Wire Loop Instructions:

Step 1:

Here’s how to make a wire loop.  You may use wire loops to make earrings, dangles on bracelets, anklets and/or necklaces and who knows…you’re creative side may discover some fun new applications for this technique.  This photo shows a finished loop (this is called an eye pin). 
 

Step 2:

First select and place your beads on the pin.  You may be using a head pin (it looks like a straight pin) or an eye pin (see previous photo).
 

Step 3:

You will need a minimum of ¼” and preferably ½” of pin showing above your beads.  This is what you will make your loop with. If you do not have adequate space to make you loop, you may want to remove some beads.  Once your beads are on the pin the way you like you are ready to begin your loop.
 

Step 4:

You will be using your round nose pliers to make you loop.  You will see that the round nose parts of your pliers are cone shaped.  This allows you to make smaller or larger loops depending on where you place your pin.  You will be wrapping the pin around this cone shape to make your loops.
 

Step 5:

Grasp the tip of your wire/pin with your pliers.  We are making a medium sized loop for this dangle so we are positioning the pin mid-way through the pliers.  Hold the assembly as shown here applying pressure to the pin with your thumb.
 

Step 6:

While applying pressure with your thumb, start to roll the pliers down towards the top of the bead(s). 
 

Step 7:

Wrap the wire/pin around the pliers as you roll until the end of the loop comes around to meet the shank of the pin close to the top of the beads.
 

Step 8:

At this point, your loop should look something like this.  If not, since you are dealing with wire, you may work it and/or rework it until you are satisfied with the results.  Use care that you don’t overwork the wire.  Overworked wire may weaken and possible break or snap.  You will notice in the photo that the loop is not centered over the beads.  Lets fix that next.
 

Step 9:

Grasp the pin just above the beads.  Tip the loop so that the loop is centered over the beads.
 

Step 10:

Your loop will probably look like a question mark and may now have a gap between the end of your pin and the shaft near the beads.  This is ok.  Simply grasp the tip end of the pin and work it in towards the shaft until the loop is closed.  Note:  if there is a gap in your loop, it will not be secure.  Open loops can come off your jewelry and be lost.
 

Step 11:

Vwalla!  You’re finished.  You may now add your dangle to your earring hardware, bracelet, necklace or whatever you want! 
 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (TROUBLE SHOOTING)

Q - What if I roll my loop and there’s a big gap between my loop and the beads?

A - You can do one of two things:

1. You may unroll your loop a bit, nip off the end of the wire and re-roll it.

2. You may unroll your loop and make a bigger loop by positioning your pin closer to the joint of the pliers (use the larger part of the cone).

Q - I’ve rolled my loop but it’s twisted or bent to the side and not lined up with my beads.  This will make it dangle lopsided.   How do I fix that?

A - This is easy to fix with your smooth jawed pliers.  Simply grasp your loop and bend/tilt it until it is centered and straight. 

Q - I may have cut my pin too short to make a loop.  What can I do?

A - You may try to unroll and straighten your pin with your smooth jawed pliers enough to allow you to remove some beads if that is an option.  If not…use the small tip of the pliers to make the smallest loop possible.  You may have to work with this a bit more to make a closed loop.  If this is not possible, you may need to start over with a new pin.  Contact your Designer Consultant, she will be able to help you resolve any problem you may encounter.

Making Jewelry Fun, Inc.     Salt Lake City, Utah

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Last modified: 01/10/10