Change Up Your Ear Wires
Ear wires or ear hooks are both functional and decorative. Designing an ear wire for each earring design takes the process a step further in look and technique and can be the X factor that makes your earrings stand out.
Instructions
I don't follow a strict formula when designing ear wires for earrings.
But I always make a conscious decision about what ear wire style best fits each design.
Using the same ear wire for every pair doesn't work for me.
If the earring design is large or busy, I usually go with a plain or smaller ear wire to keep the look balanced.
You can easily change the style by using different sized mandrels to shape the curve.
Or go bold make the wire more angular for a dramatic effect.
Sketching different ideas or experimenting with inexpensive craft wire is a great way to explore possibilities.
It's creative, low-pressure, and a lot of fun.
But I always make a conscious decision about what ear wire style best fits each design.
Using the same ear wire for every pair doesn't work for me.
If the earring design is large or busy, I usually go with a plain or smaller ear wire to keep the look balanced.
You can easily change the style by using different sized mandrels to shape the curve.
Or go bold make the wire more angular for a dramatic effect.
Sketching different ideas or experimenting with inexpensive craft wire is a great way to explore possibilities.
It's creative, low-pressure, and a lot of fun.
I have a collection of different ear wire templates, when I make a new style of ear wire I add it to my collection.
This serves 2 purposes.
Firstly, I have a library of different styles that can help me to visualize a design and secondly, having a template allows me to easily reproduce a design.
This serves 2 purposes.
Firstly, I have a library of different styles that can help me to visualize a design and secondly, having a template allows me to easily reproduce a design.
Materials
20 Gauge Round Half Hard .925 Sterling Silver Wire
H8-20H
- Lesson Quantity: 2.00 feet
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 5FT
- Price: $26.28
- Gold Club Price: $19.71
20 Gauge Round Half Hard 1/10 Sterling Silver Filled Wire
H10-20H
- Lesson Quantity: 2.00 feet
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 5FT
- Price: $6.52
- Gold Club Price: $4.89
Other wire options
Tools
Dual Size Round Nose Plier
G2-719
- G2-719
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $34.95
- Gold Club Price: $26.21
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
14mm Barrel Wrap N Tap Looping Pliers for Pattern Wire, Etc.
G2-79
- G2-79
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $24.97
- Gold Club Price: $18.73
Premium Jump Ring Mandrels - Set of 2
G7-50
- G7-50
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $15.97
- Gold Club Price: $11.98
Steel Hoop Mandrel
MAN-214.00
- MAN-214.00
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $28.97
- Gold Club Price: $21.73
Steel Square Bezel Mandrel
G7-17
- G7-17
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $9.97
- Gold Club Price: $7.48
Supply Detail
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- Category: Design
- Technique(s): Design
Kylie Jones
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