Wire Wrapped Tree of Life Tutorial by CaterpillarArts
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The symbolism of the tree of life is widespread throughout history, and is often depicted in religious, philosophical and mythological contexts. It also happens to be a popular jewelry accessory. There are many different versions of the tree of life pendant, and once you learn the basic steps you can easily add your own unique spin on it. 

The finished examples shown use Baltic amber chips and peridot chips, respectively. 

To make this tree of life pendant, you will need the following tools and supplies:

One 6.5" piece of 18g wire
Four ~6" pieces of 26g wire
3mm-5mm stone chips of your choice (2mm-3mm round beads also work well)
Flush cutters
Round nose pliers
Chain nose pliers
Cup burr or file
Round object
 
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Step 1: Making the Circle

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Take your piece of 18g wire and wrap it tightly around your round object. For this tree of life pendant, I'm using a cardboard tube that some hemp cord was packaged on - it creates a pendant slightly larger than a quarter when finished. Wooden dowels, metal mandrels and other scavenged household objects will also work. 
ShadowofNght says: May 8, 2013. 10:27 PM
My first attempt, what do you think?
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Tarun Upadhyaya says: Mar 10, 2013. 6:15 AM
This is absolutely gorgeous, I am definitely going to make one soon for someone :).
CaterpillarArts (author) says: Mar 10, 2013. 2:43 PM
Thank you! I'd love to see it when you're done :)
Tarun Upadhyaya says: Mar 19, 2013. 3:43 AM
So I made using stainless steel wires, it came out pretty well although it does need more finishing I must admit. My choice of wire is not good. Your feedback is much appreciated.
Thank you so much:).
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CaterpillarArts (author) says: Mar 19, 2013. 4:07 AM
I think you did a good job :) What gauge wire did you use?
Tarun Upadhyaya says: Mar 19, 2013. 5:09 AM
Yaaayy!! Thanks :) Sadly I don't know the wire gauge, it was sized as thin and thick only when I bought online. I was also very much confused when I bought online. I heard tiger tail wires are good, but don't know what kind of wire they are.
Tomdf says: Feb 21, 2013. 8:24 AM
Very nice, I feel compelled to make one of these. I had never heard of a cup burr before but now I absolutely need one.

Your rings are really cool also!
CaterpillarArts (author) says: Feb 21, 2013. 8:43 AM
You should, they're a lot of fun! It's a nice project to work on when you just want to mindlessly do something with your hands while thinking. The cup burr saves a lot of time, I won't work without mine now. Glad you like the rings!
Tomdf says: Feb 24, 2013. 10:02 AM
I totally did make one! This is my first ever attempt at jewelry, so I'm pretty happy with how it turned out (I really need to get some chain nose pliers.) Thanks for the instructions, they made it easy!
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CaterpillarArts (author) says: Feb 24, 2013. 10:21 AM
Very cool! You did a great job :)
Jimmie234 says: Feb 24, 2013. 9:03 AM
This is beautiful! Really nice video. Thanks.
mahsa arian says: Feb 23, 2013. 11:20 AM
its really nice.
i love it :-)
masynmachien says: Feb 22, 2013. 2:38 AM
Beautiful!
And very well documented.
CaterpillarArts (author) says: Feb 22, 2013. 10:15 PM
Thank you :)
Jessie Marie says: Feb 22, 2013. 7:13 PM
Wow, those are beautiful!! Good job!! :)
CaterpillarArts (author) says: Feb 22, 2013. 10:14 PM
Thank you!
Penolopy Bulnick says: Feb 21, 2013. 11:24 AM
Very cute! Love that ring you are wearing too!
CaterpillarArts (author) says: Feb 21, 2013. 1:26 PM
Thank you! I learned how to make the one on my thumb here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6N9gFCwhMA

The ring on my index finger is my own design; it didn't come from a tutorial. :)
sunFlow3r says: Feb 21, 2013. 7:30 AM
Wow those are really pretty:) I'll have to try making one once I get some wire!
CaterpillarArts (author) says: Feb 21, 2013. 7:34 AM
Thank you - you'll have to come back and show me what you come up with!
Muhaiminah Faiz says: Feb 21, 2013. 6:49 AM
Beautiful work and great instructions!
CaterpillarArts (author) says: Feb 21, 2013. 7:04 AM
Thank you!
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