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Make Coiled Wire and Leather Cord Earrings
This tutorial explains simple wire working techniques combined with unique bead stringing materials, like leather, to create these coiled earrings. Begin by cutting 2 pieces of 2mm leather cord - 5" each. In order to make the 11/4" coil (you'll need 2 of these) take 20 gauge beading wire and follow the directions for making a coil that come with the Wire Worker Kit.
The length of wire you'll need will be at least 14" - you'll understand this once you read the directions. You'll be using the smaller metal mandrel that is approx. 2.5mm in diameter. If the length of your coil exceeds 11/4", just snip away as many turns as needed to get the desired length. Slide each coil on each piece of the leather cord and using glue/adhesive attach the end caps to ends of each cord. BE SURE THAT THE SEAMS OF END CAPS LINE UP (ARE PARALELL) WITH EACH OTHER - THIS WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN HOW THE CORD LAYS. Let the glue set/dry.
Once it has dried, pick up both pieces of cord near the top/end caps (so that all 4 end caps are together) between your index finger and your thumb. With your other index finger apply a little pressure to the center of each cord - making a teardrop shape. Continue to do this until both earrings coils have the same uniform shape. |
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Next, attach a medium oval jump ring to a the post earring and to a large jump ring. Attach two (for each earring) medium oval jump rings to the large jump ring. Then attach on jump ring to the two jump rings. We're using 2 jump rings to simulate the linear effect of the coil below.
To create "S" Coil/Spiral component that goes in the middle, you'll want to cut 16" of 20 gauge wire. Using your round nose pliers, create a loop at each end going in the same direction. Grab one of the loops with your chain nose or flat nose pliers and hole the loop in the jaws while you rotate the wire around, always repositioning the jaws of the pliers that you can make the spiral. For more information on how to make coils/spirals see this beading project. Stop making the first spiral when the tail (including the other loop) measures 7".
Pick up your round nose pliers and make a loop (not too tiny - you'll need to fit 2 med jump rings through it) at 6" from the tail - see the photo. Your coils/spirals should still be going in the same direction. Now, using your flat nose or chain nose pliers start making the coil at the other end and once you reach the loop, finish the spiral by continuing to wrap the wire while holding the spiral in between your thumb and index finger. Since both spirals are going in the same direction, keep working the spiral inward until the spirals overlap. Then pry your finger or tool in between the two spirals and unfold them - this will create the "S" shape.
Using two (for each earring) medium jump rings, attach the loop of the "S" coils to the last jump ring that you attached. Finally, attach the ends of the leather cord using the large jump rings to attach to the large jump ring (the second jump ring down).
To create the design above you will need the following items
To see more beading projects and jewelry design ideas click here
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