How to create your own earwires with craft wire

Using ready made earwires is quick and the done thing for many jewellery makers....but did you know you can create your own in minutes using jewellery wire (or craft wire), Pliers, and some wire cutters? Well you can! They don't take long to make and this way you get complete control of the size and Shape of the earwire, opening up lots of creative possibilities. On top of that, you will save some hard earned cash too. This guide will show you how to create a matching pair of fish hook style earwires in a flash...

Things you will need

Craft Wire / Jewellery Wire / Sterling Silver/Gold Filled wire if you're working with precious stones. Your wire needs to be at least 0.6mm thick (22 gauge).
Round nose pliers
Flat nose pliers
Wire cutters
Smooth edged pen or pencil for shaping
Ruler

Step 1

Cut a length of jewellery wire to 4 inches.

Step 2

Take a pair of round nose pliers and bend in half as close to the tip of the pliers as you can. Use your ruler as a guide to make the bend at 2 inches.

Step 3

Next you are going to shape the wire around your chosen pen/pencil. Do this by placing the wire over the top of the pencil, positioning it just off the center to the right, making sure the side with the bend you just created is also to the right. See image below. Keep a good tension as you pull the wire around to ensure a smooth, even curve.

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This is what you should be looking at right now.

Step 4

Now take your round nose pliers and place across the bend as close to the end as possible and curl up and around to create a small loop. Stop just before completing the loop leaving a small gap.

Step 5

Using flat nose pliers, bend the last cm of the two wire tips outward slightly.

Step 6

Trim 5mm off the ends with wire cutters. This bend helps when pushing the earwire through the ear.

Step 7

Use your wire cutters to cut the bend at the top of the loop separating the wires.

Step 8

Trim off the very tip of the wire where it was curved round into a bend. Repeat this step on the other wire.

Step 9

Take your round nose pliers and curl the wire upwards to complete the loop. Repeat this step on the other earwire.

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There you have it! A pair of sturdy matching earwires ready to use for jewellery making...

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A pair of wire wrapped crystal glass beads have been added to these earwires below to create a pair of simple drop earrings.

If you've never created a wire wrapped headpin loop before, check out our illustrated guide here.

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