ECT TV Episode 25: Quick and Simple {and elegant} Wire Earrings

This week we'll learn how to make a very quick and easy pair of earrings + we're hammering!Here's the video episode:In the video I mention Earrings eCourseand Earrings Every Day Month.They both start on September 1st.To participate in Earrings Every Day Month, make a pair of earrings every day in the month of September!  You can sign up for a newsletter to get daily emails from me with earring inspiration!In Earrings eCourse you get a new earring tutorial in your inbox every single morning.So for Earrings Every Day, you get inspirational photos . . .andIn Earrings eCourse you actually learn how to make the earrings.Earrings eCourse is on early bird special discount now through Thursday only.  And it will only be available in September, so act now.{If you enroll, you will have access to all the tutorials after September and forever.  I'm just only running Earrings eCourse with the daily emails in September and you can only get access now.}To purchase Earrings eCourse - click here.  Scroll down to the big red arrow and click add to cart.Quick and Simple Earrings TutorialTools and Materials:

• 2 Beads*  I used Mixed Gemstone Beads 8mm from Happy Mango Beads
• 20 gauge half-hard round wire (I used copper, but use whatever metal you like)
• Wire cutters
• Chain nose pliers
• Jewelry file (or a nail file works fine, too)
• Chasing hammer and steel block or anvil

* About the beads for this project.  You can use any beads you like, but make sure the bore hole isn't too big.  This might take a little experimentation if you're trying different beads.Also remember when choosing beads to not choose beads that are too heavy and pull down your ears.Step #1Cut 2 pieces of wire the same length.  I cut mine to 4".  We'll fold the wire in half, so in this case the earrings will hang about 2" from my ears.  You might want to make yours shorter or longer.Step #2Make a flush cut on each end of each wire.  (Use the back of your wire cutters toward the work.)Step #3Hammer one end of each wire flat with your chasing hammer.  I hammered the bottom 1/2".  You can make sure to only hammer the amount you want by just putting that amount on the steel block.  Alternatively, you could make a mark on the wire and then wipe it off when you're done hammering.You are hammering the wire flat and it will be wider, too.  That is what will keep the bead on the wire.Step #4Slide a bead on each wire.If the bead slides off you need to either: 

1. Hammer the end more to flatten it out more, or
2. Use a bead with a smaller bore hole.

Sometimes this takes a little experimenting.Step #5I like to loosely find the middle of the wire.Step #6Bend the wire in half against chain nose pliers.Step #7Use your fingers to sort of curve out the wire.Step #8File the end that will go into your ears with a jewelry file or nail file.  I like to round the edges.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Want to feel a creative every day for a month in small chunks of time?Join Earrings eCourse!Now on early bird special through August 28th.Get a new earring tutorial every single day for the month of September.