Judy Larson's Closed Loop Ear Wires, Findings & Components, Toggles & Clasps, Earwire & Headpin. Loops, Wire Loop, Wrapped Wire Loop. These simple to make little earring findings are very versatile.

Closed Loop Ear Wires

by Judy Larson
  • Category: Findings
  • Technique(s): Making Loops
  • Skill Level: Beginner
These simple to make little earring findings are very versatile. Hang beads from them, do a bit of weaving inside the loop, wrap the loop with beads, or solder some fun elements to the loop. Add or subtract wire length to change the size of the loop. The sky's the limit here.

Materials

20 Gauge Round Full Hard Argentium .940 Silver Wire
H19-20FH
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 1FT
  • Price: $3.51
  • Gold Club Price: $2.63
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21 Gauge Round Full Hard 14/20 Gold Filled Wire
H4-21FH
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 1FT
  • Price: $5.37
  • Gold Club Price: $4.02
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20 Gauge Round Half Hard 14/20 Rose Gold Filled Wire
H6-20H
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 1FT
  • Price: $6.90
  • Gold Club Price: $5.17
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20 Gauge Round Half Hard .925 Sterling Silver Wire
H8-20H
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 1FT
  • Price: $3.20
  • Gold Club Price: $2.40
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Tools

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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6 Step Barrel Plier - Pack of 1
G2-503
  • G2-503
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $14.95
  • Gold Club Price: $11.21
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5 1/2 Inch Nylon Flat Jaw Pliers with Replacement Jaws
G2-1
  • G2-1
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $9.97
  • Gold Club Price: $7.48
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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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Wire Rounder with Wooden Handle - Pack of 1
G14-19
  • G14-19
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $7.95
  • Gold Club Price: $5.96
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Instructions
Step 1
Read through the tutorial before starting the project. Follow all safety precautions pertaining to the tools and supplies being used and the space you are working in.

Cut two 5" long pieces of 20 gauge round wire.
Step 2
Mark each wire 2" in from one end.
Judy Larson's Closed Loop Ear Wires - , Findings & Components, Toggles & Clasps, Earwire & Headpin, Loops, Wire Loop, Wrapped Wire Loop, closed loop ear wires
Step 3
In this tutorial the barrels of the 6-Step Barrel Pliers are numerically labeled from smallest to largest. A barrel size will be referred to by number in the tutorial. Grasp the wire on the line between Step 5 and 6 on the 6 step barrel pliers. Pull both sides of the wire down as shown over the Step 5 barrel.
Judy Larson's Closed Loop Ear Wires - , Findings & Components, Toggles & Clasps, Earwire & Headpin, Loops, Wire Loop, Wrapped Wire Loop, closed loop ear wires
Judy Larson's Closed Loop Ear Wires - , Findings & Components, Toggles & Clasps, Earwire & Headpin, Loops, Wire Loop, Wrapped Wire Loop, closed loop ear wires
Step 4
Do not shift the wire on the pliers. Pull the short wire end all the way around the barrel until it crosses over the long wire end.
Judy Larson's Closed Loop Ear Wires - , Findings & Components, Toggles & Clasps, Earwire & Headpin, Loops, Wire Loop, Wrapped Wire Loop, closed loop ear wires
Step 5
Remove the wire from the 6 step barrel pliers. Grasp the loop with soft jaw pliers as shown.
Judy Larson's Closed Loop Ear Wires - , Findings & Components, Toggles & Clasps, Earwire & Headpin, Loops, Wire Loop, Wrapped Wire Loop, closed loop ear wires
Step 6
Pull the short wire end around the long wire end.
Judy Larson's Closed Loop Ear Wires - , Findings & Components, Toggles & Clasps, Earwire & Headpin, Loops, Wire Loop, Wrapped Wire Loop, closed loop ear wires
Judy Larson's Closed Loop Ear Wires - , Findings & Components, Toggles & Clasps, Earwire & Headpin, Loops, Wire Loop, Wrapped Wire Loop, closed loop ear wires
Step 7
Finish by wrapping the long wire shank two more times. If the loop is misshapen, re-round it by pushing it down a round bezel mandrel.
Judy Larson's Closed Loop Ear Wires - , Findings & Components, Toggles & Clasps, Earwire & Headpin, Loops, Wire Loop, Wrapped Wire Loop, closed loop ear wires
Judy Larson's Closed Loop Ear Wires - , Findings & Components, Toggles & Clasps, Earwire & Headpin, Loops, Wire Loop, Wrapped Wire Loop, closed loop ear wires
Step 8
Trim away excess wire tail.
Step 9
Place the loop at the end of a ruler as shown. Mark the long wire at 2¼". Trim away excess wire beyond the mark.
Judy Larson's Closed Loop Ear Wires - , Findings & Components, Toggles & Clasps, Earwire & Headpin, Loops, Wire Loop, Wrapped Wire Loop, closed loop ear wires
Step 10
File and refine the wire wrap and cut wire ends.
Judy Larson's Closed Loop Ear Wires - , Findings & Components, Toggles & Clasps, Earwire & Headpin, Loops, Wire Loop, Wrapped Wire Loop, closed loop ear wires
Step 11
Place the large loop as shown at the end of a ruler. Mark a line for bending the earring hook at ¾".
Judy Larson's Closed Loop Ear Wires - , Findings & Components, Toggles & Clasps, Earwire & Headpin, Loops, Wire Loop, Wrapped Wire Loop, closed loop ear wires
Step 12
Center the marked line between Steps 3 and 4 on the 6 step barrel pliers. Bend the front and back of the earring down over the Step 4 barrel.
Judy Larson's Closed Loop Ear Wires - , Findings & Components, Toggles & Clasps, Earwire & Headpin, Loops, Wire Loop, Wrapped Wire Loop, closed loop ear wires
Judy Larson's Closed Loop Ear Wires - , Findings & Components, Toggles & Clasps, Earwire & Headpin, Loops, Wire Loop, Wrapped Wire Loop, closed loop ear wires
Step 13
Lightly hammer the front of the earring finding but not the upper curve.
Judy Larson's Closed Loop Ear Wires - , Findings & Components, Toggles & Clasps, Earwire & Headpin, Loops, Wire Loop, Wrapped Wire Loop, closed loop ear wires
Step 14
Tumble the earring findings for several hours to bring up a shine.
Judy Larson's Closed Loop Ear Wires - , Findings & Components, Toggles & Clasps, Earwire & Headpin, Loops, Wire Loop, Wrapped Wire Loop, closed loop ear wires