Tutorials

 Wire Macrame Earrings

 

 

Materials 

Approx. 6" 0.9mm bronze core wire
Approx. 12" 0.5mm bronze knotting wire
2  focal beads
2 accent beads/dangles
1 pair of earwires
Headpins/wire
2 pairs of pliers
Table vice or something to secure your wire

Note: Different types and gauges of wire can be used for this and these will give different effects but remember that you may need to adjust the length of the wire according to the gauge used. The basic knotting technique can also be found here.

Step one
Secure your core wire to something that will keep it firmly in place -  I use a table top vice but you could also wrap it round a rigid object - don't forget to cut extra wire if you do the latter.

Step 2
Place your knotting wire beneath the core wire and bring both ends up around the sides. Pass the wire on your left over the wire in your right and back under the core wire and up through the loop of the wire on the right.

Grip both ends of the wire with your pliers and pull to tighten keeping an even tension. Don't be tempted to do this with your hands (especially with bronze wire) - it may not hurt at first but you'll find you have very sore fingers the next day - I know I tried!

Step 3
Repeat step 2 taking care to pass the wire in the same direction as this will create the spiral pattern.

 Continue repeating step one and the spiral pattern will begin to emerge...

Step 4

When the spiral is the length you want remove it from the vice and wrap one end of the wire around the core wire 3 times, cut off the excess and press against the core wire. Repeat the process with the other end of the wire wrapping it over the first wrap. Trim the excess and file any sharp edges.  This will form the top of the earring.

Step 5
Trim the top end of the core wire to remove any vice marks, file the end and turn a simple loop. Gently push the spiral up to sit snugly against the loop.

Step 6
At the other end add your focal bead, trim and file the wire and turn another simple loop or warp a loop if preferred.

Step 7
Add a headpin to an accent bead and turn a simple loop to create a dangle then add this to the bottom of your earring.

Step 9
Add an earwire of your choice.

Step 10
Repeat this process for the second earring to complete the pair.

Step 11
This technique is greatly enhanced by oxidising the wire and polishing back the high points to give added depth and texture. I've done this when the earrings are complete but if your beads are not waterproof you will need to treat the wire before you make up the earrings.

Lesley watt
April 2013

             

Double Strand Seed Bead and Jump Ring Bracelet

All measurements and quantities are approximate and may vary depending on the materials used. This example is for a bracelet of 7½" with a beaded section of 6¼". This bracelet can be easily adjusted to fit by adding or removing beads and jump rings.

Materials

1 button

30" waxed cotton/linen cord or supple stringing medium of your choice

68 size 5 or 6  (4 - 4.5mm) seed beads + extra  for the tail decoration

68 5mm (id) jump rings - to avoid snagging make sure all the jump rings are closed before you start constructing your bracelet.

Step 1
Thread the cord through the button holes and draw it through to create two cords of equal length.

Step 2
Tie an overhand knot close to the button.

Step 3
Thread a bead onto one cord and then thread a jump ring over both cords.

Step 4 
Thread a bead onto the second cord and thread a jump ring over both cords. Continue threading beads onto alternate cords interspersed with jump rings threaded over both cords.

Step 5 
Continue until the 68 beads are threaded finishing with the last bead on the opposite cord to the first bead.

Step 6
Tie an overhand knot close to the last bead and a second overhand knot to create a loop to fit over your chosen button.

Step 7
Thread the extra beads onto the tails and knot to secure. Trim any excess cord.

Step 8
Sit back and admire your finished bracelet!

This technique can be adapted for use with necklaces using your preferred attachment technique. On the piece below I used one folded cord attached to the pendant rings with a lark's head knot and coil crimp ends at the clasp.

Note:
Although I have stipulated bead and ring size sizes the technique can be used with other sizes to give different effects - have fun and experiment!