How to Wire Sea Glass for Jewelry
What started as discarded glass can be transformed into artistically crafted jewelry. Tumbled by the waves and sand, sea glass collected from the beach can still be slightly rough around the edges or smooth and frosted. Also known as Mermaid Tears, wired sea glass jewelry recalls soothing waves and restful days on the beach. Depending on the size of the glass, wear it as a wired pendant or as a bracelet charm. Make it a simple statement with delicate wire and bale or create something elaborate for chic fashion.
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Things You'll Need
- Sea glass
- 20 to 22 gauge, dead-soft sterling silver square wire
- 21 gauge, dead-soft sterling silver, half-round wire
- Painter's tape
- Flat nose pliers
- Round nose pliers
- Wire cutters
Instructions
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1
Cut four pieces of square wire, approximately 7.5 inches in length. Straighten the wires one at a time by applying a little pressure against the curve of the wire. Place the four pieces against one another and temporarily fasten them with a piece of painter's tape at each end.
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2
Use flat nose pliers to wrap approximately 6 inches of half-round wire around the square wire. Start to the left of the wire's middle point. Keep the half-round wire taut. Depending on the sea glass size, it should be at least four coils around the square wire.
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3
Add two additional coiled wraps with the half-round wire halfway up either side of the square wire from the middle point. Follow the same process as in Step 1.
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4
Remove the tape. Place the wrapped wires against the bottom of the sea glass so that the center coiled wrap is lined up with the bottom middle point of the sea glass. Carefully bend the wires up and around the piece of glass into a U-shape. Tape approximately 1 inch above where the wires meet.
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5
Bend the wire closest to the bottom right towards the middle of the glass using round nose pliers. This will become the first section of the wire frame. Repeat this process to the bottom left. Now, bend the two front tops inward.
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6
Work the wire with the round nose pliers to create a curvy design with the front wires. Fashion another wrap at the top leaving 1.5 inches of wire. The front should secure the sea glass so that it cannot slip out.
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7
Twist the wires at the top of the frame. With round nose pliers, bend the wires to form a loop. Take the short portion of the twisted wire and wrap it around the base of the loop three times. Trim off any excess wire and smooth the end with fine grit sandpaper if needed.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Practice the wrapping and binding techniques on less expensive wire such as copper.
Hang the sea glass pendant from a sterling silver chain.
Avoid scratches on the sea glass by wrapping the tips of the pliers in cloth.
Wear eye protection when cutting wire to safeguard against flying pieces.
