wire loops - how to

Making loops is an important skill for any jewelry maker to master, especially if you want to make earrings.  We have jewelry making classes in our Denver bead store location, as well as at our bead store in Greeley, and we're more than happy to help you anytime!  

Head pins - are straight pins with a disc, ball or other fancy shape at one end.  You can use these to create dangles or as the last bead in a series. 

Eye pins - are straight pins with a loop at the end.  You can use eye pins when you're planning on connecting multiple pieces together. 

How to make a simple loop:

1. slide bead on pin
2. cut pin down so that the excess is 1/4" to 3/8"
3. use your fingers to bend the wire to a 90* angle
4. using your round nose pliers, grasp the end of the wire (where you cut), and roll your pliers towards the bend, creating your loop (make sure your loop is closed all the way so that your ear wire or other pieces don't slide out)
5. you can open and close these loops just like you would a jump ring (clockwise or counterclockwise)

How to make a wire wrapped loop:

1. slide bead on pin
2. use your chain nose pliers to create a 90* angle, 1/4" above the bead
3. use your round nose pliers to form a loop with the rest of the wire crossing over the bend
4. wrap the excess wire tightly around the 1/4" space you created
5. wrap all the way down to the bead and trim any extra wire 

 <3 anne.