Treasure Rocks Jewelry: Tutorial

Here is a basic wire ring tutorial that does not require a lot of tools. It is targeted at beginning jewelry makers, with easy to follow instructions. BUT! as with everything you learn, your first few attempts will probably involve some struggle. Just keep practicing and you'll get better.

Materials

· A ring base, dry erase marker, tube of glue, etc. It needs to be thicker than your finger!
·         About 15 inches of art wire
·         Bead of your choice
·         Flush cutters
·         Flat nose pliers

Instructions

1. String the bead on the wire and place it in approximately the center. Pinch the wire down on either side of the bead.

2. Place the bead on your base, hold it down and wrap each end of the wire around the base. Go past the bead on each side. Remember not to cross the wires. Tighten the wire as much as you can.

3. Hold the wire tightly with your finger and snugly bend it around each side of your bead, in opposite directions. You want to start forming a circle around your bead.

4. Wrap your bead several times with each end of the wire. Finish with each wire end on opposite sides of the bead. You should have at least 2 - 3 inches of wire left on each side.

5. Slide the ring off the base and wrap the wire ends around the ring on each side to secure the shape. This will bring your ring wires together and form them into a solid base.

6. Flush cut the wire and flatten the end against the ring to eliminate the burr and sharp edges. Don't cut the wire on the inside of the ring, or it may end up scratching your skin. Try to cut at the top or side. Use your flat nose pliers to "squish" the cut edge down.

Yay! You're done!

Play around with variations

1. Use smaller wire and wrap it multiple times

2. Use smaller beads

3. Wrap your bead a lot, or just once

4. Try different shapes of beads

5. Wrap your ring base all the way around

6. Try different colors of wire

I started working on a new multi string knotted pearl necklace this week and took some pictures along the way.

I used my beloved C-Lon cord instead of silk this time. It's nice and stiff when it comes from the spool, which makes it really easy to thread through the beads without having to use a needle. Then, after you work it for a while it becomes softer, with more of a drape. Plus it comes in a gazillion colors and sizes. Check it out, if you've never used it. I usually buy it at my local bead store, but I'm sure you can find it online.

Start by cutting your cord. I used 12 strings but you can use however many you would like. Also cut your strings WAAAAAAY longer than you think you will need. Consider that you will need extra string to add a large knot at the beginning and end of the necklace and each string will have multiple knots throughout, one in front and back of each pearl.

Note: The knot was done first. I just took the picture after I already added some pearls.

Once you have your cord, tie a knot to hold them all together. Before pulling it tight, insert a headpin through the knot. You will use that later to add the clasp to your finished necklace. To tighten it, use your pliers and pull on each string separately. You can also add a dot of glue at this point.

Now take your string and your pearls and sit down in front of the television. This part will take a while. Start knotting your pearls onto the string at random intervals. Knot, pearl, knot ... knot, pearl, knot ... repeat until you have your desired length. Then start the next string. Once you have a few, strings done, start "filling in the gaps". Try placing your pearls in areas that could use a few more.

After all pearls are placed, tie all strings into a knot on the other end. Don't forget to insert your headpin before pulling it tight. To get a nice tight knot, pull each string individually, grabbing it with your pliers, instead of your fingers.

Next give your knots a haircut. Trim the extra sring as close to the knot as you can. Apply some glue to the knot and then slip (stuff) it into a cone or bead cap to hide it. Your headpin should come out of the end of the cone and will be used to make the loop for your clasp.

Use your round nosed pliers to form your headpin into a nice loop and wrap it several times to secure it.
(No pressure here, but if you mess up this step, there's no easy way to recover since your knots are already glued into the cones).

For your last step, use open jump rings to attach a toggle of your choice. If your pearls ended up too short for a necklace, add a bit of chain to each end before attaching a toggle.

And here's the finished necklace. I love the way it turned out.