ECT TV Episode 13: How to Make Simple Jewelry
I love beautiful statement jewelry. I love my jewelry pieces to be colorful. I love lots of beads and wire.But sometimes just a simple piece of jewelry is beautiful.I know I have people who watch ECT TV who have never made jewelry before who are just considering it. Some people have told me that they want to fix their own jewelry, but not necessarily make their own jewelry. And I know I have more advanced jewelry makers as well. But this week we're going simple.Once you can do everything in this episode, you'll be able to fix chains that are broken, change out clasps or add pendants to new chains that are custom sized for you! You will be able to make very simple earrings as well.Here's the episode:
There are two quick and easy tutorials this week. You can easily get the materials from your local A.C. Moore and Michael's. If you don't have those stores, try your local craft or bead store or find interesting charms and chain from a nearby thrift store.Simple Chain Bracelet:
Tools and Materials:
- Brass chain (A.C. Moore)
- 4 7mm jumprings (A.C. Moore)
- Brass lobster clasp (A.C. Moore)
- Feather charms (Michael's)
- Wire cutters
- Chain nose pliers
- Bent nose pliers (or another pair of pliers)
Step #1
Cut the chain to size with wire cutters. Alternatively, you can usually open a link on the chain with pliers.How to figure out what size to cut: I like my bracelets a little loose, so I usually measure the chain tightly around my wrist and cut it. When I add the clasp the bracelet is the right size for how I like to wear my bracelet.If you prefer a more snug fit then measure around your wrist, measure the length of the claps and then subtract the length of the clasp from the length of the chain and then cut.Step #2
Open a jump ring. Hold the jump ring with two pairs of pliers. I like to use chain nose and bent nose. The opening in the jump ring should be in the middle of the pliers.Keeping the circle shape intact, push straight forward with one wrist and pull toward you with the other wrist. The jump ring will open.
Step #3
Find the middle of the chain and add the chain to the jump ring through a link.Step #4
Add 2 feather charms to the jump ring.Step #5
Close the jump ring. To close do the same thing as opening, but opposite. Go past the point of closure a couple of times and then click the jump ring together - you may hear or feel a click (sometimes you don't, though.)Step #6
Open another jump ring and attach the lobster clasp to one end of the chain.Step #7
On the other end add a couple of jump rings. I like to use a couple jump rings even if the size is right with just one because it's easier to put on the bracelet when there are 2, even if you never use the other one.Ideas to Customize:This bracelet is just the beginning. Obviously you can add more charms, use different chain, different clasp, etc., etc.!!Simple Earrings:
Tools and Materials:
- Brass wire or 2 3" headpins
- 2 Feather charms
- Wire cutters
- Round nose pliers
- Chain nose pliers
- Paintbrush, pen or something cylindrical to bend around.
Step #1
Either cut two pieces of brass wire to 3" each;or if you're using headpins, cut the ends with the "heads" off.(I used the headpins because I didn't have any brass wire on hand, but I did have the brass headpins.)Step #2
Hold the wires together so that you can get exact copies. Bend them around the paintbrush handle (or you can use a pen or something else).One side will be a little longer than the other side.Step #3
Make a bend in the wire in the longer end.Step #4
Make a loop in the shorter end of the wire. To do this hold the end of the wire in round nose pliers near the very tip of the pliers. The wire should be at the top of the pliers, but not poking through. Hold it so that the longer end of the earring wires that you bent is facing you.Twist your wrist away from you while wrapping the wire around the pliers. Twist as far as your wrist will allow and then readjust your wrist and pliers and complete the loop.
Repeat for both earrings.Step #5
Open up the loop in the earring wire simpler to how you open up a jump ring, but you can hold the earring wire in your hand and use your pliers to open it.Step #6
Add a feather charm.Step #7
Close the earring wire.Repeat for the second earring.
Ideas to Customize:Again, these earrings are really just the beginning! Use other charms, make bead dangles, add some chain and add the feathers to the chain, have fun!
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