Secrets to Wireworking Video 9: Layered Spirals Single-Strand Necklace with Wirework and Crystal Passions® Beads and Drops
Our next wirework series project is oh so lovely. This sparkling heart necklace is an excellent way to build on many of the skills you've learned from past projects in the series—open spirals, planishing and hammered textures—and to try out the featured technique--layered spirals. Patti is here to show you how!
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Design Idea MH31
-- Designer --
Patti, Jewelry Designer, Exclusively for Fire Mountain Gems and Beads®
To learn more about Patti Miller, 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.
- Bead, Crystal Passions®, light Siam, 4mm bicone (5328)
- Clasp, S-hook, copper, 25x11mm with (2) 8mm closed jump rings
- Cord, leather (dyed), red, 2mm round
- Crimp end, JBB Findings, antique copper-plated brass, 8x5mm tube with swivel, loop and rope trim design, 2mm inside diameter
- Drop, Crystal Passions®, light Siam, 14mm heart pendant (6228)
- Jump ring, antique copper-plated brass, 6mm round, 4.4mm inside diameter, 20 gauge
- Jump ring, copper, 8mm hand-cut round square wire, 5.7mm inside diameter, 18 gauge
- Wire, ParaWire™, copper, round, 20 gauge
- Wire, ParaWire™, copper, round, 24 gauge
- Wire, sterling silver, half-hard, round, 18 gauge
- Wire, sterling silver, half-hard, round, 20 gauge
Instructions
Step 1
Cut the following:
- One 18-inch length of 18-gauge sterling silver wire
- One 14-inch length of 20-gauge sterling silver wire
- One 5-inch, one 8-inch and one 16-inch length of 20-gauge copper wire
- Two 10-inch and eight 6-inch lengths of 24-gauge copper wire
- One 18-inch length of 2mm leather cord.
Step 2
Position the bottom barrel of the round-nose pliers in the center of the 18-inch length of 18-gauge sterling silver wire. Push both tails around the barrel to form the bottom loop of the heart frame. On each tail, about 2 inches up from loop, gently curve wire inward to form half of a heart shape and end with a partial spiral to form center juncture of heart.
Step 3
Position the bottom barrel of the round-nose pliers in the center of the 14-inch length of 20-gauge sterling silver wire. Push both tails around the barrel to form the bottom loop then fan tails out slightly. About 1-1/2 inches up on each side of the tail, curve the wire inward and end with an inward open spiral. Lay over the heart frame from Step 2 and adjust curves and spiral to align with heart frame size, with the spirals aligning with the top edges of the heart frame.
Step 4
Position the bottom barrel of the round-nose pliers in the center of the 16-inch length of 20-gauge copper wire. Push both tails around the barrel to form the bottom loop (slightly larger than the last and at a slightly steeper angle). About 1-1/4 inches up on each side of the tail, curve the wire outward and end with an outward open spiral. Lay over the heart frame and adjust curves and spiral to align with heart frame size, with spiral center edges aligning with center of heart frame.
Position the bottom barrel of the round-nose pliers in the center of the 8-inch length of 20-gauge copper wire. Push both tails around the barrel to form the bottom loop. About 3/4 inches up on each side of the tail, curve inward and end with a partial inward open spiral.
Step 5
Using a hammer and steel block, place one of the heart components onto the block and hammer flat, leaving the sections of wire that cross over round. Continue to hammer evenly around each part of the heart.
Using a hammer and steel block, place one of the heart components onto the block and hammer flat, leaving the sections of wire that cross over round. Continue to hammer evenly around each part of the heart.
Step 6
Layer each of the spiral wires over the heart to be sure they will align with the heart frame. Adjust gently as needed.
Step 7
Tightly wrap a 6-inch length of 24-gauge copper wire approximately four times around necks of partial spirals at the top of heart frame to close the frame. Trim excess wire from the tails on the back side of the heart then clamp down using chain-nose pliers.
Step 8
Position the smaller copper heart so it is upside down on top of the heart frame. Wrap a 6-inch length of 24-gauge copper wire approximately four times around one of the partial spirals on the smaller copper component and the top of the heart frame to secure it to the frame. Be sure both sides are positioned evenly before wrapping. Repeat to secure the other side of the smaller copper heart.
Step 9
Place the larger copper heart component over the heart frame and adjust to fit evenly on each side, with the bottom loop almost touching the bottom loop of the heart frame but still on the inside of the frame. Wrap a 6-inch length of copper wire approximately four times around the outer edge of the spiral and the side of the frame, as pictured.
Repeat on the opposite side.
Step 10
Use a 6-inch length of 24-gauge copper wire to wrap four times around the junctures of copper and sterling silver spiral components.
Step 11
Just below the copper spiral on each side of the heart frame, wrap one end of the 10-inch length of 24-gauge copper wire three times around the heart frame. About 2mm from the frame, make a 90-degree bend in the wire, string on a bicone then wrap the wire all the way around the frame. Repeat until you have wrapped on 6 bicones then finish off wrapping three times around the heart frame.
Step 12
String a 14mm heart onto a 6-inch length of wire. Form a briolette wrapped loop using the wire, connecting it to the bottom loop of the heart frame.
Step 13
Pass one square wire jump ring through the top loop of the pendant then close. Repeat to add a second jump ring. String the length of leather cord through the two square jump rings.
Place crimp ends on both ends of the leather cord then crimp. Use 6mm jump rings to attach the S-hook clasp to the crimp ends.
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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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