How to Make Spiral Earrings

Jun 25

Written By

I've been on a spirals kick lately. Originally I was just going to make these plain spirals, but making jewelry is more fun with beads!These beads are from Happy Mango Beads, my new favorite bead store!

Materials and Tools:

Wire *
2 Beads; I used 8mm round gemstones from Happy Mango Beads.
Wire cutters
Round nose pliers
Chain nose pliers
Hammer (I used my nylon/rubber hammer)
Steel block or anvil
Optional: Nylon covered pliers

*A note on wire. I used 22 gauge wire because when I made my sample earring with 20 gauge I was having some troubles with it. However, 20 gauge is the standard for earring wires. If you are using 22 gauge wire, you will definitely not want to skip the hammering part to make your earrings stronger.

Step #1

Cut 2 pieces of wire to 6". Make sure they're even.Also, make sure to flush cut each side with your wire cutters. (Use the flat side of the cutters.)

Step #2

If it is easier for you to learn by video, I did a video on how to make a spiral headpin. You'll go around a could more times for this project, but you can get the general idea how to do it there.Using round nose pliers, hold the wire. The wire should be near the top, but not poking out through the pliers on top. You should be able to run your figures over it.

Step #3

Twist your wrist away from yourself, forming a loop around the barrel of the pliers using your other hand. When you've twisted as far as you can, open the pliers and readjust, leaving the pliers in the loop. Complete the loop.

Step #4

Hold the loop in chain nose pliers.

Step #5

Push the wire up and around the original loop. Keep moving the loop in the chain nose pliers and wrapping the wire around the original loop.I went around 4 times.

Step #6

Using your chain nose pliers and bend the end of the wire so it's straight.

Step #7

Hammer just the spiral to harden it. Do not hammer the extra wire at this time.

Step #8

Slide on a bead.Just above the bead make a slight bend and then bend it back. This will hold the bead on.Step #9 About 1 1/2" up from the bottom of the spiral, make a bend. I bent it around my ring mandrel, but you can use anything like a pen, paintbrush, etc.