just adjust the length of the wire.)Step #15 How to Make a Wire Wrapped Charm PendantHow to Make a Wire Wrapped Charm PendantMake a 90 degree bend in one end of the wire.Step #16 How to Make a Wire Wrapped Charm PendantHow to Make a Wire Wrapped Charm PendantPlace the wire back on the mandrel. Wrap the wire around the end that you bent up.Step #17 How to Make a Wire Wrapped Charm PendantWrap around once or twice to secure.Step #18 How to Make a Wire Wrapped Charm PendantHow to Make a Wire Wrapped Charm PendantHow to Make a Wire Wrapped Charm PendantWith the wire that you just wrapped, create a spiral, following steps #2 though #5. Finish it so it's centered in the middle of the circle, as seen.Step #19 How to Make a Wire Wrapped Charm PendantHow to Make a Wire Wrapped Charm PendantUsing chain nose pliers flatten the spiral close to the circle.Step #20 How to Make a Wire Wrapped Charm Pendant How to Make a Wire Wrapped Charm PendantHow to Make a Wire Wrapped Charm PendantHow to Make a Wire Wrapped Charm PendantHow to Make a Wire Wrapped Charm PendantMake a wire wrapped loop, just like in steps #9 through #12.Step #21 How to Make a Wire Wrapped Charm PendantOpen 4 jump rings.Step #22 How to Make a Wire Wrapped Charm PendantHow to Make a Wire Wrapped Charm PendantAttach the natural turquoise nugget dangles to the circle with the jump rings. Step #23 How to Make a Wire Wrapped Charm PendantSlide the pendant on your favorite chain or cord and enjoy! I put mine on a satin cord. I love the look of the copper with the turquoise nuggets, but silver wire would be just as beautiful. Definitely go check out Happy Mango Beads for a very unique selection of beads! (Want some matching earrings?! Click here!)--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Get future ECT TV Episodes right in your inbox with a PDF version you can download and print to take to your work area!  Sign up for my email newsletter!

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