How to Make Wire Wrapped Ear Cuffs
An ear cuff is a smart way to dress up your ears without breaking your budget on new earrings. A wire wrapped cuff, designed to grasp your ear above where an earring would rest, falls away from your ear in loops and swirls. Designing your own cuff allows you to show your creativity.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Pencil
- Paper
- Jewelry wire
- Ruler
- Wire cutters
- Fine-grit emery board
- Medium knitting needle
- Ear cuff blank
- Needle-nose pliers
Instructions
-
-
1
Sketch the design you want to create. This will help you organize your thoughts before you get your hands dirty. When creating your cuff, keep in mind that it must have a curve at the top that attaches it to the cuff.
-
2
Start with approximately 2 1/2 inches of wire. Pull the wire out and cut it with a pair of wire cutters.
-
-
3
File the ends of the wire with an emery board until they are smooth.
-
4
Measure 3/4 of an inch from each side of your wire and mark with a soft pencil.
-
5
Fold the wire in opposite directions at each mark. If you fold the first mark forward so that it lies on the top, fold the second underneath, creating an "S" shape. Use a knitting needle or pencil to create loops in your wire folds. You want a smooth circle rather than a sharp edge. Insert the needle at the bend and push it toward the wire to round out the edge.
-
6
Continue to work loops into the wire until the piece matches your design. Use wire cutters to trim excess wire from your cuff. File any rough edges with the emery board.
-
7
Make a tiny loop at the top of your piece.
-
8
Attach the wire wrap to the cuff by inserting the small loop on the wire piece into the loop on your cuff. Use needle-nosed pliers to press on the wire loop and secure it to the cuff.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
These steps are designed to get you started. You may fold and curve the wire any way you choose. For added adornment, slip small beads on the wire. Just make sure it is not too heavy.
Create a piece and wear it for a few hours. This will help you determine if the cuff stays in place and is comfortable. If one design does not work perfectly, change it until it does.
