How to Use Eye Pins in Jewelry Making

Eye pins are small pins with a tiny loop at one end which come in various sizes and lengths. They are sold in craft stores or online stores such as eBay. Eye pins are used for jewelry making to link one component to another to form necklaces, bracelets and earrings. Eye pins have the same basic function as head pins but are used for different projects. Read on to learn how to use eye pins in jewelry making.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Eye pins
• Two earring hooks
• Beads
• Small, flat pliers

1. Gather your materials together.

2. Straighten out the eye pin if it's bent or curved.

3. Use the wire cutter, and cut off the excess eye pin leaving about 3/16-inches This is standard procedure for bending pins. Place your beads on the eye pin.

4. Carefully bend the 3/16-inch piece of wire into a loop, but don't close it all the way. After making the loop, attach the loop to the earring and then close it gently.

5. Take your eye pin and, using the flat nose pliers, bend the about 90 degrees. Place the ear wire in the loop and then close tightly.

6. Repeat Steps 1 through 5 for the second earring. Then, you are finished.

Tips & Warnings

• Work in a room with good lighting as you don't want to strain your eyes. If possible, have a standing lamp and magnifying lass available as they are good to use for more detailed work.
• Keep your supplies and tools organized.
• Considering selling your jewelry at garage sales and flea markets.
• Eye pins can be sharp, so be careful handling them when making your jewelry.

Resources

• Jewelry Website
• Michaels Website Showing Basic Interactive Beading Techniques