Single-Strand Necklace and Earring Set with Mother-of-Pearl Shell Beads, Peridot Gemstone Beads and Wirework
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Design Idea L63F
-- Designer --
LauraLynn, Jewelry Designer, Exclusively for Fire Mountain Gems and Beads®
To learn more about LauraLynn, read her jewelry artist success story here.
: : : Materials : : :
Click here to view a full list of materials used in this design.
Please take the creative opportunity to select the products of your choice for this design, offered here at Fire Mountain Gems and Beads. Some materials may not be available or listed.
- Wire, Zebra Wire™, color-coated copper, brown, round, 24 gauge
- Wire, ParaWire™, copper, square, 18 gauge
- Bead, peridot (natural), mini chip, Mohs hardness 6-1/2 to 7
- Bead, tanzanite (heated), shaded, small chip. Mohs hardness 6 to 7
- Bead, mother-of-pearl shell (bleached / dyed), assorted colors, 20mm flat round, Mohs hardness 3-1/2
- Ear wire, antique copper-plated copper, 18.5mm fishhook with 5x4mm teardrop and open loop, 20 gauge
- Necklace cord, faux suede with imitation rhodium-finished steel and "pewter" (zinc-based alloy), green, 3mm wide, 18 inches with 2-inch extender chain and lobster claw clasp
Join Fire Mountain Gems and Beads jewelry designer LauraLynn to learn how to create popular wire-wrapped tree of life pendants. The circular element of the symbol represents the world and the tree represents everything in it, showing us how everything is interconnected. Branch out and enjoy designing meaningful tree of life jewelry.
Instructions
Step 1
Using the 18-gauge copper ParaWire™, get a round object approximately the diameter you want, and form a circle of wire around it. Bend both sides of the wire away from the object at the place where they come together. Remove the wire from the object. With round-nose pliers, make a loop in one end of the wire. With chain-nose pliers, hold the two ends of wire together while you wrap the tail from the loop around the stems of wire until they are fully covered. Using flush cutters, snip off the excess wire as closely as possible. Bend the loop into position. Reshape the circle of the hoop with the round object.
Step 2
Start with thirteen 12-inch segments of 24-gauge Zebra Wire™. Twist the wires together to form the tree trunk in the center of the frame. Use the wires beneath the trunk to create roots by twisting and separating the wires as you see fit to create roots of different widths. Do not attach them to the circle yet.
Step 3
Twist the wires on top of the trunk to create branches, considering carefully where you want to place the moon. Use about half your branches on each side of the tree, so they meet at the top. Leave one piece of wire untwisted, as it will be used to secure the moon component. Do not attach them to the circle yet.
Step 4
Once the tree is shaped as you prefer, arrange the roots along the bottom of the circle. Then loop each wire at least three times around the frame, making sure the loops are tight by pressing down on the frame and pulling on the wire. Bend each wire toward the back before you cut it. Cut off the excess wire with flush cutters and, using pliers of your choice, tuck the ends in toward the inside of the pendant so that the wires are not against the skin of the wearer.
Step 5
Slide the moon component onto the single wire you left available for that purpose. Secure the wire using the same technique that was used to attach the roots. You can twist or untwist the wires of the tree branches to adjust the position of the moon component.
Step 6
Slide the gemstone chips onto the wire branches. If the holes in the beads are too small, use a bead reamer to make them larger. Attach the wires to the frame and cut off the excess wire using the same techniques you used to secure and finish the roots. Use the branches with the gemstone chips to help secure the moon component as you go.
Step 7
Attach your tree-of-life pendant to the cord of your choice.
Have a question regarding this project? Email Customer Service.
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The pieces featured in the Gallery of Designs are copyrighted designs and are provided for inspiration only. We encourage you to substitute different colors, products and techniques to make the design your own.
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