earring making for the absolute beginner

When strolling through flea markets and artisan fairs, I’m always drawn to the jewelry, and simple dangle earrings are my favorite. Recently I decided to learn a few jewelry making techniques so I could craft my own. It’s not hard, but there are a few trade secrets that make the process even easier.

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basic tools

• flat nose pliers
• wire cutters
• round nose pliers

The tools shown in the photo above, from left to right, are wire cutters, round nose pliers, and flat nose pliers. Although there are many different tools for jewelry crafting, these are the absolute basics every beginner needs. Wire cutters are obviously used for snipping wires. Round nose pliers are used to curl wire into small loops. And flat nose pliers are used to hold, flatten, and manipulate wire in different ways. This will all make more sense as we begin to fashion our first earrings.

A fourth optional tool is a set of flat nose pliers with a serrated edge, used for gripping small components such as jump rings.

basic findings

• earring hooks
• flat head pins
• beads

Findings is simply another word for jewelry components. Once again, the findings listed above are the absolute basics needed for the beginner. Earring hooks, sometimes called shepherd hooks, are designed for pierced ears. The body of the earring is attached to this hook. Flat head pins are straight pieces of wire with a flat head on one end. They come in different wire sizes (gauges) and lengths.

When venturing into the world of beads, it is easy to become overwhelmed. There are so many different types, it is difficult for a beginner to know where to start. If you’ve never tried making earrings before, I suggest browsing the jewelry section of Michaels for beads that catch your eye. They are usually sold on a string.

In addition to decorative beads, you should also buy some spacer beads. These are usually a bit smaller and in silver or gold metal tones. They are used to accent or “frame” the more colorful decorative beads.

basic steps

1. Thread beads onto the flat head pin in the sequence you desire.
2. Bend the head pin to the side.
3. With wire cutters, shorten the head pin to about 1/4″, as shown in bottom left photo above.
4. With the round nose pliers, clasp the end of the head pin tightly and gently roll away from you into a small loop. Do not yet close the loop entirely.

Lastly, attach the earring body to an earring hook. Slide the partially open loop at the top of the earring onto the loop at the bottom of the earring hook. Then, gently close the loop completely.

Below is a short video demonstration of this process.

These techniques are not overly difficult but do take practice. I suggest sitting down with a variety of beads and making at least a dozen pair of earrings. You’ll find your expertise improving with each one. And you’ll have fun designing with all the beautiful combinations of beads! Take a look at some I’ve made.

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