Hello and welcome back to my mini-series, Handmade Components.
Today, I am going to walk you through a simple organic way to add embellishment to the Bronze Diamond Components we made a few weeks ago, and offer a few different accent options along the way.
Tools and Materials
I will be using the Bronze Diamond Components I made in the first half of the series.
Of course you can use store bought components if you prefer.
My components measure 55×35 millimeters.
I have added my Amazon Affiliate links to the remaining products for your convenience.
- Flush Cutters
- Chain Nose Pliers
- Round Nose or Multi Step Looping Pliers
- Weaving Wire – 26 gauge Bronze Wire
- Small Amazonite Chip Beads 5-7 mm
- 20 Gauge Bronzer Wire or 2 Brass Ear Wires
- 2 – 6 x 12 millimeter Faceted Drops – Top Drilled
I purchased these lovely turquoise drops with half metallic copper finish from Joann’s some time ago. Unfortunately, I was unable to find a link for you but any drops of your choice with work just fine.
Throughout the tutorial, you will see the instructions to flush cut the wire.
For most cutters, this is achieved by positioning the back side of the cutter against the portion of wire on the project.
Version 1 - Crystal Drop at the top
Cut one 12-13 inch wire for each earring.
Thread on the drop bead and carry it to the center of the wire.
Using your thumb or forefinger, push the wire up along the top edge of the bead one one side.
Do the same on the other side of the crystal.
Bring the wires across one another slightly above the top of the crystal, so that it can swing freely.
Grasp the wires below the point of the crossover and push the wires down until the sit parallel to the pliers as shown.
Twist the wires around two times to form a full wrap.
Manipulate the wires upward to a 45 degree angle on each side.
Position the frame on top of the wire and mark the wrapping spots with a Sharpie. Let the ink dry for a few minutes.
With the weaving wires on top of the frame, line up the wire with the marks and wrap around the frame.
Make 3 wraps on each side.
Snug your coils tightly against each other.
The weaving wire is back on top of the frame.
Thread on a chip bead and position it on the frame.
Wrap three coils around the frame below the bead.
At this point, you can either leave the coils slightly loose looking or use the chain nose pliers to snug them together.
For uniformity and a professional look, make sure to stick with your choice for the remainder of the project.
The weaving wire should end up in the same position for each repetition.
Pick up your next chip bead and repeat the steps above.
Be mindful of your accent drop in the center as you work.
I slightly staggered the chips along the frame for an organic look.
At the side bend of the frame, I centered a slightly larger chip to span the distance.
Continue adding chips to the left side of the component, using the same wire.
Before ending the left side of the project, follow all the steps above to wrap the beads to the right side of the component.
Remember to mirror the technique and bead placement as your work.
When you have your wrapping the same on each side, determine which is shorter and end the wire with your flush cutters and tuck the end to the frame.
With the longer wire, add one last chip across the point and wrap the coils on the opposite side.
End the wire with the flush side of your cutters and tuck the point to the frame.
Version 1 - Crystal Drop at the bottom
Cut two 8 -9 inch wires.
Tie the wires on close to the top with three coils.
Add the beads the same as described above.
After adding the last bead to each side, coil the wire down to the point of the frame.
Pass the wires through the drop bead from both sides, and gently pull the crystal up to the frame.
Wrap the left wire upwards, along the top of the drop until you reach the frame.
Continue wrapping the wire snugly over the previous coils on the left side until you reach the first chip bead.
End the wire with the flush cutters and tuck the tip tight until you can no longer feel any sharp edges.
Repeat the steps for the wire on the right side, wrapping up to the first chip bead on the right.
Use the first earring as a guide for the second earring.
You can create the mirror image by holding the first one upside down to ensure your wires are positioned identically on the second one.
In this way, both earrings will have the wraps going over the frame when adding the ear wires.
Since I have made my own components, I prefer to make my own ear wires for this project.
Check out my Video for making Perfectly Matching Earrings Findings.
In the next post....
In the next post of the Handmade Components mini-series, I will demo how to make Wire Components using wire wrapping technique as opposed to the soldered approach used in the first half of the series.
I will show you a few more design ideas for wrapping beads to the new frames, so stay tuned for more from The Alluring Bead Boutique and A Jeweler’s Life Blog.