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FREE Pattern: Crystal Ring

By on May 27, 2016
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by Judy Ellis, Wirejewelry.com

Wire Jewelry Tip for May 27th, 2016

Crystal Ring

by Lilian Chen

Today’s free pattern comes from Lilian Chen. This simple crystal and wire ring pattern is easy enough for the beginner and is perfect for anyone who loves creative wire methods.

Lilian Says:

headshotcut

This pattern will introduce you to my 3D style wire sculpture forming method. The original idea came from origami paper folding:

Skill Level: Beginner

Materials:

Tools:

Instructions:

  1. For this project you will be using the wire’s original coils directly from the spool. Depending on the size of ring that you are creating, you may need to use a smaller coil of wire such as 1/2 coil, 1/4 coil or 1/8 coil as show below. With this type of measurement, there is no need to straighten your wire to determine the length for your piece.
    Woven
  2. Begin by using one full coil. Cut one coil from the spool.
    Woven
  3. Measure and check the diameter and the end width, keeping them even.
    Woven Woven
  4. Grasp the coil on a horizontal angle. It’s not critical to mark the center point of the wire, since you are going to be trimming off the excess wire after it’s shaped. Just make sure it’s approximately the same length from center.
    Woven
  5. Bend the full coil into a half coil with your round nose pliers.
    Woven
  6. Match the curve on both sides, while you are bending the coil.
    Woven Woven
    Line Break
  7. Check the shape. Continue bending until you’ve reached a “U” shape. You want to create a perfect “U” with two parallel curves.
    Woven Woven
    Line Break
  8. Grasp the “U”shape tightly, and gently curve the ends of the wire near the “U” into a coil or kidney bean shape.
  9. This is what it should look like when fully curved.
    Woven Woven
    Line Break
  10. Now, put your curved wire onto the ring mandrel and wrap it around the mandrel to create your ring. You can use the sizing on the mandrel to help you size your ring correctly.
    Woven Woven
  11. While the wire is still on your mandrel, slip the crystal beads onto the wire, Once you have added your beds, gently slip them off of the mandrel.
    Woven
    Line Break
  12. Grasp the wire close to the hole, and make a vertical bend, about 20 degrees away from the bead side.
    Woven
  13. Using a Memory Wire Cutter, cut the remainder of wire off as close to the angle as possible. The little angle will stop the beads from escaping the end of the wire.
    Woven Woven
    Line Break
  14. Use a file to clean up the ends of the wire.
    Woven Woven
    Line Break
  15. Optional: To make your piece more interesting you can add additional beads of your choice.
    Woven Woven
    Woven Woven
    Congratulations! You’ve made your first Crystal Ring!

To learn more about Lilian Chen’s work – CLICK HERE!

Happy Wrapping!

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2 Comments

  1. avatar

    Carmen

    June 15, 2016 at 5:17 am

    Thank you for the pattern. I have been trying to figure out to make coils, and now I understand the process a lot better.

    • avatar

      Kathy

      June 15, 2016 at 10:42 am

      What an ingenious way of making an adjustable ring! Thank you Lillian