How to Make an Arrowhead Rock Necklace
Arrowheads have an important place in history. They symbolize the hunter and the thrill of the hunt. Leaning how to make an arrowhead rock necklace for yourself or as a gift to your favorite warrior will help preserve this honored symbol. Arrowheads come in many sizes, shapes and colors. They are made of stone materials like flint, obsidian and chert, as well as of bone.
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Things You'll Need
- Arrowhead
- 20-gauge craft wire
- Nippers or wire cutters
- Round-nose pliers
- Needle-nose pliers
- Beads (optional)
- File
- Leather cord
Instructions
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Wire Wrapping the Arrowhead
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Arrowheads may be found in plowed areas along creek beds or streams where American Indians once gathered to hunt and live. They also may be purchased online, in craft and gift shops and at pow wows. You may even want to learn the art of flint napping to create your own arrowheads.
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Cut a 24-inch piece of 20-gauge craft wire. Wire may be silver, gold or colored. For high-end pieces, consider using sterling silver but practice on less-expensive wire first to learn how to shape it and tighten it without breaking it.
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Fold the wire in half once, than in half again. Where the two loops meet, twist the wire carefully at least twice to form one loop with a large enough opening to accommodate the leather cord. Use round-nosed pliers to complete this step if your fingers are not strong enough. Do not twist too hard or the wire will snap.
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Clip the wire in the middle of the single loop so you have two sections of two wires each.
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Position the loop you created behind the arrowhead so it sticks up slightly to accommodate the leather cord.
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Hold the wires of one section together and carefully wrap them around the front of the arrowhead. If the arrowhead has tangs, wrap under them. If you plan on crimping the wire, do not wrap as tightly as if you would if you are not crimping it. Continue wrapping around the back side of the arrowhead.
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Wrap the wires from the second section in the same manner, from the opposite side.
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Slide a bead onto one of the wires if you like.
Finishing
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Finish wrapping the wire so it ends up on the back side of the arrowhead with enough leftover to twist together
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Cut any excess wire and file the ends to prevent scratching of skin or snagging of fabric.
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Crimp the wire on the front of the arrowhead with the needle-nose pliers if you prefer a more unusual design.
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Measure and cut a length of leather cord. Its length depends upon where you want the arrowhead rock necklace to rest on your neck.
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Slide the leather cord through the wire loop attached to the back of the arrowhead and secure it with a knot.
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Tips & Warnings
Beads and feathers may add to your design. Chains may be used instead of a leather cord to hold your arrowhead rock pendant. Cut longer wire if the arrowhead is larger than average, or if you want to make wire coils part of your design. Just snap one of the wires and coil the ends with the needle-nose pliers.
Buy arrowheads only from reliable sources. Obtain a landowner's permission before searching or removing arrowheads from private property. Do not take arrowheads from state or federal land.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit ragesoss: Flikr.com
