Wiggle Links
Posted on | March 7, 2011 | Comments Off
Wire wrapped jewelry wiggle links
These fun links can be used in many ways, and are a great component for a wire wrapped jewelry artist to have in her arsenal. Try experimenting with different proportions to make an endless variety of links. These can be joined with other types of links, such as wrapped loop links, to make simple chains. Or, add a dangle and an ear wire to make a pair of simple earrings.
To make a link, you will need:
- a 3-inch length of dead soft 20-gauge wire
- round nose pliers
- flat nose pliers
- flush cutters
- chasing hammer or ball pein hammer
- anvil or bench block
To begin, wrap one end of the wire into a loop with your round nose pliers. This loop will become the linking loop at one end of the link. Note the position on the pliers where the loop was formed, as you may wish to form the linking loop on the opposite end of the link at the same position on the pliers to ensure equal size.
Reposition your pliers, and curl the tail of the wire back in the opposite direction, forming a decorative curve. Note the position on the pliers where you form this curve; the remaining curves should be formed at the same position on the pliers.
Reposition the pliers again, turning the wire back in the opposite direction to form another curve.
Continue to form as many curves as you’d like.
When you have completed the desired number of curves, cut the wire to the correct length for forming the second linking loop.
Curl the cut end into a simple loop, then adjust this loop and the other linking loop so that they stick out of the ends of the link neatly. Hammer the link flat, then flip it over and hammer from the other side to add stability.
Now make some more, and use them to make something pretty!
Tags: beginner > easy > free > how to > instructions > jewelry links > jewelry making > links > tutorial > tutorials > wire wrapped jewelry
