How to Design Dreadlock Jewelry

Finding jewelry to adorn your dreadlocks can be difficult and, at times, expensive. But if you are willing to invest a little time and energy, you can make your own dreadlock jewelry with relative ease. By designing your own jewelry, you will have one-of-a-kind creations that you can show off to the world. Read on for ideas on how to get started.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Crafting wire or sterling silver wire
• Flush cutter
• Round-nose pliers
• Bent chain-nose pliers (for holding wire steady; optional)
• Decorative beads (optional)

Getting Started

1. Start by creating a rough sketch of what you want the jewelry to look like. It is important to have an idea of what you want the finished product to look like before getting started.

2. Form the body of the jewelry piece by wrapping the wire tightly around a pen, pencil or other rounded object, depending on how wide you want it. The number of times you twist it around can vary: you want enough rings to make the piece stable without becoming too cumbersome.

3. Leave excess wire at the top and bottom of the twisted rings for creating your designs, then use the flush cutter to cut the wire.

Adding Designs

4. Make a "P" Loop with the end of the wire by using the round-nose pliers to wrap the end of the wire around, touching the end to the other side and forming a loop. Or turn the "P" Loop into an Eye Loop by inserting your pliers into the loop and gently bending back, away from the loop closure point.

5. Create large loops in the wire similar to the "P" Loop but using the middle portion, rather than the end, of the wire. This will allow you to transition into another design with the wire.

6. Add a spiral to your piece by using the pliers and your fingers to twist the wire around. Start with a "P" Loop at the end of the wire then roll the wire up to meet the middle rings of the piece.

7. Try adding a bead to dangle from the bottom of your jewelry. Slip the bead onto the wire, then secure it using a modified Eye Loop, leaving excess wire at the end of the loop for wrapping it around the base wire. Hold the loop with the bent chain-nose pliers then wrap the excess loop wire around the wire just below the bead to secure it in place.

8. Use a combination of the above techniques to create a look all your own. Or try coming up with your own designs. You are only limited by your imagination and the length of your wire.

Tips & Warnings

• The gauge of wire you use will depend on how wide you want the jewelry to be. A thinner wire may be easier to work with than wider varieties. Also, if you are using beads, your wire will need to be thin enough to fit through the bead's hole.
• Choose a semi-soft wire so that it will be pliable enough to work with but still keep its form once you have shaped it.
• Wear safety goggles when cutting the wire to protect your eyes from potential flying wire.