Free Jewelry Making Project from Bead Chic Week #1


Click on image to view close up. Copyright Margot Potter for North Light Books ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Leave a comment and I'll select TWO people to get signed copies of the book on next Thursday.

This is the first of four free projects I'll be sharing from my new book Bead Chic. For photo step by steps, you'll need to get a copy of the book. It's a really great book, trust me. There are 15 gorgeous variation projects from 13 well known designers in the craft and jewelry making industry and a lot of variety in terms of style and techniques. I give you a bit of everything, including stringing, exposed wire weaving, wire wrapping, metal stamping and hammering, making your own findings...but the focus of the book is on design. You'll explore how you take a design that inspires your creativity and make it your own through small changes in color, scale, pattern, texture, focal elements and foundations.

This is the project we did at my Beadalon make it and take its at CHA and it's very easy and satisfying. I don't know why, but to me, taking some wire and bending, coiling and hammering it into a pair of earrings never fails to blow my mind. It's just a copper wire, until you forge it into something fabulous. Like every project in the book, this is all about making it your own, so think about what you might change to make this project suit your design style.

Bead Chic
Curlicue Earrings
Chapter Three-Texture
Copyright Margot Potter

When coiling wire around a jump ring maker tool I pulled the coil off and gently tugged it apart and got these great little curlicues! They add just the right touch of whimsy to simple hammered copper earrings. You can take this idea so many places...so what are you waiting for?!

Materials
20 gauge copper Artistic Wire

Tools
Jump ring maker tool with ¼” dowel
Round nose pliers
Chain nose pliers
Wire cutters
Chasing hammer
Mini anvil or steel bench block
Bench block pad

(Tools and materials courtesy Beadalon)

1. Cut off a 3” segment of wire. Round over a large dowel or use fingers to create a hoop shape.

2. Create a small loop at one end of the wire.

3. Bend the other end up at a 90 degree angle.

4. Use rounded end of hammer on a mini anvil to add texture to both sides of your ear wires.

5. Adjust shape after hammering.

6. Wrap wire around a jump ring maker with a ¼” dowel.

7. Remove coil and gently pull apart.

8. Move down every four coils and cut off coiled segments.

9. Use round nose pliers to make a small loop in one end and a larger loop in the opposite end. Make fourteen coils.

10. Thread larger end of 7 looped wires on earring. (Be sure coils are all facing the same direction.) Repeat for second earring.

79 comments:

Frank said...

Looks like a terrific book! I'll definitely be picking up a copy. But it would be cool to win one for my best friend in Colorado.
I'm going to get started on those earrings!

Unknown said...

I love your blog! I cant wait till i can get your book (Tho fingers crossed I can win it) as your projects are just inspiring!

Rachel@oneprettything.com said...

These are gorgeous Margot! This book is going to be wonderful, I can't wait! I'll be linking to this.

Unknown said...

I'm fairly new to beading and I love the look of those curlicue earrings. Thanks for the chance to win your book - it looks awesome!

Janet said...

A project book with "bead," "chic," and (holy moley) "CURLICUE" in it is definitely a book for me! I'm reserving a space in my Madge section! Woo Hoo!

Irene Lenihan said...

What a great project. Thanks for sharing. I can't wait to get my hands on the book.

Maria Kovalenko Leysens said...

I am a painter... watercolor and pastel, but need to do something arty/crafty for breaks to clear my head. Your book looks to be a wonderful inspiration for fun things to make a wear.

Dana said...

These look so neat and fun! I am going to try to make my own pair. I would LOVE to win a copy of your new book. It sounds like it has lots of neat tips. Thanks for sharing your creativity!

Pretty Things said...

LOVE the curlicue earrings!

Mel Miller said...

I like the earrings Cute idea.

Nessa said...

How clever! Just a little wire (and a lot of creativity!) and you've got a pair of earrings!

Michelle L. said...

I love these SO MUCH! Thanks, Margot, for leaving a sweet comment on my blog. I have been lurking you forEVAH and adore your jewelry designs. I always think your pretties have such a sense of humor but are always wearable and gorgeous. You are so generous to share so much cool stuff with us. I can't wait to see what else in the book! - Mich

Unknown said...

