Free Jewelry Making Project #3 from Bead Chic by Margot Potter


Did you know how easy it is to create your own findings? Once you master that skill, you'll find it difficult to buy them ready made! This project from my new book Bead Chic shows you how to create some longer bent and curved ear wires. You can opt to use base metal instead of sterling, but definitely use a 20 gauge wire made from stainless or another more sturdy metal and make sure you sand or use a wire rounder on the ends. I used a rat tail comb to create the sharp bend...I'm of the mind that you use what you have at hand!

I called this design 'Effortless Elegance' because it's just a few lovely beads and an artfully bent wire. This is from the chapter on Pattern and the variation is a little more complex with some hammering of the front part of the ear wire and some simple wire wrapping on a QuickLinks component. You could wrap beads on the front part of the ear wire...or add coiled wire...or add a bead or two...see how this keeps shifting if you make small changes? That's what this book is all about! You'll need to buy the book to get the step by step photos.

If you leave a comment here, I will select one of you to win a signed copy of the new book and a bonus swag sample. I'll announce the winner next Saturday August 28th.

Good luck!

Cheers,
Madge

Effortless Elegance Earrings Copyright Margot Potter 2009

Effortless Elegance Earrings
Bead Chic
Copyright Margot Potter ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Materials
2 12x17m black onyx polished tear drop beads
6 3mm red coral beads
6 24 gauge sterling head pins
2 ball tip sterling head pins
20 gauge sterling wire

Tools
Round nose pliers
Chain nose pliers
Thin metal dowel (I used metal end of a rattail comb)

1. Cut off two 3” segments of wire.

2. Bend wire over a thin dowel to create a crease or point, this should be not quite in the center of the wire and in the same spot on both wires.

3. Gently round both wire tails into a matching curve.

4. Sand ends of wire.

5. Bend a loop in one end of wire using round nose pliers.

6. Create wrapped dangles using ball tip head pins and onyx beads. Repeat for coral beads using regular head pins.

7. Attach beads to loop at end of ear wire onyx first followed by three coral beads. Use chain nose pliers to open and close loop.

33 comments:

Amy aka: ropergirl3 said...

I really like these, love how simple, yet they would look perfect with a cocktail dress!

Jenny said...

Margot- great stuff! Thanks for the freebie and I would LOVE to win a signed book! Thanks so much!

Cheryl said...

These are so nice - without going to a lot of expense you could make up a whole bunch of these and have some great stocking stuffers OR even nicer... drop them off in a pretty basket at a shelter for women in need (abused, homeless, displaced) who really need something special and pretty just for them, at any given moment during those times.......xo

rosemaryschild said...

Thanks for this great giveaway & freebie!

DK said...

I've never worked with wire before, but I think I could do this easily. I have question, though. I did an online search for 20g sterling silver wire and am a little confused. I've gathered that "dead soft" means that the wire is extremely flexible. Is that the kind of wire I would want to purchase to make something like this? Or is ahrd wire what I would be looking for?

Unknown said...

Oh my gosh, these are gorgeous! They're so simple yet elegant. Not that I have much occasion to dress up, but who says you can't wear such lovely earrings with everyday clothes? Would certainly add some sparkle.

Elisa said...

Very lovely earrings. Thanks for sharing the tutorial :)

Mel said...

Oooh, I've been drooling over your book since before it was released... I would love to win a copy!! Otherwise, I have to wait until my financial aid is disbursed, but I can barely contain myself! I love these earrings -- you are right, so simple yet so elegant!

Anonymous said...

Thank you for the elegant Bead Chic project. I have the perfect pair of stones for this! Karen

TesoriTrovati said...

Endless combinations, Miss Madge! I have wanted to make my own ear wires for some time. Even bought one of those wire jig thingamabobs. Haven't found the time to experiment yet. But I think you have just inspired me.
I would LOVE to win your book (the other Madge books on the shelf are lonely!) Enjoy the day!
Erin

Margot Potter said...

DK

Dead soft or half hard would work.

Cheers,
Madge

Unknown said...

Love your instructions! Blog looks awesome also!!

dazyredd said...

I love the way our world connects... from Facebook, trying to make a 'badge' for my 'painting with watercolors' page/like .. mam-o-man/gal! ... am I a novice! ...found YOU! found these lovely earings, found other interesting people/places... never did figure out how to create a badge, or really, why I'd want to... but I now want to create these earings!

gina s. said...

those are so cute. great ideas!

agoodgirlie2@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

Thank you for the great giveaway and freebie! As I am currently saving up for this book, I would love to win a copy!

Jewelry Los Angeles said...

So many thing can be made by bent wire, And I love your comment.

Doris said...

What a great concept. Simple but elegant. I am so impressed. Yours is a must have book for my library. Thanks for the free patterns too. All the seniors in my jewelry making group are chattering away about how great they are.

Thanks again.

craftyGAgal "Meredith" said...

Cool! I really wanted some like this- was looking to order some... now I will make my own!! I love the way the wear!

Renee said...

I love this concept. Thanks so much for sharing!!

Cyndi L said...

Gorgeous earrings, Madge!!

Cyndi L said...

Gorgeous earrings, Madge!

Melody said...

Those earrings are very classy.

melodyj(at)gmail(dot)com

Eileen The Artful Crafter said...

Very elegant - thank you for the free directions and the chance to win!

luluvision said...

these are lovely! So simple and elegant!

Bec Clarke said...

Wow that book sounds amazing, I am adding it to my wishlist in case I don't win.

Carla said...

These are great and look really simple to make. Thanks for all your easy designs.

Shai Williams said...

Every design I have seen from this book just makes me want it more. I would go over to Amazon on payday but I promise the DH no more shopping until after we move. But I can sure put my name in the drawing..

"But honey I didn't buy it"

ozlynda said...

They are lovely earring and I really like the idea of making my own findings.
They look so strikingly simple.
I would absolutely love to win your book.
Thanks for the opportunity.

Beverly {Flamingo Toes} said...

Thank you so much for sharing how to do the findings - these are beautiful!!
I would love to win a copy of your book. I'm just starting with jewelry making so it would be wonderful. :)

Michelle L. said...

Both versions are gorgeous...but I luuuve the black ones especially. Thanks for making the earwires look easy to do - I hardly ever think to make my own, but I totally should!

Karen said...

Just yesterday I made my own ear wires and was so proud of myself. Then I came across your freebie. I can't wait to try making these earrings. The possibilities are endless. Thank you so much. I am so excited at a chance to win your new book
Karen

Stacie said...

Love the simple elegance of these earrings! I've linked to your tutorial and Jean Yates' review of Bead Chic. Best regards!
Stacie
http://jewelrymaking.craftgossip.com/free-jewelry-making-project-from-margot-potter/2010/09/06/

Jewelry Making Supplies said...

I loved the article! These types of resources are extremely valuable to anyone interested in making jewelry. I can't wait to read some more of your articles!