Wild Women Stick Earrings

Skill Level: Beginner

Technique: Twisting and coiling wire, making simple loops

Materials

• 18-gauge half hard round wire, 6"
• 26-gauge dead soft round wire, 48"
• Assorted beads and spacers to fit on 18-gauge wire
• 2 head pins, 1-1/2" or longer
• One pair of ear wires

Tools

• Flat nose pliers
• Round nose pliers- Debora uses Lindstrom Rounds
• Flush wire cutters - Debora uses Lindstrom Cutters
• Flat nose file
• Scrap 3" piece of 18-gauge round wire (mandrel)
• Automatic wire twister

These earrings are easy to make and very versatile. All types of wire and beads can be utilized and change the look of these earrings from wild to mild! Plan with your design, the most important part of these earrings is composition.

Instructions

1. Cut the 18-gauge wire in half, for 2 wires 3" long. File wire ends smooth.
   
   Fold the 26-gauge wire in half. Place one end of the wire in a wire twister, and grasping the other end with flat nose pliers, twist the wire.
   
   
2. Use a scrap piece of 18-gauge wire piece as a mandrel. Wrap your twisted wire around the mandrel, then remove and cut into two equal parts.
   
   These can be shortened as needed for your design. I cut mine into a total of four parts, 2 for each earring.
   
3. Use round nose pliers to make a small eye loop in one end of the 3" 18-gauge wires. Center the loop.
   
   
4. Now take your selection of beads, spacers and wrapped wire and play with your design and layout of items on the wire with eye loop.
   
   
5. Once you are happy with your design, close the bottom of the wire with another eye loop.
   
   
6. Attach the ear wire to the top of your earring. This will help you remember which direction you liked your design.
   
   
7. Repeat for second earring.
   
   
8. Place your bead and spacers on a head pin. Using your round nose pliers, insert eye pin into bottom of loop and make an open eye loop. Make sure to swing the loop out and not down to keep the shape.
   
   
   
   
   Repeat for second earring. Add a finishing patina if you like, or wear your earrings shiny. Enjoy!
   
   

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