How to Wirewrap Seashells

Wire wrapped jewelry serves as a focal point of many handcrafters' designs. To make these types of jewelry pieces, you must have patience and time to devote to the art of using various types of wire to make expressive jewelry. Seashells provide a great way to make a summer necklace or even a sun catcher to accentuate the décor of your home. Read on to learn how to wirewrap them.

Things You'll Need

• Wire
• Wire cutters
• Shells
• Clear nail polish
• Chain

Instructions

1. Cut five pieces of 22 to 24 gauge wire from 6 to 9 inches in length. Bunch four of them together and wrap the other wire around the middle to hold them together. Cut the excess wire off of the last piece.

2. Find a seashell that you want to use to make your pendant or earrings. Make sure the shell isn't broken and contain the colors you wish to accentuate.

3. Paint the shell using clear nail polish to make it shiny. Set it aside and allow at least five minutes to dry. Make sure you do this in a well-ventilated room.

4. Place the shell on the middle area of the 4 strands which you bound together in Step 1. Bend each of the four wires into angles that hold the shell in place and wrap from the bottom of the shell upwards towards the top of the shell.

5. Bring all four pieces to the top of the shell and twist together. Bend the remaining pieces of the four wires into a loop like pattern to hold the shell on a chain or beaded base necklace. Make sure you make the loop big enough to pass the chain or beads through.

6. Cut off all the excess wire and manipulate the wires until you get them in the shape and pattern you like. String the wire onto the chain for a piece of shell jewelry perfect for a summer party.

Resources

• Wigjig has wire wrapping supplies and techniques.