Not only is this a good idea but the jumping off place is endless!

rush8888 said...

i am drawn to copper! these earrings look fun. it would be fun to see the other projects in the book, too. rush8888 at att dot net

Ironchefwelsh said...

I just found your blog thanks to Facebook and Jo-Ann Fabrics. I think I have a new heroine and role model. Any suggestions on how to go from "spare-time" crafting to "I can quit my 9 to 5 and do this for a living"?? Thanks, and I can't wait to see the next project from the book!

Eileen The Artful Crafter said...

You are too clever! The spiral earrings are just darling. Thanks for the chance to win the book.

Titti @ Shoestring Pavilion said...

I would LOVE to win this book, sounds like a great book and I need more ideas on how to be creative.

Victoria said...

Those earrings are really cool. I'll have to try them out. And I can't wait for the book, I know it will be great.

mom2three said...

Can't wait to see all the projects in your book! I'd love to win one!

Sharan said...

These are so cute; I think they would be great in silver or brass wire too! You're new book looks great!

Anitra Cameron said...

Those are just great! Thank you for sharing the tutorial!

As for the book...PICK ME! PICK ME! Uh, I mean, I'd So Love to win it! I'll just quietly cross my fingers now....

FSU_Nole said...

Those are really cute! I think they'd be great for Christmas earrings using red, green and silver wire for the curly cues!
I'd LOVE to win your book, too!

Noreen said...

Great project ideas... and they look doable. Thanks for the chance to win the book.

sc19380 said...

I would LOVE to win this book!!! I started making jewelry a few months ago so I'm still learning and always looking for more reference, help, info, etc... anything I can get my hands on. I was let go from my job when I became ill and jewelry making has helped me to relax and clear my head, while being creative. I'm hoping to eventually sell my jewelry because the money is much needed right now!!!!! Thank you for the chance to win your book!!! I have my fingers crossed!!!

MoonRae said...

Would love to win your new book!!(if I don't I will buy it for sure)
Thanks for the free project too!!
~Sharon~
lunrei@yahoo.com

Tonyawear said...

I love these earrings and would really love to win this book. I have one of your books and wish I could afford to have them all. Your jewelry has really inspired me in creating my own.

Karen said...

I would love to win this book to add to my collection!!! I have your other books and have been inspired by many of your projects!

Hispirations said...

These are beautiful. I know the book is good if this is representative of what's featured. I pray I win.

Jo Anne Smith said...

Can't wait to get the book. If I don't win it I will definately buy it. Going to make the earrings tomorrow.

Judy said...

Love the earrings, I have just begun to work a little with wire, and copper is my favorite. Besides being the cheapest for a beginner to start with. So I was thrilled to see the post about the free project, and even more thrilled when I saw what it was. I made curlicues like this weeks ago for a necklace I was making and trying for a "different" look. Since then I have used them in an earring set too. Only I made mine by winding a copper pin with the head cut off, around a wooden chop stick. Hey, what ever works, right? I am a 63 y/o semi-retired nurse, I have only been making jewelry for the past year and have fallen in love with the ability to make beautiful things. I don't have much money so I cut corners when ever I can, and to win this book would be wonderful!

cw whitedogjewelry said...

Your book looks fantastic. I love the look of these earrings. They are fun and funky go-with-everything kind of a design. We all need something fun to wear and why not start with these earrings and THE choose the outfit to show them off.
I'd love to have a copy of the book since I'm looking to create new designs with wire.
Thanks for your generous offer.
Chris

David Wurz said...

Very cool book, I'll have to pick one up. Sure would be nice to win an autographed copy:)

Anonymous said...

Love the earring project. I also checked out the "look inside" option on Amazon and this book looks amazing! I love the clearly labeled illustrations and the detail in the Introduction chapter. The projects in chapters two through six look intriguing and like jewelry my friends would love to receive for birthdays or Christmas. I would be so thrilled to win a copy. Thanks for the contest

Sandi said...

Thank you for the free project and chance to win the book. Of course if I don't win I'll have to buy it but that would be fine with me.

