How to Make Wire Loop Earrings

Make your own wire loop earrings.

Basic wire loop earrings are a staple in most accessory collections. By creating your own pair of earrings, you will save money and have stylistic control over your finished piece. Most craft stores carry wire in a wide variety of colors and materials, from sterling silver to brass and copper. With a few tools and simple techniques you can begin designing your own wire hoop earrings.

Things You'll Need

• Film canister
• 18-gauge beading wire
• Wire cutters
• Round-nose pliers
• File

Instructions

1. Cut two pieces of wire to a length of five inches each. Grip the end of the first piece of wire with your round nose pliers and roll the wire around the tip of the pliers to form a loop. Repeat with the other wire, making sure to wrap around the same part of the pliers for equal sizing.

2. Wrap the two wire pieces around an empty film canister. Wrap the entire length of both wires around the canister and carefully slide them off. For larger or smaller hoops, wrap the wire around any round object of the size you want your earrings to be.

3. Trim the wire end without the loop so that the two ends overlap by a half inch. Hold the loop on the other end of the wire with your pliers and bend it up until it's nearly perpendicular to the main earring loop. Repeat with the other earring.

4. Bend the nonlooped end of the wire up slightly to form a hook. This hook should slide through the loop on the other end of the wire and catch in place. Repeat with the other earring.

5. File the tip of the wire hook on both earrings to a smooth tip.

Tips & Warnings

• Add assorted beads to your wire loop earrings before creating the final hook.

• Store earrings made from sterling silver in airtight plastic bags to prevent tarnish.

References

• Jewelry Making Guide: Wire Hoop Earring Project
• Hodgepodgerie: Hoop Earring Tutorial