Most of the time when someone goes about creating "post-backed" aka "stud" earrings, he or she uses a purchased finding and then glues his or her pieces onto it. But just like making earring "hooks" a bit of wire, patience, and tools will result in earrings that are truly one of a kind.
In the photos you will find some of the earrings I have created with this technique, but the variations are almost endless- and you don't even need a bead, as beads can be made from wire, too!
You will need four things for this tutorial:
Wire (around 20 gauge)
Earring Back (salvaged from other earrings or purchased)
Beads with Holes (matching or not, holes must accommodate your wire)
Wire Cutters (flush cutters are best)
One can also use the "stoppers" that come with dangle earrings sold in stores, as I have for a couple pairs shown. If you don't have access to flush cutters, make sure to file the ends of your wire so no rough edges will cut you! (always a good idea to check even when using flush cutters)
A specialty tool exists for wire ends known as a "cup burr". That would be ideal [and I'm jealous if you have one].
In the photos you will find some of the earrings I have created with this technique, but the variations are almost endless- and you don't even need a bead, as beads can be made from wire, too!
You will need four things for this tutorial:
Wire (around 20 gauge)
Earring Back (salvaged from other earrings or purchased)
Beads with Holes (matching or not, holes must accommodate your wire)
Wire Cutters (flush cutters are best)
One can also use the "stoppers" that come with dangle earrings sold in stores, as I have for a couple pairs shown. If you don't have access to flush cutters, make sure to file the ends of your wire so no rough edges will cut you! (always a good idea to check even when using flush cutters)
A specialty tool exists for wire ends known as a "cup burr". That would be ideal [and I'm jealous if you have one].
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Signing UpStep 1: Step One: The Wire
Cut a section of wire, about 8 inches long. Make sure there are no sharp points at one end, this will be the end inserted into your earlobe (or the earlobe of whomever will be wearing the completed earrings).
Choose a bead and slide it onto the wire, until about 1cm of wire is out the opposite side. Bend the wire in front of the bead at a good angle. If you really want things to be as symmetric as possible, you may wish to start the next earring right now, too.
Choose a bead and slide it onto the wire, until about 1cm of wire is out the opposite side. Bend the wire in front of the bead at a good angle. If you really want things to be as symmetric as possible, you may wish to start the next earring right now, too.
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But sometimes we've gotta make things for ourselves, yes? =D
Most of the jewelry making tutorials I have read online make no mention, but searching Google for "making your own ear wires sensitivity" brought up this result which is an excellent resource:
http://www.making-jewelry-now.com/earring-wire.html
Many jewelry artists make their own findings, and did not see this as being much different. I do, as mentioned, use sterling silver for the pieces I make to sell. Living with someone who has a severe metal allergy makes one more aware of that potentiality. And it is also why I prefer to use "earring stoppers" as my backs instead of actual "ear nuts."
I work mainly in sterling silver, and I know some people are annoyed when the black oxidation comes off on their skin. I live in a region of the county where there is a high concentration of sulfur in the air, and silver will blacken in a matter of days, if not hours. I was wanting to try this, but the silver wire I have in stock at the moment is just too small a gauge to be able to work.
I do agree with the use of stoppers instead of ear "nuts". Many of my customers are elderly and find handling the tiny ear nuts difficult. The stoppers have more for them to grab onto.
Thank you for the great info, going to go check it out now! And again, very nice work! Good luck!
Allergies are definitely annoying (and sometimes more than annoying, of course). I hope you find something useful in your quest. Thanks for the well-wishes!