Unknown said...

Thanks for the great project! I am recently addicted to copper. Now if I could get my nerve up to try liver of sulphur. . .

Anonymous said...

These books look real exciting, I just hope that i am the one that gets drawn to have them. I will still go check them out at the book store but it would be great to win them. I love the styles you have and some of the techniques are so different. Great books and projects

Sheri said...

Very cute! Can't wait to see what else is in the book.

Sheri said...

Very very cute! Can't wait to see more!!

Anonymous said...

I owuld love to win the book! It looks like it would be a great addition to my workshop. Lori
lmassey_lolo (at) yahoo dot com

Anonymous said...

the earrings look "interesting", maybe i am missing something but to be honest, they look terrible.
i know that beauty is in the eye of the beholder so i will just say thank you for the project. at the very least it shows me some new techniques.

Lori said...

Johnny Crappleseed! I love that term!! Anyway, thanks for the free earring project - they look adorable. I can't wait to try them, and I'll be looking for the next 3! I'm trying all different types of arts & crafts, so I'd love to add your book to my collection - especially if I can win it! :-) Thanks again for the ideas... keep up the crafty work!

Tammy R. said...

I love to create earrings and other jewelry. Your book looks exceptional and would make a great addition to my library. The project looks simple, yet elegant to make. I like to get my copper and brass wires at my local hardware store.

Anna said...

The earings look fantastic and I can't wait to try and make them. the book looks great and I would put it on my wish list if I don't win a copy.

HazelEyedHoney said...

I am 25 and on disability, so I save any extra money I can to make jewelry. Beading helps me not think about the pain I go through and wearing the jewelry I make makes me very happy. Jewelry books are soooo expensive and winning an autographed copy of yours would be so awesome! I would treasure it forever. But even if I didn't win, I'd save up for it since your projects are so uniquely beautiful.
Thank you for all your hard work and I can't wait to see all the projects in this book and your next one!!! *off to work on your free bead project*

Margot Potter said...

Thanks for all of the great comments, I'll be picking a winner when I get home and announce it on Saturday.

As for the person who thinks these look terrible...something for everyone! I guess I don't have to worry about sending you a free book! The concept is very organic and freeform and not at all meant to be 'refined.' Mostly, this is about a technique, you can take it where you like. Please do let me know when your book comes out.

Love
Madge

kaye said...

Am new to beading/jewelry making. The book would be an excellent introduction to creating some great pieces.

Lin said...

Wishing you much success with your book, which I would love to win! I think it's fabulous that you are posting instructions for projects on the blog- not many people are generous enough to do that. I'll be back!

Anonymous said...

Thank you for the project!!! And I'm very excited
about your book !!!
Best wishes
Risa

Sandy said...

Hello Margo!

The first thing I would like to say is prayers will go out for you.
Not being able to breathe is a most frightening thing.
The design on your cover is beautiful and makes one want to explore the book. I plan to buy your book. If I win one it would make a nice gift for someone who needs an outlet.

Take care!

Sandy



Sandy

Melissa Marro said...

Your blog was featured on one of our member's blogs (http://creatingthehive.com/blog-post/2519/cosmo-cricket-flowers-and-crafty-links) so I came to check you out... LOVE IT!!!

Unknown said...

So much inspiration from such a little bit of wire . . . You open many doors to many opportunities.
Thanx so much!!!

Unknown said...

So much inspiration from such a small amount of wire. Thanx so much for sharing!!!

JoAnne said...

Can't wait to try this project and for the book to come out! Would be thrilled to win a copy-- and signed? Bonus! :) Thanks for your blog-- love it. <3

Alicia said...

Love the look of the earrings. Interesting concept.

California Beading said...

Wasn't going to buy another book until I had made up a bunch from my library. Well, I guess I'll just have to get one more because your new one "Bead Chic" just looks to good to pass up!

Deborah said...

Apparently, not everyone believes in, "If you can't say something nice..."

Too bad he/she couldn't stop at "interesting" and felt compelled to change it to "terrible."

Yes, beauty is in the eye of the beholder - this beholder (me) LOVES the earrings, and APPRECIATES the free-spirited, free project, as well as the opportunity to get the new book - FREE!

