In a previous project , I showed how to make these swirl earrings using sterling silver 18 gauge round wire. At this point, they make up nicely as earrings.
1. Take the swirl piece before you attach it to the ear hook as previously described in step 6 of last week's project.
2. Using your hand or pliers, gently squeeze the U shape of this shape together. The arrow in the drawing indicates where the best place is to hold onto the piece with either your hands or pliers.
3. Now use your hands and pliers at the same time to hold the piece so that your fingers are wrapped around the curls (left arrow) and your pliers are holding the loop (right arrow).
4. Now you are prepared to bend the piece in half. Using the pliers, bend the looped part away from you.
Your piece will now look something like this:
Now it's up to you to decide what you can do next. Here are some ideas:
- Hang it as is on an ear wire to make an earring.
- Make an identical piece and *hook two pieces together. Again, add an ear hook for an earring.
- Continue adding pieces to make a bracelet or necklace.
*How to hook pieces together:
Slide the loop of one piece into the loop of another and then straighten.
That's it!
These swirls look great just as simple earrings as in last week's project, but there are a lot more options when you take them a step further.
All graphics created by Tammy Powley.
