Tangled Wire Bead Earrings
Don't get it twisted; these Tangled Wire Bead Earrings are easier to make than they appear. Finding exciting new beading projects can be hard when it seems like everything has already been done, but these wire earrings certainly put a twist on traditional wirework jewelry. If you like jewelry projects with a bit of dimension and personality, you'll fall in love with this wire earring tutorial. Don't worry if you find yourself getting caught up in the written jewelry instructions; just follow the free video tutorial to make these earrings for yourself!
Project TypeMake a Project
Bead TypeSeed, Shell
Time to CompleteUnder an hour
Bead Technique UsedChainmail/Wirework
Bead Project TypeEarrings
Materials List
- two ear wires
- two head pins
- spool of 22-gauge craft wire
- 24 glass seed beads
- two shell beads
- round nose pliers
- chain nose pliers
- wire cutters
Instructions
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Leaving wire on spool, string 12 glass seed beads onto wire. Use round nose pliers to make a loop with end of wire. Use chain nose pliers to make a bend after loop. Use chain nose pliers to make a 90-degree bend ¼-inch from first bend.
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Use your hands to freeform wrap wire around ¼-inch piece, forming core of bead. Continue freeform wrapping, occasionally sliding down a seed bead, until you’ve used all 12 seed beads and wire bead is desired size and shape.
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Position wire on side opposite loop. Trim wire to 1 inch long. Use round nose pliers to form another loop, tucking end of wire into bead. Trim excess wire if necessary.
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Repeat steps 1-3 to make second bead.
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To make bead dangle, thread shell bead onto a head pin. Use chain nose pliers to grasp wire just at point where it exits bead. Bend wire at 90-degree angle. Grasp bend with round nose pliers and wrap wire around pliers as far as possible to start to make a loop. Reposition pliers to finish loop. Use wire cutters to trim wire where it crosses beginning of loop. Repeat to make dangle with second shell bead.
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Open loop of bead dangle and attach loop of a tangled wire bead. Open loop of ear wire and attach other end of tangled wire bead. Repeat to make second earring.