Sunday, January 11, 2015

D.I.Y. Simple Wire Ring

I recently saw a post on Pinterest that showed a coiled, wire ring with a bead in the center. This inspired my to make my own and now I'm showing you how!

You will need:

-An object that has roughly the same diameter as your finger or if you have one, use a ring mandrel.

           You can find one on amazon here:http://www.amazon.com/Steel-Ring-Mandrel-Stick-Sizer/dp/B000RB1SBC/ref=sr_1_2?s=arts-crafts&ie=UTF8&qid=1421018617&sr=1-2&keywords=ring+mandrel

-20 gauge jewelry wire (I purchased mine at Michael's Craft Store)
-Wire cutters "
-Flat nose Pliers "
-A bead of your choice"
-Jewelry file " (you can also use a metal nail file)
-A stable work surface
-A ruler
-PATIENCE  Making wire jewelry is difficult at first, but once you know how your wire and mandrel work for you, you can do anything!

NOW LET'S GET CRAFTING!!!

Step 1
Measure about 15 inches or 38.1 cm of your wire. Next, find the center and place your bead there.

Step 2
With the bead in the center, place the beaded wire on the mandrel so that the two equal ends of wire are pointing down. Then, with one hand on each end of wire, grab the ends with the opposite hand and bring it up. Take those ends and wrap them around twice more.

Step 3
Now, taking the ends, wrap them around the bead 3 times. The end from the left wrap clockwise. The end from the right, wrap counter-clockwise.

Step 4
Using the wire cutters, snip each end of the wire to a more manageable size. I cut mine to about 2 inches or 6 cm.

Step 5
Remove the ring from the mandrel. Now, take the ends and wrap them around the band of the ring 3-4 times. Snap off the excess and file the end down so it will not cut or scratch you when you wear it.

       (This step is pictured on the bottom of this post.) 

Viola! Your beautiful, hand-crafted ring is now ready to wear and show off to your friends!


TIP---> If you are using a plated wire, and by filing or using pliers you knicked or scratched some of the plated color off, you can use nail polish similar to the plate color and apply a VERY THIN coat to easily cover up the chips. 













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