How to Make a Wire Fibula
A fibula pin is an older style of brooch that dates back to ancient Rome, and is very similar to the common safety pin. You can make a wire fibula with only a few common tools and a bit of wire. A fibula can be attached to the back of a larger piece, or can be simply beaded, as you prefer. A fibula can be made in less than 10 minutes, which means it is a good practice project as well as a wonderful gift.
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Instructions
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1
Cut a piece of wire with your wire cutters that is 6 to 10 inches in length.
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2
Use your round nose pliers to make a small loop at one end of your wire.
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3
Bend the end with your loop down towards the rest of the wire, making a hook at the end. You'll want the bent section to be about 1/2-inch to 3/4-inch long. The segment of wire that is bent and the segment immediately parallel to it are going to be the hook part of your fibula.
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4
Bend the hook portion so that it is perpendicular to the rest of the wire. You'll eventually fold the rest of the wire up so that it hooks into this, so the hook portion needs to be flat if you hold the rest of the wire so that it points to the floor. String your beads on the wire.
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5
Use your round nose pliers and create a circle in the wire, bringing the tail of the wire around so it can be hooked into the loop at the top. Use your wire cutters to cut the excess wire, about 1/2-inch past the hook.
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6
Sharpen the tip with the file.
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Tips & Warnings
If you plan on using the fibula only for loosely woven clothing items, you can round off the tip instead.
You can use the fibula decoratively, or to hold a scarf in place.
Don't cut the "pin" segment too short, or it will slip out of the hook and fall off.
Use caution when handling the sharp ends of the wire.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