Thanks very much, Margot! (And pay no attention to such negative, critical comments.)

GemFind.com - Certified Loose Diamonds said...

Thanks you for sharing the information and your blog is my favorite site.

Anonymous said...

I LUV LUV LUV all your books, I have every one, it would be GREAT to get one for free!! Even if I don't get the free one I will buy it when I can, been unemployed for 20 mos. now and things are tight!!

Anonymous said...

Love the earrings, I will be making these for my daughter. I have been pondering all week on what I would make her, thanks for the great idea!

Jackson said...

Those are very cute. I'm going to try them on the weekend.

Anonymous said...

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE COPPER AND I HAVE TONS OF THE WIRE... WILL GIVE THIS PROJECT A SHOT RIGHT AFTER I FINISH WORKING TODAY. WHERE CAN WE GET THIS BOOK?

Cindy said...

Sounds like it is going to be a great book and some very neat projects for us to try. I can't wait.

Leisa said...

Beautiful inspiration, thanks for sharing it with your fans!
Would LOVE to win the great book!

DalGirl said...

I love your book and would love my own copy! I can't wait to make the earrings they are chic!

DalGirl said...

I hope I am not reposting, but I do not see my post and I really want a shot at winning thias terrific book. Sorry if this is a double post.

Kimberly said...

I'm so glad I found this site. I'm new to jewelry making in fact I'm a student. Being a student I have been egaer to make something that will be in my vary limited income. I at this time could only afford to buy a few tools and materials. I've come across some sites that are using 18K gold or silver and I just can't afford that right now. And your instructions are easy to understand. I can't wait to see your book. Thank you so much.

Bruce Derflinger said...

The project looks interesting and I am going to check out your book.

Pay no attention to the Trolls lurking in the dark recesses of the Internet. They crawl out of their holes and try to spread their misery and loathing like the talentless creatures they are. It seems they attempt to feed on the pain they create in those who strive to create.

bev said...

This is the first time i have seen your stuff. Love them. Interesting, creative asnd inspiring is all I can say. Oh and yes, i would love a free book

Dana said...

Great earrings and I love to work with wire so I'll have to try it out.

Anonymous said...

Once I saw your book and your earrings I said to myself, "This is exactly who I am!" I'd love to win a copy of the book, for me, making jewelry is like a runaway train-I can't stop! Elaine, Nevada

Unknown said...

Thanks so much for putting so much into helping others with inspiration, instruction and design.

Being on disability can be frustrating when your body is still generally able and making something usable and beautiful is a great relief valve.

And being a bookaholic and someone who cant stick to just one or two styles, your books are awesome!

So few bother to put much information in about making findings so again, thanks. Just love knowing its out there when I can afford it.

Anonymous said...

I think your book looks like it will be a great addition for anyone who makes jewelry!! Thanks for the free instructions.

Marge J P said...

I love the earing design! They will go beautifuly with the necklace I designed using copper curlicues and magnetic hematit.
I cant wait to pick up you book!!!
Thank you for the inspiration and the beauty you add to the world!

JoAnn said...

THANK YOU for the tutorial on how to make the earrings. Thanks for giving me a chance to win the book.
Thank you

Unknown said...

The earrings are gorgeous and I love your blog

Anonymous said...

I just ordered your book and cant wait to get my hands busy. I couldn't risk not being the winner so I bought it ahead of time. Thank you for the realization that I do not have to limit myself to what someone else has made as earring findings! You have added extra beauty and laughter to my life and I thank you for that.
(Marge--beanythepit@yahoo.com)

Anonymous said...

I just ordered your book and cant wait to get my hands busy. I couldn't risk not being the winner so I bought it ahead of time. Thank you for the realization that I do not have to limit myself to what someone else has made as earring findings! You have added extra beauty and laughter to my life and I thank you for that.
(Marge--beanythepit@yahoo.com)

Marty said...

Your book looks great and I'm going to watch for more of your projects. Thank you so much for offering both.

Marty said...

Your book looks great and I'm looking forward to more projects. Thank you for sharing both.