ECT TV Episode 72: How to Make Hammered Hoops
These earrings are so cute plain, but also are a great frame to add wire wrapped beads or wire wrapped shapes.Here's the video tutorial:
Step-by-Step instructions:(same as the video!)
Materials and Tools:
- 16 gauge half-hard round wire
- Earring Wires (or make your own, see ECT TV Episode 71)
- Wire cutters
- Round nose pliers
- Chain nose pliers
- Mandrel (I used the round shape of the Beadsmith Mandrel 4X, but you can use anything round to form the shape)
- Chasing hammer and steel block
Step #1
Form a hoop by wrapping the wire around your mandrel or other cylindrical object. Cut the wire leaving about 1/4 inch on each side past the point where the wire crosses.Cut each end with a flush cut.Step #2
Make a loop on each end of the wire, both going away from the hoop.Step #3
Hammer the hoop with a chasing hammer being careful not to hammer the loops.Step #4
Hold the hoop with the loops facing away from you. Use chain nose pliers to twist the left loop up.Step #5
Carefully open the loop on the right side so it's in a shape of a hook.Step #6
Place the left loop into the open hook. Then carefully close the hook.Step #7Add earring wires and you're done!
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