How to Make a Pendant With Wire Wrapping Pliers

Use aluminum wire and wire wrapping pliers to create a unique pendant.

Crafters can create wearable art for themselves, to give as gifts or to sell. Pieces can be simple or intricate. Wire wrapping pliers work well when making pendants. Constructing a pendant from wood, clay or glass beads is an excellent first project. Found items also can be turned into unique jewelry. Silver wire can be used, but it can be expensive and has a tendency to tarnish. Soft aluminum wire works just as well as silver, but it is less expensive. Wire wrapping pliers take some practice, but they can be valuable tools for jewelry makers.

Things You'll Need

• 22-gauge soft aluminum wire
• Wire cutters
• Round nose pliers
• Decorative focal bead
• Wire wrapping pliers
• Small accent beads

Instructions

1. Cut a 6-inch piece of aluminum wire with a pair of wire cutters. Create a loop on one end of the wire with round-nose pliers. Thread a decorative focal bead on the wire.

2. Grasp the wire with wire wrapping pliers in one hand, just above the focal bead. Hold the remaining length of wire in the other hand. Make a complete loop around the wire wrapping pliers.

3. Add accent beads to the wire. Be sure to leave enough wire for a final wire wrap. Grasp the wire with the wire wrapping pliers as before. Create one or two loops or a decorative coil in the wire. Cut the remaining wire with wire cutters.

Tips & Warnings

• Practice on scrap aluminum wire first; wire wrapping pliers take some getting used to.

• Hang your pendant on rat-tail or leather cording and use a simple knot as a closure.

• Create a pair of matching earrings using the same method.

Resources

• Unique Homemade Gifts: Jewelry Making Wire
• Best Beaded Jewelry Designs: How to Sell Handmade Jewelry
• The Beading Gem's Journal: How to Use Wire Looping Pliers