How to Make Earring Hooks for Wire Jewelry

Wire jewelry making is one of the most versatile methods of creating your own fashionable accessories. While many crafters choose to purchase head pins, jump rings, clasps and other accessories, most jewelry pieces can be made with materials you already have. In just a few simple steps, you can learn how to create your own earring hooks.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Wire cutters
• 2 pieces of wire, 1-inch long each
• Premade hook (if a guide is needed)
• Needlenose pliers
• Flat pliers

1. Use your wire cutters to cut a piece of wire just a bit longer than an inch. If desired, you can use a pre-made earring hook as a guide for size and design until you master your technique for making these hooks.

2. Grip the end of your wire with the tips of your needlenose pliers and twist, guiding the wire with your thumb to make a perfect loop. Release the loop from your pliers, and then grip the wire about 1/4 inch above the loop with a wider portion of your pliers.

3. Twist the wire to create a half loop, crafting the upper curve of your earring hook. Pinch the wire about 1 cm above the loop and bend the wire slightly, as is typical in premade hooks.

4. Snip off any excess wire from the end of your earring hook, and then use a pair of flat pliers to bend the last centimeter or so up. This last bend will keep the hook in your ear. Repeat the process to create a matching pair of earring hooks.

Tips & Warnings

• You can use this same technique to create smaller hooks and use then as clasps for your jewelry creations. Just slip the hook through a simple loop and you're ready to go.