Wire Jewelrymaking Projects & Information
Learn about wire wrapping, making your own jump rings and clasps, knitting and crocheting with wire, and even making chain maille jewelry!
Get Started with Wirework
You can make wire-wrapped jewelry, chain mail, chains, flowers, and more with wire and a few simple tools. Are you new to wirework? Let's get started!
Autumn Leaves Necklace
This three-dimensional autumn leaf necklace is easy to make and sure to draw compliments! Use the Victorian wirework technique to make other shapes and sizes of leaves, feathers, and flowers.
Bead & Wire Flowers
Here's a versatile and super-easy bead and wire flower. I used it to make a hair pin, but these flowers make great additions to all types of jewelry.
Beaded Bobby Pins or Barrettes
Make your own beaded bobby pins or barrettes. All it takes is a few beads, some wire, and the pins/barrettes to make bejeweled creations worthy of becoming heirlooms.
Beaded Crystal Heart
Make your own beadwoven heart using crystals, pearls, or other beads and clear nylon, wire, or other stringing material. Make flat heart or three-dimensional shapes. With a project this versatile, I bet you can't make just one!
Chain Mail & Bead Jewelry
This is an updated take on the classic European 4-in-1 chain mail pattern. The beads are optional, but they add distinction. Once you are comfortable with the basic pattern, try varying your wire and ring size for dramatic changes in the appearance of the mail.
Chandelier Earring Instructions
Chandelier earrings gorgeous! These instructions are for completely hand-made earrings, made using a jig or pliers, wire, and beads.
Choosing Wire for Jewelry
You've heard it said that you should choose the proper tool for the proper job. The axiom is true for wire when making jewelry. Here's a look at some of the factors to consider before you start to work wire. I've also included a table listing my favorite types of wire for different projects.
Converting Wire Sizes
Use one table to substitute wire sized in millimeters with its nearest equivalent in gauge wire, and vice versa. A second table gives the millimeter diameters of common gauges.
Deciphering Quality Marks
A quality mark is information about metal content that appears on an article. Learn what terms such as ´sterling´, ´karat´, and ´goldfilled´ mean.
Hair Coils
These delicate-looking hair accessories are easy to make. All you need is a bit of wire and rhinestone, pearl, or flower.
Hearts Made Using a Jig
You can get consistent heart shapes if you use a jig to form a wire heart. Here's an easy pattern that can be used with any gauge wire to make heart pendants and eardrops.
How to Close a Crimp Bead
Crimping is a technique used to secure beading wire. It's commonly used to connect clasps, although it can also be used as a design element, too. Basically, it involves crushing a metal bead or coil onto the wire, to hold it in place. Here's how you do it...
How to Make a Chain Maille Necklace
Call it chain maille or call it jump ring jewelry - either way, the technique is easy and the results are stunning! This necklace, based on a Japanese motif, is a great beginner project. It doesn't take too long to complete, doesn't involve contortionist positions to make the motifs, yet uses several techniques that you can apply to make lots of different designs.
How to Make a Clasp
It's really easy to make your own clasps using nothing more complicated than wire, cutters, and a pair of pliers!
How to Make a Coiled Wire Dangle
Wire coils look cool and are easy to make. These instructions will show you how to make a flat coil, which I have used to secure a bead to make a decorative dangle.
How to Make Earwires
It's easy to make your own earwires using roundnose pliers or a jig. Why would you want to make earwires? You can choose your own metal, style, and gauge. This gives you more design options than you would get ordering pre-made earwires, plus it's a great way to save money.
How to Make a Jig for Wire Jewelry
It's easy to make your own jig to make wire jewelry, earrings, clasps, and other components. All you need is a piece of wood, some finishing nails, and a hammer. Here's how you do it...
How to Make Jump Rings
Jump rings are great all-purpose connectors, although you can also use them as primary components for chain maille and other types of jump ring jewelry. They are easy to make, but there are a few tricks to making them right! Don't limit yourself to round rings - try triangles, hexagons, squares, and ovals.
How to Open & Close Jump Rings
This is a basic technique, but it's important to do it right. Find out how to open and close jump rings correctly.
How to Solder Sterling Silver Jump Rings
Whether you make your own jump rings or purchase them, sometimes you will need to make them into solid rings. Don't be intimidated by soldering - it's easy!
Hugs & Kisses Ring Tutorial
Make this elegant ring with beads and stringing material or wire. It's a great beginner project!
Legend of the Christmas Spider
Did you know that a Spider Ornament is a traditional German Christmas tree decoration? Here's the legend behind the decoration, which also explains the significance of garlands around the tree.
Long Rope or Lariat Necklace Tutorial
A long rope necklace or lariat is among the most versatile of accessories. You can wear it as a long necklace or belt or wrap it up for more fashion options. In this tutorial, you'll learn how to use beads, beading wire, and crimps to make a long rope that will stand the test of time.
Make a Bead & Wire Spider Ornament
This quick and easy project is great for kids, yet can be used to make a spider worthy of becoming an heirloom. Make spiders for Halloween decorations, Christmas ornaments, suncatchers, and jewelry.
Mandrel Sizes for Making Jump Rings
This is a chart of mandrel sizes and wire gauges required to make jump rings of a specific size.
Mini Chandelier Earrings
These pearl and crystal chandelier earrings have drape and swing without weighing too much or costing a fortune to make in terms of time or materials.
Product Review - Wig Jig Delphi Jig
Make intricate earwires, clasps, and components using this sturdy and versatile jig. Hold it in your hand or fix it in a vise. The jig's manufacturer offers over a thousand free patterns and designs for use with their jigs.
Fine Wire Group at MSN
These projects cover a wide range of skill levels. This is a great place to go to try out multiple wire techniques.
Preston Reuther's Wire Jewelry Making Course
This is another great place to visit! Preston's designs are fast and easy to make, with an eye toward high profit if you are selling your pieces.
Wig Jig University
I own two jigs from Wig Jig and I love them. Even if you don't own a jig, you will find lots of great wireworking info at this free site. These are more colorful and youthful patterns than you will find at the other websites.
Wire Projects at About
This is a collection of wire projects using basic skills and mainly purchased findings. Several holiday projects are featured.
