This project uses briolette beads and wire to create cute drop earrings. This is a great project for jewelry making beginners as it requires just a few tools and materials. It also allows you to practice wire-wrapping if you have never tried it before.
Tools:
Jewelry Pliers
Round Nose Pliers
Wire Cutters ( not pictured)
Materials:
Wire
2 Briolette Beads
2 Earring Hooks
Gather your materials. The two beads I used for these earrings are called Briolettes. They are pear shaped and the hole is through the top of the bead. Be sure that this is true for the beads you choose as well. If the hole is cut vertically through the bead, instead of through the top like these, you will not be able to wrap them using this method.
Start by cutting a length of wire about 8″ long. Depending on the size of your bead and how much you wrap you may need more or less wire. Thread the wire through your bead leaving about 2 inches of wire. Pinch the wire at the top of the bead as shown.
Twist the short end of your wire around the long on two or three times.
Using your wire cutters cut the short end off. You now have just one strand of wire to work with.
Next, use your round nose pliers to create a loop at the top of your wire. Begin twisting at the bottom of the loop.
It’s easiest to wrap when you are holding the bead with your pliers and twisting the wire around your bead. Twist all the way down, as messy or as neat as you would like (I usually wrap mine so that they are slightly messy-looking).
When you have wrapped your bead as much as you would like, clip off the remaining wire and tuck it into the back.
Repeat this process for the other earring and attach both to earring hooks. Super simple and a great way to practice wire wrapping!
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
Thanks! This is a great and simple tutorial.
Thank you, you made it so easy for me to follow.
Love the earrings. Thanks Clare
Great tutorial, have to see if I have any beads that fit! =)
Love working with wire!
Hugs, Elenor
Oh boy, this is what I have needed help with. Can’t wrap worth a dime!! Now this looks so easy to do, can’t wait to try it today. I have so many of these type of beads and now maybe I can just wrap up a storm and get them all done! I love the wire and have tons of that too, so now I can make some little pretties.
Thank you so much..this looks so easy, and your instructions are so clear and precise!!!!
Those earrings are beautiful! What gauge wire did you use? I have these small aquamarine briolettes that I want to make earrings with and I want to use sterling silver wire, but I dont really know what gauge to get. Any suggestions?
Thanks!