3 Tutorials On How To Make Scrolled Wire Connections

Scrolling or flat coiling wire is a lot of fun and easy to do. These versatile elements can be incorporated into jewelry designs provided there is some way you can connect them either to each other, to dangles or to other wire wrapped pieces.

So here are three ways to make those scrolled connections including the classic Egyptian coils. I've used 20G copper wire for all the three types shown in the picture.

A. SINGLE LOOP CONNECTORS
These connectors consistent of one loop with a corresponding "dimple" on the other end so you can add a dangle at the end as shown in my earrings design below.

1. Cut a length of wire - this will vary depending on how big a scroll you want. I used about 7 inches.
2. Make a "p" loop.
3. Grasp the loop with your flat nose pliers and start coiling the wire around. Keep repositioning the pliers as you coil.



It might help to watch this video.



You don't have to do the dimple as many artisans just hang a dangle with a jump ring or directly to the last outer coil. But if you do want to add a spot where the dangle stays put and the scrolling remains tightly together, here's how.

5. First place your round nose pliers such that it sandwiches the wire.
6. Then bend the wire slightly by pressing down the right tip of the pliers towards the coil.



7. Now reposition the pliers so the right tip is in the dimple and the left tip is on the outside. Then press down the left tip. Viola! You have a dimple!



8. Continue to scroll the wire around until you get to the opposite side. Make a loop as shown.



Here is a pair of earrings I made with this kind of scrolled wire connector.



B. DOUBLE LOOP SCROLLED CONNECTORS
They are made in pretty much the same way except you are working with doubled up wire which are kept side by side during the whole process.

1. Cut a length and fold over around the tip of your round nose pliers. I flattened it with the flat portion of the pliers so both wires lie closely side by side.



2. Straighten the rest of the wire with nylon jawed pliers.
3. Grasp the folded part with the tip of your round nose pliers and start scrolling as above, keeping the two wires side by side not on top of each other. The starting part is difficult to accomplish evenly as you can see from the picture below right but once you scroll further, some corrections can be made.



4. Make two loops on opposite sides using both ends of the wire.

C. EGYPTIAN COILS
The very best free tutorial I came across has to be that made by Tina Gasperson. Her clear instructions are well illustrated with photos. She says smaller wire gauges ie bigger diameters give better results. She used 16G aluminium wire in her tutorial. She also hammered the coils which is a lovely effect.

Enjoy! For more tutorials check out my Jewelry Making Tips.

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