Earrings 101

Finally, I am writing a jewelry blog! My camera, as usual, didn't quite catch the images I hoped it would, as it's not good at all for close-ups. I am starting with a quick "Earrings 101", and hope this will be the first of many jewelry how-to blogs. (I'm starting to sound like a broken record when it comes to my camera. Sorry!)

First thing's first... what do you need?

I tried to label this next image with numbers, but for some reason it wouldn't upload. So, you will have to follow along and let me know if I lose you.

Starting from bottom left, going clockwise... (these are all good staple tools to invest in if you plan to start making jewelry.)

Nylon Jaw pliers- Similar to flat nose pliers, but the will not marr or scratch the finish off off your wire or metals. 2)Flat nose pliers- Good for bending and grasping wire. 3)Round Nose pliers AKA Needle Nose pliers- Use to make loops and other curves for eye pins (see below), ear wire, spirals, etc. 4) Ear Wires- Pretty self explanatory... you see them on earrings all over the place. 5) Head Pins (under ear wires in picture)- use when you need wire that will hold the bead on. 6) Eye pins (to the right of head pins)- use when you want the head pin effect but want to attach it to something else. 7) Nipper Tools/Wire Cutters- Again, pretty self explanatory. Get a good and sharp pair... you won't regret it! 8) Beads- Play around with the design until you are comfortable with what you see. Go outside of your comfort zone and use colors you normally wouldn't. You will be pleasantly surprised with the variety you add to your wardrobe! 9) Spacers- Both plain and daisy spacers are pictured (bottom).  Spacers can be used between beads to create a gap, which also may help with more fragile beads that may chip or break if rubbed together too much.  Here, the daisy spacers are used at the bottm for aesthetic, and because the bead hole was too large, and the headpin slipped right though.

I think that covers materials...

First, Put your bead(s) (and spacer, if applicable) onto the head pin.

Now, use your flat nose pliers (or needle nose, whichever you prefer) to create a bend in the wire at the top of the beads.

Next, use the needle nose pliers to create a loop. Put one side of the pliers into the bend, and wrap the wire up and around the pliers.

Shift pliers so they are not in the way. Complete the loop by wrapping the wire all the way around. If you have enough left, you may wrap it around the main wire to create a wrapped look.

Now you will open the eye of the eye pin and attach it to the loop you just created. There is a correct way to do this, which I will demostrate on a larger jump ring, which is easier to see.

Correct way: Pull one side of the ring towards you. Push it away to close.

INCORRECT way: Pull sides of the ring away from each other. Not only will this not go back together smoothly, but it will weaken the wire. Many thinner wires will break if you try to do this.

        <------NO

String remaining beads onto the eye pin you've just attached.

Repeat steps to create a loop and attach to ear wire.

Repeat entire process for 2nd earring and...

...you're done!

Congrats, you are a beader!