Making Wire Jewelry

~ a.k.a. Wire Work Know-How

Making Wire Jewelry is my absolutely favorite type of jewelry making.  And learning some basic wire working will open you to limitless jewelry making possibilities

I know, I know.  Learning the basics can be soooo tedious.  But you know what?  You can't run before you can walk.  I know as well as anyone that there is nothing more gratifying than transforming simple wire into a complex and intricate object of beauty.  But before you can make the intricate beauty bits, you need to learn some fundamentals. 

About Wire

Wire is a really easy material to use, and its versatility is nothing short of amazing.  Using only wire and some hand-tools, you can make clasps, chains, dangles, findings, charms, beads, embellishments - there are limitless possibilities.  Did I mention I love making wire jewelry?

What do I need to get started?

A few simple tools like flat and round-nosed pliers, a good wire cutter, and some sandpaper or a file are all you need to begin with. 

As you get more comfortable, you can graduate to some of the more specialized tools.

Ready to begin?

Here are some basics to get you started:

How to Open and Close Jump Rings Properly
Learning how to open and close jump rings properly is one of the most basic and fundamental of all jewelry making techniques. Learn how to do this technique properly once and for all

What to do About Jump Ring Problems
Learn what to do about jump rings that keep opening and what to do when they don't close properly.

Flush Cutting Wire
Learn this basic, essential technique.Cut your wire wrong and you get a sharp point. Good for staking vampires maybe, but not so nice for jewelry making.

How to Make a Simple Wire Loop (video tutorial)
Did you know that making the simple wire loop is often the most tricky to master?  This video shows 7 secrets to making a simple wire loop, perfectly formed, every single time. 

Simple Bead Links
The humble bead link is a versatile component that is the cornerstone of many great pieces of jewelry.  Uses the simple wire loop, so if you get into trouble, see the simple wire loop video

Eyepin Making
Need to make some dangly bits? Learn how to make your own eyepins to hang stuff from other stuff.

How to Make a Wrapped Loop
One of the most versatile of all basic wire working skills.  Learn how to make a wrapped loop and my top 3 reasons for loving the wrapped loop.

Super Basic Headpins
Making a handmade headpin is easy and cost-effective. This page has instructions for a super-basic, easy to make headpin.

Balled Wire Headpins
Making balled wire headpins is sooo easy, and kinda fun! These step by step instructions will walk you through it. Don't let the flame scare you. If you can cook something on the stove, you can do this.

Wire Gauge Cheat Sheet
Get confused about what wire gauge to use when making jewelry? What gauge do you use for making a bead link? What gauge is good for wire-wrapping? It's all here on this cheat sheet.

How to Make Earring Wires
A real honest to goodness tutorial on making your own earring wires.  Why buy when you can make them yourself quickly and easily?

Related Pages

Wire Work Secrets: Wire Wire Pants on Fire!  My e-book filled with wire tips, tricks, techniques, and troubleshooting solutions for beginner to intermediate jewelry makers.

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