Handmade Wire Necklace

Make a long beaded necklace with a difference. This tutorial will show you how to make your own links rather than a manufactured chain, beware it is addictive. Don't be put off by the number of steps, it is very easy, it is only a guide once you get the hang of this technique you will never want to buy manufactured chains.

You will need.

18 or 20 guage wire.
Round nose pliers
Cutters
Jaw nose pliers

Step 1: Form a Loop

Stretch your wire using a jaw nose pliers, if you don't have one you can use a cloth or even your fingers.

Form a tiny loop using the small part of your round nose pliers.

Step 2: Form Second Loop

Place the tip of the other side of the wire in to the middle part of your  round nose pliers. Form a second loop  by rolling the wire towards you. This time the loop will turn out bigger than the first.

Step 3: Alternative Version

However, if you don't have a round nose or you prefer even larger links. Wrap the other side of the wire on a pen, manderel or any other object. I use both versions depending on my mood, LOL.

Step 4: Formed Loops

Here is what your loops will look like but it is not over just yet.

Step 5: Hammer the Loops

Hammer the loops on a steel block or a Beadsmith Whacker. I used the form because I don't have to worry about hammering my fingers!! Basically you just hit the two white 'blocks' together.

Step 6: Final Loop

Now put the large hammered loop in the middle of  round rose pliers. Twist the small loop with your fingers or flat nose pliers. I prefer the former as I find quicker. 

Step 7: Finished Links

Here are the links, you can make loads in different colours of wire. Store away for future projects. Once you have mastered this very easy technique, you will be making loads. You can also use one of the links as a clasp.

Step 8: Example of a Finished Necklace

Here is a necklace I made with the links incorporated with beads. I hope you enjoy the tutorial.

If you will like to see more wire jewellery projects please let me know. I will be happy to add more.

Comments

[GingerBeanz]

Nice work! ..Thanks a lot :))

[hypnoangel]

Good tutorial instructions and nice finished product. Your pics however aren't always the greatest. May I suggest a couple of things to help you out with that, please. #1) when photgraphing small parts like this, and especially shiny ones, always use the Macro or flower setting. It will help your camera or phone focus where you need it to. #2) Look online for simple and free instructions on how to make a digital lightbox. Keep up the good work!

[Sp4x]

The finished results look wonderful but I must agree with the other comments surrounding most of the pictures, they are out of focus.

It's tricky to take good close-ups but there are some good 'ibles right here.

Search;
How To Take Great Close-Up Photos
And the first result should be an instructable by bloomautomatic.

Thanks for the instructions and good luck with future photos : )

[salandstef]

Most of the photos are out of focus on my MAC and my HP and there seems to be two of each of the photos.

[Ninzerbean]

This could be a great 'ible with focused photos, please try again as it looks promising!

[beadydani]

I am not sure how more focused my photos can be, it is the only camera I have at the moment unfortunately, I took myself. I have published on my blogs & other sites, I have not had any complaints. Anyway the pictures are just a guide which is why I give detailed written instructions.

I don't think my work looks promising, I think it is very  good because I am a jewellery designer & tutor. By the way are you interested in jewellery making, please let me know so we can bounce ideas.

Thanks for your comments all the same.

[Ninzerbean]

Sorry, it must be my browser as the photos look blurry on my screen, I should not have said anything thinking that everyone saw them that way. 

[Father Christmas]

They look distorted on my monitor as well...

[beadydani]

Like I said to the previous reviewer, I have not had any complaints. And  I have posted this same tutorial on other sites as well. What more can I say?

[Father Christmas]

Very true. I wasn't degrading the tutorial, just sharing. Actually, I found this very helpful :)

[beadydani]

I am glad that you were not degrading my tut. It's just that I don't really appreciate it when people put a downer on my work, I put a lot of effort into photographing and creating the links at the same time. Added to that I have to check the pictures and then write instructions, a lot of hard work goes into posting tutorials I hope people will appreciate that.

So are you into wire jewellery? I am just trying to find out if people are interested in wire work as I have a number of tutorials which I can post here if there is a demand for it. Eg: clasps for necklaces.

[Teryllynn1]

I love it!! Please post your website (if that is allowed) I would love to see your other stuff.

[beadydani]

Thanks for your comments. My site (if allowed) is deeunique.com, just add the first part. What you will find is my finished work.

Further comments appreciated, thanks again.

[Father Christmas]

Truth be told, I am interesting in all styles of metalwork, and all styles of jewelry-making, so naturally, wire jewelry is there. I haven't been too successful with jewelry, but wire sculpture, I am nto half bad.

[beadydani]

wow, good stuff, keep it up. I hope u publish some of your work on this site.

[beadydani]

I have finally cracked it.  I used a coloured wire known as gun metal (similar to bronze), it could be that it doesn't photograph well. I will probably not use it  in a tutorial again and stick to copper or other coloured wire.

[amaranthia]

I love it! It's a super nice necklace, I'll definitely try it :) Keep it up!

[beadydani]

Thank you for your comments, look out for more wire work projects. I will be publishing more in the next coming weeks.