Designs in Wire

There are several classes on the new schedule that highlight one of my favorite materials...WIRE.

Designs in Wire is a great one to hone your wrapping skills. We use heavy gauge wire in class, and students make all sorts of components and pieces to use in jewelry designs.

Here is a quick project for you to try...

Materials Needed:

• 14 gauge sterling silver wire, dead soft. About 18"


• an assortment of freshwater pearls 6-8mm


• headpins


• daisy spacers or other small spacers to enhance drops


• Round nose plier


• Flat nose plier


• Wire Cutters

The necklace is made in 4 sections.

The bottom is a 3" piece of wire, looped at each end. About 20 freshwater pearls are individually wire wrapped and slid onto the wire to form a free-floating cluster.

The sides are about 6" each, curved in slight "C" shape and looped at each end.



The back is made up of several pieces. A hook (Cut 1 1/2' of wire. Use round nose pliers to make the loop on one end and the curve of the hook on the other.) 6 figure "8" pieces and a wire wrapped dangle. Two figure "8" components connect the center to the side wires. (For the "8" components, cut an inch or so of wire and loop each end in the opposite direction. Adjust the loop sizes according to how much wire you have cut. The top and bottom loops do not have to be the same size.

I make all of the individual components first, and then assemble them together. Lengthen if needed by adding more figure "8" pieces.

Good Luck!