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Making Friends, One Bead At A Time

"No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted." ~Aesop 

FREE JEWELRY MAKING LESSONS

  Wire Wrapped Beads

This is an extremely versatile technique which can be used for making bracelets, necklaces, or even earrings. In addition to making a chain using wire and beads, many wire lovers also like to wrap the beads in the chain with wire. As with the chain itself, this method of wire work is pretty simple and has endless possibilities. Basically the techniques are very similar, but to wrap the beads you need to take a few extra steps.

You’ll need:

wire
beads
round nosed pliers
wire cutters
flat/bent nosed pliers
jewelers’ files

The size of wire depends on the size of the hole in your beads. I’ve used a large bead and large gauge of wire for demonstration purposes here. However, the sizes will vary. For example, if I’m using pearls to make this type of chain, I usually use 24 or 25 gauge sterling or gold-filled wire. If my beads are a little larger, I like to use 20 or 22 gauge wire.

1. Start by use round nosed pliers to make a loop on one end of your wire.

2. Then wrap the wire around itself to close the loop.

3. Slip on your bead.

4. Now make another loop on the other end of the bead.

5. Just as before, wrap the wire around itself. However, don’t cut the wire.

6. Use the left over wire and bring it down and around the bead.

7. Wrap the wire back around the wire at the bottom of the bead.

8. Trip off excess wire, and file the ends smooth.

All graphics and lessons created by Tammy Powley.