subject: A Few Beads, Wire And Plier Equals 10 Minute Earrings [print this page] Have you ever bought a really hot outfit because you were anticipating going out on a really stylish night on the town? And then, when you got home did you suddenly realize that you didn't have the perfect pair of earrings that would compliment your beautiful new clothes?
If this has happened to you (or if you don't ever want it too), with a little preparation and ten minutes of your time you will always be able to have the perfect fashion accessories you want. And to do that, all you need is a modest selection of beads, some wire, a chain nose plier, and a round nose plier. You can easily buy all of these things either online or at your local craft store.
Here are the supplies and tools that you'll need to make one pair of earrings:
2 - 8mm colored glass beads
2 - silver 8mm bead caps
2 - silver earring wires (French hooks)
2 - silver headpins (plain)
Chain nose pliers
Round nose pliers
Flush cutting jewelry snips
Safety goggles
Follow these six simple steps and you can make a pair of earrings to compliment any outfit you want.
(1) Slide one bead onto one of the headpins, ending with the bead cap.
(2) Use the chain nose plier to grip the bead, bead cap and headpin. Hold your round nose plier in your other hand and use it to wrap the excess headpin wire around the headpin's stem, right above the bead cap and below the loop.
(3) After forming your first loop, make 2 or 3 tight coils around the stem and below the loop. This will secure the bead to the headpin.
(4) Put on your safety goggles and snip the excess headpin wire.
(5) If the remaining piece of wire is jagged, grasp it with your chain nose pliers and press the jagged stub back towards the headpin's stem.
(6) Repeat this process in order to make the other earring.
For variety's sake you can slide one or two smaller beads, perhaps in contrasting colors, onto the headpin before you slide the 8 mm bead onto it.
Handcrafted jewelry making is a fun, inexpensive way to add the subtle nuances you need to bring out the best in any outfit. If you search the Internet you'll find quite a few companies that specialize in helping both the novice as well as the professional jewelry maker. One of the really great things about this hobby is that it does not take a lot of money to get started. And a couple of minutes of your time (along with a little bit of practice) can make you look like a million bucks every time you go out.
