Every time I see or make elven or elvish ear wires, I am reminded of the movie Lord of the Rings. There were several elvish ears on display! This style of ear wires is popular because they are different. They are very easy to make - I am sure many readers have already done so. Shown here is a pair I made for myself.
There are probably different ways to go about making them but this is how I do it.
Pick a convenient mandrel to get you the size of ear wires you want. Wrap 20G wire around it and cut two rounds.
Smooth out the wire lengths with nylon jawed pliers if necessary.
Make a loop at one end of each wire and put them together. Another option is to hammer and file this end to a paddle shape. Something to stop the beads from falling off. Trim the other ends so they are of equal length. Then if you are threading any beads on, do so now.
Use broad nose pliers and place it at about the middle part and bend one side over. Don't use round nose or chain nose pliers to do this part as these are tapered. Lightly hammer with a plastic or rubber mallet to work harden.
Update : Forgot to mention you must also debur the cut end of the wire with metal files or use a special cup file. This is the part that has to go through the ear holes so it has to be smooth. See tutorial post.
You can also adorn the ear wires with some cool wire wrapping or simply add a dangle as I did with my Droplet design below (Life Collection in support of cancer research). One beader at our workshop combined both threaded beads and a dangle in her lovely fluorite and pearl design.
Pretty simple, eh? There are so many ways to create different ear wires - check out some inspirational past posts and start playing with wire:
Handmade Earring Supplies
Elven inspirations - Ear Cuffs and Ear Wraps
Before You Go:
Original Post by THE BEADING GEM
Jewelry Making Tips - Jewelry Business Tips
There are probably different ways to go about making them but this is how I do it.
Update : Forgot to mention you must also debur the cut end of the wire with metal files or use a special cup file. This is the part that has to go through the ear holes so it has to be smooth. See tutorial post.
You can also adorn the ear wires with some cool wire wrapping or simply add a dangle as I did with my Droplet design below (Life Collection in support of cancer research). One beader at our workshop combined both threaded beads and a dangle in her lovely fluorite and pearl design.
Handmade Earring Supplies
Elven inspirations - Ear Cuffs and Ear Wraps
Before You Go:
- How to make earring wires with variations
- How to make hoop earrings
- How to use bail forming pliers (easy way to make ear wires)
Original Post by THE BEADING GEM
Jewelry Making Tips - Jewelry Business Tips
Wow - I just added these earwires in a new design for my summer collection. I had no idea they were called "elvish"! Just goes to show that you never really come up with something original.
ReplyDeletei just order some from fusionbeads hehe.... i will have to try this when i run out of those
ReplyDeleteI like these...I've made them and purchased them!
ReplyDeleteThey are versatile...easy to make, simple but make a nice statement.
Cheers
Thanks so much for this information!
ReplyDeleteBeing a newbie, I do not yet own a hardening hammer or steel block.
To do simple hardening, like 20 gauge ear wires, wire elements, loopy charms, etc... what hammer is best? Nylon or metal?
You're so welcome. I use just a rubber mallet (nylon is okay too) to work harden but I would choose a metal hammer if I actually want to flatten the wire. Check out my past tutorials on regular ear wires (at the end of the post) for more help.
ReplyDeleteWhoops - I forgot about the deburring! See update!
ReplyDeleteYes this is a tutorial is sure a gift, what a fantastic new idea. So lucky you share. Peace
ReplyDeletegreat post Pearl!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sharing, I'm getting out my 20g wire right now! Great tutorial :)
ReplyDeleteI've been looking for a tutorial like this for ages! Thank you so much.
ReplyDelete