How to Make Wire Wrapped Jewelry

Three Methods:Making a NecklaceMaking a BraceletMaking Earrings

Wire wrapping can add an extra dimension to handmade jewelry, elevating it above a plain string of beads. Apply the same techniques to your own designs to create one-of-a-kind accessories.

Method 1
Making a Necklace

  1. 1
    Wrap the end of the wire around the middle of the jaw of round-nose pliers. Do not cut the wire from the spool.
  2. 2
    Hold the loop about 1/8 inch (.32 cm) above the top of the glass or stone with the rest of the wire flat against the back of the stone.
  3. 3
    Wrap the wire up and around to the front of the glass, using your fingers to bend it flush to the piece. Continue around to the back.
  4. 4
    Continue to wrap the wire around the stone, parallel to or crossing earlier wraps, keeping it taut to the stone, until you are satisfied with the pattern.
  5. 5
    Bring the wire back to the top loop and wrap it around the wire 2 to 3 times, just below the loop. Cut the wire flush and press it to the rest with the chain-nose pliers. Smooth the cut edge with the nail file, if needed.
  6. 6
    Open a jump ring, slip it through the wire-wrapped pendant's loop and close the jump ring.
  7. 7
    Slide the jump ring onto 18 inches (45.72 cm) of silk cord.
  8. 8
    Add cord ends and crimp them closed before attaching the clasp to the cord end findings.

Method 2
Making a Bracelet

  1. 1
    Make 4 wire-wrapped bars.
    • Cut 4 2-inch (5.08 cm) lengths of wire.
    • Make a loop about 1/2 inch (1.27 cm) from one end by wrapping it around the round-nose pliers' jaw.
    • Wrap the short end around the length of the wire twice, just below the loop. Repeat at the other end of the wire.
    • Cut the excess wire and press it against the bar with the chain-nose pliers. File the ends smooth, if necessary.
  2. 2
    Make 5 wire-wrapped bead units.
    • Cut 5 1-inch (2.54 cm) lengths of wire.
    • Make a loop at one end.
    • Thread a bead on the wire.
    • Make a loop at the other end of the wire, next to the bead.
    • Cut off the excess wire.
  3. 3
    Assemble the bracelet.
    • Open the loop on one end of a bead unit.
    • Slide one loop of a bar onto the bead unit's loop, and close the loop. Repeat, alternating bead units and bars, until you have joined all the components, ending with a bead unit.
    • Open the loops on the end bead units, and attach them to a toggle clasp. Close the loops.

Method 3
Making Earrings

  1. 1
    Cut 2 4-inch (10.16 cm) lengths of 22-gauge wire.
  2. 2
    Wrap one end around the tip end of the round-nose pliers to form a tiny loop.
  3. 3
    Bend the wire around the loop 2 or 3 times with your fingers, making sure that each bend touches the last.
  4. 4
    Grip the beginning of the spiral with chain-nose pliers and continue to wrap the wire until you reach 1 1/2 inches (3.81 cm) from the end, still making sure the wire touches each round.
  5. 5
    Bend the remaining wire at a 90-degree angle to the spiral.
  6. 6
    Thread 2 4 mm beads, a 2 mm metal bead and then 2 more 4 mm beads onto the wire.
  7. 7
    Make a loop at the end of the wire.
  8. 8
    Open the loop and attach it to an ear wire or clip. Repeat to make a second earring.

Tips

  • Curve the bars for the bracelet, if you prefer, by bending them around a plastic soda or water bottle.
  • Adjust the size of the bracelet by adding bead units to the beginning and end or between the bars, as needed.
  • Add variety to your wire-wrapped jewelry with square or half-round wire.

Things You'll Need

  • 20-gauge or 22-gauge dead soft gold, silver or copper wire
  • Round-nose pliers
  • Sea glass or polished stone
  • Flush-cutters
  • Chain-nose or flat-nose pliers
  • Metal nail file
  • Jump ring
  • Silk cord
  • Cord ends
  • Toggle clasp
  • 18-gauge dead soft gold, silver or copper wire
  • 4 mm beads
  • 2 mm metal beads to match wire


Sources and Citations


Article Info

Categories: Personal Accessories and Jewelry