"Knotted" Headpin

 by Gailavira
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pin.jpg
Headpins are used very often when creating jewelry. If you have a torch, it’s easy to create your own headpins. However, if you don’t have one, or if you are like me and don’t trust yourself with a torch, buying pre-made headpins may seem like the only option.

This tutorial teaches you to make your own decorative headpins without the need for a torch.

The tutorial calls for 22g wire. This makes these headpins great for heavier beads. However, if you would prefer, you can use 24g wire instead.

Materials:
•22g dead soft or half hard wire (1” longer than desired length for headpin)     


Tools:
•Flat nose pliers
•Wire cutters
•Needle File

You can find more of my tutorials, both free and paid, on my website, http://gailavira.com

 
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Step 1: Step 1

1.JPG
Bend wire 1” from the bottom. Close the bend by pressing on it with your flat nose pliers on each side of the bend.

Be careful not to press too tightly, or the wire may break.

kools421 says: Jul 21, 2011. 3:48 PM
Can you make this for me?
dizzee.rachel says: Jun 1, 2011. 11:01 AM
I chuffing love this website - thank you very much for all the tips/ideas/techniques!
WhyHello says: Nov 6, 2010. 9:36 PM
O.O thank you for sharing you genius with me
Z.. says: Nov 24, 2009. 8:58 PM
Gailavira I've been to your Etsy site.

I have to tell you maestro that that is some of the very best costume jewellery that I have seen in a hell of a long time.

You are a genius of the wire!! I intend to go back again for a longer visit. I've looked at every piece and will do again. Absolutely stunning!

I can't draw a straight line even with a ruler!, so bending wire smoothly is out! But using this method for encompassing stones and beads in wire, is the most innovative design formula I have ever seen! It may be done by others, but you've cornered the market by your interpretation of it.

Well done! And thanks for sharing the technique.

hishealer says: Nov 23, 2009. 6:28 AM
*stunned* I can't believe I never thought of doing this!  I will even use roundnose pliers to make my own eye pins from wire for cheap!  TYSVM! ^^
frollard says: Nov 22, 2009. 10:45 AM
Gailavira - Great stuff!  You can also tell people to subscribe HERE on instructables, since we're already here!

I love your stuff!  Great photographs, and great results!  I like to make chainmaille (jewellery grade stuff like this) and working with metal in such a fragile manner is awesome!
shilohjim says: Nov 22, 2009. 8:11 AM
In step 5 when you say tumble,do you mean like in a rock tumbler?
Gailavira (author) in reply to shilohjimNov 22, 2009. 9:26 AM
Yes. Sorry I wasn't more specific. You put them in a tumbler with stainless steel shot and a small amount of regular (not "ultra") dishwashing soap. This hardens the wire and polishes it.
jessyratfink says: Nov 21, 2009. 7:28 PM
Great documentation. :D
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