Twilight

 

Supplies:
2 - 6 mm dark brown round glass beads

2 - 6 mm amber round glass beads

2 - 6 mm golden round glass beads

6 - 2 1/2" 20 guage gold colored copper wire (for beads)

2 - 3" 20 guage gold colored copper wire (for hooks)

Tools
Basic Tool Kit

Ring Mandrel

Duration
20 minutes

Length: 3 1/2"

The Idea

To create the hook, take the 3" wire and create a wire wrapped loop at one end. Wrap the wire around a cylindrical object, preferrably a 1" mandrel to create the round bend. Find the center and bend at the center with the chain nose pliers and bend the wire over itself to create something that resembles a fish shape. Open up the wire a bit and cut off the extra wire, about 1/4" shorter than the other side of the wire with the loop.

Take a 2 1/2" length of the gold wire and with chain nose pliers, bend over about 1/16" wire over itself to create a headpin. Thread the gold bead through and close with a wire wrapped loop. Get another wire and create a wire wrapped loop, but before closing the loop, hook the gold bead that you just wired. Thread the amber bead and close with a wire wrapped loop. Get another wire and create a wire wrapped loop, but before you close the loop, hook the amber bead and close the loop. Thread the brown bead and before you close the wire wrapped loop, hook the earring hook through and close the loop.

Tip:

Make sure the wire wrapped loops on the top and bottom of the beads are both facing the same sides and centered on the bead. This will make your jewelry look more finished and balanced when completed.

Round About

Supplies:
2 - round glass beads

2 - 6" silver wire, 20 - 22 guage

Tools
Basic Tool Kit

Duration
15 minutes

Length: 2"

The Idea
About 1 1/2" from the end, wrap the silver wire around a smooth barreled object (a pen works great). Cross the ends of the wire and at the section where they intersect, bend the longer wire up 90 degrees with a chain nose pliers. Wrap the tail around the base and close it as if you were making a huge wire wrapped loop.

Straighten the remaining wire if needed and slide the bead to lay on top of the circle. Depending on how long you want your earring (I recommend about 1 - 1 1/2"), wrap the wire around a pen to create the "U" shape. Make sure it's perpendicular to the circle. Cut the remaining wire to your desired length and curl up the last 1/4". File to smooth away any rough edges on the wire. Repeat for other earring. 

Tip:

Round beads work better for this. You won't have to worry about them turning to the side.

Design Inspired by Sara Schwittek; Perfect Match - earring designs for every occasion 2008