Earrings with Wirework and Czech Fire-Polished Glass Beads

Cut the following:

• One 16-inch length of 18-gauge gold-finished wire
• Two 2-1/4 inch lengths of 20-gauge gold-finished wire
• Two 4-inch lengths of 24-gauge gold-finished wire

Leaving a 3-inch tail, bend the 16-inch length of wire around a small circular object to form a circle approximately 1 inch in diameter.

Bend the wire away from the circle at approximately 100 degrees. Grip the wire with the tip of round nose pliers 1/4-inch from the bend then bring the wire around the pliers tip and back to the circle.

Bend the wire out and then, at approximately 1/4 inch, bend sharply back to the circle.

Repeat to add the alternating style of rays around the circle.

Wrap around the base of the first ray and the tail. Trim any excess. Do not trim the tail.

Bend the tail to create a semi-circle over the first ray then wrap around the base of it. Trim excess wire.

Form a spiral on one end of a 4-inch length of wire. Pass on a yellow bead then form another spiral. The entire component should be the width of the center of the sun.

Hold the bead component across the center of the sun. Use a 2-1/4 length of wire to wrap the outside of one spiral tightly to circle of the sun. Repeat with the other length on the opposite side.

Wrap the remaining 4-inch length of wire approximately 3/4 of the way around a circular object to create a French hoop ear wire. Form a simple loop on one end. Attach the loop to the top of the sun.

Moon Instructions

Cut the following:

• One 9-inch length of 18-gauge silver-plated wire
• Four 2-/14 inch lengths of 20-gauge silver-plated wire
• Two 4-inch lengths of 24-gauge silver-plated wire

Form a spiral approximately 1/4 inch wide at the end of the 9-inch length of wire. Wrap the wire around tip of round-nose pliers to form a small loop then bring the wire back to the bottom of the spiral. Bend the wire away from the spiral at a 90-degree angle.

Curve the wire to create the outside edge of a crescent. Sharply bend back and curve the wire to form the inside edge of the crescent moon shape.

Wrap the wire tightly around the 90-degree bend then form another spiral. Trim excess wire.

Form a spiral on one end of a 4-inch length of wire. Pass on a clear bead then form another spiral. The component should fit along the widest part of the crescent moon.

Hold the bead component in place and use one 2-1/4 length of wire around one spiral and the moon. Repeat to wrap the opposite side of the spiral and the spiral on the other end of the component.

Wrap the remaining 4-inch length of wire approximately 3/4 of the way around a circular object to create a French hoop ear wire. Form a simple loop on one end. Attach the loop to the top of the moon.