Chain Heart Earrings

by Sonja Kiser

Category: Contemporary
Technique(s): Wrapping
Skill Level: Beginner

Wrapped loops are a great technique to master. Insert chains and beads to create these cool earrings that are in constant motion. Although the pattern uses 14mm crystal hearts, it can later be adapted to contain a variety of items such as a briolette or teardrop.

Materials

21 Gauge Round Half Hard .925 Sterling Silver Wire

H8-21H

Lesson Quantity: 12.00 inches
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 1FT
Price: $2.82
Gold Club Price: $2.12

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Silver Filled Cable Chain Oval 4.6x3.2mm - 10 Feet

C10-324U

Lesson Quantity: 7.00 inches
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Price: $27.97
Gold Club Price: $20.98

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Crystal hearts, drilled side to side 14mm

Lesson Quantity: 2.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each

Sterling Silver Beads Bright 3mm - Pack of 25

K9-140

Lesson Quantity: 6.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Price: $3.24
Gold Club Price: $2.43

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6mm Jet 5328 Bi-Cone Swarovski Crystal Beads - Pack of 10

A13-93B

Lesson Quantity: 6.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $2.97
Gold Club Price: $2.23

Out of Stock

Silver Filled Earwire w/ 3mm Ball & Coil 20mm - Pack of 10

S19-26

Lesson Quantity: 2.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Price: $3.42
Gold Club Price: $2.57

Out of Stock

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Tools

Chain Nose Wire Pliers

G2-508

G2-508
Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $32.95
Gold Club Price: $24.71

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Flat Nose Wire Pliers

G2-506

G2-506
Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $32.95
Gold Club Price: $24.71

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Round Nose Wire Pliers

G2-507

G2-507
Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $32.95
Gold Club Price: $24.71

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C.H.P Milano Italian Flush Cutter, 5 1/2 Inches

PLR-487.00

PLR-487.00
Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $16.97
Gold Club Price: $12.73

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12 Inch Stainless Steel Ruler

G7-30

G7-30
Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $2.97
Gold Club Price: $2.23

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Marker -extra fine

Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each

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Instructions

Step 1

Using 21-gauge round half hard wire, straighten and then cut four pieces each 3" long. Cut four pieces of chain each 1 1/4" long.

Step 2

Measure and mark two of the 3" pieces of wire at 1" from one end. At each mark, use chain nose pliers to make a 90 degree angle.

Sonja Kiser's Chain Heart Earrings - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, Wire Wrapping, Wrapping, Wire Wrapping Jewelry,

Step 3

On each bent wire, at each bend, use round nose pliers to make a loop. Open the loop slightly and insert one end of a piece of the chain into it. Finish making the wrapped loop, wrapping three times and then trim the extra wire.

Step 4

On each chained wire, after the wrapped loop, thread on a 3mm sterling silver bead, a 14mm crystal heart and another 3mm sterling silver bead.

Step 5

Match the space needed for the wrapped segment under the loop by placing chain nose pliers over the wraps made on the first end. Mark across the pliers at the point where the wire goes through the wrap. Place the marked jaw on the extended wire next to the bead and make a 90-degree bend, in the same direction as the first.

Step 6

Use round nose pliers at this bend to make another loop, inserting another piece of chain before wrapping it in. Note: Do not make this so tight that the beads have no room to move.

Step 7

On each of the remaining 3" round wires, measure and mark 1" from one end and make a 90-degree bend, and use round nose pliers to begin loops.

Step 8

Open each loop slightly and insert the two top ends of a heart component. Complete the wrapped loop, locking the chains in place.

Step 9

Place one 3mm sterling silver round bead and two 6mm round crystal beads on the extended wires of each component, and finish by making a wrapped loop.

Step 10

Attached each component to an ear wire.

Reviews

Sonja Kiser

While on a business trip with her husband, Sonja discovered an article written by Dale "Cougar" Armstrong in Step-by-Step Wire Jewelry Magazine. The article intrigued her so much that she contacted Dale and began taking classes at 'Cougars Creations' studio.

Sonja has a Master's Degree in Studio Art and presently teaches art at the middle school level. She has previously exhibited and worked in a variety of art media including watercolor, pencil, and photography. Before venturing into the world of wire, she had previously exhibited and sold jewelry made from wood and oven baked clay. Sonja now admits that making and creating her own wire jewelry designs is her favorite artistic endeavor, as she loves taking an idea or inspiration and forming it into a piece of wearable art. She credits her love of creating wire jewelry to the teaching and encouragement from Dale.

Sonja has recently published her first wire jewelry pattern in Step-by-Step Wire Jewelry, and also has a design featured in Dale's new Book "Wirework." Sonja resides in eastern Kentucky with her husband and their son.