I want to share the joy and fun of being able to make your own jewelry designs by helping you learn some of the basics of jewelry-making. This is the seventh installment in this series. Below are links to the other instructional posts.
Cords, Ribbons, and Laces (guest post)
Beads
Other Supplies
Opening and Closing a Jump Ring
This time, I'm showing you how to create a simple loop.
The tools and materials for creating a simple loop are fairly basic.
All you need is a head or eye pin, a bead, round nose pliers, wire cutters, and chain-nose pliers (optional).
To start, simply slide your bead(s) onto the eye/head pin.
This technique can also be used on wire, but I highly recommend that you use a heavy gauge and/or non-soft wire to ensure that your loops don't simply pull apart.
Ensuring that your bead is settled at the bottom of your pin, bend the wire at a 90-degree angle just above it, against the bead.
I have to admit that once I've created the 90-degree angle, I often lift the wire slightly off the bead to make sure my round nose pliers can fit between the bead and the wire without a gap.
Trim the wire to your desired length. I usually trim it to 1/4 - 1/2 an inch.
Remember that longer your wire, the larger your loop.
Firmly hold the end of the wire between the round jaws of your round-nose pliers while turning the wire toward the hole of the bead. You may have to reposition your hands/pliers to complete the loop.
Make sure that you turn until the end of the wire touches the part coming out of the bead.
Once your loop is formed, you can twist it open (like you would open a jump ring) with a single pair of chain-nose pliers (you could also use your round nose pliers if necessary, but they don't give as good of a grip.)
Remember not to pull the loop open as you could distort its shape.
Slip your open loop onto another element (ear wire, chain, another simple loop, etc.) and then close it by twisting.
Above you can see that with just the use of a simple loop, you can make an earring. As well, repeating a simple looped bead can make a beaded chain.
If you'd like to see how to make a simple loop, watch me explain it more, and get a BONUS tip, here's the video I made on Creating a Simple Loop.
I hope you are finding these posts and videos helpful. But, if there's anything else you'd like to learn or if you have any questions or anything to add; please don't hesitate to let me know in the comments!
I've linked this post up at the Recipe & DIY Link on The Sway, Talk of the Town at Knick of Time, and Sweet Inspiration Link Party at A Crafty Mix.
Other Supplies
Opening and Closing a Jump Ring
This time, I'm showing you how to create a simple loop.
The tools and materials for creating a simple loop are fairly basic.
To start, simply slide your bead(s) onto the eye/head pin.
Ensuring that your bead is settled at the bottom of your pin, bend the wire at a 90-degree angle just above it, against the bead.
Trim the wire to your desired length. I usually trim it to 1/4 - 1/2 an inch.
Firmly hold the end of the wire between the round jaws of your round-nose pliers while turning the wire toward the hole of the bead. You may have to reposition your hands/pliers to complete the loop.
Once your loop is formed, you can twist it open (like you would open a jump ring) with a single pair of chain-nose pliers (you could also use your round nose pliers if necessary, but they don't give as good of a grip.)
Slip your open loop onto another element (ear wire, chain, another simple loop, etc.) and then close it by twisting.
If you'd like to see how to make a simple loop, watch me explain it more, and get a BONUS tip, here's the video I made on Creating a Simple Loop.
I hope you are finding these posts and videos helpful. But, if there's anything else you'd like to learn or if you have any questions or anything to add; please don't hesitate to let me know in the comments!
I've linked this post up at the Recipe & DIY Link on The Sway, Talk of the Town at Knick of Time, and Sweet Inspiration Link Party at A Crafty Mix.
Great tutorial Hope. Definitely a basic skill all jewelry makers need to learn.
ReplyDeleteI have to admit that I'm not best at making uniform loops, especially when I eyeball them. You have to very patient and follow the technique by the book :)
ReplyDelete"Fantastic tips for beginners—part 7 is so insightful! ✨🔧"
ReplyDelete