Part 1 Simple Wire Bead Necklace

At the request of Peanut I will do a tutorial. So today we will learn how to make a couple of simple wire beads. We will use the technique that I show you to make a necklace. The necklace that I will make today I have not seen in any book or tutorial. So we shall learn this together.

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Simple Wire Beads
  supplies needed:

wire- any type or gauge. I used 20 ga. artistic wire (hematite), 20 ga. artistic wire non-tarnish (silver).
small round mandrel- any round, long item will do; knitting needle, wooden dowel etc.
flush cutters
nylon tipped pliers

also needed for necklace:
  small chain and clasp- I bought mine for a few dollars at Wal-Mart. Made by Cousins with a 90 inch chain, several jump rings and several lobster claw clasps.
Flat nosed pliers







Cut a length of wire at least 18 inches long.  If you are using a larger wire cut about 24 inches.

Take your nylon tipped pliers and run them along your cut wire. Do it in sections. this will help straighten it as well as harden it. (below left)

 

Insert about 1 to 2 inches of wire in hole of mandrel handle. (above right)

 

(below left) Then fold wire over handle so it is out of the way. Holding handle in your left hand begin wrapping wire around the mandrel, starting on top and bending wire down and around. *For left handers do the same thing except hold the handle in your right hand. Continue wrapping, making sure wire is snugged up against the first wire wrap. (below right)

 



 

Continue wrapping until you run out of wire. (below left) The last quarter inch or so may not wrap easily. Don't try to force it. That end will be cut off later. Next unwrap wire from handle, remove wire bead and lay aside. (below right)  ** This is how you make a simple wire bead or coil. If this is the type of bead you want then you would trim off the end wires, turning the flush side of pliers toward your bead**  We are going to make a slightly more complex bead so Do Not cut any wire ends off at this time.

 





 

Cut a piece of wire approxamately 6 inches long. If using a bigger wire cut your wire a few more inches longer. You will insert the wire through the hole (see first step) then wrap wire about 5 or 6 turns around the mandrel. (below left)  Now Stop. Remember the first bead you did and laid aside? Pick it up and thread it onto the wire, not the mandrel, that you are now wrapping. Make sure the end with the longest piece of wire goes on first. (below right)

 

Wrap the end of the first wire bead (coil)  around the handle also. Then take your first bead and begin to wrap it around the mandrel, just like you did the wire. (below left)  Wrap until you run out of coiled wire. (below right)

 





 

You will have a single uncoiled wire sticking out the end. Wrap this around the mandrel 5 or 6 times, then stop. This is what your bead should look like. (below left)  Remove your bead from the mandrel. (below right)

 

 

Clip off the ends of the wire and if needed gently adjust the small end coils. (below)

 





 

 

You did it! Give yourself a pat on the back and find someone to celebrate with. These wire beads can be used like regular beads. Either the single coil or what I call a double coiled bead. This is what our necklace will be based on with a small variation to accomodate the premade chain.  Look for Part 2 tomorrow.