Chain, Jewelry Wire & Beads Earrings Jewelry Making Project -- Page 8

Step 1:  We will begin our instructions for making the alternative design with the middle earrings shown on page 7.  These earrings are pictured at right.  These earrings require about 15 inches of 20 gauge 1/2 hard wire, 16 6mm glass beads, 6 inches of commercial chain, 10 head pins and one pair of ear wire findings.  Begin by assembling your materials to ensure that you have everything required.

Step 2:  Straighten then cut two segments of 20 gauge wire (preferably 1/2 hard wire) each 4 1/4" long.

Step 3:  Using Fine Step Jaw Pliers (or round nose pliers if you don't have fine step jaw pliers), make a loop in one end of the wire sized to fit over the peg in your jig. 

Step 4:  Grasp the loop in the end of your wire segment and straighten the wire by pulling it repeatedly through the jaws of your nylon jaw pliers. 

Step 5:  Now we are ready to make the bottom wire component.  Follow the steps that begin on page 3 with step 13 and continue through step 25.  When completed, your bottom wire component should appear as shown at left. 

Step 6:  Now we are ready to make the brace wire component that connects between the initial loop and the final loop in the bottom wire component.  This component adds strength to the body of this earring and allows us to use 20 gauge wire when 20 gauge wire might not otherwise be strong enough.  Begin by cutting a 2 inch segment of 20 gauge wire (preferably 1/2 hard).  Make a loop in one end of the wire.  Hold the wire by that loop and straighten the wire segment, 

Step 7:  Position two pages in your jig about 7/8" apart as shown at right.  Please note that pegs 8 and 9 shown here are not in the same holes as pegs 6 and 7 shown above.  Now thread three 6mm beads onto your segment of wire and place your initial loop on peg 8 as shown.

These instructions continue on the next page.