Tutorial - Mastering Wire Wrapped Loops

Earthy DROP EARRINGS

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Supplies:

2 - 4mm Bicone Swarovski Crystals (Indian Sapphire shown)

2—3mm Bicone Swarovski Crystals (Black Jet shown)

2—Czech 11x9mm Oval (Wasabi w/Picasso shown)

2—Czech 5x4 Rondelles (Emerald Wasabi shown)

2—Czech 5x6 Rondelles (Blue shown)

2—Fallen Angel 9mm Art Nouveau Bead Caps

4—Fallen Angel Star Flower 5.5mm Bead Caps

2—3” Fallen Angel Brass Headpins
Rosary & Bent Chain-Nose Pliers, Wire Cutters


INSTRUCTIONS:
No matter what level beader you are, this tutorial is geared to take you step-by-step with an easy approach to wire wrapping to give your basic drop earrings a clean, professional, finished look. These earrings are fun to create and can be created in a multitude of color combinations—be creative in your choices and also arranging your stack.

1. Begin by stacking beads on Head pins.  Grasp the head pin just above beads with the tips of your rosary pliers. Gently bend the wire over the top of the pliers (pushing down and away from you) to make a 90 degree angle (side view shown). Note...The size of the top loop/circle is determined by the wire placement on the rosary pliers. To ensure your earrings have the same size top loop, be consistent with wire placement (tip...beginners can mark their pliers with a sharpie to line up their wire).
2. Rotate your pliers a 1/4 turn to the top of wire (side view shown).
3. Without shifting your pliers, shape the wire up and over the pliers ending with the wire pointing down.
4. Reposition your pliers so they are in the opening, then shape the wire to complete a circle (which will be off-center until you complete the next step).


5. Without releasing your grip on the pliers, rotate/turn your circle so that it is centered over the headpin and the end of the wire is angled up.   
6. Press down on the end of the wire so that you once again have a 90 degree angle and perfect circle. (tip...create your 2nd earring and compare loop sizes prior to completing the finishing details).
7. Place your Rosary pliers vertically across the top of your circle. Take your bent chain-nose pliers and grasp the tip of the wire then cross over the center of the headpin staying parallel to your rosary pliers.
8. Continue winding the wire around the head pin taking the time and care to keep coils tight and precisely next to one another (reposition your bent chain-nose pliers after each side to side pass).
9. Using a pair of side cutters, clip the excess wire on an angle (this will ensure you have a professional looking end).
10. Using your Bent chain-nose pliers, press and tuck the end of the wire next to the last coil so there are no sharp edges. Open your ear wire sideways and slip on the stacked drop, then move the ear wire back in place

Designer variations...try any style oval bead, and coordinate your Czech Glass rondelles and Swarovski Crystals with them.. This particular style is shown with Fallen Angel Black Brass—but you can also create a similar design with Sterling Silver or Vintaj Brass Metal.

Note:  All images, jpgs, jewelry design, text are the property of JLYNNJEWELS and copyrighted/monitored. You are free to use this tutorial for your own personal use but it cannot be copied and redistributed without the consent of JLynnJewels in any form.

ENJOY!
Compliments of Janice Everett at:http://www.JLynnJewels.com
http://www.artfire.com/users/JLynnJewels
http://www.Etsy.com/shop/JLynnJewels