How to Make a Hoop Earring With or Without Beads

Hoop earrings are jewelry staples. They turn the right outfit into an extraordinary look. With a few simple tools, you can make your own hoop earrings -- with or without beads -- and create the exact match for your favorite outfit.Other People Are ReadingHow to Make Bead Wrapped Hoop Hoop earrings are jewelry staples. They turn the right outfit into an extraordinary look. With a few simple tools, you can make your own hoop earrings -- with or without beads -- and create the exact match for your favorite outfit.Other People Are ReadingHow to Make Bead Wrapped Earrings for sale Instructions on How to Make Beaded Hoop Earrings With Memory WireThings You'll NeedMetal jewelry wire, 20 or 21 gaugeBeads (optional)Round-nose pliersChain-nose pliersFlat-nose pliersDowelSide cuttersRawhide mallet, plastic mallet or ball peen hammerAnvil or blockCup burr or needle fileRulerEye googlesShow MoreInstructions  

1Gather your tools and select the type of metal wire you would like to use for your earrings. 20- or 21-gauge wire is generally the most comfortable to wear.

2Using your round-nose pliers, make an eye at one end of your spool of wire. To avoid scraps and conserve precious metal wire, do not cut the wire from your spool until you get to step 5.

3The length of wire you use depends on the size hoop you would like to create. Select a dowel the size of the hoop you want to make. There are many commercial dowels available to make jewelry. Inexpensive alternatives can be found throughout your house. Children's blocks, felt-tipped pen, pencils, broom or mop handles and tree limbs are all examples of items that can be used as a dowel.

4Wrap the wire around your chosen dowel.

5Be sure the wire is wrapped completely around the dowel with an overlap of about 1/2 inch. Cut the wire.

6File the wire's end until it is very, very smooth, using a cup burr or needle file.

7Feed on the beads, if any, onto the ear wire in your chosen pattern. Using your needle- or flat-nose pliers, bend the end to create a latch for the earring.

8Place the earring carefully on a steel bench block or anvil. Hit the earring gently with a rawhide or plastic hammer to harden the metal and prevent the earring from bending when it is worn. Reshape the hoop as you work, if needed.

9Repeat to make the earring mate.

Via: www.weontech.com